Meet Our Team - Laura Rea
Laura Rea
Position at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center:
Therapist/Coach
How long have you been working at Hallowell Todaro ADHD?
9 months
Where did you grow up?
Bay Area, CA
What are some of your favorite books, movies, and/or TV shows?
I’m a fan of murder mystery books, true crime podcasts, and Marvel movies.
What is your favorite sport and/or sports team?
I love watching basketball and cheering for the San Jose Sharks.
Complete the following sentences:
When I’m not at work, you can find me...
exploring new hiking trails, playing video games, or cuddling with my dogs.
When I want to de-stress, I...
binge-watch my favorite rerun shows (Friends or Gossip Girl) with a big bowl of popcorn, hit the gym for a workout, or unwind by walking my dogs.
My favorite time of year is...
autumn. I love sweater weather, though I’ll still always get my coffee iced.
My favorite thing to cook is...
a homemade pizza with all my favorite toppings (cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives)
The best gift I ever received was…
a surprise trip to Disneyland.
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d go to...
somewhere I could go with my dogs, like Oregon, where we could explore the coastline, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the great outdoors together.
What led you to pursue a career in helping others?
I've always been passionate about understanding human behavior and emotions. Witnessing the positive impact that listening and empathy has on people's lives inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful difference every day. The idea of helping others navigate their challenges and find their path to well-being felt incredibly fulfilling and aligned with my core values.
What education, skills and expertise do you bring to your role?
I hold a Master's degree in Psychology and am a licensed therapist with extensive experience in the field. Currently, I am also a doctoral student pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, which further enhances my knowledge and skills. I've completed specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy. These qualifications equip me to effectively address a wide range of mental health issues, from anxiety and depression to trauma and emotional regulation, as well as the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD. My commitment to continuous learning and professional development ensures that I bring the most current and effective therapeutic techniques to my clients.
Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by the resilience and strength of my clients. Witnessing their courage to face difficult emotions and make positive changes in their lives is incredibly motivating. Additionally, I'm inspired by the work of pioneering psychologists like Carl Rogers and Brene Brown, who emphasize the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity in the therapeutic process.
What’s your personal philosophy/approach toward the work you do?
My personal philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing. I approach my work with a person-centered mindset, meaning I prioritize the client's perspective and work collaboratively to identify and achieve their goals. I integrate evidence-based practices with a compassionate and holistic approach, considering the unique context of each individual's life. I strive to empower my clients, helping them build self-awareness, resilience, and the skills needed to lead fulfilling lives.
What is one small thing people can do to increase their happiness?
One small but impactful thing people can do to improve their lives is to incorporate loving movement into their daily routine. This could be as simple as taking a leisurely walk in the park, dancing to your favorite song in your living room, or practicing gentle yoga stretches in the morning. Engaging in movement that you enjoy helps reduce stress, boosts your mood, and strengthens the connection between your mind and body. It's not about rigorous exercise or achieving fitness goals; it's about honoring your body with joyful and mindful movement that makes you feel good.
We provide a range of support for people with ADHD.