Laurel McCloskey is a Registered Social Worker in Ottawa, Ontario offering psychotherapy under the supervision of a psychologist.  Laurel 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 graduated with 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.

Laurel has over 14 years of experience in a variety of settings and with diverse clients, including both long-term and brief interventions. She approaches counselling as a creative and collaborative process used to tap into your innate wisdom, access your inner resources, and develop healthy coping strategies in a safe and supportive environment. She will see your strengths as well as your struggles.  Laurel’s goal is to guide you as you discover the path that is best for you.

Based on her training and experience in body-based psychotherapy, such as Somatic Experiencing, Laurel believes the body informs us if we listen.  Through increasing bodily awareness and deepened cognitive insight, you will find new ways to be in a relationship with yourself and others.

Laurel takes a holistic and integrative approach to psychotherapy and draws upon various modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy for Depression, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and inner child work.  She also has specialized experience in therapy for trauma with training in Somatic Experiencing and Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART). ART uses rapid eye movements to change the way in which distressing memories and images are stored in the brain to minimize strong physical and emotional reactions. ART is recognized as an effective psychotherapy for PTSD, depression, stress, and personal resilience. Laurel is a peer-recommended clinician for the Ottawa Police, as well as having extensive experience working with First Responders.

Using the above diverse approaches, Laurel takes a collaborative and empathic approach to help her clients set and take action on therapeutic goals and achieve measurable outcomes. Whether you are struggling with specific issues or seeking deeper meaning in your life, Laurel would be honoured to witness your journey and guide you to connect with your innate resources and wisdom.  She looks forward to supporting you to find movement where you feel stuck.