Laurel McCloskey is a Registered Social Worker in Ottawa, Ontario, offering psychotherapy services. She is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Laurel holds a BA in Psychology from St. Mary’s University in Halifax, a BSW from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, and an MSW from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

With more than 17 years of experience, Laurel has worked in a variety of settings and with diverse clients, providing both long-term and brief interventions. She approaches counselling as a creative and collaborative process that helps clients tap into their innate wisdom, access internal resources, and develop healthy coping strategies within a safe and supportive environment. Laurel sees and honours both your strengths and your struggles, and her goal is to guide you toward discovering the path that is right for you.

Drawing on her training in body-based psychotherapy, including Somatic Experiencing, Laurel believes the body offers valuable signals—if we learn to listen. Through increasing bodily awareness and deepening cognitive insight, clients can discover new ways of relating to themselves and to others. Laurel takes a holistic and integrative approach, drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy for Depression, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and inner child work.

Laurel also has specialized experience in trauma therapy, with training in Somatic Experiencing and Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART). ART uses rapid eye movements to help change the way distressing memories are stored in the brain, reducing intense physical and emotional reactions. It is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD, depression, stress, and for strengthening personal resilience.

Laurel is a peer-recommended clinician for the Ottawa Police and has extensive experience working with First Responders. Across all her work, she maintains a collaborative and empathic approach, helping clients set meaningful therapeutic goals and move toward measurable outcomes. Whether you are navigating specific challenges or seeking deeper meaning in your life, Laurel would be honoured to witness your journey and support you in reconnecting with your inner resources and wisdom. She looks forward to helping you find movement where you may feel stuck.