Lauren King, LMFT
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
My Approach
At the heart of my approach is a recognition of the shared humanity that connects us all. I believe that we’re all doing the best we can with the tools we have—none of us are broken or in need of fixing. Throughout our lives, we learn to adapt to our environments, experiences, and relationships in ways that help us survive emotionally and make sense of the world. Eventually, these strategies may no longer serve us or fit who we are becoming. Therapy offers a dedicated space to explore these patterns together and develop new ways of being that support who you are today—and who you are becoming.
My style can be described as warm, loving, and supportive--yet honest and direct when necessary. I deeply value my role as trusted partner and collaborator in your journey and work to ensure a safe environment where you can feel comfortable bringing your complete self. Together, we will honor where you have been while making room for where you want to go.
My Methods
My framework for therapy is rooted in being client-centered, relational, and trauma-informed. I draw from advanced training in Emotion-Focused Therapy, considering how patterns of interaction shape our relationships with others and ourselves. I also integrate mindfulness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support greater awareness and promote new, more positive patterns of thinking.
I work from a social justice lens that considers the impact of systems of oppression on mental health and healing. I believe that so much of our well-being is not only shaped by individual experiences, but can also be traced to broader systemic issues like discrimination and injustice. It’s important to me to make space for these discussions in the therapy room, and I invite this reflection whenever it feels relevant. Ultimately, my approach is tailored to you, honoring your unique goals, pace, and lived experiences.
About Me
I became a therapist after experiencing the benefits of therapy myself. I’ve sat on the other side of the couch, and I still remember the uncertainty, the vulnerability, and even the awkwardness.
I entered therapy at my own breaking point—unsure, unhappy, and very stuck. Part of my journey meant leaving behind a high-stress corporate job that no longer aligned with my values and left me depleted. This huge leap, although terrifying, was only possible with the faith and support I felt from my therapist. It became the first of many big changes that led me to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Of all those shifts, becoming a therapist has been the most rewarding change I've ever made. Every day, I get the privilege of witnessing moments of joy, sadness, growth, and everything in between. I love sitting with my clients, hearing their stories, celebrating their wins, and holding their pain with them. It is such a gift, and I have immense respect for the courage it takes to uncover and explore our most vulnerable experiences.
Because I’ve been in your seat (and continue my own personal growth), I bring deep empathy, humility, and zero judgment to our work. I believe deeply in the transformative power of therapy. With support, I learned to speak more kindly to myself, form more fulfilling relationships, and live in alignment with my most authentic self. This possibility—and so much more—is available to you, and together, we can explore what that looks like for your life.
Outside of the therapy room, I find balance in the simple moments of life. I enjoy knitting, thrifting for vintage housewares, swimming, hiking, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with my dog, cat, and partner. I look forward to meeting you and gaining a holistic understanding of your life, including the values and relationships that matter most to you.
Education & Experience
Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, Externship, Core Skills, on-going consultation
MA in Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco
BS in Advertising and Sociology
School Based Adolescent Therapist, SFUSD
California State Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor, Rape Trauma Services
My Specialties
Anxiety Therapy
Trauma Therapy
Couples Therapy
LGBTQ Therapy
Schedule your free 20-minute consultation call
Still have questions?
Read common questions clients have before starting therapy.
MY APPROACH TO THERAPY IS GUIDED BY THESE
Values
AUTHENTICITY
we embrace the real, messy, beauty of human imperfection, making this a safe space to show up just as you are.
INCLUSION
we celebrate all aspects of your intersecting identities, welcoming people of color, queer, trans, poly, fat, and neurodivergent folks to this space.
ANTI-OPPRESSION
we recognize the impact of oppressive systems and challenge racism, sexism, fatphobia, homophobia, transphobia, and capitalism.
COLLABORATION
we work together as a team to identify and move towards your unique version of growth, collaborating as partners in your journey.
A different path forward
You might have tried therapy before, or spent years trying to figure this out on your own. You have not failed; you’ve simply reached as far as you can go alone.
You deserve a quiet space where you can stop overthinking and finally learn to breathe a little easier. Whenever you are ready to try a gentler, more practical path to peace, I am here to help you start.
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation, or send a message to learn more about how we might work together.