Laura Widger, LCSW-R, walking in a forest — nature-based trauma therapy and clinician support in New York.

and I’m glad you’re here. Welcome!

I’m Laura,

I’m Laura Widger, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Inner Peace and Strength in Ellicottville, NY.

There was a time I experienced such loud internal chatter. But when I began to lean into slowing everything down and walk through a forest or field, sit with a dear mentor, or take a breath, I slowly began to come home to who I am. I felt connection-an unexpected blend of calm and insight that shifted everything. These moments showed me healing isn't linear or scripted. Healing is a gentle deeply felt human process, rooted in courage, presence, and heart centered guidance. Now, I am here to help you find the clarity on your path. 

I invite you to hold the fear of asking for help in one hand, and courage in the other. If you are longing for clarity, peace, and growth—whether as a clinician, private practice owner, or client—I would be honored to meet you on your path exactly where you are. 

Emerge from the overcomplicated. Step into Clarity and Calm.

The name Inner Peace and Strength was chosen with intention — it reflects my mission to help people heal from the pain of the past, discover authenticity, and live with purpose. Whether I’m supporting a client or guiding a fellow clinician, my aim is to offer a grounded, compassionate, and nature-inspired space for transformation.

Laura Widger, LCSW-R — trauma therapist & consultant offering EMDR and IFS-informed care in New York.

Things I love

Laughter

Family & Connection

Outdoor Adventures

Creating Healing Spaces

Quiet mornings reading a book

Watching the seasons change

As healing emerges, so does perspective and curiosity— peace begins to naturally flow, compassion grows in shared stories, and purpose germinates in grounded work. I've walked through the slow unraveling of pain and the thrill of clarity, and through those experiences, began to craft a way to guide others— not with prescriptive clinical labels, but with presence, compassion, and evidenced based models.

Trauma Healing Meets Nature-Led Purpose

I bring years of advanced training in trauma-informed modalities, including EMDR, IFS, Progressive Counting, Ego State Therapy, DBT, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Polyvagal Theory. This diverse palette supports both healing and professional growth in very real, embodied ways.

How I serve

  • Consulting and workshops, to prevent burnout, refine trauma-informed skills, and expand your impact with presence.

  • Trauma therapy is available to NY state residents with a speciality in EMDR and IFS. 

    Space is limited

  • Intentional spaces for growth, learning, reflection, and restoration are customized to meet individual/business needs.

Reach out to me

Professional Background

I earned my Masters in Social work (MSW) from Boston College in 2010, laying a strong foundation in human-centered practice, with the privilege of acquiring a lens of work prioritizing equity, justice, inclusion, and healing. EMDR International Association

Since then, I've dedicated 15 years to the clinical field of emotional and mental health---working specifically with trauma, ptsd, grief, life transitions, anxiety, depression, dissociation, personality flavors, etc with adults.  Ellicottville Now | EMDR International Association

My clinical training includes an expansive range of evidence-based modalities:

Education & Credentials

M.S.W in Clinical Social work specializing in children, adults, and families -Boston College 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R)-New York State