Laura Merrill Jochai, M.S., LPC, NCC. CCMHC (480) 296-2025 ext 237
CYCLES OF LIFE COUNSELING
Cycles of Life Counseling
Acknowledging change, personal seasons of life, and allowing help with and through them. Even a well-lived life -- hard work, careful planning, being organized, doing everything “right”, even privilege, naturally comes with change, sometimes planned, sometimes exactly NOT planned. Adjusting can be or feel beyond our ability, emotional training or stamina. Our “fitness” has not kept up to meet that need. For these times -- in the words of Brene’ Brown, "love yourself enough”. Love yourself enough to get the help you need to move through difficult and uncomfortable feelings, significant life events, and discover who you are from another perspective with renewed sense of self and purpose.
Therapy Services
In -office and tele-therapy. I like working with individuals, couples, and families who have experienced various forms of change in their lives, planned or unexpected, even those we chose or we celebrate. I like helping people cope better with change, adjustment issues, relationship challenges, loss, grief, illness and chronic pain, and working through and improve sense-of-self, identity, and self-esteem, with more joy, humor, and purpose. Working together, strengths-to-strengths, we find value, meaning, and context to life.
Cycles
The name, Cycles of Life, recognizes the developmental life cycle and life span, seasons, and the continuous nature of cycles, and underscores and informs life, living systems. I draw from this in my view of the human experience and treatment philosophy. One that acknowledges and honors the fact that systems in nature are not perfectly linear, but are imperfect, changing, inter-connected. One affects and is affected by the other. As such, I approach treatment from a holistic perspective, integrating evidence-based practices through a solutions-focused and narrative perspective in the context of mind, body, spirit. Although I take a here-and-now approach, a holistic perspective naturally brings to light causal and past influences that may weave itself in and through the process of discovery and healing.
Living well with and through life events, changes, and pain
Treatment Philosophy
My treatment philosophy is that people want to feel good and live well and with purpose. Sometimes though, life can feel too big to manage. Sometimes we feel stuck or unable to adjust when "life happens", We may have not learned a better way to cope or live well with or through challenges. Add to that, frustration and disappointment over feeling this way and we feel even worse. Sometimes people have simply not known another way to 'be’ in the world, to live more fully, with emotional freedom.
A Bit About Me
- Laura has a genuine curiosity about people and it shows through her approachability and interest in others. An attentive listener, she naturally puts others at ease through an unselfconscious openness, one in which others often say, they feel accepted, not judged.
Connecting with others and helping others feel comfortable ‘in their own skin’, is very simply who I am. I do not think in terms of people being “right” or “wrong,” good or bad. I value an opportunity to help people discover their true nature and live with greater joy, humor, and purpose. Working together, strengths-to-strengths, we find value, meaning, and context to life.
Earning trust in a naturally nonjudgmental climate is vital for me, as it helps create a therapeutic alliance – critical for healing, for change and discovering and recovering your true nature, your "best self".
Financial
Financial and confidentiality features to counseling
Advantages to self or private pay are the privacy you are afforded around treatment, record keeping, and those who access your records, even with your consent. Effectively, “You are free to exercise your right to talk with or consult with a therapist, and there is no reason to carry a diagnostic code because you wanted to exercise that right” (Zuckerman, 2008, p. 47). You may request a diagnostic evaluation, and that is also your right.
For self or private pay clients, the clinician is not required to document a psychiatric diagnostic code. On the other hand, insurance companies require the clinician to document and provide diagnostic codes. The message presented here about the benefits of not using insurance, is in no way testimony to or a reflection of this clinician’s judgement around mental health difficulties, diagnoses, and care for one’s mental health and well-being. On the contrary, this therapist has sought to help reduce stigma around mental health. This therapist fully supports good mental hygiene, and encourages self-care, love, and responsibility to feel and live well with and through transitive and on-going problems. The message here about the advantages of self and private pay reflects the challenges around insurance, managed mental health care, and the stigma that remains.
Source:
Zuckerman, E. (2008). The Paper Office.
NBCC
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Laura Jochai
Client Feedback
Reviews - For additional reviews see YELP listing: Cycles of Life Counseling
April C
Laura Jochai is simply amazing. She has helped me so much. You know she really cares about you and your problems. I highly recommend this place for your mental health care and especially her.
Angela M
Words can't express the gratitude I feel for Laura Jochai and all the work she has done with me. When I first started seeing her, i was in the midst of a major shakeup in life. Immediately I felt GENUINE support and for the first time truly understood and seen for who i am. I can’t emphasize enough how huge this was for me. I have a masters in counseling and had been in therapy before so while I was hopeful, I was also skeptical that she could truly help me. Truth be told, I was starting to give up on the whole effectiveness of therapy. Turns out therapy does make a difference! The caveat is finding the right fit and Laura was finally the right fit! I think what is so special about her is her complete lack of ego. She doesn’t pretend to know it all and tell you what is wrong like I have encountered with other therapists. It is a partnership. She helped me to see my strengths, have compassion for myself and the process as I dig through the trenches and finally poke through beliefs and behaviors that weren’t serving the best of me. While I am no where near perfect and I now see her a lot less (the whole point right??) I also know she is always there if I need her. I could go on and on about all the things she has done but for you, it most likely will be different. All I can say is if you try her for a few sessions, you will see what I am saying and before you know it, you will start to finally heal your wounds and slowly transform in ways you never thought possible.
