Retta Laumann, LMSW
Psychotherapist & Child Centered Play Therapist
About Me
I am a warm and creative therapist committed to providing collaborative, person-centered care for children and families from all backgrounds. I believe that healing happens in the context of safe, secure relationships, and I strive to create a space where children, teens, and parents feel deeply seen and heard. I bring warmth, curiosity, creativity, and playfulness to my work, using humor and genuine connection to help young people feel comfortable being themselves.
I am especially passionate about working with children and teens navigating anxiety, chronic dysregulation, social challenges, identity development, and executive functioning difficulties, drawing from play, art, and CBT-based therapies to meet each young person where they are.
My Approach
Because play is the natural language of children, much of my work with younger children takes place through child-directed play. Collaboration with parents and caregivers is also central to my approach. I work closely with families to deepen their understanding of their child’s emotional world, strengthen the parent-child relationship, and foster secure attachment. I provide an accepting, supportive space for parents to reflect on challenges, gain insight into their child’s needs and experiences, and develop meaningful ways to support their child at home.
I am also deeply committed to providing affirming, identity-affirming therapy for LGBTQ+ youth, including trans, nonbinary, and queer young people, as well as neurodivergent youth. My work is grounded in deep respect for each young person’s unique identity, strengths, and lived experience, and I strive to create a space where LGBTQ+ people can feel seen, celebrated, and fully themselves - without having to explain or defend who they are.
Education
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Yale Child Study Center/Yale School of Medicine- Advanced Clinical Social Work Fellowship, child/adolescent psychotherapy focus
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Virginia Commonwealth University- Master of Social Work
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Baldwin Wallace University- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting
