About Me
Lauren A. Messina, PhD, LCMFT, DipACLM
Licensure: Maryland LCM513 & Virginia 0717002237
Licensed Since: 2010
Certification: Wellcoaches Certified Health and Well-being Coach, 2024
Diplomat of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, 2022
PhD: Family Science, University of Maryland
Master’s: Couple & Family Therapy, University of Maryland
Bachelor’s: Communications, Villanova University
I specialize in working on improving relationship health, whole person mental health, mental health during the transition to parenthood (pregnancy and postpartum), and parenting. I really enjoy working with parents, families, children, teens, and individuals seeking to break unhealthy intergenerational patterns. I’ve been licensed since 2010 and provide therapy services to Maryland and Virginia residents. I offer day time and evening virtual sessions and in-person sessions in downtown Silver Spring on Wednesdays. And I also offer Health and Wellness Coaching to adults anywhere in the U.S.
My approach to therapy begins with taking a client-centered, strengths-based empathetic perspective. I strive to create a comfortable and safe environment for everyone, child and adults alike. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Acceptance and Commitment, Mindfulness, and Experiential therapy, I am adept at tailoring my approach to meet the needs of clients and am committed to helping you excel in your emotional intelligence. I am a Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and uses this knowledge to help clients improve their whole person well being. I have a decade of experience in the prevention and translation science space, creating health education resources and curricula for U.S. Service Members and working to advance social fitness among military families. I’m also an Ambassador with the Foundation for Social Connection.
Beyond therapy and work, I can be found trying to soak in the wonder years of having two little ones at home, walking various Maryland trails with my dog, and finding new places around the DMV to explore with my husband. I currently am on the board of Metro Marriage and Family Therapists, Inc. and I volunteer as the co-facilitator of the Maryland Chapter of Chamber of Mothers. I am a past Board of Directors member of NAMI-Maryland and past Director of Education at the Consortium for Health and Military Performance. I am present, considerate, genuine, and a meaningful mix of serious and silly. I enjoy watching documentaries, practicing yoga, and trying new (vegetarian) foods.
