Meet Laura
Laura Rietz is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credentialed by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. Laura graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Studies from Barnard College in 2012, and she earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland-Baltimore School of Social Work in 2023.
Before becoming a therapist, Laura worked in digital media producing videos, podcasts, and web content for non-profit organizations. Now, she incorporates her love of storytelling into her work as a therapist, helping clients make sense of their own stories and write the next chapters of their lives.
Laura's Therapeutic Approach
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, trauma, gender identity, self esteem, relationship issues, communication, boundary setting, family of origin issues, life transitions
Populations: Adults 18+. LGBTQIA+ affirming, neurodiversity-affirming
Laura takes an eclectic, person-centered approach to therapy, using tools and concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and more. Laura began her social work career interning at a free law clinic for low-income clients. There, she provided counseling and case management services to individuals and families involved with the legal system on matters related to immigration, disability, gender violence, incarceration, and more. Laura went on to work as a psychotherapist to teens and adults in community mental health settings before joining the team at Resonate in 2024.
Using a healing-centered approach, Laura is educated on structural oppression and the effects that minority stress and racial trauma can have on mental health. She is committed to providing mental healthcare grounded in anti-racism and social justice principles.
Laura knows that depression, anxiety, and trauma can make it hard to function in an already-challenging world. She will meet you where you are, offering tools, guidance, and insight that fits with your lifestyle, abilities, and personal values. Laura emphasizes self-care and enjoys helping clients develop daily practices to check in with themselves, regulate their emotions, and maintain wellness. Laura’s therapeutic style is down-to-earth, incorporating warmth, humor, curiosity, transparency, and creativity in order to tailor treatment to fit your individual needs and goals. Clients often report that Laura has helped them gain new perspectives and learn how to be kind to themselves.
Laura will pay attention to the details of your life, and she will give direct feedback to help you identify the patterns that hinder you and the strengths that help you along your chosen path. She will teach you how to tap into the mind-body connection to manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression. She will collaborate with you to identify changes you want to make outside the therapy room and implement them at a pace that works for you.
Laura focuses on demystifying the therapy process and the world of mental health, helping you come to a better understanding of yourself, your symptoms, and how to manage them. She will teach you the science behind trauma, stress, and evidence-based techniques to manage your emotions.
As a queer therapist, Laura particularly enjoys working with fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community. She knows what it feels like to be misunderstood, to be forced to educate others on one’s identity, and to be frustrated with a mental health system that so often overlooks anyone outside of the cisgender, heterosexual norm. Working with Laura, you will feel not just accepted, not just affirmed, but seen in all your complexity.
Laura is a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who understands that a “one size fits all” approach does not, in fact, fit everyone’s needs. She has experience working with clients with a variety of neurodivergent conditions including ADHD, Autism, and C-PTSD. She can support you in identifying sensory needs, communicating effectively, and advocating for yourself in a variety of settings.
Above all, Laura will provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to feel, express, and process your deepest, scariest thoughts and emotions. She is unafraid of the messy parts of life and will get down in the trenches with you to work through difficult feelings and behavior patterns. Laura believes that in today’s ever-changing and challenging world, we all deserve to build a life that’s worth living. Whatever that looks like for you, Laura will be there to support you.
Laura Outside of the Office
Outside of work, Laura loves painting, swimming, playing board games, and appreciating art in all its forms. She also enjoys caring for her 1 dog and 63 houseplants.