Dr. Laura Castro, PsyD, LMFT
(She/They)
California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #145842 Florida Telehealth Provider TPMF1308
Dr. Castro is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and is also a registered out-of-state Telehealth Provider for the state of Florida. Florida registration can be verified by clicking here.
Dr. Castro is an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Clinical Fellow. She 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) and has extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy with individuals, couples/partners, and families. She is also trained in EMDR, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Trauma-Focused CBT.
Dr. Castro serves as an adjunct professor in a master’s-level marriage and family therapy program, offers training and consultation to other clinicians on affirmative therapy, and provides coaching for parents and caregivers of trans and gender diverse youth.
Prior to a career in mental health, Dr. Castro served 21 years in the U.S. Navy and understands the sacrifices that service members and their families make, the toll military service can take on relationships, and the difficulties that can arise from deployments and reunifications.
Welcome!
Hi. I’m Laura. I’m a queer, biracial woman, a parent, a disabled military veteran, and a fervent advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I offer a blend of personal insight and professional expertise; however, I trust YOU are the expert in your own life.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, family or relationship conflicts, low self-esteem, or stressors related to racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, or the rigors of military life, my goal is to provide an affirming environment for your healing journey.
The Road Less Traveled: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
My path has been anything but straightforward. In the military's restrictive "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" environment, I learned the harsh cost of authenticity and the pain of loss. These experiences fueled my commitment to advocacy and motivated me to stand up for those who are marginalized, oppressed, or silenced by societal indifference or hostility.
Transforming Adversity into Advocacy
The mental health challenges within the queer and trans community are deeply personal to me. I view these difficulties not as weaknesses but as understandable responses to social stressors that reflect a world in need of greater acceptance and understanding. My approach is rooted in affirming and compassionate support, recognizing the inherent strength and resilience in each individual's story.
Family, Healing, and Acceptance
Navigating my own journey through trauma and discrimination has deeply informed my practice, and parenting children exploring their gender identities has been an extraordinary journey of love and learning, reinforcing my belief in the power of unconditional love and acceptance. This personal connection to the trans community guides my empathetic and affirming approach to therapy.
Therapy, But Make It Intersectional
In sessions with individuals, partners, and families, my foundation is in Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy. When beneficial, I also use cutting-edge techniques like EMDR for trauma processing. My work is consistently informed by principles of Intersectionality, Social Justice, Feminist Theory, and the Gender Minority Stress Model, ensuring a holistic and inclusive therapeutic experience.
Beyond the Therapy Room: Education, Advocacy, and Research
My dedication to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community extends beyond therapy into the realms of education and advocacy. As an adjunct professor, I weave gender diversity into the curriculum for master’s level therapists-in-training, which is fundamental in preparing them to offer more inclusive, affirming, and empathic care. My research endeavors complement this role and focus on illuminating the relationships of trans and gender diverse folx. This academic work aims to bridge a significant gap in existing literature, which can better inform clinical practices and interventions.
I also offer training and consulting sessions for therapists, which have garnered international participation, and are designed to better equip mental health professionals with the tools needed to foster safer and more affirming therapy environments for their trans and gender diverse clients. Together, these efforts highlight my unwavering commitment to dismantling societal barriers and fostering meaningful societal 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.
Let’s Connect and Collaborate
If you're seeking a therapist attuned to the complexities of both personal experiences and broader societal challenges, I'm here. Let's embark on a journey of growth, understanding, and resilience together. Reach out, and let's nurture the seeds of change, one step at a time.
If you’re seeking continuing education or consultation on how you can make your practice more affirming to better support trans and gender diverse folx as individuals or in their intimate and family relationships, let’s start a conversation and make a difference together.