Laura Schmidt

About Laura Schmidt

I’ve worked as a family systems therapist for over 26 years—from Syracuse, NY, to Spokane, WA. I’m deeply committed to doing my own internal work and supporting healing professionals to become as self-aware, clear, confident and proficient as possible. As an Approved Internal Family Systems (IFS) Clinical Consultant and AAMFT Approved Supervisor, I maintain a private practice, lead international online clinical consultation groups, and in-person workshops and retreats. I’ve worked with over 300 consultees spanning 30 countries and 19 time zones in my online groups the past five years. My IFS foundation was built working individually with IFS Founder, Dr. Richard Schwartz. I maintain my own regular therapy and supervision with IFS Lead Trainers, assist in IFS Level 1 & 2 trainings, co-facilitate an eating disorder consultation group with Lead Trainer, Mary Kruger, LMFT. I served as sole Faculty Assistant to Dick Schwartz at the Cape Cod Institute in \'21 & \'22. My career as a therapist began as a Wilderness Instructor in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of CA. After shifting to indoor, sedentary clinical work with families impacted by sexual trauma and disordered eating, after a decade I found myself burned out and discouraged. Fortunately, discovering IFS in 2008 kept me in the field, as my caregiving parts learned to relax and trust my Self to lead and heal. IFS and Mindful Self Compassion practices also carried me through a bewildering decade recovering from an invisible traumatic brain injury and navigating the chronic challenges of another hidden health issue, rheumatoid arthritis. My familiarity with long-term social isolation and remote learning became the catalyst to expand my professional focus to serve a wider, global IFS community online. I identify as a white, cis, hetero, married, childfree woman. I\'m committed to DEI through reflective awareness, ongoing conversations, and taking responsibility for my undeserved privileges. As a lifelong athlete and former professional road cyclist, I replenish year-round adventuring in nature. My Managers most fully relax off the grid, and I bring that renewed Self energy to my clients, groups and teaching. Students say they appreciate my energy, presence, vulnerability and the connection and safety I create. I’ve lived throughout the US, Canada, Germany, Italy and call Eastern Washington home, unceded land of the Spokane tribe, Children of the Sun.Stay connected and be the first to receive registration updates and parts reflections in my Sunday Pause mailing at

Experience

1. Internal Family Systems Institute Program Assistant

   Ifs Institute

   Aug 2018 — Present

Education

• Syracuse University

  M.A.

  1997 — 1999

• Wheaton College

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)