Laura Orsatti Weissflog is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, NeuroAffective Relational Model ® Practitioner, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), psychotherapist and counselor working with individuals & families. She maintains a private practice in Chester Springs (Village of Eagle), PA.
With over 22 years of experience as a therapist, and as a graduate of University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Psychiatric-Mental Health Master's program, Laura obtained specialized training in Family Systems theory and additional coursework in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Laura incorporates various theoretical models into her work with clients. She welcomes clients experiencing a variety of symptoms, and approaches each client individually and empathetically.
Through her most recent and ongoing training focused on trauma and stress-related events, Laura engages with each client through a more holistic lens. At least 25% of the population having experienced some type of traumatic event, and by the age of 45 most people have suffered at least one such experience. A sensitive approach towards each client and their trauma is paramount. Among her areas of expertise are trauma, stress, anxiety, panic, and depression. Clients presenting with physical health issues most likely are experiencing some ongoing stressful circumstances. One or more stressful events may also have contributed to their body's response. Laura will work with each of her clients incorporating various mindfulness, grounding and somatic techniques to assist with increasing their capacity for tolerance and to promote healing.
Laura is a trauma-informed therapist and has completed a three-year training program to become a Somatic Experiencing® practitioner (SEP). This training is based upon the work of Peter Levine, the author of Waking the Tiger and Freedom from Pain, among other trauma-related works. Learn more about this type of trauma treatment traumahealing.org/about-us/#about
Laura has also completed a one year training program called the NeuralAffective Relational Model (NARM®) to become a NARM® practitioner. Laura continues to expand her NARM skills by continuing her education through ongoing NARM Master level training to deepen her knowledge and expertise with this model. This advanced clinical training is for mental health practitioners who work with complex trauma. Individuals who may have experienced attachment, relational, or developmental trauma that have impacted their identity, emotions, physiology, biology, and relationships will benefit from this approach. Learn more about this type of trauma treatment https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/what-is-narm/?kuid=383d9a3b-885a-4448-81b1-0e6df95d1b43&kref=https%3A%2F%2Fcomplextraumatrainingcenter.com%2F
Laura is very open, approachable, and non-judgmental. She takes a real and very interactive approach to helping her clients explore what they most want for themselves, and begin to understand what old patterns or strategies might be getting in the way of achieving these deep desires. Through the use of the NARM model, clients are able to experience organic change towards increasing their happiness and having the kind of life and relationships they've always wanted. Laura's training as a nurse practitioner and psychotherapist have prepared her to provide additional education to her clients so they will have a better understanding of their current situation and why they may be experiencing difficulties. A brief look at a client's family history and life experiences will provide necessary insight to better understand a person's behaviors and responses. Laura listens with complete attention, using an open and honest approach that her clients say allow for them to find her very easy to talk to and share just about anything.
Specialized Training
NARM® Master Level Training (Heller & Kammer) 2022 - ongoing
NeuralAffective Relational Model (NARM®) (Kammer) 2021-2022
Touch Skills Training for Trauma Therapists (Kain) 2021-2022
BASE 1 Training - Relational Body Work and Somatic Education (Berger) 2020
Somatic Narrative and the Viscera (Kain) 2020
Somatic Experiencing® (Levine):
Beginning Level 1,2,3 (Galloway) 2015
Intermediate Level 1,2,3 (Galloway) 2016
Advanced Level 1,2 (Kain & Galloway) 2017
EMDR & Attachment-Focused EMDR™(Curran/Parnell)
Brainspotting ™ Level 1 (Grande)
PREPARE/ENRICH© Facilitator (Pre-marital/Marital) Prolonged Exposure Therapy (Foa) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Beck) Psychopharmacology
Publications
· Weissflog, LO. Post-traumatic stress disorder: understanding through better understanding of symptoms. ADVANCE for Nurses. http://nursing.advanceweb.com/Continuing-Education/CE-Articles/Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder.aspx
· Williams, MT, Davis, D, Powers, MB, Weissflog LO. Current Trends in Prescribing Medications for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Best Practices and New Research. Directions in Psychiatry 01/2014; 34(4):247-261.
Professional Activities and Memberships
Alvernia University Undergrad Psychology Practicum site (2016-2017, 2020-21)
American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)
Past President 2007-2009 Southeastern PA Chapter APNA
Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society Xi chapter
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Psychiatric CRNP MSN program clinical practicum instructor (2010-2018)
Villanova University School of Nursing BSN Psychiatric rotation clinical instructor (2017)
License, Certifications & Awards
Board Certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner across the lifespan
Pennsylvania Licensed Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pennsylvania Licensed Registered Nurse
Education
Post-Master's Certificate: Nurse Practitioner: Family Psychiatric focus-University of South Alabama-2004
Masters of Science Nursing: Advanced Practice Clinical Specialist-Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Child & Adolescent Focus-University of Pennsylvania-2002
Bachelors of Science Nursing: Immaculata College-1998
Associates of Science Nursing: Gwynedd-Mercy College-1987