Lauren Selfridge, MEd, MA, LMFT

Since I was a kid, I've always been fascinated by how relationships work, both with ourselves and with one another. I've come to find that, with the right tools, it really is possible to have healthy, conscious connections with ourselves and those we love. I've spent over ten years studying relationship models and approaches so that I can support couples and individuals in creating truly satisfying connections in their lives.

When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis several years ago, I discovered the importance of having (and being) a therapist that understands what it's like to go through the shock of a new diagnosis, the overwhelm of choosing a treatment plan, the ways illness impacts relationships, and the desire to live an epic, fulfilling life no matter what. I believe that we can use health challenges as an doorway into a deeper, richer relationship with ourselves. Psychotherapy is a powerful and way to say "yes" to that invitation.

As part of my dedication to lifelong learning in the field of psychology, I am currently engaged in a candidacy process for Imago Clinical Therapist Certification. This work is based on the book Getting the Love You Want by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt. Imago Relationship Theory is one of my main inspirations behind becoming a therapist; the tools offer a powerful approach to couples' work that has facilitated healing, growth, and connection for thousands of couples around the world.

How I Work

While I use a variety of tools and approaches to therapeutic work, one of my main focuses is helping you develop compassionate self-awareness. The best and most sustainable growth happens when we can be loving towards ourselves in all facets of our self-discovery. One of my favorite aspects of the therapeutic relationship is learning (and helping you uncover) what your strengths, passions, and joys are, so that I can support you in creating a life that’s filled with even more of what you care about.

Depending on what works for you, I use a variety of tools and approaches to therapeutic work, including:

  • Guided visualization to help you get in touch with your creativity, inspiration, and the wisdom that comes from your “deep down” intuition

  • Somatic-oriented therapy that focuses on body awareness to support you in navigating challenging emotional states, regulating energy levels, and connecting with your intuition, joy, and aliveness

  • Mindfulness tools such as guided meditation and self-compassion practices

  • Gestalt parts work to clarify and give voice to the many complex aspects or “parts” of yourself

  • Self-soothing exercises for regulating your autonomic nervous system when you feel overwhelmed

  • Art therapy to help you connect with your creative self-expression

  • Imago Couples Dialogue to support you and your partner in feeling both deeply connected and safe to be your own individual selves

Credentials

  • Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, IMF #92466

  • M.A. Integral Counseling Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies

  • M.Ed. Social Justice Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Teaching, Workshops & Presentations

  • “Listening In: Using Challenging Symptoms as a Creative Path to Your Intuition” online workshop for people with chronic illness & health challenges. This Is Not What I Ordered: The Podcast. 2019.

  • “Creating Your Life Outside The Box” online workshop for highly sensitive people & folks living with health challenges. This Is Not What I Ordered: The Podcast. 2019.

  • “Human Connection for Patients and Healthcare Providers” experiential presentation. Health 2.0 Conference, Santa Clara, CA, 2018.

  • “Mindfulness & Psychotherapy for Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis” The Art of Living MS Support Group, UCSF MS Center, San Francisco, CA, 2017.

  • “Practical Dialogues to Transform Your Relationships” workshop. California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA, 2018.

  • “Going Home for the Holidays With Your Partner: Plan Ahead and Stay Connected” couples workshop. Golden Gate Integral Counseling Center, San Francisco, CA, 2015.

  • Somatic Psychology Program diversity training. California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA, 2011.

  • "Building Beloved Community: Integrating Spirituality and Compassion With Undoing Racism” workshop. National Conference on Race and Ethnicity. San Francisco, CA, 2011.

  • “Ending Racism” (EDUC 392), 1-unit undergraduate course. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 2009.

  • “Ending Heterosexism” (EDUC 392L), 1-unit undergraduate course. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 2008.

Media Coverage & Appearances

I host an interview podcast on full-hearted living with chronic illness and health challenges called “This Is Not What I Ordered.” Learn more about this and other media coverage on my Media page.