Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Masud Visuri.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My own personal mental health journey has been a pivotal factor in how I got to where I am. Not only as a professional or business owner, but as a human with deep empathy and compassion for those who continue to struggle.
When I was a little girl I was very anxious. I can remember being riddled with fear and dread. I had a loving family and a wonderful upbringing, but I was predisposed to a condition called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Although there is not nearly enough literature or study surrounding OCD today, at the time when I was young there was a little to none.
I would have horrible thoughts and images pop into my head on unannounced at all times of the day. Thoughts and images that without context of OCD, would be considered dangerous, disgusting, horrific, and shameful. If I saw a scary face in a movie or even in a Halloween store the image would be repeated in my mind incessantly for weeks and sometimes months to come. A random intrusive thought that most people could brush off as a weird moment, or even better yet forget they even had the thought, would stay in my mind on repeat for sometimes months on end. Because of this, shame and guilt became a normal part of my existence.
At the age of 14 with consistent therapy, an official OCD diagnosis, and medication turned my life around completely. Having someone sit across from me and tell me that they understand completely, I am not alone, and there is actually a name for what’s happening to me was everything. I was renewed.
Being exposed to the benefits of productive therapy and well managed medication at a young age had given me the confidence and motivation to continue using those resources for the next 15 years to come.
Ever since, I had a deep passion for mental health awareness and ending stigma. I wanted others to feel the relief and joy I felt. But it was not until I was in my mid 20s that I realized I felt that I had a true calling.
I had the incredible opportunity to work with young kids in a community theater setting. I took on a leadership role and something that began as a love of the arts and acting, turned into a real realization that stigma and misinformation still ran rampant and so many lives of kids.
These kids that I cared deeply about would confide in me and tell me their experiences as LGBTQ+ students in a conservative town. I could understand this all too well being a part of the community myself. They would express feelings of desperation, helplessness, and fear. While protecting the vulnerable truth of the children, I had many conversations with parents and teachers trying to figure out ways to get resources to these kids. I found myself getting frustrated and feeing wholly unequipped with not having tangible and actionable ways to help. I wasn’t their parent, I wasn’t their teacher. What could I even do?
It became so clear to me that I wanted to changer direction of my career. I wanted to be a therapist and I wanted to own my own practice someday. I wanted to provide the same education and support that I received when I was a young person. I was currently in a well established that I enjoyed and on the outside it made no sense for me to change my career at 28 years old. But I knew I wouldn’t be fulfilling my dreams if I didn’t. So that’s what I did!
Since going back to school, graduating with my Masters in Social Work and completing my clinical rotations, I have worked with some of the most incredible social workers and therapists. Overtime, I found my niche clientele and I learned what types of therapy I enjoyed and was good at practicing. I also began supervising new therapists in a clinical setting helping them find their way.
After a couple of years I decided it was time for me to finally open my own practice. I opened Sycamore Therapy in October 2025. Being a business owner is certainly not easy, it comes with challenges and takes a lot of dedication, but I feel like I am right where I am meant to be. I absolutely love being a therapist. I feel blessed every day that I get to come into work and meet with people who are willing to share their stories. I am blessed with an amazing coworker and feel lucky to be her supervisor.
For now, Sycamore therapy is a one location, two person office, but who knows what the future holds
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think a major challenge for me has always been a little voice in my mind asking me… “What if”. I have moments of insecurity as I think most people do. There was always questioning my ability, the outcome, the risk/reward. Putting yourself back through school at the age of 28 to completely change the trajectory of your career is not a small task.
On top of all of that, there is monetary investment of course, but opening your own practice takes courage and a huge investment in yourself. Finding a work life balance, learning the ins and outs of insurance and medical billing. But most importantly, staying true to the ethics, integrity and high standards I hold myself to as a therapist and social worker.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sycamore Therapy Services is a warm and welcoming outpatient mental health therapy office. We provide evidence based emotional support in many areas including OCD, ADHD, PTSD, relationship issues, Anxiety, Depression and we are a safe space for the LGBT+ community
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I feel successful when I am able to make a meaningful connection. Whether that’s supporting my clients through my work, spending time with my family and friends or being involved in the larger community. If you can make someone feel safe, seen, and heard, I think that’s success!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.sycamoretherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sycamore.therapyservices
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14YTsANkDfu/