Cecile H
I met with Laura at Lifeline Counseling in Chandler, AZ, weekly for 1-2 years. Two words for Laura: Great coach! She was always cheering me on, a consistent and constant encourager. She has gifts of encouragement and emotional healing way beyond simply skills. She inspired me with courage and confidence throughout the sessions to keep on moving forward. Thanks, Laura, for the positive, life-changing counseling sessions!
Jordan S
One of my famous tag lines is, "it took my ten years to waltz into counseling," and in those ten years of waiting, I know now the significance of, "all things in time" because without the waiting, I would have never stumbled into Laura's office. I've spent many years being the "person" to my friends, family and peers--fielding their worries and doing my best to lend help in times of need. Though I had success I never realized the art of new tools, opened eyes and the grace of challenging what you think you know. These are just a few of the tools Laura has given to me in only a year. I was arguably the same person I am today when I walked into her office a year ago, but I navigate the world 100% differently and I have her heart to thank. I know quite a few people who have been in or are currently in therapy and I am usually offended by how little their therapists actually invest in them. Maybe I am spoiled with Laura, I would say I am, but I can honestly say if all therapists were like her the mental health field would undoubtedly be given the respect it deserves. In no small way, she has saved my life.
Keith
I have been going to Kentucky Counseling Center for over a year now and have had only positive interactions and results. Laura has been a great therapist. She listens to what is going on with you and helps guide you along the right path. She gave me her personal number in case I ever need to talk or if I am having issues. She will be there for you if you need her and will help you by giving you the tools you need to succeed.
Not only is Laura a great therapist but the entire staff is compassionate and friendly. Just like physical health, mental health is a process. You have to do the work to see progress. I highly recommend Laura and Kentucky Counseling Center for anyone who is having issues or just wants to better themselves.
try again.
Charolette S
I highly recommend Laura from the Richmond Counseling Center. I went to this center to help me with changes that where happening in my life and with other issues.
By my 3rd visit I was astonished by how quick she was to recover the the issue inside of me to help me get my mind focused on the right track.
She is easy to talk to and very understanding. She does not judge you in any way. Highly intelligent and spirited women.
Momma T
I have been going to KCC for a few months now. I have been seeing Laura and she has really helped me work through the stressful and overwhelming situations I am in at this time in my life. She has been very helpful in teaching me coping skills to manage stress and to deal with specific issues. I am so grateful to have her as an ally and a resource during this time. I have never once felt judged, and consistently felt supported by her.
The other staff at KCC have always been helpful, kind, and considerate in every way. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone needing help.
Amanda D
During a very difficult time I reached out to KCC, with in 3 business days I had an appointment scheduled with Laura. During the 6 months I have been seeing her I have not one negative thing to say about her or KCC. From the very first session she gave me her personal number and told me to call or text any time. We have laughed together and cried together. She was very upfront about the process of healing, it takes time and she has shown me so many coping skills. We go at my pace, her patience is outstanding and her genuine desire to help just fills the atmosphere. On the days I can't seem to stop talking, she listens..and on the days I just can't find the words, she finds them for me. Laura has been a blessing to me, and also to the people around me. She has helped me become me again.
Mary M
I've been going to KCC (Laura) for several months. It has saved my life! I feel safe to freely express myself with Laura. I finally feel hopeful again! I highly recommend KCC. Everyone is so friendly , patient, compassionate and genuinely sincere! So glad I found Kentucky Counseling Center!
Michelle
So happy we reached out to KCC. We were scheduled with Laura and, upon meeting her, knew we'd made the right decision immediately by coming there. We drive approximately an hour and a half for the appointments (one way), which in itself speaks volumes. Laura is highly professional, connects with the client in a way I've personally not seen from many professional therapists. She invests herself in the client and allows the client to reach out to her, if needed, beyond their scheduled appointment times. I could go on for ages regarding the abilities this woman has, but I'll simply end with there's no one else I could recommend more highly than her and KCC. KCC by far exemplifies what a mental health outpatient treatment center should be!
Salena H
All the staff are very kind and the offices are very nice. I have been going to counseling for a few years now and I have seen to quite a few counselors at different places. Until I came here no one I saw gave me skills or even tried to help teach me ways to handle things. I see Laura and she is a blessing! She has given me skills to help me. She is very thoughtful and caring. I would recommend her in a heartbeat! From the first time I saw her I felt comfortable around her. Every time I have an appmt with her I learn more. I have NEVER left an appointment feeling like it was a waste of time like I had done with my previous counselors and therapists. I also see Rhonda and she is so kind and thoughtful each time I see her. I cant say THANK YOU enough to each of you!!!
