Lauren Botelho, LICSW

Assistant Clinical Director | she/her
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Leo

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Scorpio

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Ask me about…

the latest books i’m reading, the newest recipe i’m cooking, and my latest parenting hacks (and fails)

Clinical Interests:

I am passionate about working with survivors of trauma of all ages, identities, and backgrounds. In my clinical practice, I honor the unique stories and strengths each person carries, while recognizing the courage it takes to seek support. Whether someone is navigating the aftermath of childhood trauma, intimate partner violence, systemic oppression, or any experience that has challenged their sense of safety, I am committed to providing a space that is inclusive, affirming, and grounded in deep respect. 

Language(s) spoken:

English, Portuguese (conversational)

Licensed in:

Massachusetts (LICSW)

I am deeply passionate about direct client care and the meaningful connections that grow from sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments. Providing compassionate, person-centered support has always been at the heart of my work. Over the years, this commitment to high-quality care naturally expanded into a parallel passion: offering clinical supervision to other clinicians.

I believe that clinicians provide their best work when they feel supported, grounded, and empowered. In supervision, I strive to create a space where practitioners can deepen their skills, explore challenges with honesty, and strengthen their clinical intuition—all while prioritizing their own wellbeing. My goal is to help clinicians grow with confidence and authenticity, so they can deliver ethical, effective, and trauma-informed care to the clients they serve.

Balancing my love for direct service with my dedication to nurturing other clinicians allows me to contribute to the field on multiple levels. Whether working one-on-one with clients or guiding practitioners through reflective supervision, I remain committed to fostering resilience, excellence, and a genuine sense of connection in all aspects of care.

What brought you into this field?

As a survivor of domestic violence and other traumatic experiences, I know firsthand what it means to fight through the darkest moments and still choose healing. My own journey is what led me into the field of social work—to become the person I once needed, and to serve as a steady light for others who are searching for their own. I am dedicated to supporting individuals who are navigating complex trauma, chronic stress, and the lingering impacts of survival mode.

Counseling style:

I am a trauma-informed clinician who brings both lived experience and professional training to my work. I combine clinical expertise with deep empathy, creating a space where clients feel genuinely seen, safe, and supported. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity to heal. I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they reclaim their voice, their power, and their best selves—on their own terms and at their own pace. Together, we work toward integrating past experiences, building emotional resilience, and rediscovering a sense of possibility. 

Modalities:

Incorporating various modalities + evidence based practice, I tailor my approach to each individual, meeting them exactly where they are and supporting them as they move toward healing, empowerment, and a renewed sense of self.

Specializations:

Trauma 
Domestic + Sexual Violence 
Crisis Intervention 
Suicidality + Suicide Prevention 
Substance Use + Recovery 
Sexual Exploitation 
Gang Involvement + Community Violence 

Education:

BA in Crime + Justice Studies with a Minor in Leadership + Civic Engagement – Umass Dartmouth 

MSW, Clinical Track with Specialization in Children, Youth, & Families – Boston University School of Social Work 

Candidate for JD, Expected May 2029 – Umass School of Law 

Past Experience:

Director of Mobile Crisis Intervention Program + Critical Incident Team Trauma Responder  at Riverside Community Care (Southern Worcester, MA Area) 

PRIDE Outpatient Program Director at Northeast Family Services (Boston, MA)

High School Student Support Coordinator at The Neighborhood House Charter School (Boston, MA)

Emergency Room Crisis Clinician at Boston Medical Center (Boston, MA)

Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children’s Hospital’s Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Use Disorders (Boston, MA)

Assistant Clinical Director, Assessment Coordinator, + Survivor Mentor at My Life My Choice (Boston, MA)

Trainings:

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Certified 
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Certified 
Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention
Post-Traumatic Stress Management (PTSM)
Psychological First Aid (PFA)