Laurel Meng, LCSW (She/Her)
COO, Staff Therapist
If you’re finding yourself stuck in the same relationship patterns, therapy can be a great place to explore a new way of connecting with others. Oftentimes, what gets in the way are unhealed wounds, survival strategies that have outlasted their effectiveness, and fears of experiencing the same emotional pains. Through deep exploration of these dynamics with yourself and others, I help my clients engage in the hard work of building relationship security. I can help you cultivate self-compassion, improve your communication skills, and get more in touch with your emotional experiences. I bring an open, authentic, and engaging approach to understanding your strengths, needs, and values.
My specialties include anxiety, relationships, sexuality, polyamory/non-monogamy, and multicultural identities. I am especially passionate about supporting queer people of color and individuals from immigrant communities. I am also excited to work with couples who are committed to untangling stuck patterns around communication and intimacy, or those who are moving through transitions with each other.
In addition to therapy and coaching, I have concurrent experience as a dog trainer (specializing in therapy dog work). I enjoy drawing on my attachment-based approach to help clients build better relationships with their animal companions.
I received my education at the University of Chicago and I have continued to practice in Chicago, IL ever since. I am a child of Chinese immigrants and I am conversationally fluent in Mandarin Chinese. I invite you to ask any questions you have to see if we would be a good fit for working together.
Laurel practices therapy in Illinois and offers coaching anywhere.