- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress
- Diplomate, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
Dr. Laura C. Streyffeler is a Licensed Mental Health
Counselor specializing in individual, couples and family psychotherapy, and
maintains a private practice in Fort Myers, Florida.
With 30 years of counseling experience, and having earned a Ph.D. from Capella
University, Dr. Laura specializes in empowerment based Solution Focused and
Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. In Dr. Laura's private practice, she works with
a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of expertise are: domestic
violence, sexual abuse, rape, forensic psychology and other trauma related
issues as well as depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) for both children and adults, anger management, grief and loss, divorce
and changing families, trauma and relationship issues.
In addition, Dr. Laura has presented at conferences and to general audiences on
topics ranging from domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape, trauma,
addictions, and forensic psychology.
Dr. Laura is an empowerment based, practical, interactive, and solution-focused
therapist. Her treatment approach is to provide support and practical feedback
to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns. She
incorporates a blend of conventional and alternative approaches, drawing upon
an eclectic variety of techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for
each individual client. With sensitivity and compassion, humor and perspective,
she works with each client to help them build on their strengths to identify
and achieve life goals.
Education
Dr. Laura received her Ph.D. from Capella University in the field of human
services. She also received a Master of Science Degree from Nova Southeastern
University in the field of Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Communications from Worcester State College
Licenses, Certifications & Awards
Dr. Laura is a licensed mental health counselor as well as a credentialed
expert in domestic violence and forensic counseling by the American Academy of
Forensic Counselors.
In addition, she is a State of Florida Certified Clinical Supervisor for both
masters level counseling interns and masters level counseling graduates who are
working toward obtaining licensure as mental health counselors. Dr. Laura has
consulted as an Expert Witness in domestic violence murder cases as well as
other domestic and/or sexual violence related court cases.
Dr. Laura is a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress and is a Diplomat of
the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. She is listed in The
National Registry of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. She
is a Member of the Premier Speakers Bureau for the National Center for Crisis
Management.
Dr. Laura was a 1999 recipient of Florida's Governors Peace at Home Award for
stopping domestic violence.
Professional Activities
Dr. Laura has served as the Clinical Director of Abuse Counseling and Treatment
(ACT) which provides residential and non-residential services for victims of
domestic and sexual violence for more than 8 years. In addition to her
supervisory duties, Dr. Laura continues to provide a great deal of direct
clinical, case management and advocacy services to her clients.
Dr. Laura also maintains an appointment only private practice where she sees
clients who have experienced trauma, struggle with addiction or have other
mental health concerns that they wish to address.
In addition to her work with victims of domestic and sexual violence, Dr. Laura
has created and facilitated a juvenile domestic violence diversion program for
teens arrested for domestic violence and their families.
Dr. Laura spent three and a half years doing weekly domestic violence, sexual
assault and anger management education with both male and female inmates in the
Lee County Correctional System.
Memberships
Dr. Laura is a member of several professional organizations, including: Florida
Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Lee County Homeless Coalition, Southwest
Florida Trauma Recovery Network, Southwest Florida Human Trafficking Task Force
and Child Abuse Prevention Program.
Over the years, Dr. Laura has been an active member of several Southwest
Florida community organizations and professional boards. She has served as a
past president for both the Lee County Homeless Coalition and the Southwest
Florida Trauma Recovery Network. She has served as a member of the Southwest
Florida Human Trafficking Force. In addition, she served an 8 year term on the
Lee County Fatality Review Board and a 6 year term on the Lee County Human
Relations Review Board (formally EEOC Review Board)
WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS AND SEMINAR TOPICS AND DESCRIPTIONS
To Protect, Serve, and Beyond
A training for Law Enforcement Who Work with Victims of Crime, their Families
and Loved Ones as Well as Other Members of the Community
Focus of this training is assisting law enforcement in understanding the trauma
related to the victimization of domestic and/or sexual violence and respond
without inadvertently revictimizing the victim.
Domestic Violence and Trauma
An Examination of How Licensed Mental Health Professionals Assess, Diagnose and
Treat Victims of Domestic Violence (training based on Streyffeler research
study, 2008)
Battered Spouse Syndrome
Knowing when a victim meets the criteria and when he or she does not? Assessing
the lethality and safety planning for domestic violence. What Helping
Professional need to know.
Substance Abuse, Trauma and Relapse
What is the Connection Between Them?
PAST ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTATIONS, TRAINING AND INTERVIEWS
Abuse Counseling and Treatment
Department of Children and Families
Southwest Florida Children's Network
Southwest Florida Addiction Services
Collier County Sheriffs Department
Lee County Public School System
Lee County Department of Corrections
Lee County Department of Juvenile Justice
Fort Myers News Press