Dedicated to Helping Individuals With Mental Health And Substance Abuse Problems In Our Community

As a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with years of experience in the field, I have developed a specialty in utilizing geek culture as a therapeutic tool. My education includes a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with an emphasis on Addiction Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Master’s degree from Walden University in Mental Health Counseling, I have honed my skills to provide a creative and integrative approach to therapy.

Having been an LAC since 2011 and an LCPC since 2017, my professional experience includes working with diverse populations such as the Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole, and Child Protection Services. I have specifically worked with clients who have a history of trauma and am currently enrolled in a trauma treatment certification course to further enhance my skills in this area. My unique approach has led me to become the only certified Geek Therapist in the State of Montana.

Geek Therapy is an affinity-based model of therapeutic intervention that is based on the theory that understanding one another is best achieved through the geek culture we are passionate about. This can include video games, comic books, board games, movies, TV shows, Dungeons & Dragons, anime, and more. By tapping into these interests, clients can explore their issues in a safe and creative environment that is suitable for both children and adults.

In addition to being a certified Geek Therapist, I am also a certified Therapeutic Game Master with training and knowledge in incorporating Tabletop Role Playing Games into therapy sessions. By combining Acceptance Commitment Therapy with geek-based media and talk therapy, I offer a unique approach that encourages clients to work towards positive and healthy changes.

My client-centered approach emphasizes the importance of building a trusting relationship with each client. I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance is essential for facilitating growth and change. By creating a safe and supportive space, clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, and work towards achieving their counseling goals.



As a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a specialization in Geek Therapy, I am dedicated to providing an innovative and effective approach to counseling. By incorporating geek culture and creative interventions into therapy sessions, I aim to help clients navigate their challenges and work towards a more fulfilling and balanced life. If you are looking for a therapist who understands the power of geek culture and can help you achieve your counseling goals, I am here to support you every step of the way!

Beyond my work commitments, I enjoy spending quality time with my children, family, close friends, and my dog Goose. My range of interests include music, film, football, and attending church services on Sundays. Engaging in these activities not only strengthens my relationships and enhances my well-being, but also helps maintain a healthy work-life balance

Hi! I am Laura Hockaday (Formerly Watson) and I have working in private practice, with Life Management Associates, LLC at their Butte and Deer Lodge offices for approximately the last 7 years. I cut my teeth as a therapist working with children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbances in a group home setting. This means that I am not easily intimidated by tough teens or oppositional little ones :) I fell in love with the freedom of private practice and haven't looked back since.

I work with children (age 2 to 12-years-old), adolescents (13 to 17-years-old) and adults (18-years-old and up), individually, as a family, and anywhere in between. I have completed specialized training in the treatment of little ones, up to age 5-years-old and I am a certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP). My training includes Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), play therapy, and expressive arts.

My primary areas of specialty are trauma, grief, and loss and I am also well versed in other mental health issues. I have substantial experience and post- graduate training in a wide variety of treatment modalities, and I am always looking for something else to add to my toolbox. I have received training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and I am currently working towards my certification in this effective therapeutic approach to treating distressing or traumatic memories. I also have training in Tapping therapy and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), as well as training in working with individuals with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I believe that finding a therapist that fits you is not always an easy task, but it is well worth it. I pride myself on working with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds with openness and acceptance!

I have lived in Butte, MT most of my life and love the outdoors. On my days off, you can find me out fishing with my husband or at home cuddling with our dog, Bu. 

Feel free to reach out to chat if you think we might be a good fit or just want to find out! 

As an experienced therapist with over 15 years of hands-on clinical work providing individual, family and group treatment to children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings, I am well prepared to provide quality care to clients with a diverse range of needs in my out-patient private practice. 

I began my formal education with earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with an emphasis on communication and motivation from the University of Washington in 1993. I took Masters level courses in Marriage and Family Therapy, with an emphasis on individual and family counseling at Seattle Pacific University in 1996 and a Masters of Science Degree in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2024. I am presently licensed as an Addictions Counselor, and I am in the process of obtaining licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana.

