Laurie Carter, PhD

About Me

Dr. Laurie Carter is an Army veteran, wellness educator, author, certified Health and Life Coach, and co-founder of Veterans Impacting Positive Solutions (VIPS). She brings a unique interdisciplinary background that blends education, wellness, movement, creative expression, and trauma-informed care.

Dr. Laurie holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science & Wellness: Fitness and Nutrition from Liberty University, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts, a Ph.D. in Literature and Criticism, and both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Languages and Literatures from Austin Peay State University. She is also a Certified Health and Life Coach through the Health Coach Institute and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work in Individual and Family Clinical Practice at Liberty University.

After a distinguished career in higher education leadership, Dr. Laurie shifted her focus toward helping individuals build resilience, reconnect with their strengths, and create meaningful change through holistic wellness and trauma-informed practices. Drawing from her extensive experience in education, movement, and creative arts, she integrates trauma-informed Pilates, yoga, reflective practices, storytelling, and wellness coaching to support healing and personal growth.

As a writer, educator, and coach, Dr. Laurie believes that stories have the power to transform lives. Through the VIPS Healing Framework, she helps individuals reclaim their voice, identity, power, and personal narrative while fostering strength in both body and mind. Her work bridges wellness, social work, and creative expression, empowering individuals to move beyond survival and toward a life of healing, growth, and purpose.

Dr. Laurie’s holistic, strengths-based approach aligns closely with the philosophy of Happy Place Therapeutic Services. Like Happy Place, she believes healing happens when individuals are supported as whole people, mind, body, and spirit. Her commitment to empowerment, self-discovery, resilience, and lifelong growth reflects our belief that therapy is not simply about overcoming challenges, but about creating a life that feels authentic, balanced, and fulfilling.