Laurie J. Hall, LCSW

I received my Masters of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1994. After completing my social work internship at a peace and justice organization in Mexico City, I moved to Washington D.C. and began my career working with children and families.  I focused on working with Spanish-speaking high-risk children and youth within the public school system.  I became licensed in Maryland in 1998.

I moved to San Diego in 1998 and began working with traumatized children and families at the Chadwick Center, Children's Hospital.  I specifically focused on working with children who were victims of physical and sexual abuse.  I also worked with adults at Children's Hospital and ran an ongoing therapeutic group for victims of domestic violence.  I became licensed in California in 2002.

In March of 2004, I opened my private practice with 3 of my colleagues.  I continue to work with children and families and have expanded my practice to include clients who are suffering from depression, anxiety, marital issues, and family conflict. 

I was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 2006 and began using this technique extensively with children and adults to decrease negative memories and to increase positive thoughts and experiences.  I obtained my certification in EMDR in May of 2007 which required participation in 12 hours of EMDR trainings in addition to the EMDR Part I and Part II trainings (34 hours), 20 hours of clinical consultation, and experience with at least 50 EMDR sessions with no less than 25 clients. 

In January 2010, I completed 30 hours of training in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Dr. Susan Johnson.  This type of therapy is helpful for couples who are struggling in their relationships and is based on strengthening the bond between partners.  I have been using this method for couples therapy since completing the training and continue to expand my knowledge and expertise in this exciting new treatment.

I work with children ages 2-18, adults, couples, and families.  I am fluent in both written and spoken Spanish and conduct therapy sessions in both English and Spanish.