Laura Worrall

Laura Worrall, MC:AT, RCC-ACS, RCAT, BCATR

Laura has a Master’s in Counselling: Art Therapy degree (MC:AT), and has been in private practice for over 25 years. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor-Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Registered Canadian Art Therapist.

Laura works with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma and losses, as well as life transitions and changes. Laura works from an art therapy perspective believing that certain situations and life events may be too difficult to initially talk about. When people are creative and look at difficulties from a new perspective, they can often then find unique solutions and new possibilities. Art therapy provides individuals with the opportunity to explore life-stories, personal problems and potentials through the use of simple art materials. Laura believes creativity can help individuals build resilience to life’s difficulties and may aid in gaining a greater understanding of their inner world and personal issues.

She also has trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (level 1), and incorporates body awareness and mindfulness into her practice to help clients connect to the innate wisdom of the body.

Art therapy and counselling can be an effective way to help people to express and explore a variety of issues including: anger, loss, abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional) depression, trauma, anxiety, and the effects of divorce or family separation. Laura is also a Crime Victim Assistance Program provider, and provides art therapy and counselling to ICBC customers.

In art therapy individuals are invited to use a variety of materials to create, and then are encouraged to talk about the art and discover or uncover its importance and meaning. No previous art experience is necessary. All of the art made is confidential as belongs to the individual.

Laura has worked in schools with children who have autism and other special needs, and as an art therapist in agencies working with children, adolescents and their families. Also currently, Laura is a faculty member at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute, providing clinical supervision and coordinating a distance art therapy program.