OUR STAFF

Laura West, LMSW

Laura is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Tennessee. Laura obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at Maryville College and she received her master’s degree in social work with a trauma treatment certification in 2017 from the University of Tennessee. Since this time she has worked in inpatient, outpatient, and community-based programs providing trauma-informed, human-centered services to children, adults, and families. Prior to joining KMWC in 2022, she worked as an individual therapist, group therapist, and then supervisor of a substance use treatment program, providing family-centered treatment to parents and support to their children and loved ones. As a therapist at KMWC, Laura uses a person-centered approach that cultivates genuine connection, unconditional positive regard, and empathy for oneself and others. Laura is trained in various therapeutic interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. She understands that each client is unique and may require a combination of approaches to facilitate healing and growth. Laura is passionate about trauma-focused work and supporting clients through traumatic experiences, PTSD, addiction, mood disorders, postpartum depression, and anxiety disorders. Laura desires to meet clients where they are in life, with compassion and without judgment, to empower each person to achieve their goals.