My years of experience include working with a multi-disciplinary team supporting and treating severely emotionally disturbed children in day treatment and residential settings, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, conducting individual, family, and group therapy, and working with drug court and DUI court to individuals with substance abuse issues, providing one on one intense therapy for out-patient clients in a CRISIS counselor day program, and one on one therapy for special needs residents preparing to live life in a group home. In addition to following my passion for serving others in my professional counseling career, I have volunteered for organizations such as Rise N’ Shine, a national pilot program helping children whose lives have been affected by HIV and AIDS, Seattle Children’s Home, a non-profit program that provided a safety net for the community by housing, clothing, feeing and nurturing the poor and homeless,  Ruth Dykeman, a social services organization providing therapy and multiple other programs to children of all ages,  and Overlake Medical Center, a non-profit community hospital.



My primary clinical interests include trauma, LGBT+, addictions, children, adolescent, and adult therapy.

Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, fishing, camping, and spending time with friends and family. I love my dog Ranger, my constant companion at home, who provides me with love, loyalty, affection, and lots of entertainment and some unexpected challenges with his antics.

I am an LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) who believes in unconditional positive regard for each client. With the background and training in various modalities, I am here to help you on your journey to wellness.

I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice from the College of Great Falls. Following that, I obtained dual master’s degrees: a Master’s Degree in Education, in Guidance and Counseling and a Master’s of Professional Counseling from the University of Great Falls, now known as the University of Providence. My training includes DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), mindfulness-based CBT, and Person-centered Therapy.

With a wealth of experience in different clinical settings, I have worked with a wide range of clients. I have worked in the Women’s Correctional Center, Montana State Hospital, and Acadia. Additionally, I have spent 15 years working in a school-based setting with children aged 4 through 17. These children often face behavioral issues, autism, ADHD, depression, trauma, and other challenges. I have also spent 6 years working at Montana State Hospital with patients dealing with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.

My goal as an LCPC is to meet each client where they are and support them in becoming the best version of themselves. I primarily work with children aged 4-18, adults, and have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community. I provide services in person, as well as through telehealth. I believe that no single therapy path works for every person, so together, we will find what works best for you.

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my grandchildren and engaging in activities like reading, shopping, and taking walks. I also love going on trips and having lunch outings. During my favorite season, summer, you can find me relaxing on my deck with a good book in hand.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana, with an additional license as a Mental Behavioral Telehealth Counselor in Idaho. My educational background includes a Master’s Degree in counseling from Northwestern University.



As an eclectic, person-centered clinician, I will work with you to develop your individual, unique goals for counseling. My primary areas of specialty include working with first responders, veterans, grief and loss, trauma, secondary trauma, depression and personality disorders.

I am trained in various modalities, with a focus on EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, and utilize CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and Motivational Interviewing.  

In my position as a consulting therapist with Life Management Associates, LLC, I am providing therapy through telehealth to clients 16-years-old and up. A huge advantage of conducting therapy sessions by video is the ability of clients being able to access mental health services from anywhere in the state of Montana, eliminating the need for transportation to and from appointments. For many of my clients, they find meeting with me from the comfort of their own home to be preferable to meeting in an office setting. Although some may be hesitant to try telehealth at first, I find that it does not take long for clients to settle into meeting with me by video.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, along with my 3 dogs. I also enjoy traveling, going to yard sales, and being on my motorcycle.

I currently have immediate openings throughout the week for Telehealth Therapy, so if you think we might be a match, contact Life Management Associates, LLC for more information and an initial appointment.

Prior to pursuing my career as a mental health therapist, I graduated from Montana Technology with an AAS degree in practical nursing. I then went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree from Montana Technology in General Studies and a Minor in Addiction Counseling from University of Reno. Lastly, I graduated from Walden University, with a 3.48 GPA and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) since 2016.

