Meet Lauren

About

Hello, my name is Lauren and I am an advanced practicum counsellor at the UVic Student Wellness Centre. I am completing my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at UVic. My pronouns are she/her.

I am of primarily European heritage and was raised in Nova Scotia, which is located within Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. I have been an uninvited visitor on unceded lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ lands since 2017. I feel privileged to have lived in Mi’kma’ki and on the beautiful lands of the Coast Salish peoples.

In my free time I enjoy walking, reading novels, and playing board games. The beauty of the ocean (whether Atlantic or Pacific!) keeps me grounded  

*Note: Practicum counsellors are here from Sept 2022 to April 2023.

Counselling approach

I have experience working with a variety of concerns including stress, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

I take a client-centered approach to counselling meaning that I believe that you are an expert in your own experience and that your goals and concerns should be the focus of our work together. I view individuals holistically, understanding that students reside within systems (e.g., family, friends, community, cultural, religious, academic) and that well-being is multifaceted, including emotional, physical, and spiritual elements.

My counselling approach draws from a number of different orientations including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I also incorporate self-compassion and mindfulness into my approach.

I identify as bisexual/queer and I enjoy working with individuals from a diverse range of sexual orientations or those who are currently exploring their sexual identity.

Areas of Interest

• Anxiety and depression
• Stress
• Gender and sexual identity
• Self-compassion
• Mindfulness