Meet Laura Muensterer

We recently connected with Laura Muensterer and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I’ve learned to manage my mental health by staying connected to what grounds me. Spending time with my pets and being out in nature helps me reset when life feels overwhelming. I remind myself of my why and focus on what matters most to me. I’ve also learned to try new things and lean on my friends for emotional support. Asking for help used to be difficult, but over time, I’ve realized that letting others in is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Going back to school was a major turning point in believing in myself. It reminded me that growth is possible at any stage and that I’m capable of more than I sometimes think. I make a point to set both short and long-term goals so that even when life is stressful, I have direction and purpose. I also take breaks when I need to, allowing myself to pause and recharge instead of pushing through exhaustion. My mental health journey has been about finding balance, staying connected, and trusting that progress happens one choice at a time.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a therapist, author, and creative focused on helping people understand themselves on a deeper level. My work centers around the idea that healing and creativity are deeply connected. Through my therapy practice, I support individuals, couples, and families in finding clarity, balance, and self-awareness. My writing and art expand on that same theme, exploring emotional growth, self-compassion, and the beauty that comes from transformation.

What feels most special to me is seeing how all these areas of my work overlap. The same insight that helps someone in therapy can inspire a painting or a piece of writing, and together they create something that speaks to both the mind and the heart. My brand, Self-Therapy, reflects this connection between emotional healing and creative expression. It began as a simple idea and has grown into a platform that combines art, writing, and mental health education in ways that feel both accessible and personal.

Right now I’m continuing to build out the Self-Therapy store, which includes prints, stickers, and small reminders of self-reflection and humor. I’m also working on a book that blends psychology and storytelling, offering readers a relatable and encouraging approach to understanding themselves. My goal is to keep creating work that helps people feel seen, understood, and empowered in their own process of healing and self-discovery.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are self-awareness, persistence, and openness to growth. Self-awareness has allowed me to understand my own patterns and emotions, which have shaped how I show up both personally and professionally. It’s what grounds me in my work as a therapist and helps me connect with others in a genuine way.

Persistence has been essential because progress is rarely linear. Whether it was returning to school, starting new creative projects, or managing challenges in my own mental health, staying consistent through uncertainty has taught me that small steps matter. Growth often comes from showing up even when you don’t have all the answers.

Lastly, openness to growth has allowed me to evolve instead of staying stuck in what feels safe or familiar. Trying new things, asking for help, and allowing myself to make mistakes have all been key parts of that.

For anyone early in their journey, I’d say start with self-reflection. Get comfortable being honest with yourself without judgment. Build persistence by focusing on what you can control and taking action even when motivation fades. And stay open to learning, feedback, and new experiences. Growth comes from curiosity and courage, not perfection.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I return to my anchor. For me, that’s spirituality, but I think everyone has something that keeps them grounded. It might be faith, nature, creativity, or time with loved ones. Having that anchor reminds me that I’m part of something bigger and that I don’t have to have everything figured out all the time.

I’ve also learned to prioritize play and lightheartedness. Life can easily become a cycle of responsibility and productivity, and it’s easy to lose touch with the parts of ourselves that feel curious and free. Making time for things that make me feel like a kid again—painting, being outside, exploring new ideas—helps me reconnect with joy and perspective.

Traveling and experiencing different cultures has also shifted how I handle stress. It reminds me that the world is vast and that my problems, while valid, are often smaller than they feel in the moment. Going outside my comfort zone gives me humility and gratitude, both of which help me reset when life feels heavy.

My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to slow down and reconnect with what gives you meaning. Step outside the pressure to be productive and find moments that make you feel alive. Sometimes the most healing thing you can do is to let yourself rest, laugh, and remember that you are allowed to enjoy life even while figuring things out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lauramuensterer.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramuensterer