I am a Registered Psychotherapist

Licensed with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (license #001543).

Now trained in many modalities of therapy, my education is grounded in the Gestalt methodology, which required 4 years of study, followed by 2 years of supervised clinical practice.  I have been leading groups and seeing clients privately since 2009. As a lifetime learner, I continue to seek new ways to help my clients. I am an active member in good standing with OAMHP (Ontario Association of Consultants, Counselors  Psychotherapists and Psychometrists) and CCPA (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association). I have also studied Humanities at the University of Waterloo.

Bio:
Having entered her ‘wise woman’ years, Laura’s experiences as a Canadian champion athlete, business leader, world traveler, management consultant and Psychotherapist allow her to relate well to many types of people. Her clients include both men and women, with an emphasis on those who have experienced success in their lives yet struggle to express their authentic voice in their business or personal lives. Providing a delicate balance of challenge and support, she helps them address the anxiety and fears that get in the way of making lasting change in their lives. Laura also specializes in helping her clients communicate clearly in their various relationships, helping them to align what they want, with what they receive and do.

Laura’s clients value her ability to ‘see’ them. Her work centers around people’s need to feel seen, heard, valued and included.

As a lifetime learner, she continues to expand her knowledge and experience through ongoing continuing education reading, workshops and programs some of which include: Couples Therapy (Couples Institute, Terry Real, Esther Perel), Art Therapy, Anger Management, Sensory Awareness, CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), Child Development, EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy), Polyvagal Theory, as well as EMDR Therapy - the international gold standard trauma therapy, completed with an EMDRIA certified program.

She is also part of an active professional reading and process group with peers; and has worked tirelessly putting her business background to use on behalf of the profession.   

 

Related & Volunteer Experience

I have been an active volunteer in my profession having supported my school through the process of regulation and also a leader on behalf of all Registered Psychotherapists to have our services covered widely for our clients who have 3rd party insurance benefits and to shift our profession to become HST exempt.

I have sat on the Board of Ontario Sailing, the Outer Harbour Sailing Federation and the East Toronto Climate Action Group.  I held a public seat on the Canadian Advisory Committee for Social Responsibility which put forward the Canadian position for the ISO 26000 standard on Social Responsibility.

Before Becoming a Therapist

Prior to choosing to study Psychotherapy, I was a management consultant, working primarily in the financial services sector. It was in this capacity that I began to see how essential healthy inter-personal dynamics were to engaged employees and successful initiatives.  I wanted to be able to make a difference in this area, that seemed to be so important, yet avoided by management.  So I decided to take the One Year for Professionals program, and just kept going.

I held a wide range of management positions across diverse functions in large Canadian companies over the past 20 years. I played key roles in multi-million dollar Strategy Development initiatives, led acquisition-driven Change Management programs, and facilitated numerous Strategic Planning sessions for a variety of industry sectors. My broad experience enables me to relate easily to most people, and offer insights that demonstrate understanding of the internal implications of strategic choices and the impact on those they will affect.  I keep a steady yet flexible hand on the rudder as I navigate groups through demanding challenges.

I have 15+ years experience working with executive teams and key stakeholders; yet I have a unique ability to connect with people at all levels and roles, which stems from having come through the ranks. I am known for my open, honest approach and living my values. I am particularly skilled at seeing the dynamics at play within people and groups.