Laura blends her scientific training and understanding of psycho-neurological problems with her genetic inheritance and understanding in shamanic terms. As the great granddaughter to a famous healer, Guadalupe Galvan Rivera (1906-1970), whose abundant healing skills were well known in “Mexiquito”, Texas, she began to discover the underlying processes that yield transformative results. Lupe, as her ancestor was called, was known for her curandero practice, the healer spirit, and a combination of wisdom with psychological insight. It is reported that she used similar approaches in her healing practice in dealing with internal obstacles through rituals, cleanings, and energy work that are still present today. The validity of many of these approaches can now be understood through the light of how negative psychological imagery can become locked into the neurological patterns that entangle and terrorize our lives.

Laura assists individuals to embrace different challenges in one’s life as an opportunity for growth. Laura has discovered that ceremonies, and rituals are the most profound way of tapping into someone’s internal powers. In therapy, Laura blends neuroscience techniques, therapy approaches and interventions, and shamanistic practices into the session based on the client's needs.

Laura has co-authored and the published textbook “Psychoneuroplasticity Protocols in Addiction” with Dr. Frank Lawlis in 2015. She has also co-authored the published book “Nature and Animal Rituals” which sheds light on awakening to one’s true power when the use of the rituals of our ancestors are used.

In addition to this, Laura spent years examining the effects of chemical dependency in the Behavioral Neuroscience Research Department of Texas A&M as a Research Associate. Specifically, Laura was a part of a team that headed the research study on the effects of lead in the brain on addictive cocaine use. Laura went on to attain her License of Chemical Dependency Counseling. Laura spent the last 8 years as a director of a PsychoNeuroPlasticity center in Texas.

Laura has the honor to speak at different conferences around the nation to share her profound work of neuroplasticity and spiritual work when paired with treatment and healing. Laura now has the honor of serving the Dallas and Fort Worth areas in her private practice.

Featured in Shoutout DFW
June 6, 2023

The adventure we meet is unique to each one of us. Something we have in common is our suffering but what motivates us to move past the suffering? I believe this portion of our humanity is extremely unique and there is a possibility for hundreds of factors underpinning our desire for change. As stemming from Jungian theory, one dynamic that most human beings have in common is an internal drive for wholeness. This inner yearning is usually strongest after some event that has caused the person to reach a bottom emotionally, physically, intellectually, or spiritually. This could be a traumatic event or even a situation that left the person grasping for transformation. During these times, there is usually a degree of apprehension, even fear, sometimes accompanied by unrelenting anxiety. It is precisely these strong emotional reactions that can act as a catalyst to increase motivation and commitment. Once we accept change, how do we continue this growth? Once someone undergoes a transformation process, they experience higher levels of emotional freedom. This engagement of freedom becomes satisfying because one breaks ties with obstacles that once seemed to be barriers that could not be removed. Since this happens, positive reinforcement in the brain occurs and motivates the person to continue to grow.

One of the points of therapy is to experience freedom in life. At this point, positive reinforcement will aid a person to continue going down the transformation pathway and attain higher levels of self-fulfillment and liberty. As a counselor, it is imperative to provide respectful space for a client’s healing and processing. I believe the process unfolds with the understanding that the client and counselor are equals in humanity and a bond is formed that is conducive for a client’s introspection. My theoretical orientation is Humanistic Psychology and there is a strong belief that multicultural competence in this field is crucial, especially in today’s society.