Lauren VanDrunen, LMSW

Lauren is a fully licensed social worker. She worked in a preschool setting as an early childhood behavior specialist for five years before transitioning to BRAINS as a therapist in 2021. Lauren has experience working with children with anger, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, and other behavioral and emotional challenges. She is passionate about working with children and their families, particularly helping children develop healthy social/emotional skills. Lauren believes it is critical to meet children where they are at, and to create an individualized plan to help them grow. Her work is focused on fostering skill development in children while helping their families understand and respond to their children’s concerns. Lauren uses a variety of interventions built upon the foundation of a therapeutic relationship. Interventions include positive behavior supports, cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness techniques, individualized activities to develop social/emotional skills, and play therapy techniques.

Lauren grew up in a small mid-Michigan town and moved to Grand Rapids in 2010. She currently lives in the area with her husband and young son. Lauren enjoys spending time with family, traveling, being outside, baking, and crocheting.