Laura Thornhill, (MSW, RSW, BA(Hons.), CYW) has a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto, specializing in children and family’s mental health. She received Cum Laude distinction from York University where she completed her Bachelors degree in social science. Laura also, holds a Child and Youth Diploma with honours. She has completed Bessel van der Kolk’s Trauma Stress Studies Certificate Program, and attended Harvard University’s Mind/Body Institute for Positive Psychology Certification. Laura also, completed The Cedar Centre’s (formerly known as the York Region Abuse Program, YRAP) Group Therapist Trauma Program, and Women’s College Hospital’s Trauma Education Recovery and Resiliency Group Therapist Training Program.
Laura is a member of good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, with a proven record of adhering to professional and ethical standards.
She has been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years. She has a special interest in the neuroscience of emotion regulation and attachment. Laura has comprehensive theoretical knowledge, sound counselling practices of psychotherapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), behavioural modification, person centred approaches, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), mindfulness, trauma recovery and relapse prevention.
Laura supports clients through the use of a strength based approach and brief solution focused techniques to address issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, isolation, relationship challenges, and other mental health related issues. She is also, committed to proactive care of children’s mental health and well-being.
Her therapeutic expertise spans across individual and family life spans, transitions, self discovery and recovery. She believes in honouring the strengths and wisdom of each person, creating a safe space to be seen, to feel heard and to feel connected and empowered when sharing and learning. Laura is committed to equity, an anti-oppressive, anti-racist practice, and collaborative care. She strives to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive space for healing, connection and meaningful change.
She facilitates therapeutic and psycho-educational groups for adults and children, and is experienced in creating and delivering mental health workshops and lectures.
Laura also lectured at George Brown College in the Social Service Worker Program, as well, presented on the topic of eating disorders at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo. She has been a member of clinical teams at Bellwood Health Centre/Edgewood Health Network, North York General Hospital, the Cedar Centre, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, and the George Hull Centre for Children and Families, and Monarch Therapy.