About

I get that it can be hard to reach out when you need help- and when you, do it can be super confusing with the range of options out there! In this ‘ Zoom’ world where you can literally meet with a therapist or coach on the other side of the country ( or world!) , it can be hard to know who is the right fit for you…and fit is important!

The active ingredient in successful psychotherapy is the relationship.

Research shows us that relationships are crucial for the healing process, including the one that you develop with your therapist. You should feel heard, without judgment, and deeply understood by the professional that you choose to work with.

Laura Spinelli ATR-BC, LPC, BC-TMH

Hi, I’m Laura. I am the founder of Creative Alternatives, LLC.

As a Licensed Psychotherapist, Art Therapist, and Board Certified Telemental Health Provider, I bring my authentic self to the therapeutic relationship in an approachable, accessible and creative way. Together we make an investment towards your healing and well-being. I view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership. You are the expert on you. I think of my role as a witness and a guide to work alongside you and help you figure shit out so you can rediscover your personal power and manifest that inner badass.

My style is straightforward, humorous, encouraging, curious, and genuine. You are invited to bring whatever is present for you and arrive just as you are — no judgment here!

I bring a diverse array of life experiences to the therapeutic relationship. Before becoming a psychotherapist I worked in a fast-paced, high-visibility, stressful business in NYC. So, I get the struggles that come with being a high performing professional (and the almost paralyzing anxiety that can come with it), along with forgetting to stop and be mindful of the simple beauty in life such as art, nature, positive relationships, and how those elements are absolutely critical to our mental wellness. After becoming a psychotherapist, I worked with a variety of adolescents and adults, and for many years, Veterans with PTSD. It is from that humbling and powerful work that I am absolutely positive that, with the right help, anyone can heal and find the beauty in life again.

I received a Master’s in Art Therapy/Counseling from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut. Over the course of my career, I’ve focused on the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, trauma (PTSD) including vicarious trauma, life transition issues, chronic stress and burnout reduction, and imposter syndrome.

I am currently licensed in the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania —I am also available to see clients in the state of Florida and, in some cases, English-speaking international clients.

approach

My approach to therapy is client-centered and supportive. Psychodynamic , humanistic/existential and positive psychology theories inform my multi-modal approach. My approach is integrative, which means I combine creative, alternative, and holistic psychotherapies with more traditional techniques, that go beyond “couch therapy.” Rather than a “diagnose and prescribe” approach to treatment, I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of collaboration to create a truly individualized experience, unique to each client’s specific needs.

This might mean integrating other techniques/approaches such as art therapy, EMDR, mindfulness practice, guided visualization, meditation and movement in the service of addressing your unique goals. This combination of therapeutic methods helps me target your specific problems on multiple levels, addressing mind – body- spirit, so together we work on the whole you to achieve a more enduring, positive change.

Licenses , Certifications ,Trainings :
Board Certified Art Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Board Certified Telehealth Provider
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Trauma Master Series
MARI
EMDR

Meaningful Therapy Without Limits!

There are many benefits to psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy can successfully help you with chronic worry, stress, unresolved trauma, loss of joy in life
Increase resilience in the face of life’s challenges
Gain clarity on meaning and purpose to rediscover joy
Become empowered, passionate and curious about life again
Make real, sustainable changes that are aligned with your authentic self
Rediscover your best version of you

Here are more ways psychotherapy can help:

Improve self-awareness and insight by identifying important thoughts, feelings and motivations
Recognize and break through obstacles, negative patterns and self-defeating behaviors that keep you stuck
Uncover hidden blocking beliefs that may be sabotaging success and happiness
Learn more adaptive coping skills, self-care rituals and habits to create lasting change change
Practice self-compassion to address self-image issues
Process and heal painful feelings of loneliness, disappointment, sadness, loss, grief, guilt, shame, anger, envy and fear that are holding you back
Develop awareness and relaxation through mindfulness, meditation and radical acceptance
Resolve trauma/PTSD symptoms and awareness of and control over triggers
Develop self-care rituals and work towards enhanced overall wellness and life balance
Rediscover your strengths and reignite your passion for life.
Achieve peace, empowerment, and inspiration that you have been missing

frequently asked questions

Initial Appointment

Prior to our first session you will receive an email with information about your client portal and intake forms to be completed before your first visit. Completing this process before we first meet will allow more time for us to talk and to begin working together. All information is kept strictly confidential.

Missed/Cancelled Appointments

Clients are responsible for their regularly scheduled appointment and will be charged for the appointment if cancellation is less than 24 hours’ notice. If a cancellation is necessary, we can try to reschedule for another time that same week.

Insurance

I accept Medicaid/Husky insurance in the state of Connecticut. For all other insurances I am an out-of-network provider. This means that I do not bill insurance directly for our work together. I can provide you with a monthly superbill and many insurance companies reimburse for out-of-network services. (see below to find out what to ask your insurance company)

With insurance companies dictating clinical decisions such as length of treatment, frequency/length of sessions, and mandated mental health diagnosis for reimbursement, I have decided to remain independent of them This allows us to focus on providing the best care to all clients without being controlled by insurance companies. For individuals who require the utmost of discretion, without having to provide a mental health diagnosis to a third party, I are able to keep your records completely secure and confidential. There will be no diagnosis n your permanent health record, and no one will ever know you’re in therapy unless you tell them.

Questions to ask your insurance company to determine out-of-network eligibility

What are my out-of-network mental health benefits? Do my mental health benefits cover art therapists/art-psychotherapists? (Important to emphasize that art therapy is a form of psychotherapy) What is the coverage amount per psychotherapy session? How many psychotherapy sessions does my plan cover per calendar year? What is the out of pocket payment before I reach my deductible? Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Investment

Individual Psychotherapy:

55 minute sessions $ 175-$ 200
90 minute sessions $ 300
120 minute MARI® $350*
Package discounts are also available
(* MARI ® one-time session)

We understand that psychotherapy can get expensive. If you are in need of a sliding scale in order to pursue treatment, please let us know. We can work together to come up with something that fits, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Forms of Payment

We accept cash, HSA’s, checks, and credit cards. Payment is typically received at the time of your therapy session, unless alternate arrangements are discussed prior.