Laura Langley, LMFT
Director
Laura holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA and an MA in Clinical Psychology (MFT Emphasis) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Irvine, CA. Laura began her career as a sexual assault crisis counselor for Sexual Assault Victim Services in Orange County. She provided crisis counseling for the 24-hour hotline and advocacy services for victims.
Laura also worked as an advocate at Laura’s House, an emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence. There she provided crisis counseling to residents as well as facilitating intakes and assessments, enforcing emergency shelter policies and procedures, managing and training interns and volunteers, and providing conflict resolution with residents.
During her practicum, Laura provided therapy at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Counseling Center for individuals, families and couples. Upon graduation she moved into a role as a behavioral case manager for Benchmark Transitions in Redlands, CA. She provided case management as well as facilitating groups, family sessions, and developing curriculum for behavioral and dual-diagnosis clients.
Laura completed her internship at PACE Recovery in Newport Beach, CA working as a trauma therapist. She developed curriculum for their IOP program while maintaining an individual caseload and facilitating groups.
Laura went on to work at Hoag Hospital facilitating the EIOP (Evening Intensive Outpatient) program for chemical dependency. She developed group curriculum and provided group and individual therapy.
Laura’s areas of expertise are working with addiction, trauma, anxiety/panic disorders, dual-diagnosis, and relationship difficulties. She uses a blend of psychodynamic, humanistic, and existential modalities with an emphasis on developing mindfulness and increasing distress tolerance and emotional regulation.
Nicholas Prelesnik, AMFT
Associate Therapist
Nick has a BA in English and coursework towards a California Teaching Credential through California State University, San Bernardino. He was certified as a substance abuse counselor through San Bernardino Valley College. As an associate marriage and family therapist, he has a Masters in Psychology from Brandman University.
After graduating from college, Nick worked in special education. He spent 11 years as a public high school teacher. His experience in teaching high school makes him well versed in working adolescents and understanding the struggles of the formative years.
For the last 9 years, he has worked in substance abuse at dual diagnosis facilities. This has given him an intuitive sense for curriculum development and group facilitation. Nick’s practicum was at a community mental health clinic serving veterans and their families.
Nick is 12 years sober and his experience in recovery and working in substance abuse allows him a keen understanding of the underlying issues which allow substance abuse disorders to develop and manifest.
Nick is also versed in working with the LGBTQ community, and understanding the nuances and struggle this brings with acceptance, even in a world which appears to be more accepting. His understanding of PTSD and associated treatments was essential to his work with veterans.
Nick is anchored in mindfulness techniques and helping clients to come to an understanding of brain functioning and how to build bridges to healthy functioning. He uses mindfulness behavioral therapy, solution focused, narrative therapy, and a humanistic approach.
Physical exercise and the outdoors are an important part of his life and spiritual connection. He has participated in endurance training programs in conjunction with AIDS Project Los Angeles and the Los Angeles LGBTQ Center. He enjoys hiking, running, and biking.
Heather Iannone, AMFT
Associate Therapist
Heather has a BA in English from the University of San Diego. She worked as a writer for some years. Heather moved into working in behavioral health with foster children. She also worked with an international personal and professional seminar company. Heather went on to achieve a Masters degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University where she specialized in working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Working with the Los Angeles LGBT Center during her practicum and as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Heather realized her passion for working with folx who identify outside of the binary. She was a co facilitator there working with a group of trans masculine humans. Moving into private practice Heather has worked with many couples within the community as well. She is versed in working with folx on their gender journeys, exploring their sexuality, working with addictive behaviors, trauma, depression and anxiety. She has also worked with Casa Bella Recovery Services, a dual diagnosis treatment center. Heather has worked with individuals with various addictive coping skills and has herself been sober since 2015.
Community service has been a passion for Heather since her first mission trip the Mexico at the age of fifteen. Building houses, providing food and fundraising have been some of the ways she has been of service. Heather has learned immeasurably from kids from villages in Peru, orphanages in Indonesia and schools in Thailand and Fiji. She has been a part of Operation Hope remaking schools in the US and Project Greatest Day through PSI Seminars where she brought Thanksgiving and Christmas to families in need.
Heather works mainly from a narrative perspective using mindfulness as an anchor. She describes working with her like going on a road trip where her clients are driving. Together we visit where we were, the old story, and where we want to go, the preferred narrative. Of course, Heather makes sure clients stop for fuel and maintenance along the way.
“Animals are my favorite”, confesses Heather. She has four dogs who have been known to make appearances during her telehealth sessions with clients. She’s a big fan of The Gentle Barn, a rescue farm which serves at risk youth by telling the animal’s stories and carrying the message of resilience and healing.