Laura Kral is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LICSW). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Augsburg College.
Laura has had a variety of experience working in different therapeutic settings. She has worked in a Therapeutic Preschool with children and their families who had a wide variety of behavioral issues and special needs. As a Social Worker for Hennepin County she worked closely with children in the foster care system following some through their adoption process. Laura has also worked with juvenile corrections and in school systems. Since 2011 she has been utilizing all of her previous experience to provide the finest care to her clients here at The Center for Hope and Healing (formerly Hardy and Stephens). This includes coaching parents on how to best support their children at home to reinforce what the children are learning during their sessions with Laura.
As a mother of twins, Laura knows how unique each child is and how important it is for them to be successful at home and at school. Children often need assistance learning simple behaviors and coping skills and often do not have the ability to communicate their feelings in an adult world. Because of this they may act out what they are feeling in ways that can be concerning to a parent or disruptive in a classroom. Laura feels it is important to work with each child to help them learn how to manage their feelings and communicate what they need.
Laura sees children, adolescents and families for a variety of concerns including; Autism, ADHD, sensory issues, trauma, abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. She practices the family systems model of therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral modification and draws upon play therapy techniques which helps put each child at ease.
Laura is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and enjoys working with families who have a child on the Autism Spectrum. She can help families with concerns around sensory issues and social skills and can work with parents on using calming tools for challenging behaviors. She is able to help determine if it would be helpful to have a full assessment and can give referrals for testing.
Laura sees clients on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. She accepts all major insurance plans. Please call our office to ask about your specific insurance coverage.
To check in to a pre-scheduled TELEHEALTH SESSION with Laura, click this link to enter her virtual waiting room. Click “Allow” when your device asks for permission to use its camera and microphone. Type in your name and click “Check In”. Your therapist will be with you shortly.