Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurin Sondergaard.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, I had the privilege of being just 14 months younger than my sister Brittney, but unfortunately, her health issues associated with Downs Syndrome led to many nights at the hospital. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect and admiration for medical professionals. When I started college, I initially thought that becoming a nurse anesthetist was my calling. As I progressed toward this goal, I realized that I prefer small groups and more vulnerable interactions with patients unrestrained by 15 minute increments we were often limited to.
After living in Brazil for a short period, where I embarked on a spiritual journey and experienced physical isolation and soul searching, I discovered my passion for the field of psychology and counseling therapy. My research led me to the Medical Family Therapy specialty (MedFT), which combined my interests in the medical and mental health worlds. I was fortunate to be selected as one of the few students to be in the program, and during this time, I developed a passion for working with pediatric patients and their families as well as collaborative healthcare.
Upon graduation, I was thrilled to secure a job at a local medical center in my small town. However, the discriminatory administrative environment left me with no choice but to create my own path. On a drive home from St.George, my sister asked me what I would do if I knew I wouldn’t fail. I said I would have my own clinic, where clinicians could work and not be in fear of experiencing what I had gone through. I reached out to successful clinicians in private practice, and with support from my loved ones, and many late nights, I started Connections Family Wellness. As the business grew, it became time for partnership and Ashley Fischer became an integral piece to this growth and expanding our company vision.
Today, we own and operate multiple clinics throughout Utah, providing telehealth services to clients across the state. Our company provides a supportive environment for our clinicians to avoid burnout and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When we are doing something that aligns with our true calling, it’s amazing how things fall into place. I believe that this is the case for anyone who is willing to work hard, stay focused, and believe in themselves.
Of course, there were times when I had to dig deep, soul-search, and push myself out of my comfort zone. But even in those tough moments, I knew that I was on the right path and that there was a higher purpose guiding me.
After taking my first post-graduate job, I was faced with significant discrimination and harassment by those much higher in rank. This forced me to take a deep look into what I would/would not accept into my life. I knew that I couldn’t subject myself to these circumstances and raise daughters to do differently. I needed to stand up and not accept this. For them. And then for me.
It was during these challenging moments that my husband and I had deep conversations about the future and the kind of world we wanted to raise our daughters in. Leaving that toxicity behind was a pivotal moment for me, and I haven’t looked back since.
I am grateful for the sense of peace, confidence, fulfillment and purpose I now have, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of others through my work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
www.cfamilywellness.com and instagram @connectionsmft.
The business is called Connections Family Wellness Sondergaard & Fischer. We are a clinician-owned Mental health and wellness company that provides mental health services for individuals, couples, children, and families.
What sets us apart from others is our focus on clinician wellness and creating a supportive, collaborative work environment for our team.
We offer a variety of services including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, play therapy, EMDR trauma treatment, as well as group therapy sessions and educational workshops. Our team includes licensed therapists with specialized training and experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families.
We take a holistic approach to therapy, considering not just the psychological factors but also the physical and environmental factors that can impact a person’s mental health. Our goal is to help clients feel empowered and supported in their journey toward healing and growth. We offer physical wellness through massage, and reiki energy work as well as mental health and trauma recovery through therapy support. Overall, we are most proud of our commitment to providing high-quality, personalized care to each of our clients. We strive to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions and work towards their goals.
We offer courses on our website and this library of resources is always growing. We also have a shop on the website sharing some of our top recommendations for families and individuals to find therapeutic support and our favorite things.
My personal specialty is in a unique approach called Medical Family Therapy (MedFT), which combines mental health and medical perspectives to treat a wide range of issues that affect individuals and families. I currently love working with women in life transitions, young adults finding themselves and their way in the world, and individuals managing symptoms of OCD. I have loved working in pediatrics and continue this by training new field clinicians in Universities near and far across the US.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe that my ability to connect with others and prioritize my relationships is the most important characteristic of my success. Growing up, my mom always described me as someone who was fiercely loyal. As a big sister, I have always been very protective of those I care about. I’ve also been inspired by the way my mom has always put her family first, my husband’s kindness, and my business partner’s fire for hard work.
As a clinician, I understand the importance of attachment connection and believe that it is vital to finding peace and confidence. For me, the connection is everything. I am fueled by my connections and I take pride in spending time genuinely caring for others in both my work and personal life. I know that this dedication to building strong relationships will always lead me to success.
It is in Brittney’s honor that the CFW heart logo originated. It now represents the heart that we have as a company, and our loved ones that motivate us.
I love what I do, the people I do it for, and those I do it with. To me, there is nothing more fulfilling than being able to have a genuine connection and teach others how to do the same.
Pricing:
- We do accept some insurance at our clinic including Select Health, some BCBS, and Samera Health
- Cash Pay, HSA, FLEX, Clergy Pay, Donation
- Rates vary by clinician experience and specialty, the range is $85-$210
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cfamilywellness.com
- Instagram: @connectionsmft
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Connections-Family-Wellness
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/connections-family-wellness/
