It All Began a Million Years Ago—It Feels Like

I often say it all began a million years ago—at least, that’s what it feels like. I was a child in a tiny country school nestled in a small town, where diversity existed in ways both visible and hidden.

The school itself was small—so small that classrooms combined two grades from kindergarten to grade 8. But what we lacked in size, we made up for in complexity. We had children who had to use payphones because they couldn’t afford a home phone sitting beside those who had all the privileges they could desire. There were children who excelled academically and those who needed extra support. The popular kids, the so-called nerds, the quiet ones, and those who didn’t quite fit in. It was, in many ways, an ordinary school—but also a rare microcosm of humanity.

Because the classrooms were so intimate, I became acutely aware of people’s differences early on: in their lives, their families, their struggles, and their stories. I remember a girl writing poems to express her emotions and complicated family dynamics. I remember beer bottles thrown at walls, the lingering smell of a child wearing the same clothes for days, and the first threat I ever heard—a classmate saying they would throw an axe in my back. I remember standing up against bullying, hugs passed between children in tears, and my best friend’s laughter—a safe harbor from my own life.

That diversity shaped me. It taught me, from a very young age, to appreciate the uniqueness of people. It introduced me to the resilience of the human spirit and sparked my curiosity about mental health, human behavior, and how we survive the many traumas—big or small—that life sends our way.

Fast forward to today: I’m now a parent, raising my children in a new generation of schools. They’re growing up in a world better equipped to talk about mental health than when I was young. But many challenges remain. After spending my entire professional life in healthcare, I’ve become deeply aware of the gaps that persist—and the urgent need for change.

It is from this lifetime of experience—personal and professional—that I’ve arrived at this moment: founding an organization committed to flexible, trauma-informed, inclusive care that reflects the rich complexity of our human experience at all ages.

From, Laura Zychla (owner)

Why We Exist

At Serene Woods Psychotherapy, we reject the cookie-cutter approach. Healing is not one-size-fits-all. Our model is built on adaptability and client-centered care. We move fluidly between treatment approaches based on your unique needs. Whether it’s individual, family, or couples therapy, we tailor our services with care and intentionality.

We don’t prescribe a fixed number of sessions or lock you into rigid plans. Life is complex, and therapy should reflect that.

We also believe in warmth and comfort. Healing happens in spaces that feel safe, so we’ve created an environment where you’re welcome to take your shoes off, grab a cup of tea, and curl up on the couch.

Our Goal

We aim to build genuine relationships with our clients—connections that last not just through a single challenge, but across the many chapters of life.

Our Vision

We want to facilitate positive change—within your life, your family’s, and even across future generations. We aim to help end cycles of trauma and build new legacies of healing and strength. By addressing mental health in a compassionate, informed, and inclusive way, we hope to contribute to a more resilient, empathetic Canada.

This is not just a clinical practice. This is a mental health movement.
And we’re honored to walk alongside you.