Lulu (Lauren) Appel

Lulu Appel, LCSW-C, views therapy as a profound opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth—a meaningful gift to oneself and loved ones. She is committed to cultivating a secure and nonjudgmental space where clients of all ages can cultivate greater happiness and alleviate their burdens.

Lulu empathetically connects with clients at their current stage, working collaboratively to illuminate pathways toward their aspirations. She nurtures a creative and collaborative therapeutic alliance with each individual, grounded in compassion, respect, and genuine interest. Adopting a holistic viewpoint, Lulu empowers clients to leverage their innate supports, strengths, and skills to address diverse needs. She sees therapy as a catalyst for exploration and creativity, facilitating deeper self-understanding and greater freedom.

With thirteen  years of experience in mental health, Lulu has worked in various settings including homeless services, residential treatment centers, treatment group homes, and Level 5 middle and high schools. Currently Lulu  provides in-person services within Baltimore County Public Schools. Lulu is trained in EMDR, DBT, sand therapy, and play therapy, and is currently pursuing certification as a Registered Play Therapist.  Lulu is also a Maryland Board of Social Work approved clinical supervisor. 

Lulu assists individuals with a broad spectrum of common concerns, including family challenges, ADHD, anger management, anxiety, depression, grief, Challenges for the LGBTQ+ Community, trauma, stress management, and neurodivergencies such as autism and pathological demand avoidance. She employs an integrative, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, incorporating modalities such as play therapy, expressive arts, sand therapy, and EMDR into her practice.

Outside of work, Lulu loves to make things, have impromptu dance parties, and spend time with her 2 young children.

"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." -Rumi