I believe that all individuals have the capacity for change when given the opportunity, tools, and guidance. My approach is collaborative, client-centered, and eclectic, drawing on cognitive, psychodynamic, and somatic approaches to therapy. As a counsellor, I focus on creating a safe space filled with respect, encouragement, and support. In this calming and reassuring environment, clients are invited to examine patterns, behaviours, responses, boundaries, and relationships, that they may want to alter, understand, or reflect upon. I am interested in working with adolescents and adults of all ages, and with a variety of concerns.

Couples counselling - if this is your first session with me, please book in for a 100 minute initial couples counselling session

I welcome clients with diverse backgrounds and needs and provide counselling in English and Russian.

I believe that all individuals have the capacity for change when given the opportunity, tools, an... Read More

Works with individual clients and couples

Offers both in-person sessions (downtown Vancouver) and online sessions

My Approach to Therapy

The human experience can feel so messy and painful sometimes, but we don’t have to navigate it alone.

I take a holistic approach to therapy. This involves working together to support all aspects of yourself - thoughts, emotions, bodily feelings, relationships, and social/cultural contexts - to come into alignment and harmony. In my 15 years of teaching mindful movement, including rehabilitative yoga and pilates, I have come to see that our mind-body systems hold inherent wisdom and capacity for healing. In therapy, we can access this inner wisdom to help guide our way through some of the darkest challenges.

I take a client-centered, relational, and trauma-informed approach to care. And while the space I hold is compassionate and collaborative, I also provide guidance and perspective to support your growth when appropriate.

My own experiences of walking with grief and loss, chronic pain, and trauma have led me to this work. I hope to provide you with a gentle space where you can feel the safety and support needed to not only take the next steps along your healing journey but to thrive in your life.

It is an honour to walk alongside you.

As a couples counsellor, I welcome and celebrate all relationships including LGBTQIA2S+, polyamorous, and kink.

Theories Influencing My Approach

For individual therapy, I am primarily inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS), which help us to understand and appreciate all the various parts of ourselves, bringing aspects of conflict back into harmony. I am also influenced by Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), which focuses on processing, regulating, and transforming emotional experiences. More broadly, my approach is influenced by somatics, social justice, and attachment theory. Somatic approaches incorporate the wisdom of the body in the therapeutic process, and social justice approaches our social and cultural environment. Attachment theory helps us understand how childhood relationship patterns affect how we react to things today and provides the opportunity to heal through new experiences of more secure (safe and loving) relational patterns. I am also a certified Life Coach, offering neuroscience-based solutions-focused techniques to help people visualize and work towards their dreams and aspirations when they are ready.

In couples therapy, I am primarily influenced by Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), which encourages the development of loving and safe emotional bonds. I am also influenced by Relational Life Therapy (RLT), which focuses on improving relationships and personal growth through exploring patterns of behaviour and communication. I have done level one training in RLT as well as the Gottman Method.

A Bit About Me Outside of Therapy

My full name is Loretta Laurin, but you can call me Lo. I was born and raised in the Vancouver area on the traditional lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. My mother is a Chinese immigrant, and my father was Quebecois (French-Canadian). I have two older brothers, two sisters-in-law, and three nephews who I adore. I live collectively in East Van with two of my best friends and a cat.

I have worn a lot of different hats throughout my life and find myself touching many different community circles. I am always a student, with a thirst for learning, especially about relationships and communication. I thrive when I’m facilitating meaningful experiences for people. I also love dancing and outdoor adventures. If I am moving my body, in nature, and/or connecting with people I love, I am in my happy place.

Works with individual clients and couples Offers both in-person sessions (downtown Vancouver) an... Read More

About Me

I was drawn to training as a therapist through my previous work with people learning to attune to themselves through the movement practice of Pilates. I have specialized training in teaching Pilates to people with neurological conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease, and those who are post-stroke. This work brought me into contact with people facing life-limiting diagnoses, people with traumatic histories that disassociated them from their bodies, and people who hadn’t known they could be gentle with themselves while progressing in some way. That work made me a part of their care webs, and I felt drawn to expand my relational skills.

What solidified my choice to train as a therapist was my own family’s experience with the Medical Assistance in Dying program (MAID). I believe that people know what they need and are experts in themselves. I am honoured to be present with people as they explore and experiment with change, which can happen at any time in life.

My Approach to Therapy

Drawing from Gestalt therapy and somatic approaches, I offer an exploratory and transparent dialogue while fostering an empathetic and non-judgemental environment. You’ll experience a curious and affirming therapist who challenges you to express yourself fully and notice the connections throughout your story and your experiences. Ready to meet you wherever you are each time we interact.

Outside of Therapy

As a white, able-bodied, non-binary person, I am constantly investigating my privileges and ways of being. I am a 5th generation settler and a 1st generation immigrant to so-called Canada. I am polyamorous and have been partnered for over 20 years. I have travelled extensively throughout my life and am actively learning to communicate through differences.​

About Me I was drawn to training as a therapist through my previous work with people learning to... Read More

This is not a workshop to learn the how-to’s, philosophy, or introduction to being in an open relationship.

It is a group to create a safe space for folks in open relationships to explore their challenges in communication and negotiation.

Please choose a time slot in the schedule to register/hold your space.

This is not a workshop to learn the how-to’s, philosophy, or introduction to being in an open rel... Read More