LAUREN ALLSWEDE

Co-Founder & Owner 

She/Her/Hers

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People and animals say I'm easy to talk to, that I'm a good listener. And they're not wrong. I love the work I do and am privileged to work with so many amazing people. I take very seriously the responsibility to help and the need to connect. I want to heal trauma. Not cause trauma.

We can laugh together and cry together. We can talk about big deals and small potatoes - dig in to the heavy stuff and also be light-hearted. We can explore everything from the wiring of your brain to the wonders of the world. 

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I have been working in the field of trauma since 2003, beginning as a volunteer at a crisis center and as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. I received my Master's Degree of Social Work in 2007 and worked at the MSU Sexual Assault Program from 2008 - 2015. I have been in private practice since 2015 - with a focus still on working with trauma survivors and queer folk. In private practice now and as owner of North Practice, I get to do the work I love but without all those staff meetings to talk about the committee meetings to develop the strategies for maintaining optics.  

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My area of expertise is trauma, including sexual abuse and relationship violence, harassment, and attachment-related trauma. I also specialize in working with transgender adolescents and adults, many who need help and support as they navigate medical services. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, which research has shown to be an especially helpful treatment for complex trauma. I am also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. My approach to treatment and particular style can change based on who I'm working with, but it is always trauma-responsive, person-centered and evidence-based. 

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Our society often prescribes a narrow definition of happiness and success that makes it hard to ask for help, even harder to see strength and wisdom in suffering. But I believe our entire experience is important and gives meaning to who we are and how we find purpose and belonging. I believe that people know the answers to their problems but often need a space to talk openly and honestly - to be heard and acknowledged. And chocolate - people need chocolate. I have that too. 

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Personal strengths include finding the most amazing rocks along the beach and telling fascinating stories about each one. For hours. Personal challenges include being on time to anything ever - but not because I don't value time. I just over-estimate my capacity and under-estimate physics.