Background

My name is Laura Langen (she/her) and I am a registered clinical counsellor at Avery Therapy Centre. I was born and raised in Saskatoon where I completed my Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Saskatchewan which supported me in my years of leadership and business development with value aligned companies.  Although I loved my work, my personal experiences with mental health and witnessing the need for quality mental health care in the world and in our community led me to dedicate my career to mental health and holding a safe space for others. I hold a Masters of Counselling degree from City University where I wrote my thesis on using natures elements to regulate anxiety and the nervous system.

 

I am grateful to have travelled and lived in various countries and communities around the world. Through my experiences, I learned that life is all about genuine connection to ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us. My passion for community has led me to volunteer with organizations that teach children about mental health and self- care. I have also worked with at risk youth and adults with a focus on providing a safe space, no matter someone’s background, to process emotions and have someone to talk with. Through the people I have met and experiences I have had, I have come to know more about myself and further connect to the natural world around me I value so deeply.

 

Experiences is a top value for me as I love a good adventure and opening myself up to the world around me. I hold my loved ones close and place high value on maintaining healthy relationships. I personally have gone through my own mental health challenges and know what it is like to be in the dark and thinking things will not get better. This is a core reason I have dedicated my career to mental health and why I wish to be a light to others in my personal and professional life. I have come to also deeply value the simple things in life, such as a good meal, cold ocean swim, getting lost in a great song, and a big belly laugh.

 

Therapeutic Approach

I believe life is meant to be lived not survived. My approach works with your mind, somatic body, and spirit to allow yourself peace in the life you create for yourself. I offer both individual and relationship counselling using a client centered and trauma informed approach that enables us to safely explore the impacts of your life that have brought us to work together. I regularly integrate acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) that focuses on working with our emotions and not against them. I believe in the power of psychoeducation which allows my clients to better understand their nervous system which can empower and support the healing journey. Other modalities I like to pull from are internal family systems (IFS), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), existential therapy, and nature-based approaches. As a relationship therapist, my primary modality is Gottman Method with an aim to create shared meaning and understanding while managing emotions and conflict.

 

I know seeking support can bring up many emotions and I place my first priority on developing an authentic, trusting, and safe relationship with each other. I recognize no two humans are alike and we will work together to customize your therapy as we work together online or in person. I believe therapy should move between the dark and the light, and I integrate compassion, values- based work, and humour along the way in our process. Know you are not alone in what you are here for, and I look forward to meeting you and walking alongside you at this time in your life.

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My availability can be found here.