About Lauren Cone

Lauren Cone, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

I take a vested, genuine interest in how patients think and feel. From a young age, I was always drawn to stories about struggle, triumph, and the meaning of life. Emotional suffering is a complex element of the human condition, and there has been no greater honor in my life than to be a safe, nurturing support to those experiencing hardship and distress. 

One of the reasons I decided to become a therapist was because of some of the transformational and positive experiences I’ve had in my own counseling journey. Some of the therapists I’ve worked with demonstrated such genuine interest, acceptance, and skill that I became inspired to begin a career in helping people. 

Demonstrated Experience In Healthcare Settings

I’ve had jobs in hospitality and customer service, engaging my passion for working with people from a variety of backgrounds. But in 2010, I began my nursing career. When I started out, I was placed in the trauma unit, which ignited my passion for mental health. It was a deeply meaningful experience to work alongside patients and their families during some of life’s most difficult moments and joyous victories. 

When I decided to shift my focus to mental health and work toward a license as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I had the good fortune of being instructed by compassionate, skilled psychotherapists who continue to inspire my work. In particular, psychodynamic psychotherapy has become my main modality, and I have pursued advanced training, research, and licensure in the field. 

A Warm, Psychodynamic Approach

Psychodynamic therapy aligns well with the way that humans think and learn to feel better. As individuals, our inner worlds are much more significantly influenced by forces beyond our awareness than forces within our awareness. By uncovering unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through a psychodynamic lens, we can navigate life’s challenges and heal. 

Yet, regardless of modality, I believe the most important element of counseling is the therapeutic relationship itself. Too often, we are overly immersed in relationships colored by strict social rules and a narrow status quo. As a result, we may lose sight of how to relate to one another in ways that feel healthy, supportive, and affirming. The great benefit of therapy is building an authentic connection with a warm, accepting clinician. And counseling offers a pathway to the most unfiltered and emotionally aware version of ourselves. 

In the therapeutic atmosphere, I am not a blank or neutral presence in the room, nor am I an emotionally reactive familiar friend. It’s not my style to give advice or tips for problem-solving—unless safety is concerned. Instead, I am more interested in maintaining a genuine curiosity in my patients, authenticity in my reactions, and an earnest desire to help. It may come as no surprise to know that I was voted “Most Likely To Tell It Like It Is” for my senior class superlatives. 

As your therapist, I don’t want you to simply learn how to cope—I want you to thrive.