Lauren MacKellar

“To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly.”

-Brene Brown

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It’s important to us at Eastern Shore Counseling that you feel aligned with your therapist or coach. For this reason, we put a lot of thought and effort into our clinician’s individual pages so you can get to know them a bit as a human and then as a provider.

We’re here to support you in this season.

I Am Imperfectly Human.

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an aerial shot of beautiful maine pine trees in color during the fall with a lake in between them, individual therapy, anxiety treatment

I’ve just been fighting that imperfect part most of my life. I will always be fighting against perfectionism to a certain extent. I can now say that I truly love the work that it takes to push through this. A messy life is so much more fulfilling, even if it makes you cringe a little…or a lot.

I was the person who didn’t believe in therapy. I had experienced some not-so- great therapy fits in my teenage years. It wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I decided to give it one more go and found a therapist that truly heard me. I felt understood for the first time in my life. It was hard work and it served as a catalyst for a lifetime of growth.

I always thought I had to be constantly critiquing myself in order to make any progress in life. I am the oldest, to one younger sister, in my family, I went to a strict, private school up until high school, and was involved in competitive gymnastics. I felt a lot of pressure to excel in everything I did. I always needed to be striving for better. I wanted to have the highest score, win the race, work the hardest, and essentially be the best. And while that may seem boastful, it wasn’t because I thought I was better or that I could even be “the best”, but rather that I needed that title in order to feel worthy. If I wasn’t receiving praise from others, I felt like I didn’t belong; that I couldn’t be loved. I felt so much shame.

When I began my healing therapy journey, I was met with validation, compassion, and zero judgment. I will always remember that moment when my therapist said, “wow, that sounds really hard.” Those simple words suddenly took off years of pressure. No judgment existed from this therapist in regard to my experience. The hardship wasn’t interpreted as my fault. I was simply allowed to feel that hurt. In that moment, a weight was lifted, and I realized, maybe it was time to treat myself differently.

I started doing the work. I allowed feelings and memories of past experiences that I had pushed down for years to finally surface. I began reconnecting with my sense of purpose and who I was at my core. I started building healthy relationships and letting go of the ones that were harmful. I felt pretty grounded in who I was and excited about what the future held for me.

Becoming A Mother Changed Me

I was one of those kids that played “house” every chance I got and to much of everyone else’s exhaustion. I was thrilled when I became pregnant. Until the morning —okay really, all day, sickness hit. Nausea might be the greatest form of torture for me. I was SO confused. Had I not heard anyone else speak of feeling flu-ish for months when pregnant? What is this pregnancy glow everyone speaks of and why do I feel so sad all the time?

Pregnancy was hard for me. I had really high expectations that I was not able to meet. I had my first child at 33 weeks. A sweet, tiny peanut who stayed in the NICU for three weeks after he was born. He stole my heart and I would just stare at him thinking that I would do ANYTHING to help him thrive in this world. I was devastated that he had gotten such a rough start at life. And while everyone told me and science proved me otherwise, I felt like it was my fault. After all, it was my body that he wasn’t thriving in. And so there I was, losing myself in the pressure to do everything “right” as I desperately wanted to fix what went wrong for him.

Hello, postpartum anxiety. I was working HARD. But not in the kind of way that feels productive and fulfilling. My mind was reeling as I pictured every dangerous scenario that could possibly present itself to my baby. I was trying to do everything I could to make sure he would be safe in this world. I was constantly checking on him when he slept, always fearing that he may stop breathing. I would worry regularly about his health and read up on everything I could to try to best support his little body. I couldn’t let anyone else watch him, and when they did, I’d feel slightly panicked the entire time I was away.

You see, my anxiety convinced me that I had to be there and on guard all the time to make sure he was ok. My perfectionism told me that I couldn’t relax. I had to keep working hard and continue to ignore that need for sleep. I had to give it my all even if it interfered with my own well-being. Have you ever been there? Thinking you had to do it all and always on edge trying to achieve the impossible? If so, you must be tired. I was very tired.

I was on high alert for the first two years of this little guys life. And to be quite honest, sometimes I still am. When he gets sick, I’m pulled right back to those NICU days.

Motherhood is complex. It can be beautiful, fulfilling, and so precious while being exhausting, relentless, and terrifying. It’s very messy, and so, as a recovering perfectionist, there’s much about motherhood that rocks my boat. It is very much my passion and also challenges me at my core. I’ve learned to regularly check in with myself to make sure I am doing something for me because it is so easy to get lost in the needs of my children. Remember all of that therapeutic work I was doing before to take care of myself? Well that got a lot harder in motherhood, yet remains just as, if not more important. I’ve realized the value in taking care of me and pursuing my own individual endeavors as it not only improves my state of mind, but also the relationships in my life that I value.

