Dr. Laura Castro, PsyD, LMFT
(She/They)
California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #145842 Florida Registered Out-of-State Telehealth Provider TPMF1308 (verify here)
Dr. Castro is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, coach, and consultant. She provides therapy to clients in California and Florida and is an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow. She also offers coaching and consulting services nationwide, following the International Coach Federation’s definition of coaching to support personal growth and transformation.
Dr. Castro earned a Doctor of Psychology Degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication from National University.
Dr. Castro is a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP/CCTP-II), and has extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy with individuals, couples/partners, and families. She is also trained in Brainspotting, EMDR, and Narrative Therapy.
Dr. Castro is an adjunct professor in a master’s-level marriage and family therapy program and provides training and consultation to clinicians on affirmative therapy for trans and gender diverse clients.
Before transitioning to mental health, Dr. Castro served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, specializing in strategic communication. She played a key role in implementing the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and held numerous volunteer positions leading diversity organizations and equal opportunity programs throughout her career. In recognition of her contributions to LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the military, she was selected by the Office of the Secretary of the Navy to participate in the naming ceremony of a U.S. Navy ship honoring LGBTQIA+ rights activist Harvey Milk.
The highlight of Dr. Castro’s military career was receiving the Russell Egnor Leadership Excellence Award, an honor given to one individual each year for outstanding leadership, innovation, and excellence in strategic communication. The award is based on 360-degree letters of recommendation from senior leadership, peers, and subordinates.
Hi. I’m Laura. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist, coach, and consultant dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and create lives that align with who they truly are. My approach is rooted in compassion, leadership, resilience, and meaningful change. I honed these values over more than two decades of service in the U.S. Navy and through my work in mental health and personal development. I support individuals, partners, and families as they navigate life’s challenges and transformations.
Although I bring personal insights and professional expertise, I believe you are the expert in your own life. Together, we will collaborate as we work toward achieving your goals.
Welcome!
The Road Less Traveled: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
My path has been anything but straightforward. As a queer, biracial woman, parent, and disabled military veteran, I know what it means to navigate spaces that were not built with you in mind. Serving in the military's restrictive "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era, I experienced firsthand the harsh cost of authenticity and the weight of silence. Those experiences deepened my commitment to advocacy, and strengthened my resolve to create spaces where people no longer have to choose between who they are and where they belong.
I’ve always believed that our struggles don’t define us, but they do shape us. I’ve turned my own challenges into a lifelong commitment to helping others heal, grow, and reclaim their sense of self. Whether through therapy, coaching, or consulting, my work focuses on creating real, lasting change.
Transforming Adversity into Advocacy
Healing and Growth: Two Paths to Transformation
Therapy and coaching both offer a path to self-discovery and empowerment. In therapy, I guide individuals, partners, and families through deep healing, addressing trauma, relationship patterns, and emotional wounds. In coaching, I help people reconnect with themselves, challenge societal expectations, and step into lives that feel fully authentic.
I help foster inclusivity and advocate for spaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported. My work is driven by a commitment to equity, authenticity, and the belief that everyone deserves to live as their fullest self.
If you want to make your therapy practice more inclusive and affirming for trans and gender diverse folx, I offer consultations and training to help you create meaningful change. Let’s start the conversation.
Creating Meaningful Change
Confessions of a Plant Nerd
My home is a jungle, a testament to growth, resilience, and the constant unfolding of life’s potential, mirroring the very principles I uphold in my professional life. My plants bring me joy and peace and are a constant reminder to slow down and appreciate the intricate beauty around me every day.