I am a Licensed Psychologist with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TX License #37127; Expires 3/31/2026). For information on how to verify a license, please click here.
I am also a PSYPACT credentialed provider, which allows me to see clients in 40+ states outside of Texas. Click here for more information on PSYPACT participating states.
My Approach to Therapy
When you decide to reach out for help from a therapist, you want someone who is empathetic, trustworthy, and invested in you. Research confirms this. The best predictor of therapy success is your relationship with your therapist – do you like them, are they trustworthy, do you share common goals? My first priority is creating a strong relationship with you. Therapy can be hard work, and for us to be successful together we need to have a strong bond, an ability to be honest with each other, and the confidence to challenge ourselves to make sure you reach all of your treatment goals.
I also believe in using therapy practices that are based on scientific evidence. You are investing significant time, money, and energy into therapy, so I believe strongly that it is my duty to provide you with support that is grounded in the latest research in order to maximize your improvements. My primary approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing. These approaches are not a fit for everyone, so I pick and choose based on my experience to meet your individual needs.
Clients who are most successful in my practice take a practical, problem-solving approach to improving their lives. We are only together for an hour a week, so much of the work occurs outside of my office. We will likely spend a little time each session discussing concrete steps you can take in the next week to reach your goals, and we’ll review them the following week. I believe this process helps empower you to take control of the changes you want to see in yourself and results in better long-term results.
To hear me talk about my approach to therapy, I’d invite you to give a listen to the brief interview I did for the Project Care Podcast!
Behavioral Breakthroughs: Empowering Individuals ft. Dr. Laura Wahlstrom
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in psychology and a minor in philosophy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Pre-doctoral internship (APA-accredited), Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Austin, TX
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Clinical Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
I have received specialized training in several therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing. Prior to opening my private practice, I was a staff psychologist and clinic lead at the Central Texas VA, and also worked in skilled nursing facilities.
I have published numerous peer-reviewed research articles, presented at local and national psychology conferences, served as an ad hoc reviewer for research journals, and am a credentialed provider with the National Register of Health Service Psychologists.
On a Personal Note
I’m from the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN and grew up competing in gymnastics and track. I moved to Austin with my husband in 2012 and have truly embraced the sentiment “I wasn’t born in Texas, but got here as fast as I could!” Outside of work you can find me spending time with my family and friends, cheering on my son at soccer and football, traveling, and playing American Mah Jongg.