What Clinical Area’s Lauren Works With The Most

Lauren MacKellar is a dedicated and experienced counselor in Gorham, Maine at Eastern Shore Counseling and is passionate about helping individuals navigate various challenges and mental health concerns. She specializes in several areas, focusing on providing effective support and guidance for those who need it the most. Here are some of the key specializations that Lauren is particularly passionate about:

Anxiety Treatment: Lauren has a deep understanding of anxiety and its various forms. Whether you're dealing with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or specific phobias, she is committed to helping you overcome these challenges through evidence-based treatments and personalized strategies.
Postpartum Depression (PPD): Lauren recognizes the unique struggles that come with motherhood, including postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety. She offers a compassionate and understanding approach to support mothers in their journey to recovery, providing them with the tools and resources needed to navigate this challenging time.

Postpartum Anxiety: Lauren also specializes in addressing postpartum anxiety, a condition that can affect new mothers. She provides a nurturing and empathetic environment to help mothers manage and alleviate their postpartum anxiety symptoms, allowing them to embrace motherhood with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Disordered Eating: Lauren specializes in working with individuals who are struggling with disordered eating patterns. She provides a safe and non-judgmental space to explore the underlying causes of disordered eating behaviors and supports clients in developing a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.

Lauren MacKellar is not only an anxiety counselor but also a therapist with a genuine commitment to helping individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. Her passion for these specializations drives her to provide effective and empathetic care to those seeking assistance in these areas. If you or a loved one is facing challenges related to anxiety, postpartum depression, or disordered eating, Lauren is here to offer the support and guidance needed to move towards a happier and healthier life.

What Is It Like Working With An Anxiety Therapist?

Validating

While everyone is unique in their experiences, I believe that my own experiences with anxiety, perfectionism, and motherhood have made it effortless to hold space and feel empathy for those of you who have felt similar struggles.

Focused and Present

I firmly believe that you don’t need to change to be loved, you just need to be. When you are able to accept and love who you are at your core, the changes you need to lead a fulfilling life will happen.

Challenging (in a good way)

We naturally want to stay in that comfortable space that we know so well. Yet often, that comfortable space is creating the issue at hand. I’ll want you to step into that discomfort. It’ll feel messy and confusing at times and oh so worth it. On the other side of that discomfort is empowerment. You deserve to feel at peace with yourself and you can get there. I’ll be there to hold that safe space for you along the way, reminding you that you can do it; reminding you that you are enough. I can’t wait to connect.

Get Started With Individual Therapy In Maine

Select Your Provider

Begin your counseling journey in Maine by choosing a therapist or coach who aligns with your needs and goals. Our team of experienced therapists, life coach and health coach are are here to help you find the right fit for the kind of support you need.

Schedule Free Intro Session

Schedule a complimentary 30min introductory session with the provider of your choosing to ensure they are a good fit for you. This initial consultation allows you to connect with your chosen provider, discuss your concerns, and explore how counseling can benefit you. We’re better together.

Feel Relief

In your complimentary 30min introductory session, you'll start your journey towards emotional well-being, understanding, and personal growth. You don’t have to keep doing this and hoping it just sorts itself out. We are really good at helping you reduce symptoms and start living life on your terms!

Please kindly note that eastern shore counseling is a sister company of sunshine city counseling. You’ll see sunshine city counseling as the main logo when booking so ensure you are scheduling for "eastern shore counseling” or “esc” either in person in Gorham, Maine or for online counseling. Thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Individual Therapy

Yes, individual therapy can be highly effective for addressing a wide range of mental health concerns and emotional challenges. It provides a confidential and supportive environment where you can work one-on-one with a trained therapist or counselor to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The effectiveness of individual therapy often depends on the individual's willingness to engage in the process and the therapeutic relationship formed with the therapist. Many people find that individual therapy helps them gain insight, develop coping skills, and achieve personal growth and healing.
Individual therapy encompasses various therapeutic approaches and techniques tailored to each person's unique needs and goals. Some common approaches to individual therapy include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and past experiences to gain insight into current issues.
Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes self-actualization, personal growth, and the development of a strong therapeutic relationship.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Utilizes mindfulness techniques to promote self-awareness and reduce stress.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Addresses the impact of trauma on mental health and well-being.
Therapists often use a combination of these approaches to create a customized treatment plan that aligns with an individual's specific needs and goals.
In individual therapy, you can expect a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with a trained professional. The therapist will actively listen, provide support, and help you gain insight into your challenges. Together, you and your therapist will work on setting goals, developing coping strategies, and exploring ways to improve your mental and emotional well-being. The frequency and duration of sessions can vary based on your needs and the therapeutic approach chosen.
The duration of individual therapy varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the nature of the issues being addressed, the individual's goals, and their progress in therapy. Some individuals may find relief and achieve their objectives in a relatively short period of time, such as a few weeks or months. Others may benefit from longer-term therapy that spans several months or even years, particularly when addressing complex or deeply rooted issues. Ultimately, the length of therapy is a collaborative decision between you and your therapist, with ongoing assessments to ensure that therapy remains effective and aligned with your evolving needs and goals.

What Mental Health Services Does Eastern Shore Counseling Offer?

Whether you are struggling with symptoms of anxiety, grief and loss, or looking for therapy for women, our counseling clinic in Gorham, Maine is here to support you. We provide in-office counseling sessions as well as online couples therapy, online life coaching and online health coaching. Schedule a complimentary 30min introductory session to ensure we are a good fit for you and the level of support you need in this season.

We’re better together.