Our Team
“Life as a therapist is a life of service in which we daily transcend our personal wishes and turn our gaze toward the needs and growth of the other. We take pleasure not only in the growth of our patient but also in the ripple effect—the salutary influence our patients have upon those whom they touch in life.”
- Irvin D. Yalom
Laura zychla
Credentials: MC, Registered Psychotherapist (Practice Owner)
Who I see
Children (ages 3+), youth, adults, and couples.
Funded Programs: VAC and VQRP+
Main areas of support
Children and Teens - complex family dynamics, trauma, abuse, school refusal, autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning differences, social skills challenges, and more.
Adults - depression, anxiety, ADHD, burnout, grief and loss, complex trauma, abuse, relationship and interpersonal challenges, life transitions, and more.
Couples - navigating separation and divorce, recoupling, blended family dynamics, shared or individual trauma, and other relationship challenges.
Niche specialties
Health care professionals and first responders
Burnout and stress
Complex trauma and abuse (children and adults)
High-conflict divorce and complex family systems
Chronic and acute illness
My Approach
Where there are life challenges, there is also strength. Therapy can help uncover that strength and move it to the forefront. Becoming a therapist showed me the power of family, connection, and community in shaping our mental well-being. While many people face adversity, not everyone has been shown how to cope or heal. I’m passionate about supporting mental health in my community, one client at a time. I believe the impact of therapy extends far beyond the individual and can influence future generations.
Whether I’m engaging playfully with children to help them understand their emotions or exploring trauma with adults, I bring warmth, compassion, optimism, and collaboration to every session. I support individuals navigating depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, and relational challenges, with a deep respect for each person’s story.
Preferred Modalities
My approach is strength-based, solution-focused, and trauma-informed at every stage of the process. I integrate a range of therapeutic techniques, including play therapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, EFT, narrative therapy, and others, to best support your unique needs and goals.
I work from a culturally inclusive and socially just lens, welcoming clients of all backgrounds into a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
A little bit more about me…
I have 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry across various specialties that support a holistic approach. I’ve worn many healthcare hats that can support you — as a Registered Psychotherapist, group home worker, researcher, manager, a national-level advocate for health professions, and a hospital and cancer centre employee. I have won national awards, presented at conferences, and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Outside of my practice, I am in “mama mode.” I have two wonderful boys who have endless energy, kind hearts, and who showcase reasons for the pride I feel for them every day. We live in the beautiful chaos that is this stage of life, along with two big dogs (who you may see during virtual therapy) and two cats who nap until the dogs go outside. We believe in embracing life to the fullest, no matter if times are good or more challenging.
Coming to therapy and supporting clients is my passion and has been a lifelong goal. It’s why I returned to working in frontline mental health. Nonetheless, the detour was vital. My passion supports you one-on-one and brings a wealth of knowledge from scientific evidence and clinical practice to practical lived experience, along with the ability to advocate for broader change to help others like you. I also recognize when new approaches are needed to create a better mental health system — and, most importantly, a better therapy session for you.
Together, we can build a therapeutic relationship grounded in respect, compassion, honesty, and optimism. We can adapt therapy to fit your needs and work in innovative ways, if you prefer.