Grief counselors and therapists in Springfield, MO

I am a therapist and strategic behavioral‐health leader with more than a decade of experience supporting youth, families, and adults navigating complex trauma, transition, and systems involvement. My background spans emergency shelter work, foster‐care transition programs, community‐based counseling, and clinical supervision of multidisciplinary teams.

Clients often describe me as steady, collaborative, and deeply attuned to the stories people carry. I bring a trauma‐informed lens to every interaction, honoring the resilience people develop in the face of adversity. My work is shaped by years of program development, crisis intervention, and advocacy for underserved communities — and by a belief that healing grows in environments where people feel seen, safe, and respected.

I’m Lauren Holder, M.S., P.L.P.C., and I’m honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Missouri State University and have been practicing for over four years, helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with compassion.

I began my career in community mental health in 2010. I completed my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Evangel University. Prior to becoming a therapist I worked as a nurse for 13 years. This background leads me to take a holistic, whole-person approach to my practice. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and have specialized in treatment of trauma, ADHD, and child-parent conflicts.

Life can feel like too much: too many demands, too many pressures, too little space to

just breathe. Whether you are navigating anxiety, trauma, a big life change, or a

nagging sense that something needs to shift, I am here to help you find your footing. I

bring warmth, humor, and a genuine belief that therapy works best when it feels

human. My background spans schools, community health, substance recovery, and a

psychiatric hospital, so whatever you are carrying, I have likely walked alongside

someone carrying it too. If you are curious about what it would feel like to work

together, let us find out.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe therapy should meet you where you are while also helping you move toward where you want to be. I often compare therapy to going to the gym: it is dedicated time to strengthen the way you understand and respond to your thoughts, emotions, relationships and behaviors.

My approach is warm, direct and collaborative. You can expect empathy, compassion and acceptance, along with thoughtful questions and practical strategies that help you make meaningful changes. Your needs, experiences and goals will guide our work together.

I support adults and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, addiction, relationship challenges and major life transitions. I also have experience working with concerns related to sexual orientation, identity, suicide prevention, family dynamics and professional stress.

You do not have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. We can start with what is happening right now and work together from there.

I am a clinically licensed therapist who works with teens and adults. I support clients who are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, depression, emotional regulation, relationship stress, life transitions, and self esteem concerns. I aim to create a space that feels warm, genuine, and safe. I believe therapy does not have to feel intimidating to be effective, and I often use appropriate humor to help clients feel more comfortable while doing meaningful work.

Sometimes life changes in ways you never expected. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, the transition into parenthood, or the emotional demands of caring for others, it's easy to lose sight of yourself while trying to keep everything together. You don't have to face those challenges alone. For more than 20 years, I've partnered with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, women's issues, and trauma, helping them build resilience, strengthen relationships, and rediscover hope during life's most difficult seasons. Working with children, adolescents, and adults, I strive to create a compassionate, supportive space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and empowered to move toward lasting healing.