Laura Azoni, LMSW is the Founder and Therapist behind Sanctuary Services, a trauma-focused practice rooted in presence, connection, and long-term healing. Her work spans direct trauma therapy and intensives, organizational crisis response, speaking and training engagements, and the stewardship of scholarship funds through a long-standing partnership with Abide Ministries. She is also the host of It’s Kinda Heavy, a podcast creating space for honest conversations about trauma, recovery, and the complexity of being human, and the creator of resources designed to support both clients and professionals.
For over 17 years, Laura has served individuals, families, professionals, and communities navigating the impact of trauma, with a clinical approach that centers the nervous system, relationships, and real-world integration. She holds national certifications in Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR (S.A.F.E.) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and is trained in Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) and Trauma + Resiliency in Education. Her work also includes direct experience in mass violence incident (MVI) response and recovery, supporting both individuals and systems in the aftermath of crisis.
What People Are Saying
"For many years, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Laura's 'treatment community,’ and witnessing through our conversations her compassion and understanding of the impact of adversity and trauma on the lives of those she serves. Laura's skillful use of the most effective trauma treatments, including TF-CBT, is matched and strengthened by her creativity and genuine enthusiasm to help children and their families heal and grow.”
Connie Black-Pond, MA, LMSW, LPC, Co-founder and retired Clinical Director of the Southwest Michigan Children’s Trauma Assessment Center, TF-CBT Developer Trained Supervisor
“Being a foster parent can be a scary thing, but it can be so much scarier for the foster child. Having someone help my foster children find their voice in this process was an amazing gift. Laura Azoni was that person for us! She taught them age appropriate coping mechanisms. She helped me understand their emotional needs when I couldn’t figure out what brought on certain behaviors, and in the end, she helped each of us prepare for the loss and hope that is reunification. I would highly recommend Laura to anyone looking for counseling from someone that cares about our kids as much as we do!”
Previous client
“We have worked with Laura to help our adopted son process trauma and promote attachment and healing. Laura established a relationship built on trust. I appreciated her ability to work with our family as a whole to create stronger relationships and understanding. She provided excellent resources and had great clinical insight to help us work through some of the issues we encountered. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a therapist with a strong background in trauma therapy.”
Previous Client
“Laura is a skilled, graceful, and respectful practitioner. She is not afraid to engage in hard things to help others move to good solutions. She is also a creative problem solver. Laura will be an asset wherever she chooses to operate.”
Mary Vail Ware, Senior Director, Justice and Victim Services, Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC)
“Laura is knowledgeable and relatable. She demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of trauma and was conscientious in her delivery of sensitive content. Her energy, pace and tone kept staff engaged and encouraged participation..”
Erika Ferrell, Training Facilitator, Spectrum Child & Family Services
“Laura’s passion is children and families. She is dedicated to providing the best interventions available to support the well being of children and families. Knowing Laura for the past [fourteen] years, I have been tremendously impressed with her commitment to learn and implement evidence based and evidence supported interventions that provide the best opportunities for children to heal from trauma and adversity. I highly recommend Laura as a clinician, because you can be assured that she is a healer, utilizing the most effective interventions to help children and families reach their human and familial potential.”
James Henry, PhD, Co-founder and Project Director at the Southwest Michigan Children’s Trauma Assessment Center & Social Work Professor