About Laura

WELCOME

I am a PhD therapist, relationship trauma expert, and small-town Virginian who has spent the last two decades helping people around the world heal their trauma bonds and attain Post-Traumatic Growth.

"The depths to which the wounded have fallen
is the same distance to which the healed will rise."

Here’s the official recap: I am a licensed trauma counselor who has spread her wings to also become an author, international speaker, and educator. I’ve spent my professional career studying the impacts of attachment traumas and their ultimate influences on (what pop psychology calls) “toxic” relationships in adulthood. Widely recognized for my work that uncovered self-trust as the key ingredient to cultivate for treating trauma bonds, I have taken this message to the masses with my new podcast “Tough Love with Dr. Laura Copley,” and book Loving You is Hurting Me.

After teaching students and overseeing the clinical training program at Penn State, I opened my trauma-informed private practice in Virginia where I also train other counselors how to become relationship trauma specialists. If you are a therapist, coach, or healer interested in training with me, please e-mail me.

Beyond my adventures in therapy, speaking, and training around the world, I return to the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, where I am a mother to a little girl and golden retriever on riverfront farmette overlooking to Blue Ridge Mountains.

My timeline

1985

Born in Virginia

I was a happy chubby baby.

1989

Grew up as a very imaginative and empathic little girl.

1992

My brother

Grant, was born.

1996

Softball Summers were the best.

2003

I attended public school where I was a decent student, cheerleader, and discovered a knack for writing.

2004

I make an impromptu decision to backpack across Europe. Here we are at the Louvre in France.

2008

I graduated with James Madison University's centennial class with a Bachelor's in Psychology.

2009

My first heartbreak when one of my best friends died by suicide.

2010

Another tragedy when my mother lost her life to her 10 year battle with addiction.

2010

Summer volunteering in the Dominican Republic after graduating with my Master’s in Counseling.

2013

Found out that I can Swing Dance

2015

Graduated with my PhD in Counselor Education from Penn State.

2015

somehow highlight Aurora Counseling & Well-being so it stands out.

2018

There’s a baby on the way!

2019

My luck charm baby

Willow Riven, born on Saint Patrick’s Day.

2021

I lost my dad to his battle with addiction.

2021

I sign with my literary agent to write my first book.

2022

We move to Amalfi Italy for the Summer to write my book.

2023

Loving You is Hurting Me was officially published with Hachette Book Group!