Whether your child is struggling with life transitions, peer relationships, or emotional challenges, I am here to guide them toward a brighter, more balanced future. I take a strengths-based approach, focusing on your child’s abilities and fostering a sense of hope and self-worth.
As a dedicated and compassionate child therapist, I am passionate about helping young individuals navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that come with childhood and adolescence. With a Master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University School of Social Work, I provide a supportive and empathetic environment where children can explore their feelings, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies.
I began my career as a school social worker in a preschool special education program, where I had the privilege of supporting young children with diverse needs. This experience deepened my understanding of early childhood development and how critical it is to provide early interventions. My journey continued in the public school system, where I served students and families, helping children overcome academic, emotional, and behavioral obstacles.
Today, my work focuses on supporting children and adolescents who are facing anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, trauma, behavioral issues, and challenges related to family dynamics. I utilize evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, and Play Therapy to tailor interventions that are best suited for each child’s unique needs.
As a therapist, I place great value on collaboration and inclusivity. I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of successful therapy, and I work closely with families and caregivers, empowering them with the tools and understanding to support their child’s growth both in and outside the therapy room. My work is guided by a deep respect for the individuality of each child and a commitment to empowering them to navigate their world with confidence.
“I believe in the power of every child to grow, heal, and thrive when given the right tools and support.”
Whether your child is struggling with life transitions, peer relationships, or emotional challeng...
Read More
I take a person-centered, strengths-based approach to therapy—honoring the coping strategies that have helped you survive while gently working to shift those that no longer serve. Rooted in a trauma-informed framework, I tailor the therapeutic process to each client, integrating talk therapy, parts work, and somatic-based modalities.
I recognize how the environment—social, cultural, and systemic—influences our thoughts, emotions, and choices. I view therapy as a collaborative and creative process, grounded in the belief that real transformation happens when you feel safe, seen, and supported.
I work with teens through older adults across a wide range of gender expressions, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences. Together, we can increase emotional regulation, recognize triggers, deepen curiosity, and build resilience and flexibility.
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, complex trauma, PTSD, maternal mental health, life transitions, and challenging relationships. I am also a mother and a maker, with two decades of experience working as a visual artist. I currently live and practice in the Hudson Valley.
I take a person-centered, strengths-based approach to therapy—honoring the coping strategies that...
Read More
Laura Santner, LCSW PTR-CCATP is a clinical social worker, a poetry therapist, and a certified clinical anxiety treatment professional. Laura has been a clinician since 2006, earning her degree at New York University. Laura has previously worked at inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and private practice. She has worked with children, teens, and adults to help them navigate mental illness and life stressors and challenges. Laura Santner has extensive knowledge and experience working with disorders and issues such as anxiety, depression, adhd, bipolar, life transitions, peer and romantic relationships, hair loss, self-esteem, women issues, and postpartum wellness. Laura Santner has additional specialized and advance training and personal experience with Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors including hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, cheek chewing.
Laura is understanding and compassionate about obstacles associated with these issues and can help you learn skills and navigate through so that symptoms do not interfere with your values and goals. No two people are the same and she is determined to explore what works best for you.
Laura works psychodynamically and integrative with a strengths-based perspective and incorporates modalities such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Comprehensive Behavioral Model (ComB), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Laura also finds ways to incorporate creativity when appropriate through the expressive arts of poetry therapy, music therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, play therapy.
Laura offers a genuine and nurturing personality to create a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. She is here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth.
Laura Santner, LCSW PTR-CCATP is a clinical social worker, a poetry therapist, and a certified cl...
Read More
