Laura Hounsell (she/her)

It takes a village to raise a child. ~Nigerian Proverb (Author Unknown)

I have been honoured to work with children, youth and families in various therapeutic roles since 2001. After a decade of supporting pre-school and school age children with autism (ASD) and their families in the implementation of in home, play-based, integrative, interventions toward positive social, emotional, and behavioural development, I obtained the Bachelor of Social Work Honors degree from Western University. 

My approach to counselling and psychotherapy comes from a trauma informed lens, combined with genuine curiosity to uncover the motivations and strengths of the child and their surrounding network (their village) in order to support healthy development, emotional awareness and growth. I value the goals and insights of the people I support and have a wealth of experience advocating for children’s rights from an anti-oppressive lens. 

I believe children and youth are worth collaborating with, so I practice from a joining stance, coming along side to develop a tailored approach as to the direction of the work and the content and activities of each session. Through therapeutic avenues such as play, art, movement, drama and conversation, I incorporate CBT techniques to coach children, youth and their families how to be aware of their emotions, and thoughts, and how to take control of their inner dialogue and create one that serves them.

In my free time I enjoy gardening, singing and participating in local community theatre.

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)- Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist 
Laurier University Continuing Studies- Trauma Certificate; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certificates (1 & 2)
Western University- Bachelor of Social Work Honours
Heritage College and Seminary – Bachelor of Religious Education, Lay Counselling Minor