Lauren Appleby, AMFT, APCC

Lauren Appleby (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego. Lauren provides inclusive, affirming care to individuals across the lifespan and is committed to creating a space where clients feel safe, supported, and understood.

Lauren has a particular passion for working with individuals navigating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. She understands how challenging life can feel when our minds are constantly focused on the future, trying to prepare for, or prevent, what hasn’t yet happened. Her goal is to help clients reconnect with the present, develop more flexibility in their thinking, and build meaningful lives even in the presence of discomfort.

Her therapeutic approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and a client-centered foundation. Clients often share that they feel comfortable with Lauren because of her grounded presence, thoughtful questions, and the way she holds space without judgment. Lauren values cultural humility, neurodiversity, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. She approaches each session with curiosity, warmth, and respect for her clients’ unique identities and lived experiences. Outside of the therapy room, Lauren is passionate about creativity, nature, and helping people rediscover what makes them feel most connected, alive, and whole.