Virtual Therapy for Adults in Washington State

I'm Laura McDowell, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor offering virtual therapy in Washington State. I help adults navigate anxiety, grief, OCD, and life transitions - especially after new jobs, illness, or injury.

Many of the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside but battling intense inner struggles. You might be coping with a recent loss, a change in your relationships or career, or big questions about who you are and where you're headed. Together, we'll create a space where you can slow down, make sense of what you're feeling, and begin to heal.

The people I work with often describe themselves as overthinkers; the ones who replay conversations, anticipate every worst-case scenario, and hold themselves to a standard that leaves little room for rest. They're professionals, caregivers, students, and partners who are used to holding it together. But underneath that, something feels off. The anxiety is louder than it used to be. Grief keeps surfacing at unexpected moments. A health scare or a sudden life change has shaken something that used to feel stable.

Some of my clients are working through OCD. Not the version that gets joked about, but the exhausting, relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions that makes ordinary life feel like a constant negotiation. Others are somewhere in the middle of a transition they didn't fully choose: a diagnosis, a layoff, a relationship shift, a move. They came in knowing something needed to change, but weren't sure where to start.

What most of them have in common is that they've spent a long time managing, and they're ready to actually feel better.

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to connect. Virtual therapy makes it easier to fit care into your life without adding another commute or disrupting your routine. Wherever you are in Washington, you can access support that's consistent, flexible, and genuinely tailored to you.

Treatment for Anxiety, Grief, Self-Doubt, and OCD

I work with adults who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, self-doubt,, low self-esteem, trauma, and obsessive thoughts. My clients often struggle with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or compulsive behaviors, feeling like these patterns are taking over their lives. Whether you're managing the unique complexities of OCD, the weight of generalized anxiety, or the uncertainty of a life transition, I’m here to help you reclaim a sense of calm and confidence.

As a virtual therapist, I treat:

• Anxiety and Panic Attacks: If your mind races or your body goes into fight-or-flight mode without warning, we’ll work together to calm your nervous system and reduce the fear around your symptoms.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Therapy can help you recognize and interrupt the compulsive cycles that are interfering with your life. I use ERP, the gold standard for treatment of OCD.

• Grief and Loss: Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, you deserve a place to process it without judgment.

• Life Transitions: From breakups to career changes to illness to parenthood, I’ll help you move through uncertain seasons with more clarity and self-trust.

• Identity Exploration: If you’re questioning who you are or the roles you’ve been handed, I offer support grounded in curiosity and compassion.

My Approach

Being in a session with me feels comfortable and relational. I use evidence-based approaches, including (ERP) for OCD and IFS for anxiety. I’ve completed extensive training in both of these modalities. I help my clients develop practical skills and insights to achieve their long-term goals. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel empowered to confront your fears, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and cultivate resilience.

Off the clock:

When I'm not in the therapy room, you'll often find me indoors with my beloved golden retrievers, embarking on the endless quest for the perfect light roast coffee, or savoring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest winters.