LB Portrait of Lauren Ball

Lauren Ball, LCSW

Practical, goal-focused therapy for anxiety and stress

21 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Lauren

Lauren Ball is a licensed clinical social worker with 21 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationship problems, and parenting challenges. She takes a straightforward, nonjudgmental approach and works with clients to set practical goals. Lauren emphasizes teamwork and steady progress so people know what to expect from sessions.

Her sessions focus on the present and on usable skills. She offers concrete strategies for managing difficult feelings, reducing worry, and improving communication.

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Background and approach

The work is practical and brief when possible, with attention to what fits each person's life. Lauren incorporates tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help change unhelpful thoughts and build coping skills. She also uses solution-focused and trauma-focused methods when they match a client's needs.

Trauma work is approached carefully, with attention to safety and pacing. She has spent two decades supporting people through life changes, substance concerns, family conflict, and recovery after traumatic events. Her background includes work with adoption and foster care issues, blended family challenges, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, codependency, infidelity, and workplace difficulties.

Sessions are available in English and are offered to people located in California. Lauren is a California LCSW and draws on practical problem-solving and emotion-regulation skills in her work. She aims to help people learn tools they can use between sessions and to track progress over time.

How CBT and DBT translate to online sessions

Lauren often uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT usually involves setting specific goals, trying new behaviors, and practicing skills between sessions to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.

She also draws on dialectical behavior therapy techniques to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improved interpersonal skills. DBT tools can help when emotions feel overwhelming and when stronger skills are needed for managing intense reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Lauren will work together with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That collaborative process can include mixing CBT, DBT, solution-focused steps, or trauma-focused pacing depending on what helps most.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video lets people work face to face when schedules allow. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Chat and messaging support brief check-ins, skill practice, and ongoing coaching between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and keep momentum between appointments.
Book with Lauren Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Lauren address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, addictions, anger, self-esteem, career and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is direct and practical, focusing on the here and now. She works with clients to set goals and teaches skills that can be used between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has 21 years of clinical experience working with individuals facing life transitions, family conflict, trauma, and substance-related concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a California LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and she practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Lauren provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
21 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

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