Ari Laoch (R-ee Lay-Awk), he/they is a Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor supervisor (LPC), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIST), as well as the Executive Director of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. He is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program and is currently pursuing a PhD at VCU.

Ari’s counseling work is empowerment-based working through, with, and around trauma, be that systemic/historical, chronic, and/or single event-based. He works well with folx who may meet criteria for personality disorders, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and those navigating identity development. They approach counseling with awareness of intersectional identities and an anti-oppression lens to move towards liberation and authenticity. For folx working with Ari, the counseling process may include bearing witness to personal narrative, genuine connection, and collaboration alongside laughter and sometimes a pinch of cussing.

Ari has had the privilege to work with many folx. They have considerable experience working with:

• LGBTQIA+ and SGL community members.
• Persons seeking Gender Confirming Surgery letters.
• Persons who want to discuss their substance use or addiction and harm reduction or sobriety.
• Adults seeking a polyamorous knowledgeable provider.
• Survivors and loved ones coping with post brain injury events.
• Folx working on identity development.
• Persons living with HIV/AIDS.
• People navigating DID or multiple self.
• Adults seeking a kink-knowledgeable professional.
• Chronic or new medical diagnosis.

In their free time, Ari digs reading too many books, growing giant sunflowers, checking out local events, and creative endeavors. For now, he is doing lots and lots of homework.