Laura Austin – Registered Clinical Counsellor
If your brain tends to overthink, overanalyze, and occasionally spiral over something you said in 2007… you’re not alone. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in people-pleasing patterns, struggling with intrusive thoughts, or caught in that all-too-familiar feeling of “Does everyone secretly hate me?” (Spoiler: our brains can be very convincing storytellers.) Whatever brings you here, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I love helping people explore who they are, how they want to engage with the world, and what a meaningful, fulfilling life looks like for them.
Therapy with me moves at your pace, and you stay in the driver’s seat. I aim to create a warm, non-judgmental space where every part of you is welcome… including the messy, uncertain, or overwhelmed parts. I promise to show up not just as a therapist, but as a human being alongside you: real, present, and genuinely invested in your wellbeing. Our work together often includes meaningful reflection and a little humour, because healing doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time.
I especially enjoy working with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, intrusive thoughts, OCD, self-worth concerns, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I love supporting young people as they figure out who they are, build confidence, and learn tools to manage big feelings and anxious thoughts. I also work collaboratively with parents and caregivers, helping families better understand one another while supporting youth in feeling heard, respected, and empowered.
I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) when working with OCD and intrusive thoughts, and I’m also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and other approaches, allowing sessions to be tailored to what works best for you. I take a whole-person perspective, recognizing how life experiences, relationships, identity, and larger societal factors shape our wellbeing.
If you choose to work with me, you can expect a collaborative, compassionate, and empathetic space focused on helping you feel more grounded, confident, and aligned with who you are.
When I’m not in session, you’ll likely find me spending time with my partner and friends, hanging out with my rescue dog Betty, exploring local coffee shops (iced coffee year-round… no exceptions!), and fully embracing anything cozy and comfortable.
Specialties – issues:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- People-pleasing, relationships and communication
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma
- Self-worth and self-esteem
- Stress management and coping skills
- Youth issues (school, bullying, anxiety)
- Neurodiversity (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD)
Specialties – modalities:
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches
- IFS-Informed Therapy
Client focus: Children, Youth, Teens & Young Adults, Adults, Neurodiversity (ASD and ADHD)
Cost per session: $150/individual 50 mins | $225/individual 85 mins | $175/couples 50 mins | $262.50/couples 85 mins
