The Grand River Counselling Team is a close group that works collaboratively to give you the treatment you need to heal. We are constantly upgrading our skills to provide you with the best evidence based treatment from a Trauma-Based Framework.
1+ (519) 751-9159
laura@grandrivercounselling.com
The Team
Meet The Team!
Laura Dowler MSW RSW
Executive Director
Registered Social Worker
Trauma Therapist
EMDR Certified Therapist
Laura Dowler is the Executive Director and owner of Grand River Counselling. She began her private practise in 2012 after working with a variety of client populations such as community services (sexual assault, domestic violence, criminality, mental health), correctional settings and children’s mental health.
Laura Dowler has a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. In addition, Laura has a Honours B.A. in Criminology and a Diploma in Police Foundations.
Laura specializes in working with trauma, mental health, and relationship issues. Laura has a special interest in working with First Responders, male survivors of sexual abuse, victims of narcissistic relationships and complex mental health issues.
Laura uses Trauma-Informed Treatment and Trauma Therapy utilizing approaches such as EMDR, Attachment-Focused Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness Meditation.
Deven Wilkins MACP, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Deven completed an honours B.A. at the University of Guelph majoring in Psychology and minoring in Family Relations and Human Development. Most recently, Deven completed a M.A. in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and is a Qualifying member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Though Deven has clinical experience working with perpetrators, witnesses, and victims of intimate partner violence, Deven is able to aid individuals with a variety of mental health concerns and life challenges. In doing so, Deven takes an individualized approach to counselling utilizing current practices in order to best meet the needs of her clients. Deven has a particular interested in guiding clients towards personal development no matter their presenting concern.
Aspen Searle MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker
Specializing in Children and Youth
Aspen completed an honours B.A. at Bowling Green State University majoring in Psychology and minoring in Human Development and Family Studies. Aspen completed a M.A. in Social Work from The Ohio State University and is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.Aspen has experience working with children and adolescents that have experienced trauma and approaches her clients with trauma-informed care. Although she specializes in children and adolescents, she has experience working with adults to manage their mental health symptoms. Aspen focuses on working along side her clients to improve their sense of safety and personal growth.
Julie Drew
Office Manager
Julie Drew can be found at the front desk greeting patients and helping with the day to day operation of the clinic as Office Manager. Julie has several years experience in managing private practice clinics as well as medical practices.
What We Provide
We provide Trauma Focused Therapy for individuals, families, couples and groups using a variety of clinical approaches to best suit the needs of the client.
Our therapists are Registered Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapists We are members of our respective colleges in good standing.