Dr. Lauren specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, OCD, depression, and emotional and behavioural challenges, drawing on extensive experience in hospital, community, and private practice settings. Her approach is informed by a deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, and the importance of safety and connection in supporting emotional well-being. Central to her philosophy is the belief that children, teens, and their parents first and foremost need to feel safe, accepted, and understood in order to reflect, gain insight, and make meaningful changes. She strives to create a therapeutic space that feels warm, approachable, and nonjudgmental, where young people feel comfortable being themselves while building the confidence and skills to navigate life's challenges.
Areas of Support
Dr. Lauren provides psychological assessment, therapy, and parent consultation for children and teenagers experiencing:
Anxiety and Worries: Generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, performance anxiety (e.g., tests, public speaking, sports), and school-related worries
Specific Phobias: Fears of needles, vomiting (emetophobia), dogs, spiders, illness, and other situations
Depression and Low Mood: Sadness, withdrawal, low motivation, and negative self-talk
Emotion Regulation Challenges: Big emotions, frustration, anger, and difficulty managing strong feelings
School-Related Difficulties: School avoidance or refusal, academic stress, and difficulties with school transitions
Selective Mutism: Difficulty speaking in certain social situations despite being able to speak comfortably in others
Self-Esteem and Confidence: Perfectionism, self-criticism, low self-confidence, and difficulties with motivation
Social and Family Relationships: Friendship difficulties, social withdrawal, family conflict, and parent-child relationship challenges
Sleep Difficulties: Bedtime anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, and nighttime fears
Life Transitions and Adjustment: Coping with illness, grief and loss, parental separation or divorce, and other significant life changes
Medical Anxiety and Stress: Fears related to medical appointments, procedures, needles, or dental visits
Therapeutic Approach
Dr. Lauren takes a flexible, individualized approach to therapy, drawing on evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), and DBT-informed strategies. Sessions are tailored to each child's developmental stage, personality, interests, and individual needs.
With younger children, Dr. Lauren incorporates play, art, games, and other creative activities to make therapeutic concepts accessible and meaningful. She also works closely with parents, incorporating principles from the Circle of Security Parenting Program (COSP) to strengthen parent–child relationships, foster greater understanding and connection, and support positive family dynamics.
Professional Background
Dr. Lauren completed her PhD in Clinical Developmental Psychology at York University, followed by a predoctoral residency at SickKids in Toronto and a postdoctoral fellowship at BC Children's Hospital.
Her clinical experience spans hospital, community, and private practice settings, where she has provided psychological assessment and evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and families.
Location & Appointments
In-person sessions: Arc Psychology, 601 West Broadway, Suite 609, Vancouver (near Broadway and Cambie)
Virtual sessions: Available for families throughout British Columbia
