The Team

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.

Laura Dowler MSW RSW

Owner/Clinical 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.

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.

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.

Devi Jayachandran MSW RSW

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Devi is a Registered Social Worker who believes in the holistic wellness of all beings. She completed her Master’s in social work specializing in Medical and Psychiatry from Loyola College of Social Sciences , Kerala University. In addition, she has Bachelor’s in Psychology and Diploma in Community Service Work .  She is a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

She started her career as a mental health professional in the year of 2012 with District Mental Health Program, Kerala, India. She has almost 8 years’ experience working with individuals with a wide variety of mental health concerns. She received appreciation from the Government of Kerala, India for her outstanding dedication, commitment, and tireless effort in delivering mental health services to the state as part of Disaster management activities during Kerala floods 2018.

Devi uses different modalities in her therapeutic process according to the need and necessity of the individual. She incorporates basics of Yoga, meditation and mindfulness in her approaches. She believes that one’s true happiness lies within themselves, and everyone deserve to live their life to the fullest.

Kim vonEuw B.Sc., M.Sc., RP(Q)

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Kim completed an honours B.Sc. at Brock University Medical Science. Most recently, Kim completed a M.Sc. in Clinical Mental Health Counselling from Niagara University and is a Qualifying member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Kim primarily works with children and youth with varying mental health conditions, including Anxiety, Depression, Suicidality, Trauma, ADHD, ODD, OCD, and other complex mental health issues. Kim also works with families, as well as individuals seeking support. Kim approaches therapy with a Person-Centered approach, ensuring treatment is tailored to each client. Kim primarily uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Solution-Focused modalities.

Jenn Johnston MSW

(pending registration from OCSWSSW)

Jennifer completed her Child and Youth Worker from Niagara College of Canada followed by a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Trent University.  Currently, Jennifer has completed her Master of Social Work degree from the University at Buffalo, New York where a trauma-informed perspective is infused.  Most recently, she completed a second Trauma Counselling certification.

Jennifer has experience working with at-risk populations who have experienced trauma.  She is compassionate​, trauma-informed and appreciates the hurdles that are overcome in taking the big step to explore personal challenges and struggles in a therapeutic counselling environment.

Nicole Bateson RP(Q)

Intern

Hutch

Therapy dog

Hutch is a 2 year old Labrador Retriever. His person is Laura Dowler the owner of Grand River Counselling. He is loved dearly at home and at work. Hutch provides in session assistance to clients that experience sadness, anxiety, anger, or despair. He provides stabilization to clients that experience emotional dysregulation or dissociation in session. He provides loving support through cuddles and kisses. He is very connected with the emotions of people and has a nature desire to help them through their distress.

**Hutch can be requested in session when advanced notice is given**