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With a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan, Laura Sanders has been an adjunct instructor in U of M's graduate program since 1996. She provides contractual and private therapy, consultation, training, supervision, and expert witness testimony in the areas of sexual abuse and other trauma, attachment and adoption, and issues of gender and sexuality. She finds effective therapy to be eclectic in nature, grounded in a combination of evidence-based approaches and enhanced by creative and relational interventions designed to address the needs of individual clients and families. Advocacy and community activism are fundamental to her role as a clinical social worker and integrated into all of her work. Most recently she is the co-founder of the Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, an all-volunteer organization that responds to needs of families and communities targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, detainments and deportations. Her presentation style is dynamic, including many case examples and experiential activities that invite participation.

Contact Information

  • (734) 763-8016

  • 2760 SSWB
    University of Michigan
    School of Social Work
    1080 S. University
    Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

  • 1988 MSW Social Work
    University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
  • 1982 BA Women's Studies and Psychology
    University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Activities

Publications

Honors and Awards

Year Description
2015 Activist of the Year, Organization of Latino Social Workers.
1987 Continuing Education of Women Scholarship, University of Michigan
1987 National Institute of Mental Health Graduate Fellowship, University of Michigan School of Social Work, Training specialization in the treatment of child sexual abuse
1982 National Golden Key Honor Society, University of Michigan
1980-1982 James B. Angell Scholar, University of Michigan

Presentations

Year Description
2021 ENGAGE panel: Immigrants in Michigan, the Un-told Story. U of M School of Social Work
2021 The Life of Social Worker: Introduction to Social Work class: Eastern Michigan University
2021 Immigrant Rights Presentation on the Driver’s License Campaign and the Work of WICIR, sponsored by Latinx Social Work Students, UM-SSW
2019 Animal Assisted Therapy Training: Clinical staff of Methodist Children’s Home residential treatment
2019 Animal Assisted Therapy with a Young Refugee Man, for regional conference of PATH (Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship)

Courses

Current & Future Courses

Title Instructor Term Course Section Meeting Start Meeting End
Understanding and Organizing Against Inhumane Immigration Policy Sanders, Laura L. Spring / Summer 2026 001 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Animal Assisted Therapy Interventions Sanders, Laura L. Spring / Summer 2026 002 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Animal Assisted Therapy Interventions Sanders, Laura L. Spring / Summer 2026 001 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Animal Assisted Therapy Interventions Sanders, Laura L. Fall 2026 002 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Animal Assisted Therapy Interventions Sanders, Laura L. Fall 2026 001 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Current Treatment for Trauma Survivors Sanders, Laura L. Fall 2026 001 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Child and Family Well-Being - Micro Practice Sanders, Laura L. Fall 2026 001 09:00 am 12:00 pm View Course

Past Courses

Title Instructor Term Course Section Meeting Start Meeting End
Child and Family Well-Being - Micro Practice Sanders, Laura L. Winter 2026 001 09:00 am 12:00 pm View Course
Understanding and Organizing Against Inhumane Immigration Policy Sanders, Laura L. Winter 2026 001 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Counseling and Advocacy with LGBTQIA2S+ Adults Sanders, Laura L. Winter 2026 001 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Current Treatment for Trauma Survivors Sanders, Laura L. Winter 2026 001 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Animal Assisted Therapy Interventions Sanders, Laura L. Fall 2025 002 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Animal Assisted Therapy Interventions Sanders, Laura L. Fall 2025 003 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Animal Assisted Therapy Interventions Sanders, Laura L. Fall 2025 001 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Child and Family Well-Being - Micro Practice Sanders, Laura L. Fall 2025 001 09:00 am 12:00 pm View Course
Animal Assisted Therapy Interventions Sanders, Laura L. Spring / Summer 2025 002 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course
Understanding and Organizing Against Inhumane Immigration Policy Sanders, Laura L. Spring / Summer 2025 001 09:00 am 05:00 pm View Course