Meet Lauren Schmidt, LCSW

meet your therapist

Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing virtual therapy to teens and adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, relationship challenges, and life's transitions. My background includes outpatient therapy and school social work, where I've supported individuals through a variety of personal, social, and emotional challenges.

I've always been interested in understanding people, their experiences, and the things that shape who they are. I'm passionate about helping people make sense of their stories, recognize patterns, and discover new ways of navigating life's challenges.

I enjoy working with individuals navigating different stages of life, from teens and young adults finding their footing to adults experiencing changes in their relationships, careers, or sense of identity. I'm particularly drawn to working with anxious overthinkers, individuals with ADHD, and those in helping professions who spend much of their time caring for others.

Outside the therapy room, I enjoy exploring new places and cultures, reading, crafting, practicing yoga, and spending time with my family. I especially love discussing books that offer new perspectives and help us better understand ourselves and the world around us.

my approach

Therapy with me is about making sense of your story and giving you the tools to change how it plays out. We'll work together to understand your patterns, build practical skills, and rewrite how you navigate your relationships.

I believe lasting change happens when we combine self-awareness with action. Our work means slowing down to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, calling out the patterns that keep you stuck, and practicing new ways to handle life's challenges.

I care about building a real relationship with you. Because of that, I bring my genuine self into the room, humor included, so you can feel completely comfortable doing the same.

Because therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, our work will be flexible and tailored entirely to you. Ultimately, my goal is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are, without any pressure to have everything figured out.

my experience

School & Teen Support

I spent ten years as a school social worker, focusing heavily on helping older children and teens manage anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. Because I worked deeply within the school and special education systems, I understand firsthand how overwhelming those high-pressure environments can be. I love helping teens find their voice, learn the executive functioning skills they need to thrive, and confidently navigate school stressors or support plans.

Adult Outpatient Therapy

I bring six years of experience providing outpatient psychotherapy to adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, grief, relationship dynamics, and identity shifts. My practice is deeply rooted in neuroaffirming care and feminist theory, which means I look at you as a whole person rather than a diagnosis. I transitioned to full-time private practice to dedicate my energy entirely to offering this type of compassionate, highly individualized care.

Supporting the Helpers

Spending a decade in schools gave me a firsthand look at how quickly burnout can happen for people in the helping fields. I am incredibly passionate about holding space for the helpers including teachers, nurses, medical professionals, and fellow social workers who spend much of their days caring for everyone else. Together, we work on setting boundaries, managing secondary trauma, and figuring out how to pour back into your own cup.

my education & therapy Modalities

Masters in Social Work, Loyola University Chicago

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Wheaton College Massachusetts

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Illinois

Professional Educator License

Advanced Training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (C-DBT)

Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP)

Training in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Strengths-based

Solution-Focused Therapy

Trauma-Informed

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