LCSW-Therapists

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Laura Messina, LCSW

Practical support for stress, trauma, and mood

Credential held
LCSW
Practises from
New Jersey
Years in practice
15
Languages
English
Sessions
Online

About Laura

Laura Messina is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in New Jersey with 15 years of professional experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress and anxiety, cope with addictions, and deal with trauma and abuse. Laura aims to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where someone can speak honestly about hard feelings and difficult events.

She guides people through relationship and mood concerns in practical, step-by-step ways. Common topics she addresses include panic attacks, depression, workplace strain, and social anxiety.

Book with Laura Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Background and approach

She also supports those dealing with caregiver stress, guilt and shame, isolation, and money-related worries. Laura helps people navigate pregnancy and childbirth related concerns and women's health issues with attention and respect. She works on communication problems and the process of forgiveness when that is part of healing.

Midlife transitions and questions about self-worth are also within her focus. Her approach centers on listening first, then building plans together that fit each person's life. Sessions tend to be straightforward and conversational, with an emphasis on usable strategies and small steps.

The goal is to help people feel steadier and more able to handle day-to-day stresses. People who choose Laura often want practical help and clear guidance without pressure. She supports each person at their own pace and adjusts as needs change over time.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Laura uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills and emotional understanding. One common approach she uses emphasizes learning coping skills for anxiety and panic - teaching breathing, grounding, and short exercises that reduce symptoms in the moment. Another approach focuses on trauma-informed care, which helps people process difficult events at a pace that feels manageable while building safety and stability.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, then try methods that fit those needs. If something does not feel helpful, she will adjust the plan so it better matches what the person wants to achieve.

Online therapy with Laura is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care flexible. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, while phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging suit quick updates, brief reflections, or people who prefer typing. These options help people fit therapy into busy schedules and different daily rhythms.
Book with Laura Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Laura help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, and depression. She also focuses on caregiver stress, workplace issues, panic, and women's health topics.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is warm and nonjudgmental and emphasizes listening first. She helps people build practical plans and small steps to manage emotions and daily demands.
What is her background and experience?
She has 15 years of professional experience working with people who have mood disorders, trauma histories, and addiction concerns. That experience shapes a pragmatic approach to problem solving.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds an LCSW credential and practices in New Jersey under NJ LCSW 44SC05476500.
Can sessions be done in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are offered?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options allow different ways to check in and work through issues.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.