Laura Copley
Laura Copley, Ph.D., is a trauma therapist, international speaker, & author of relationship self-help book “Loving You is Hurting Me.”
A woman on a mission, Laura offers her insight on healing complex trauma as a therapist, podcast host of “Tough Love with Dr. Laura Copley”, and at speaking engagements around the world.
Recently, she released her first book called “Loving You is Hurting Me,” a self-improvement book on trauma bonding that blends storytelling, psychoeducation, and powerful activities and strategies that lead to Post-Traumatic Growth.
Beyond her adventures in counseling, speaking, and writing, she returns to the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, where she is a mother to her little girl and golden retriever on her riverfront farmette overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Work Experience
- 2015 – current: Founder, Supervisor, and Counselor – Aurora Counseling & Well-Being, a trauma-informed private practice and training clinic for therapists also wanting to become trauma-informed.
- 2011 – 2015: Counselor and Clinic Supervisor – Penn State CEDAR Clinic, a counseling center for clients and training Masters-level clinicians
- 2007 – 2012: Counselor – Family Preservation Services
First- and Second-Author Publications
- Author of “Loving you is hurting me: A new approach to healing trauma bonds and creating authentic connection.” (link)
- Copley, L. A., & Daniels, A. D. (2023). How friendship predicts post-traumatic growth in emerging adults. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 44(2), 357–374.
- Copley, L. A., & Carney, J. (2020). Using Gestalt techniques to promote meaning making in trauma survivors. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, 59.
- Copley, L. A. (2015). Perceptions of corrective interpersonal experiences in promoting post-traumatic growth in a sample of college students [Doctoral dissertation, Penn State University].
Education & Degrees
- Doctorate in Counselor Education – Graduated in 2015 – The Pennsylvania State University
- Masters in Counseling – Graduated in 2010 – Eastern Mennonite University
- Bachelors in Psychology – Graduated in 2008 – James Madison University
- Certified Trauma Specialist – Completed in 2015 – The Ferentz Institute
A Personal Message From Laura
Well-meaning people can have toxic traits. Good people can become trauma bonded. My job is to help break the stigma and lead people to Post-Traumatic Growth.
– Laura
