LAura Kessler, Post-Doctoral Intern

Laura Kessler, is a limited permit psychologist and post-doctoral intern at Brooklyn Heights Behavioral Psychology Associates. She is also a New York State certified school psychologist. Her interests are in evidence based practice such as Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma, women's health, LGBTQIA health, and mindfulness.

Laura has extensive experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychological evaluation. Her passion for helping others and mental wellness has allowed her to practice psychology in diverse settings. Laura worked with teenagers and adults in psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings at Stony Brook University and Hospital. There she practiced evidenced based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Unified Protocol (UP), and Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP).  Through Stony Brook University Consortium Externship Program, Laura received extensive training and provided therapy for groups and individuals. Laura also worked with families, adults, and adolescents as a psychology intern in forensic and trauma clinics at Hofstra University. For several years, Laura trained as a school psychologist and provided psychological services to neurodivergent and neurotypical students in New York.

 In 2015, Laura studied mindfulness practices with The Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhist monks in a Tibetan refugee monastery. Through Emory University's Tibet Science Initiative, Laura was immersed in the intersectionality of Western research and Tibetan Buddhist mindfulness practices. Laura has used this knowledge to further her understanding and practices of mindfulness in psychology and mental wellness. She developed and taught mindfulness and emotional regulation courses at a domestic violence shelter. She also served as the Behavioral Science Advisor for Source Wellness which worked with major technology companies to increase employee wellbeing and decrease discrimination.

 Laura's recent research focused on healing from sexual trauma in women. Laura's research experience began as a research assistant in Dr. Scott Lilienfeld's lab at Emory University. From there she did research at multiple NYC hospitals and institutions including, New York University School of Medicine, Bellevue Hospital, and the Bronx Veterans Affair Medical Hospital.

 Laura received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience from Emory University. Her doctoral education was at Hofstra University where she received her Master of Science degree in psychology, her advanced certificate in school and community psychology, and will be receiving her Doctorate Degree in school and community psychology.