My diverse work experience has prepared me for my current position as a mental health therapist in private practice, working with a diverse population of adults, adolescents and school age children. I have had opportunities to work with littles, aged 5-9, teens, and adults of all ages.  During my career, I've treated individuals with co- occurring diagnoses and supported those in crisis situations. I have worked as a Mental Health Consultant at Job Corps, provided counseling in schools, and in prison and prerelease programs. I have a vast amount of experience in individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, biopsychosocial assessments, and diagnostic differentiation and clarification. I thoroughly love helping others and see my work as a career, not just a job

My counseling style involves treating each client I meet as an individual, pulling from a combination of counseling theories, with my primary specialty being Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I will adjust my therapeutic approach meet each client’s unique needs. I am not a one trick pony. From my perspective, every client who walks in my door is a unique individual. All of my clients have their own stories, their own strengths and limitations, and their own hopes, needs, and desires. I believe, as a therapist, in meeting my clients where they are, not where I would like them to be. Afterall, it is the client’s treatment, so input on what they would like to change in their lives needs to come from them, allowing me to join them on their journey, offering  support and guidance in helping them to reach their goals. 

Personally, I have 3 adult children, aged 35, 33, and 25. Yes, I was a teen mom at the age of 17 and again at 19. I also have 2 pure bred German Shepherds and 2 cats. I love all animals and had geese, chickens, and ducks growing up. I am a Butte girl, born and raised. I also love gardening, camping, fishing, helping others, walks through the woods, family gatherings, hot tubs, hot springs, and chocolate. 

I am excited to be building my practice as an experienced professional counselor at Life Management Associates., LLC.  I presently have immediate openings, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, so if you are interested in meeting with me, please reach out.

My passion is providing effective therapy to children (3 years to 6 years), teens (16 years and older), adults, couples, and families. As a dual licensed counselor, I can offer addictions counseling, along with mental health and relationship counseling.



I approach much of my therapy from a grief perspective, assisting my clients in healing from loss, whether the loss is the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, the loss that accompanies addictions, or loss of the ability to live one’s life as planned due to an illness or serious injury. I have a special interest in working with trauma survivors, providing a safe place for my clients to process traumatic experiences, with the support of de-escalation and calming tools that will allow each individual to approach their treatment at a pace and manner specifically designed to meet each client’s unique needs.

Another area of interest for me is couples and family therapy. I have found that my individual clients often request that I meet with them for couples therapy, to more effectively address issues that stem from their relationship with their partner. Family therapy allows me to look at issues arising for my clients from a systems perspective. Since we do not live in a vacuum, working with my clients and their families can potentially offer the most successful long-term outcomes for therapy.

My formal education includes the completion of four degrees since beginning my higher education in 2016. I earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Technology and a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Helena College in 2018, an Associate of Arts Degree in Social Work from Helena College in 2020, a bachelor’s degree in social work from The University of Montana in 2022, and a Master’s of Social Work Degree from Carroll College in 2023.

While completing my undergraduate work, I took coursework that allowed me to qualify for my degree as a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC). Since completing my master’s degree, I qualified for my current degree as a Social Work Licensed Candidate. I am currently working under supervision until I have completed all of my post-graduate therapy hours and successfully passed the LCSW Licensing examination, which I plan to have completed by May of 2024 .

My work experience has included providing therapeutic supervision as a Family Centered Aide to young mothers at Florence Crittenton’s Residential Program in Helena. As a Case Manager and Social Work Intern at Helena Addiction Services I had the opportunity to provide education and support to people suffering from addiction, prepared Chemical Dependency Evaluations and Treatment Plans, and worked with Family Treatment Court, assisting parents work toward reunification with their children, through successfully achieving sobriety.

During my employment at Intermountain in Helena, I provided addictions and mental health services to youth and adults in an out-patient therapy setting.

In addition to my private practice work at Life Management Services, I am currently employed at Montana Counseling Services in Helena, offering dual licensed outpatient treatment to those struggling with addiction and mental illness.

I am currently working on building my private practice caseload at Life Management Associates, LLC, so I have immediate openings for in-person therapy or telehealth.

 Office Manager