Dr. Laura Armstrong, C.Psych.

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Life is challenging and sometimes difficult to navigate.  Sometimes we struggle. These are moments when psychology can help.

I work with clients’ strengths and help them build a “toolbox” of strategies and skills to address challenges.

Adapted to meet the needs and interests of each client, my work primarily involves elements of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Logotherapy (meaning-based therapy), Rational Emotive Therapy (RET), Mindfulness, Collaborative Problem Solving, experiential strategies, and attachment-based work. At clients’ requests, I will also incorporate spirituality into my treatment.  I work collaboratively with each client to develop a meaningful treatment plan with attainable goals that are specific to each client’s needs and personal motivation to grow.

I use music, storytelling, comic-drawing, games, crafts, and other hands-on activities with children and youth to teach evidence-based treatment skills and strategies in a “child friendly” manner.

Professional Life

I am registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario for clinical practice with children, adolescents, families, adults, and couples. I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa in 2013. My training included clinical work at Crossroads Children’s Centre, the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre, a university-based community mental health clinic, the Royal Ottawa Hospital Schizophrenia Program, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and the Ottawa Hospital.

I am an Associate Professor in the School of Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Spirituality at Saint Paul University in Ottawa.

Through my research as a professor, I am building the D.R.E.A.M. Program: Developing Resilience through Emotions, Attitudes and Meaning. This program, created in collaboration with children, mental health professionals, and Sound of the Muse Records, uses original music and hands-on activities to promote mental health resilience in school children ages 6 to 12. I have also adapted this program for gifted and bright children to address the unique emotional, sensory, imaginational, and social challenges they sometimes face, which can act as barriers to academic success and well-being. This research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, a national funding organization.

I enjoy Irish dancing, spending time with my family, and getting out into nature.