Laurel van der Toorn, LMFT

As the founder of Laurel Therapy Collective, I’ve built my practice around a simple belief: healing happens when therapy combines research-backed methods with a grounded, authentic human touch. For over a decade, I’ve worked as a trauma therapist supporting high-achieving professionals, lawyers, executives, and creatives who often feel the weight of success pressing down on them. Many come to me burned out, anxious, or carrying unresolved trauma they’ve tried to manage for too long, or navigating painful relationship dynamics, including stress with family members and in-laws.

My specialty is EMDR therapy, a powerful trauma therapy tool for addressing painful memories, anxiety, and the emotional toll of stress. I provide EMDR therapy in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Santa Cruz via online sessions for clients throughout California. I also serve people in Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and Washington. As an EMDR therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how EMDR helps people break free from neurological patterns that keep them stuck. "If you're wondering whether EMDR is working the way it should, this article on common EMDR questions might help. I also offer EMDR for teens, supporting young people as they process trauma and build resilience early in life.

In addition to trauma therapy, I work with clients experiencing burnout. Burnout is the deep exhaustion that comes from perfectionism, overwork, and chronic stress. In therapy for burnout, I help clients recognize the emotional and physical impact of exhaustion, recover balance, and rediscover joy. My approach to burnout treatment goes beyond quick fixes; it’s about creating lasting change that allows people to thrive, not just survive.

I also work with people navigating relational patterns that have become hard to change, whether that's feeling smothered in a relationship or recognizing when you're the one doing the smothering.

My practice is holistic in nature. Alongside traditional methods, I integrate holistic therapy, Enneagram therapy, and other tools that allow clients to connect with all aspects of themselves. You don’t need to be spiritual or into yoga or crystals to benefit deeply from holistic therapy; those aren’t part of my personal practice as a human outside of therapy.

I offer affirming care as a lesbian therapist, providing inclusive LGBT therapy for those who want a therapist who truly understands their lived experiences. I also have a soft spot for people who identify as being neurodivergent, and bring a holistic, strengths-based approach to exploring autism, ADHD, OCD, and all the neuro-spicy flavors in between.

I also help clients manage the constant hum of worry and stress that can interfere with work, relationships, and well-being. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy, and I bring both practical tools and a compassionate presence to help clients feel grounded and safe.

Whether you’re searching for an anxiety therapist Los Angeles, an EMDR therapist San Francisco, or support for burnout and relationship struggles, my goal is always the same: to provide therapy that feels deeply human, profoundly supportive, and life-changing.