About Me

Lauren Gastorf, M.Ed., LPC-S

Woman in light gray suit standing by a window with folded hands, wearing a watch and colorful bracelets, smiling

Hi! I’m Lauren.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor located in McKinney, Texas. I am licensed in Texas and Colorado. I offer both in-person and virtual sessions.

I approach therapy from a non-judgmental and curious perspective. My goal is to help you achieve greater clarity, meaning, and purpose in your life. I believe you are the expert on you. It is my role as your therapist to support and encourage you as well as provide different treatment options, psychoeducation, and professional perspective.

I was trained using a humanistic psychology model, where holism, collaboration, creativity, and a focus on discovering your personal strengths and goodness are emphasized.

I utilize a number of theories and approaches in my clinical practice, including Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Polyvagal Theory (PVT), trauma-focused therapy, attachment theory, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), . 

My favorite thing about being a therapist is the therapeutic relationship I have the privilege of building with you. I enjoy the creative process in tailoring a treatment plan to meet your needs. No single therapeutic relationship or counseling session is the same. We get to create a plan and approach together. Please know you will be accepted no matter your background or identity regarding gender, sexuality, culture, religion.

As your therapist I will be reliable, transparent, and understanding. Beginning a therapeutic journey is a commitment. If you choose to work with me, I ask that you take great care of yourself between sessions. You’re worth it!

Decorative gold metal orb on a side table with a potted plant and a blurred background of a couch and artwork.

The road traveled…

Growing up playing sports, I developed an interest in exercise and nutrition. I received my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin in 2008. In 2011, I received my Master of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas. I believe the mind, body, and spirit are intrinsically connected. I blend my backgrounds in physical health and mental health to facilitate change.

Prior to private practice, I worked in both for-profit and non-profit settings as a counselor, program manager, and supervisor. In addition to providing crisis and trauma-focused individual counseling, I facilitated groups for individuals recovering from eating disorders and survivors of domestic violence.

In 2014, I became trained in EMDR and have used it ever since. I started my private practice in 2015. I became a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in 2020, a EMDR Certified Therapist in 2024, and an EMDR Consultant-in-Training (CIT) in 2025. After years of IFS-informed trainings, I completed IFS Level 1 in 2025 and have enjoyed incorporating it into my practice.

 Counseling Theories Utilized:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)

  • Polyvagal theory (PVT)

  • Attachment theory

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Trauma-informed therapy

Education/ Licensure/ Special Training:

  • IFS Level 1 Training, 2025

  • EMDR Consultant-in-Training (CIT), 2025

  • EMDR Certified Therapist, 2024

  • Trauma Conscious Yoga Method (TCYM) practitioner, 2024

  • Basic EMDR Training, 2014

  • M.Ed. in Counseling - University of North Texas, 2011

  • B.S. in Kinesiology/Psychology Minor - The University of Texas at Austin, 2008

  • Texas Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor #68165

  • Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor #0017651

“There is always more on its way – more opportunities, more ideas, more love. Know that there is enough. Know that you are enough. Know that you have enough.”

— Glennon Doyle