Laura Ness, PsyD

Laura Ness, PsyD, is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and founder of Balancing Minds Wellness in Commack, New York. With extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of trauma-based and dissociative disorders, she provides individualized care for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Ness holds a Doctor of Psychology degree from Alliant International University and is recognized for her expertise in addressing complex trauma, including childhood sexual abuse and ritualistic abuse (SRA), with a compassionate and evidence-informed approach.

At Balancing Minds Wellness, Dr. Ness specializes in advanced therapeutic modalities tailored to trauma and attachment challenges. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process traumatic experiences, as well as dyadic therapy for children with Reactive Attachment Disorder and trauma-related attachment issues. Additionally, she offers sand tray therapy for children and adolescents who struggle with traditional talk therapy. Her practice also supports sports-related concerns, including mental focus, confidence building, and performance optimization.

Beyond her clinical work at Balancing Minds Wellness, Dr. Ness is a published author and consultant, contributing to professional journals and family-focused publications such as The Journal of Trauma and Dissociation and GEM Magazine. She provides consultation for clinicians managing dissociative clients and complex SRA cases. Guided by the philosophy that “healing takes courage,” Dr. Ness is committed to advancing trauma-informed care, empowering individuals and families toward lasting resilience and well-being.

• Alliant International University - PsyD
• Adelphi University - MA
• Hofstra University - BA

Dr. Laura Ness has made substantial contributions to the fields of trauma and dissociative disorders through both scholarly research and professional writing. Her work spans peer-reviewed journals, professional bulletins, and widely read magazines, addressing complex trauma, dissociative disorders, childhood sexual abuse, and family-focused mental health topics. In addition to her publications, she provides clinical expertise in EMDR, dyadic therapy, and sand tray therapy, and offers consultation for clinicians managing complex dissociative or trauma cases.

Selected Publications

Dr. Laura Ness (2004). Book review: Sexually Abused Males: The SAM Model of Theory and Practice by J. Spiegel. Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin, 20(2).

Galasso, J., & Ness, L. (2008). Understanding and Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PsychDigest, 2(8), 36–38.

Ross, C., & Ness, L. (2010). Symptom Patterns in Dissociative Identity Disorder Patients and the General Population. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 11(4), 458–468.

Ness, L. (2011, December). Fix My "Bad" Child. GEM Magazine, 38.

Ness, L. (2012, Winter). To Punish or Not to Punish? That is the Question. GEM Magazine, 40.

Ness, L. (2012, August). Take a Stand to Protect Our Children. GEM Magazine, 11.

Ross, C., Schroder, E., & Ness, L. (2013). Dissociation and Symptoms of Culture-Bound Syndromes in North America: A Preliminary Study. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation.

Professional Contributions

Clinical expertise in trauma-based and dissociative disorders, including childhood sexual abuse and ritualistic abuse (SRA).
Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma processing.
Skilled in dyadic therapy for children with Reactive Attachment Disorder and trauma-related attachment challenges.
Offers sand tray therapy for children and adolescents who struggle with traditional talk therapy.
Provides professional consultation for clinicians managing complex dissociative or trauma cases.
Contributor to public and professional education on family, parenting, and mental health topics through GEM Magazine and other outlets.