Laura Andrea Santos, Ph.D.
Pronouns: ella/she/herRequest an Appointment- Location: Skokie, Telehealth
- Specialties: Identity Development, Individual Therapy, Process Work, Relationship Therapy, Relationship Trauma
- Languages: English, Spanish
I enjoy working with people from different contexts, backgrounds, and stories who are discovering themselves and their place in the world. I offer emphatic listening, warmth, and a humanistic approach to the therapeutic relationship. I also work with affirmative care and provide human-to-human interaction, hoping to create a safe environment to see my clients bloom and evolve.
As a bilingual therapist with a vocational passion to work with LGBTQ+ communities, relationships, and gender/sexually diverse populations, I am aware that many times two plus two would not necessarily be four and I enjoy the excitement that brings me to learn from my clients, their experiences and stories.
I believe that therapy can be life-changing and magical. My biggest pride is to work collaboratively with my patients to discover where their magic comes from and how they can make use of it to face the world. This journey can be challenging and weird, given the required vulnerability, trust, and the inherent exercise of sitting with the unknown and uncomfortable. That is why, in my role as a therapist, I strive to be authentic, heart-to-heart, emotional, empowering, and sensible.
Professional Experience
Education and Training
- University of Puerto Rico – Bachelor's degree in Psychology
- Albizu University – Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology
- Counseling and Psychological Services – Psychology Internship
- Psicoalternativas – Professional Certification, LGBTQ+ Community Issues
Professional Memberships
Laura Andrea Santos, Ph.D. completed her Clinical Psychology doctoral program at Albizu University, located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Prior to this degree, she graduated from Universidad de Puerto Rico, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She completed a professional certification in LGBTQ+ Community Issues and has collaborated in different community-based programs to gain experience, professional competencies, and the sensitivity to work with diverse populations. Her doctoral dissertation focused on same-sex families and the stigma they systematically face. She also completed an APA-accredited internship at the Counseling and Psychological Services of Purdue University.