Lauren Havin

Sharing your story with someone new can feel daunting, and I’m deeply honoured by the trust and vulnerability my clients bring to this work. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’ve walked this path before, I hope to create a space where you feel safe, accepted, and supported to move at a pace that feels right for you.

My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that each of us has inherent strengths and capacity for growth, even amid life’s storms. I bring a trauma-informed lens to my work and am committed to creating a space that feels affirming, empowering, and culturally responsive.

I view all thoughts, feelings, and behaviours as understandable responses to the challenges you’ve faced—not problems to “fix.” Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by fear, sadness, or self-doubt; caught in patterns like perfectionism or people pleasing; navigating new parenthood or another life change; or coping with grief, illness, or other difficulties—we can work together to harness your resilience and gently explore new possibilities.

Recognizing that each person’s story is unique and layered, I take a holistic and flexible approach to therapy. Together, we can draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities to chart a course forward that aligns with your experiences, needs, and values. I draw on elements from several therapeutic approaches, including:

•  Person-Centered Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

About Me

I live in Hamilton with my spouse and our rescue dog, Daisy. When I’m not working, you can find me experimenting in the kitchen, taking long nature walks, and tending to my garden (with mixed results!). I also love listening to music, laughing along to a good comedy, going to the drive-in theatre, and spending time with the people who matter most to me.

As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of invisible illness, I understand how isolating and exhausting it can feel. These experiences, along with my own journey in therapy, have shaped the way I show up with my clients—with openness, authenticity, and deep compassion for the challenges they face.

I’m currently welcoming new clients for video, phone, and in-person sessions, and I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit. If something here has resonated with you, I’d love to connect.

Professional Background

I have over six years’ experience working as an acute care nurse, during which I have provided supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental care to diverse individuals and families navigating complex medical and mental health challenges.

Having cared for patients in their first days of life as well as in their final hours, I have witnessed the great complexity of the human experience and the vast range of emotions that accompany it. I have taken part in celebrations of small breakthroughs and full recoveries, and supported individuals in the face of disappointment, suffering, and loss. These experiences have ignited my desire to pursue a career in psychotherapy
and given me a deep appreciation for the interconnection between physical and emotional well-being.

I hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a Student Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.