Lauren Oates , LPCC

Lauren Oates is a licensed clinician in Kentucky who combines traditional talk therapy with art-informed techniques to support individuals and families. She holds the LPCC credential, which stands for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and is also a Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT). In addition, she is board certified in art therapy - ATR-BC - which indicates national recognition of her training and clinical competence in art therapy.

For several years she provided care at a non-profit community mental health organization, offering therapy to people and families with diverse needs. Her work emphasizes a person-centered approach that adapts to each client - she views the person seeking help as the expert in their own life and tailors treatment to fit individual goals and strengths rather than focusing solely on diagnosis. The aim is to foster a broader sense of well-being that goes beyond symptom reduction to include growth and resilience.

Art therapy is available for clients who prefer creative methods; making art can help express what is difficult to put into words, clarify feelings, and be therapeutic in itself. Lauren frames mental health as one component of overall health and encourages anyone who is considering support, even if hesitant, to reach out and explore steps toward wellness.

Approach-driven online therapy with creative support

Client-centered therapy emphasizes the client as the expert in their own life and creates a supportive, nonjudgmental space where goals and treatment are shaped around each person - this approach is helpful for stress, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on practical strategies to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, often used for anxiety, depression, and coping skills development. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) hones in on the patterns of emotion and connection within relationships, helping people understand and change interaction styles that contribute to distress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Lauren works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative planning can include blending approaches or trying different strategies over time to see what works best.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging make it possible to connect from home or other settings. These options increase accessibility and make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, while allowing therapists and licensed professionals to tailor sessions to each client’s schedule and communication style.