Lauren Hugunin, MA, MFTC
she/her
Growth is neither easy nor comfortable but is necessary. I find great passion in supporting individuals and relationships in creating lasting change. I seek to empower my clients to define what change means to them - the goal is progress, not perfection. I completed a Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy through the University of Colorado Denver. I offer virtual and in-person therapy for individuals and relationships located throughout Colorado.
I am a relational therapist who is trained to approach therapy systemically.
Esther Perel, LMFT, CST said it best, “The quality of your life ultimately depends on the quality of your relationships.” As a relational therapist, clients can expect therapy with me to include exploration of their past and current relationships with others, their relationship to sex and sexuality, and their relationship with self. The following therapy approaches inform my work with relationships: attachment theory, Narrative Relational Sex Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I specialize in treating sex-related issues.
I am pursuing a sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance. Sexuality is embedded in all aspects of our lives. I believe exploring sexual issues can unveil deep meaning about how we relate to ourselves and others. Many therapists avoid discussing sexual topics with clients and do not have specific training in sex and sexuality. Clients can feel comfortable sharing such sensitive topics with me.
As a mom, I have personal experience with the challenges of motherhood.
I decided to pursue a career in therapy after my own positive experience of healing during the postpartum period and beyond. Parenthood is both challenging and rewarding - two (or more) things can be true. My specialized training in perinatal mental health through the Seleni Institute and Postpartum Support International provides me with the knowledge to support parents who are struggling. Although I identify as a parent myself, I recognize that each individual’s experience of parenthood is unique.
I value the mind-body connection.
The body has endless messages for us that can provide insight into our emotional experiences and understanding of ourselves. My Phase 1 training in Brainspotting, a revolutionary somatic approach to therapy, allows for processing trauma. I engage clients in developing increased intuition and integrative exploration of their cognitive, emotional, and somatic experiences as part of their healing process.
“We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time.”
- Brene Brown
It’s okay to ask for help…
It takes courage to be vulnerable and ask for help. Perhaps you are feeling stuck and struggling to trust your intuition, which impacts your daily functioning. In our work together, I will encourage you to foster self-compassion and explore your values, both as an individual and relationally. Perhaps you feel disconnected from yourself and others. Your chaos may also be quieter, and you are looking for support to be more proactive and less reactive when future challenges arise. In our work together, I will walk alongside you to cultivate a better understanding of all the parts of you (and your partner or partners).
My therapy is collaborative and I believe that you are the expert of your life. I maintain that my clients have the answers within to make changes in their lives. Together, in the therapeutic space, we can unlock them. I invite my clients to bring their authentic, messy selves to the nonjudgmental space I will provide in therapy. You may feel like others in your life fail to understand you. We will work on developing coping and emotion regulation skills when life feels tough. At times, it may feel as though you are trudging through life rather than truly living it. With me as your therapist, through somatic therapy approaches (e.g., Brainspotting), we will increase your mindfulness practice and awareness by listening to the messages your body has for you. You can expect me to gently challenge you to see other perspectives and explore yourself and your relationships in new ways. After all, that is when true change is possible!
Whatever your concern may be, as your therapist, I will act as a guiding light and companion on your unique journey of growth.
Finding your calm in the chaos is possible.
Approaches to Therapy
Individuals
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Parts work (Internal Family Systems-informed therapist)
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Brainspotting
Feminist Theory
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Family Systems Theory
Relationships
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Couples
Relational Life Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Family Systems Theory
Relational parts work (IFS-informed)
Training & Credentials
Education: Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy, University of Colorado Denver, December 2023
Colorado Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate License No.: MFTC.0014574
Supervisor: Robyn Flores, PhD, LMFT-S, LPC
Sex Therapy Certification in progress through the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA)
Relational Life Therapy Level 1 in progress
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Intimacy from the Inside Out (parts work applied to relationships) in progress
Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (May 2023)
Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship (December 2022)
Brainspotting Phase 1 (August 2022)
Perinatal Loss & Grief through the Seleni Institute (August 2022)
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through the Seleni Institute (August 2022)
SHA Sexceptional Conference (March 2023)
Sexual Desire Differences in Couples through The Couples Institute (August 2023)
SHA Sexological Conference (October 2023)
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy (February 2024)
SHA Sexual Attitude Reassessment (April 2024)
Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems (March 2024)
SHA Keeping the Spark Alive Conference (August 2024)
