About Dr. Laurie A. Hightower

DR. LAURIE A. HIGHTOWER, PHD, LMFT-S, LPC-S, NCC, REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST-S, AAMFT APPROVED SUPERVISOR

I enjoy working with clients of diverse backgrounds, ranging in age from 3 years through adulthood. My underlying belief is that no one lives their life in complete isolation. We all have relationships and connections that influence the ways in which we live, work, and mentally and emotionally function. It is my goal to and privilege to help my clients to not only improve their lives, but to strengthen those healthy relationships and connections in their lives. Through this strengthening we strive to create healthy mental and emotional lives.

I am a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (www.aamft.org), a AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and an Approved Supervisor by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mft). I also am a National Certified Counselor and an Approved LPC-Supervisor by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors (https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor). Additionally, I am a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with the Association for Play Therapy (www.a4pt.org). This designation indicates that I have completed additional training specific to working with children in a therapeutic environment. 

In addition my work with clients, I am currently a Behavioral Health Counselor at UT Health Science Center San Antonio Medical School. Also, I have worked as an adjunct professor with Northcentral University and San Antonio College. I have previously held a position as an Assistant Professor of Counseling in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, in San Antonio, TX. I attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Music. I attended St. Mary’s University where I earned, both, my Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy, with concentrations in Play Therapy and Neurofeedback.

 Coupled with my clinical work, I am interested in research in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. I have presented at several conferences and organizations around Texas the U.S., and internationally. My research interests include, discrimination, diversity, minorities, and military studies, within the marriage and family therapy and counseling fields.