"When you can't look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark"
-Alice in Wonderland
About Lauren
Constantly evolving is one way to describe me. For this reason it is difficult to identify myself in words. Every day I learn, change and adapt to my inner and external world.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in good standing with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold a master's degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary together with a bachelor's degree in Health Science with an emphasis on mental health and addiction. I have a passion for learning and I continuously seek professional development opportunities so that I can better serve my clients. To view a list of my additional trainings, click here.
In addition to working through the concerns that may have brought a person to counselling, my greatest focus is on developing a meaningful connection. I recognize that life has challenges which can be difficult to endure and I believe there is value to be found in each day if we are present and open to it. Sometimes our pain can become distracting, confusing and overwhelming, making it difficult to appreciate our worth and create meaning in our lives.
Experience
I am privileged to have had a variety of experiences working professionally within the realm of mental health. In addition to support group facilitation in the field of eating disorders, my knowledge of mental well-being has been influenced by my 13 years of work in a residential treatment center as a therapist. An emphasis on substance use, trauma, self-harm, disordered eating, criminal justice involvement, depression, anxiety, grief and various other mental health struggles have been the focus of this work. I further obtained my graduate studies internship hours working primarily with individuals impacted by trauma.
I am passionate about the field of reproductive mental health and am certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). This specialty area deals with the care of women and their families who develop emotional or mental health concerns related to all stages of the reproductive cycle; from pre-pregnancy to menopause. This would include, but is not limited to, issues that arise around pregnancy and postpartum – as well as infertility, miscarriages, birth loss, terminations, adoption, complications, traumatic birth and having a child with a serious illness. I hold additional training certificates from the Seleni Institute of New York in Perinatal Loss & Grief, as well as Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders.
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Perinatal Mental Health Certification- Postpartum Support International
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Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy- Postpartum Support International
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Postpartum Anxiety/OCD- Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals
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Pharmacologic Treatment in Perinatal Mood Disorders- Postpartum Support International
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San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Program
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Maternal Mental Health Intensive: Perinatal Mood Disorders- Seleni Instutute
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Perinatal Loss and Grief- Seleni Institute
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Certificate in Eating Disorder Prevention and Recovery- Douglas College
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Introductory DBT Intensive- DBT Centre of Vancouver
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)- Elmira Strange
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Internal Family Systems: Procedures for Healing Traumatic Wounds- Alexia Rothman
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Using CBT Techniques to Create Meaningful Change- Jack Hirose
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Working with the Body: Somatic Experiencing- PESI
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Emotionally Focused Therapy with Individuals (EFIT)- Vancouver Couple and Family Institute
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Nutritional and Integrative Interventions for Mental Health- PESI
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Releasing the Body from Bonds of Trauma though Somatic Intervention- PESI
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Emotion Focused Family Therapy- Mental Health Foundations
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Certificate in Bereavement Counselling- Natural Health Institute
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Anxiety and Depression Management- Jack Hirose & Associates
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training- Crisis Center
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Living Works Suicide Prevention Training- Living Works Suicide Training Center
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Online Addiction Medicine Diploma- UBC Continuing Professional Education
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Core Addictions Practice Training- Vancouver Coastal Health
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Trauma Assessment and Intervention- Traumatology Institute
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Mental Health First Aid- Mental Health Commission of Canada
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Trauma Informed Practice- Justice Institute of BC
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Narrative Therapy Introductory Course, Dulwhich Center Online
Get In Touch
Serving Langley and Surrey, BC
To schedule an appointment, call or email:
Please leave a message and your call will be returned
within 1 business day.
