Introducing Laurie
Laurie Ganberg, LICSW, PMH-C (she/her) is one of the therapists at the Terrace View Counseling Collaborative. She shares a little bit about herself here…
How did you get into this field?
I became a clinical social worker because I loved the idea of a career where I could do so many different things to work for social justice. I’ve specialized in perinatal mental health over the last ten years after becoming a parent and knowing how important supports are in pregnancy and postpartum and how few perinatal therapists there were. In the last 4 years, I’ve also been working with more folks with complex trauma and body image challenges and at the intersection of weight stigma and parenting — these are all areas that became so much more challenging for everyone, especially those with marginalized identities, during the COVID pandemic.
What keeps you in this work?
Working with new clients, learning new interventions, meeting new colleagues — all that helps sustain me. I consider supporting my clients a privilege and of course it’s so joyous to witness their efforts, healing, recovery, and growth. I’m also always doing new things. My latest endeavor has been developing a group for fat parents to find community and support.
“My approach is nonjudgmental & deeply compassionate. I respect the ways your body, nervous system, narratives, and emotional life have made sense of the world and your place in it. I listen, explore, question, and support you in reconnecting with yourself, your wisdom, and joy.”
Who do you work best with?
I work best with clients who are curious and want to better understand the patterns, strengths and challenges of their past and how that’s serving or not serving them now. As a fat cis woman, I also know how relieving it can feel to work with other fat providers who are firmly anti-diet and fat positive, so I especially enjoy working with fat or larger bodied clients.
What made you decide to be part of the Terrace View Counseling Collaborative?
When I started looking for an office closer to home and my daily life, I quickly realized what felt non-negotiable to me. I wanted a space that is explicitly and unapologetically welcoming for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, fat, disabled and other folks who are routinely marginalized and excluded from public and private places. And after three years of primarily working remotely and on my own, I needed community! I’m so excited to be in this space with other therapists who share similar values — the moving in and setting up process has been hard work and lots of fun!
What’s something bringing you joy these days?
I impulsively signed up for Megan Falley’s “Poems That Don’t Suck” workshop this fall and that was amazing - hard, vulnerable & joyful. I learned so much about reading and writing poetry.
Are there parts of your identity that you want to share with folks?
I am a white, queer, fat, cisgender woman. I’m currently able-bodied. I grew up in New England and also lived abroad during high school. I have had my own experiences of anxiety, depression, trauma and loss and am so thankful for the therapy, groups, and other forms of healing I’ve been able to access. I am a parent to a middle schooler and married to my husband.
What’s one of your favorite local businesses?
Grand-pere Bakery in Mountlake Terrace has the best croissants around, but you have to get there early before they sell out!
What are you reading, listening to, watching?
I just finished reading A Mind Spread Out on the Ground. It’s a powerful memoir / collection of essays by Mohawk author, Alicia Elliott that touches on issues of mental health and personal, intergenerational, & colonial trauma.
My Spotify Wrapped tells me my most listened to podcast this year was Maintenance Phase with Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes and that I listened to a lot of Taylor Swift (thanks middle schooler!).
With everything going on in the world, I’m back to watching my favorite comfort shows: Great British Bake Off and reruns of Schitt’s Creek.
Laurie Ganberg’s practice is Fiddlehead Therapy, where you can learn more about her therapy, supervision, and consultation services.