Dr. Lauren supports children and teens with anxiety, mood, and behavior challenges through evidence-based, compassionate therapy and parent collaboration
Specialist in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Dr. Lauren is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to children and teenagers experiencing anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. She works with young clients dealing with separation anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias (e.g., fear of needles, heights, dogs), and school-related anxiety. Dr. Lauren also has expertise in supporting children and teens coping with chronic health conditions, offering guidance for challenges such as adjusting to a new medical diagnosis, managing fears related to medical procedures, and navigating feelings of being “different” from peers. For children aged 3–10 with behavioral concerns (e.g., tantrums, aggression, non-compliance), Dr. Lauren collaborates closely with parents to strengthen parent-child relationships and improve behavior. She provides practical strategies for effective discipline, establishing rules and routines, setting limits, offering praise, and emotion coaching.
Evidence-Based and Compassionate Approach
Dr. Lauren uses evidence-based techniques, primarily CBT and mindfulness-based approaches, integrating motivational interviewing (MI) as appropriate. Recognizing the challenges children and their families may face in opening up to a therapist, she creates a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment to ensure comfort and trust throughout the therapeutic process.
Educational Background and Research Contributions
Dr. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Honours Psychology from McGill University and her Ph.D. in Clinical Developmental Psychology from York University. Federal and provincial scholarships, including the CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship and Ontario Mental Health Foundation funding distinguished her academic journey.
Her research has focused extensively on parent-child interactions in medical settings, with a particular emphasis on children’s coping with painful procedures and the role of parental support. Dr. Lauren has published numerous articles and book chapters in scientific journals and presented her findings at regional, national, and international conferences. Her dissertation was nominated for a university-wide award, and findings from her work have been featured in media outlets such as CBC, Today’s Parent, and Radio Canada International.
Clinical Training and Experience
Dr. Lauren completed her pre-doctoral residency at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, where she worked with children and teens undergoing cancer treatment. She further honed her skills during a post-doctoral fellowship at BC Children’s Hospital, providing psychological care to childhood cancer survivors. Her previous training includes:
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada’s largest psychiatric hospital.
- Mood and Anxiety Clinic at Markham Stouffville Hospital.
- York University Psychology Clinic.
Dedicated to Empowering Families
Dr. Lauren’s expertise in child development, her evidence-based approach, and her commitment to creating a safe space for families ensure that her clients feel supported and equipped to face challenges.
Whether helping children manage anxiety or guiding parents in effective strategies, Dr. Lauren is dedicated to fostering resilience and growth in the children and families she works with.