Linda W
Very wonderful staff, they are so nice and inviting, no judgement, only kind compassionate help. They are there not only for their patient but also for their patient's family to help make sure that above all else their patient is taken well care of. Love this office so much and would highly recommend Ky counseling center to anyone and everyone.
In specific it is Laura that my younger sister, who I have custody of, takes care of. Laura is always so calming to her, so soothing, so able to hone in on what she needs each week to live her best life ever, and I couldn't be more grateful.
Jordan T
I actually ended my therapy with [another therapist], and have been struggling to find a counselor that works well for me. So I just wanted to say thank you so much for changing my life, and [you] helped me learn what it means to change and grow as a person. I really appreciate all that you did for my life. I always looked forward to every session with you and never knew what it felt like to not want to go to counseling until you left. So thank you so much Laura, you have seriously done miracles in my life and I appreciate you.
Kathy S
*Laura this is Jason’s mother. I wanted to write you months ago but the pain in my heart kept me from sending you this message. Jason had a motorcycle accident xxxxx that took his life. I wanted to let you know that the sessions you had with him during his counseling must have made a huge impact on his decisions to stop using drugs. He was clean and working every day. We had our son back thanks to you and his choice to be the man he had lost along the way.
He spent the rest of his days working at our motorcycle shop, made some wonderful friends that we all spent time with and his life was filled with good things! xxxxxxxxxx
He really liked the person you were and felt a connection with you after the first visit. Jason was a very intelligent man with a huge heart and love for his family. He built some very good relationships with our group of friends and that had always been hard for him to do before.
His love for his children kept him from divorcing his wife years ago so they were getting along very well and rebuilding their relationship.
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, very few every come back after using drugs for years and the drug that he had used could have been the one that took him down a path of destruction but he stood back up and made the choice to stay clean. I know that you had a lot to do with his decisions to be that man. We had so much work here and he wanted to call you and thank you but I don't know if he ever did that so thank you from him and his entire family!
Our loss has been extremely hard on all of us, we lost a great son, wonderful father and friend. My relationship with him was one of love, truth and honor. I could have never dreamed that he would die that day but I thank God he was better and the drugs didn't win.
I would love to have a few sessions with you because this loss has almost destroyed me. We had a bond beyond that of mother and son. He was my friend that I enjoyed laughter with, I have cried with him and he was the one that I shared my troubles with so I am a very lost mother now, even though I have two other children it’s hard to move forward without him here now.
Thank you Laura for the kindness you shared with my son.
Kathy S
*Message edited/altered for confidentiality
M.E.G.
* Laura absolutely changed my life. I had never wanted to seek out therapy because I am stubborn and felt like I could always solve my problems myself. But after moving to a new city during a pandemic, being thrust into a horrendous job market after graduation, and ignoring years of unaddressed trauma...I hit a wall. I was completely unmotivated, lonely (seeing as I had left all of my friends at home) and quite frankly discouraged/depressed. I finally decided I needed help and I went searching for a therapist. The minute I emailed Laura she made me feel so comfortable and little did I know that I was going to find not only a therapist but what felt like a life coach and cheerleader. She ALWAYS made me feel competent, poised, and capable of tackling my demons that I had been ignoring forever. I NEVER felt judged by her and I always felt completely accepted and safe. I truly can’t recommend her enough because she is just an absolute gem. If you’re on the fence about therapy because you’ve had bad experiences in the past, this is your sign to GO FOR IT. You will not regret it and I already feel like I’m back to myself and it only took finding an outlet to be heard and understood. She’s without a doubt the best person to have in your corner and I couldn’t be more grateful to have met her! *
M. O.
I just wanted to say thank you for the time we spent together. It was really helpful to me. Even though we are not continuing our sessions at this time, I found you to be very encouraging and intuitive. I really appreciate you and realize that you care very much for your clients. Thank you for your time and consideration of me. I learned a few things that are helping me, and I will continue to read the book we started together. I am going to pursue a professional business coach at this time, but if I need more counseling in the future, I may come back to you if that’s ok. Thanks again.
Carla G
Thank you for supporting my mental health & helping me become a more confident, strong, and clear person. These past two years (2021 and 2022) have been difficult for me but you helped me navigate conflict, understand my values in life, and stay calm during uncertainty. Thank you. Carla
Carly S.
I went to Laura Jochai for 3 years in the middle of huge chaos in my life and she gave me a place to feel safe and heard. Her motivation and advice honestly changed my life. I don’t know where I would be in my life if I hadn’t gone to her for counseling and feel so grateful for her kind words and advice. My mindset and mental health has undergone a complete positive change and it is largely due to her services. I highly recommend her for people trying to take charge of their mental health!
Cathy C.
Thank you for your help in navigating situations in this thing we call 'life'. I am deeply grateful that I was able to meet and work on with you! For this, I am truly blessed!
Kathy H.
Sending my sincerest thanks for my visits with you. It really helped me!