Laina Mason, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor
Many people struggle with feeling disconnected, anxious, or persistently down, and often blame themselves for these emotions. If this resonates with you, know that you're not alone. I specialize in helping individuals like you build meaningful connections with themselves and others, and rediscover the joy in their lives.
My therapeutic philosophy is grounded in the belief that every individual has the capacity for healing and growth. I provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings, understand your experiences, and develop the skills necessary for a fulfilling life. My practice is affirming and inclusive of all identities. With specialized experience working with survivors of sexual trauma, as well as perinatal and parenting issues, I am also committed to creating a safe space for LGBTQAI+ individuals and exploring the impact of your identities on your personal growth.
I bring over 15 years of counseling experience, specializing in helping people navigate the challenges of both historical and recent traumas, as well as major life transitions. My clients are often dealing with varying levels of anxiety, sadness, and disconnection, which can hinder their ability to sustain relationships, feel successful in their endeavors, set boundaries, find joy, or revel in the fullness of a life that integrates their whole self. My approach focuses on helping clients understand and process their experiences, empowering them to regain control over their lives. Additionally, my experience competing at high levels in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu equips me to support individuals negotiating high-pressure situations while under stress.
Utilizing an intersectional feminist lens, I prioritize relational approaches in therapy, aiming to build meaningful therapeutic experiences and provide care that honors the unique lived experiences of all people.
To support this work, I pull from various evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including:
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Schema Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Polyvagal and Somatic Experiencing
I am deeply passionate about my work and dedicated to supporting my clients on their journey. Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a trauma, major life transitions or struggling with the daily grind of life, I am here to help you steer your path towards healing and growth. Together, we will work to uncover your strengths, develop resilience, and build a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. Let's work to create a space where you feel truly seen and heard, borne witness to.
Mental Health Training, Credentials, and Experience:
School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, SUNY | Albany, NY 2010 | Master of Social Work (Clinical & Macro Practice Foci)
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany, SUNY | Albany, NY 2010 | Certificate in Non-Profit Management
Ithaca College | Ithaca, NY 2005 Bachelor of Science | Park School of Communication, Minors in Psychology and Public Relations
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York State, License No. 082556
NPI #1336421189
SELECTED TrainingS
Cognitive Processing Therapy (Institute for Disaster Mental Health)
Advanced DBT with 6 month Consultation Group (BehavioralTech)
Trauma Focused CBT (National Crime Victims Research & Treatment Center)
Internal Family Systems (IFSCA)
Schema Therapy for Complex Trauma & Borderline Personality Disorder (Schema Therapy Institute Australia)
Somatic Approach to Trauma Therapy (P.Levine / PESI)
Limbic System in Trauma Work (NICABM)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CASA)
Psychological First Aid (National Center for Child Traumatic Stress)
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework
PUBLICATION AND INVITED TALKS
“The Journey of One Pregnant Incarcerated Woman Through Systemic Bias: How Family Support Workers Can
Positively Affect Change—A Case Study.” Affilia 28:1 (February 2013): 32–39.
"How Non-Clinical Professionals Can Conduct Depression Screening & Behavioral Interventions in a Home Visiting
Setting,” co-presentor at the Prevent Child Abuse New York Annual Conference; Albany, NY April 2013.
“Maternal Trauma from the Birth Experience,” sole presenter at the Sane and Sober Annual Conference;
Kingston, NY, September 2011.
“Effects of Birth Trauma on Attachment and Doula Intervention as a Mitigating Factor,” co-presentor at the
Prevent Child Abuse New York Annual Conference; Albany, NY, April 2011.
