Laura Knowles, PhD, LPC-S is adjunct faculty member in the NYU Steinhardt Department of Applied Psychology and the founder of The Barefoot Therapists, a trauma-informed private practice serving individuals, couples, and families in Texas. She earned her PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of North Texas, where her research examined relational abuse, PTSD, body-image and posttraumatic growth.
With more than two decades of experience spanning research, clinical practice, and higher education, Dr. Knowles specializes in Cognitive Behavioral and Emotion Focused Therapy. Her clinical orientation draws from feminist and Relational-Cultural Therapy, emphasizing collaboration, empowerment, and the role of authentic relationships in fostering psychological growth and healing while recognizing the influence of social and cultural contexts on mental health. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, SMART Recovery Facilitator, and clinical supervisor who trains graduate counseling students and early-career clinicians.
At NYU Steinhardt, Dr. Knowles teaches graduate courses in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, clinical internship, and evidence-based counseling practice. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes translating psychological research into effective, compassionate clinical care while preparing future counselors to think critically, practice ethically, and adapt interventions to the unique needs of diverse clients.
Dr. Knowles' scholarly work has been published in journals, including the Journal of Traumatic Stress and the Journal of Aging and Health. She continues to integrate research, teaching, and clinical practice to advance trauma-informed, person-centered mental health care.