The Grand River Counselling Team is a team that you can trust! With many years of education and experience, the Grand River Counselling Team is the one to help you change your life, and get you through your daily routine!
1+ (519) 751-9159
laura@grandrivercounselling.com
The Team
Meet The Team!
Laura Dowler MSW RSW
Executive Director
Registered Social Worker
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(Q)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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.
Carolyn Stuart MACP, RP(Q)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Carolyn completed an honours Bachelor degree, majoring in Psychology and minoring in French and Small Business Management, at Redeemer University College. Carolyn has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She is a Qualifying member, in good standing, with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Carolyn completed her practicum at Grand River Counselling, where she gained experience working with a range of clients of a variety of mental health concerns and challenges. She was asked to continue to work at Grand River Counselling, as she has a skill in connecting with clients and guiding them through their sessions. Carolyn combines several therapeutic techniques, to allow you the freedom to share your journey, in a safe and open space.
Carolyn has a passion for working with clients with trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. She has a special interest in working with clients in the LGBTQI+ community. Additionally, she is able to work with all age’s individually, or in couples or groups. She co-facilitates two groups at Grand River Counselling: a trauma group and a group for children who were adopted.
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 counselling and psychotherapy to individuals, families and couples using a variety of clinical approaches to best suit the needs of my clients. Typically, we use a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Mindfulness Meditation.
We are Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist with a Masters of Social Work Degrees. we are members in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Our experience is with children, families, victims, mental health and offenders. We work with clients with a variety of mental health, relationship and trauma issues