by Kristin Proulx Jarvis

Lisa McLaughlin '97 (left) and Stephanie Gould '01G.

Lisa McLaughlin ’97 and Stephanie Gould ’01G opened North Woods Counseling in Campton a year ago, with hopes of offering a different option for local people seeking personal growth counseling for depression, anxiety and change-of-life issues. Now the women run a growing practice that includes a client base of 50 and the only group therapy program in the area for survivors of sexual trauma.

Gould and McLaughlin, who worked together at Riverbend Community Mental Health Center in Franklin, began making plans several years ago to open their own private practice. North Woods Counseling offers clients an alternative to what McLaughlin and Gould call the “medical model” of psychiatric treatment offered at some mental health centers, where providers are confined to treating only patients with the most severe mental illnesses. McLaughlin and Gould wanted to provide services for people who may not necessarily be diagnosed with a mental illness, but are seeking to heal from a past trauma.

“We’re pulling in people who are functioning fairly well, but their unresolved issues are impairing their relationships,” said McLaughlin, who earned her bachelor’s degree in social work at PSU in 1997.

McLaughlin and Gould work closely with area physicians to make sure clients are seen promptly, often within three days of referral. North Woods Counseling offers evening appointments, a sliding fee scale and a friendly, casual atmosphere.

“Stylistically, coming to counseling here is more like having coffee with someone,” said Gould, a native Texan who came to PSU to complete her Master of Education degree in counseling in 2001.

Both women say their experiences at PSU prepared them well for careers of service, and both maintain contact with University staff and students. McLaughlin works on the University’s Social Work Advisory Board, and has been a speaker at several classes and conferences. Gould, who spent a year as director of PSU’s Women’s Services and Gender Resources Center, says she often runs into University alumni from all over the state, who are engaged in similar careers in counseling. She frequently spends Sunday afternoons at Café Monte Alto on Main Street in Plymouth.

“Both of us love this community so much,” said Gould. “Every day I’m here is a gift. It’s so cool to love where you live and love what you do.”