We recently connected with Laura Caruso and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken occurred just one month after graduating with my master’s degree in mental health counseling. I ended a three-year relationship, left the home I had built in New York City over the previous five years, and stepped into a period of transition between post-graduate life and starting my new job. With no income and the knowledge that I’d only earn $30 per session when I did start working, I decided to take a leap. I grabbed a single suitcase, my Golden Retriever, Lola, and headed to South America to solo travel for four months while starting to work remotely. It was an uncertain, yet exhilarating time—I started to grow my Instagram following, worked virtually with clients, and redefined what success could look like for me.

After completing my post-graduate fellowship, I returned to New York City with little more than a dream and barely enough money to cover rent. But within the first month, I doubled my income, and then tripled it just a few months later. I learned to let go of self-limiting expectations of success, which allowed me to make bold decisions that ultimately changed the trajectory of my business. I stopped forcing myself down paths that weren’t actively working, embraced the idea that every business evolves, and trusted myself to pivot when necessary.

Laura, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a relationship therapist and trauma specialist who works with individuals, couples, and groups navigating complex relational dynamics in hopes of building healthier, more secure connections. My path to this career wasn’t traditional; I started out as a speech therapist before deciding to return to school for a second master’s degree—this time in mental health counseling. This change, though significant and deeply terrifying at the time, felt like a natural progression toward work that allowed me to connect more deeply with clients and address the underlying emotional and relational issues that impact all areas of life. I was far more passionate about relationships and mental health than I was about child language development, and I knew I wanted a career that I felt motivated to pursue every day.

I naturally gravitated toward relationship therapy and trauma work because of my own personal experiences. When I found myself in an abusive relationship in my early 20s, I learned firsthand about the patterns of behavior and thoughts that many of my clients now face. This shared experience allows me to offer more refined clinical intuition and creates a sense of emotional safety for those I work with.

I’m proud to offer a range of services, including individual and couples therapy, as well as a virtual, low-fee relational trauma support group that I host quarterly. Many of my clients tell me they feel deeply understood and connected in our sessions. I’ve intentionally moved away from the traditional “tweed armchair” therapist stereotype, deconstructing clinical norms that often cause more harm than good. My clients say they look forward to their weekly therapy space, even when bringing something difficult to process, because it’s a space where they can be truly seen and heard.

My passion for travel and adventure also plays a key role in my work. I draw on existential concepts before honing in on concrete skills and actionable steps, resulting in a greater expansion and sense of self. This balance of introspection and action allows for true, meaningful change. I’m known for my direct, no-nonsense approach—I’m not afraid to share my thoughts and feelings with clients (within reason), and I see immense value in the mirror that therapeutic relationships can hold. By offering constructive feedback and engaging in difficult conversations, we create a space for deep connection and growth.

I’m active on Instagram (@lauracaruso.therapy), where I recently celebrated a milestone of 100k followers. Initially, I created my account with the intention of connecting with potential clients, but it quickly grew into a vibrant community of people looking to unlearn toxic relationship patterns and replace them with new, healthier dynamics.

Ultimately, my work is about simplifying the complexities of relationships and human connection. I offer virtual sessions for individuals and couples, and I’m dedicated to helping people find clarity, heal from past hurt, and create secure, fulfilling connections with themselves and others.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Throughout this journey, I found inspiration from thought leaders and industry experts like Jay Shetty, Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice, and Esther Perel. I didn’t limit myself to experts in the mental health field—instead, I learned valuable lessons from other entrepreneurs who’ve taken risks or changed direction before successfully building their empire.

Their examples taught me the power of taking risks, betting on myself, and knowing when to say no. They helped me unlearn the patterns of perfectionism rooted in low confidence, and empowered me to make decisions that would expand my business beyond what I ever thought possible.

Hearing others’ stories motivated me to reflect on my own. Steady and consistent growth is not a story—I needed to dive deeper and bet on myself if I wanted to match their levels of success.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I wake up every day feeling grateful for the work I get to do, helping others create positive change in their lives. It’s a privilege to witness my clients’ growth, and I often feel deeply inspired by their resilience and courage. Sometimes the joy and sense of accomplishment I feel are so overwhelming that I struggle to self-regulate—there are not enough words to accurately capture the intensity and reward of a strong therapeutic relationship.

I truly can’t imagine working in any other specialty, let alone in a different profession. Taking the leap to change careers and bet on myself was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m incredibly proud and thankful for where it has led me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wellpsychnyc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracaruso.therapy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-caruso/
• Twitter: https://x.com/lauracarusolmhc
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/laura-caruso-new-york-ny/892364

Image Credits

Vitaliy Pivovarov
https://www.instagram.com/vitaliypivovarov/?hl=en