Laura Ness, PsyD

Dr. Laura Ness is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Balancing Minds Wellness in New York. She is licensed in both New York and Florida. She specializes in the treatment of trauma-related disorders, including complex and developmental trauma and dissociative disorders. Dr. Ness earned her PsyD from Alliant International University and is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) , Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT),Trauma Model Therapy, and sand tray therapy for children.

What distinguishes Dr. Ness’s work is her deeply relational and responsive approach to care. She is known for her exceptional level of accessibility and commitment to her patients, offering consistent support that extends beyond what is traditionally expected. Her patients often describe her as deeply attuned, present, and unwaveringly invested in their healing process. These are the qualities that often foster trust, safety, and a meaningful therapeutic progress.

Dr. Ness believes that healing occurs within connection. She prioritizes attunement, reliability, and emotional safety, creating a therapeutic environment where individuals feel truly seen, heard, and supported. Her work is grounded in compassion, clinical insight, and a genuine respect for each person’s lived experience.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Ness is a published author and consultant who contributes to professional literature and collaborates with colleagues in advancing trauma-informed care. She is known for her ability to work with complex presentations and for meeting clients with patience, expertise, and humanity at every stage of their healing journey.

• Alliant International University - PsyD

• EMDR, DBT, TRAUMA MODEL THERAPY

• ISSTD INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE STUDY OF TRAUMA AND DISSOCIATION

Dr. Ness brings extensive clinical experience in the treatment of trauma-based and dissociative disorders, including work with individuals impacted by childhood sexual abuse and complex developmental trauma. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices with relational depth and clinical sensitivity.

Selected Publications and Presentations:

• Ness, L. (2004). Book Review: Sexually Abused Males: The SAM Model of Theory and Practice by J. Spiegel. Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin, 20(2).
• Presenter, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), 24th Annual Fall Conference.
• Ness, L., & Ross, C. (2010). The Dissociative Trance Disorder Interview Schedule.
• 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.