Nice to meet you!
About Laura Vargas, MSW, LCSW
Grief & Life-Transition Therapist in Denver
Online Counseling in Colorado and Pennsylvania
Welcome
I’m Laura Vargas, a nationally-recognized licensed clinical social worker (MSW, LCSW), and I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adults navigating grief, life transitions, and complex emotions. I offer in-person therapy in Denver and online therapy across Colorado and Pennsylvania, so you can receive support wherever you feel most comfortable.
I became a therapist because I’ve always been deeply curious about people and their resilience. I believe every individual has the capacity to grow, heal, and reconnect with their strengths, even when it feels impossible. My goal is to help you tap into that resilience and find meaningful ways to move forward.
My Approach to Therapy
My work is client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I help clients understand their emotions and patterns while developing tangible strategies to cope with life’s challenges.
I draw from evidence-based approaches, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – for thought patterns and behavior change
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) – for emotional flexibility and values-aligned living
Emotion-Focused Therapy – to process complex emotions
Narrative Therapy – to reframe experiences and create empowering stories
Mindfulness-Based Techniques – to reduce stress and stay grounded
Complicated Grief Therapy & Meaning-Making Grief Therapy – to navigate and find meaning in loss
Solution-Focused Therapy – to identify goals and build actionable solutions
My style is warm, collaborative, and adaptable; therapy is always tailored to your needs and pace.
My Journey
I was born in Colombia and raised in the melting pot that is Miami, Florida. From a young age, I wanted to understand people deeply and help them access their inner strength.
I double-majored in Psychology and International Studies, with a minor in Social Work, at the University of Michigan. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and began my career at the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office.
I had the privilege of starting Philly HEALs, the first-ever holistic grief support program for individuals grieving deaths due to substance-related causes. Since then, I’ve worked with thousands of bereaved individuals, presented at national conferences, trained clinicians, consulted with organizations, and been featured on podcasts and other media platforms.
These experiences shape how I approach therapy today, combining deep respect for each person’s journey with evidence-based strategies that help you heal, grow, and thrive.
I also work as an Adjunct Professor at University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work and as the Director of Outreach Programs for Peer Support Community Partners, focusing on expanding peer grief support through the United States.
Who I Work With
I support adults in Colorado and Pennsylvania navigating:
Grief and loss
Major life transitions (career, identity, immigration, relationships)
Anxiety, stress, or overwhelm
Caregiver or professional burnout
A desire to better understand themselves and their emotions
Whether you’re experiencing a sudden loss or long-standing challenges, therapy with me is a safe, collaborative space to explore your emotions, identify your strengths, and build practical tools for resilience.
A Personal Note
I now live in Denver with my husband and our beloved dog, Rocky. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, exploring Colorado’s natural beauty, connecting with my Latin heritage, and traveling the world. Pausing to marvel at nature and human resilience inspires how I approach therapy and supports the work I do with clients every day.
Certifications
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania
Member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC)
Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (Evergreen Certification, July 2020)
Certified Trauma Treatment Specialist (Evergreen Certification, November 2020)
Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (University of Pennsylvania, August 2018)