Lori McGruder, LMHC, Certified EMDR, EMDR Intensive and Substance Use Disorder Therapist

It’s time to take control of your life.

You remember a time when feeling angry and disappointed in yourself

weren’t the “norm” …but those days feel like a distant memory.

Don’t you wish you had the tools to change that?

I’m a Gainesville-based therapist who specializes in helping adults just like you: ones that have it within them to stop drinking, stop saying hurtful things to others, and stop feeling badly about themselves but just need the support to get there. Services are available throughout the States of Florida, South Carolin, and Vermont.

Lori McGruder wearing black jacket with hand under chin

“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” -Brene Brown

You’ve come to the right place.

I help my clients find confidence and self-worth by healing their pain which includes helping them better understand substance use disorders and trauma.

HOW I WORK

Many of today’s solutions for substance use disorders, in particular, focus on pathologizing symptoms leading so many to feel as if they have done something wrong. Similarly, people who suffer trauma, particularly sexual trauma survivors or first responders who suffer trauma on the job can be reluctant to come forward for mental health treatment because they, too, can be made to feel as if they were at fault in some way. This approach creates a lot of shame and guilt. I know that your circumstances are unique, so I focus more on what has happened to you versus what is wrong with you.

First, we will identify the underlying issues that are causing excessive drinking, conflicts in relationships, or negative thoughts about yourself. Then, we will identify an action plan for treating these issues that will also include practical strategies you can use outside of session that will effectively reduce your emotional distress and improve your communication. Through our work together, you’ll feel more in control of your life, including your sobriety and recovery, your emotions, and your participation in your relationships because you will be equipped with the necessary tools and the underlying pain points will be resolved.

I am dedicated to helping people achieve safety and hope.

My training in mental health counseling, addiction, and trauma means I have the expertise you need and deserve when achieving sobriety or maintaining your recovery and healing from trauma. But at the end of the day, you want to know you’re working with someone who “gets” what it means to be a hopeless, scared person struggling with addiction, trauma, or depression, right?

I get it because addiction, trauma, and depression have personally touched my life and my family. I know that more times than not you want to give up; you feel like you are all alone, it’s never going to get better, nobody cares or understands, so what is the point? So when we work together, you won’t just get a trained therapist. You’ll get someone who truly understands what you’re going through.

Lori McGruder wearing hat at the ocean

THERAPY WITH ME IS…

  • No two clients are the same. I approach each person with a fresh set of eyes. No boiler plates here!

  • I understand trusting someone with your innermost thoughts and feelings can be hard, especially if your life story includes people breaking your trust or judging you. I have been in your position; I have my own therapist, too!

  • I am anti-racist, anti-homophobic, anti-transphobic, anti-bigotry, and LGBTQI+ friendly. I am humble enough to apologize if I make a mistake and am very open to being corrected. At least annually, I take trainings in these areas so I can better support people in marginalized groups.

  • My clients usually describe me as inspiring, humorous, and down to earth. I tend to curse on occasion and certainly don’t mind if you do!

  • My approach is honest and to the point. If you ask me a question, I may have you consider different options and I may just give you direct feedback to help guide you towards your goal(s). What I never do is be dishonest with my clients or give them half-truths; this benefits no one.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Maya Angelou

Experience & Education

Degrees

  • Masters and Specialists Degrees in Mental Health Counseling, University of Florida, 2001

  • Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Michigan State University, 1995

Licensure

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Florida, 2005-present

  • Telehealth Registered Professional Counselor, State of South Caroline, 7/2024-present

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Interim - Telehealth Registration, State of Vermont, 7/2024-present

  • Qualified Supervisor for MHC Interns, State of Florida

Certifications

  • Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA, 2023

  • EMDR Consultant in Training, EMDRIA, 2023

  • National Certified Counselor, NBCC, 2002