AW Spotlight
Solving Problems for Individuals, Couples and Families
Story by Krista Martinelli
Dr. Laura Zipris, known to our AroundWellington readers by her “Ask Dr. Z” monthly column, is a person who loves her job. With a doctorate in psychology and a certification in Imago Relationship Therapy, she enjoys helping clients in the different stages of their relationships – as individuals, couples or as families. She is a friendly, approachable person, someone that you feel instantly comfortable with. This is why her clients say that she “gets it” and that she’s so good at being “present” or in the moment.
“It’s all about listening,” says Zipris. “My unique ability is to connect with people. This has been strength of mine since childhood. People have always seen me as very approachable and have felt very comfortable with me.” She explains that this strength has been an asset in her career, as studies show that the most important factor in successful therapy has more to do with the relationship bond developed between client/therapist than the type of therapy. By infusing humor, she has often been able to de-escalate situations with couples who are at odds.
Relationships are at the heart of Zipris’ work with clients. “I see all people as relational beings, regardless of their relationship status and I work with people from that framework.” She uses the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Imago, positive psychology, mindfulness and family systems in her work. As a wife, a working mother, a daughter and a sister to a woman with a disability, she can effectively keep a pulse on the personal and relationship struggles people often face in their day to day lives. As an added benefit, Zipris brings her background as a licensed school psychologist, to the table when working with family issues.
Imago Relationship Therapy struck a chord with Dr. Zipris when she attended her first seminar in 2005 and she enjoys being able to share this effective method with clients. In brief, the idea behind Imago Therapy is that when you meet a significant other in your life, that person taps into the “unfinished business” of your past and also holds a blueprint for your future growth. Imago works well because of its three-pronged approach, says Zipris.
1. It teaches couples how to intentionally communicate through dialogue, so that both people can feel fully heard and validated. This is the basis for a deepening of connection or, in some cases, just a reconnection.
2. It teaches us how to reframe our partner and begin to see the wounded parts of them that inform how they behave. This creates a level of empathy that makes it possible to navigate through difficulties.
3. It teaches us the importance of infusing fun and re-romanticizing our relationship.
Zipris sees a lot of couples who have trouble communicating with each other. Often there’s a feeling of not being heard. “We are often unable to truly hear what our partner is trying to say to us. Nothing feels more disconnecting than the feeling of not being heard or understood by the person we love,” she explains.
She became a certified school psychologist in 1994 and a licensed psychologist in New York in 2003, as well as working as a certified Imago therapist since 2007. With a husband and two young children, Zipris finds that her biggest challenge is finding the life/work balance that so many mothers strive for. “I love all of the hats that I wear . . . and giving each its due can often be a challenging balancing act.”
What do her clients appreciate most? They often talk about how “present” she is, amazed by her capacity to really hear and understand their words. She has helped couples to strengthen their relationship and deepen their connection. Sometimes major issues need to be resolved and other times, it’s just a re-connecting that needs to happen after a few years of marriage. She brings her terrific energy, creativity and experience to every individual, couple or family that makes an appointment with her.
Dr. Z’s Recommended Reading: A few books that are on Dr. Zipris’ recommended reading list are: “Keeping the Love You Find” (for singles), “Getting the Love You Want” (for couples), “Giving the Love that Heals” (for parents), all by Imago founder Harville Hendrix. She also recommends “Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting” by Lynn Grabhorn, “When Things Fall Apart, Heart Advice for Difficult Times” by Pema Chadron and if you’re ready for something “heavier,” try “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle.
Are you looking for someone who can truly help you when it comes to your growth and personal relationships? Dr. Laura Zipris sees clients at the Lake Wellington Professional Centre in the heart of Wellington and also in Delray, just north of Atlantic Avenue. For an appointment, contact Dr. Laura Zipris directly at (561) 558-7815.
Dr. Laura Zipris, Psy. D., LMHC
(561) 558-7815
12230 W. FOREST HILL BLVD., SUITE 152
WELLINGTON, FL 33414
Additional Delray Beach, FL location
Individuals, Couples, Groups