Meet Laura
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Certified Sexologist
Taking the initial step to engage in therapy is a difficult one; together we can explore, break down, and rebuild the aspects of your life that no longer serve you. As somebody who has spent many hours on the other side of the couch, I understand how vulnerable the process can be.
My intention as a counsellor is to build a relationship based on trust and respect. I aim to meet you wherever you are at and draw on your strengths and what makes you uniquely yourself to move through the world with greater ease.
As your counsellor, you can rest assured that I will show up as my authentic self in session. I offer a direct and transparent approach while fostering an empathetic and non-judgemental environment. I take a holistic approach in my work; this means exploring the interconnectedness of your psychological and physical well-being, considering how each influences the other. I firmly believe that therapy doesn't have to be all serious to experience growth, and you can expect moments of lightness and laughter during our sessions.
I function from a person-centered, pleasure-focused, and sex-positive approach. I draw from a range of evidence-based modalities, including Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and integrate mindfulness and somatic-based techniques
I identify as a white, queer, neurodivergent, cis-woman who lives and practices on the unceded territories of the XÊ·mÉ™θkÊ·É™yÌ“É™m (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sÉ™lilwÉ™taɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Outside of my work I enjoy working out, farmers markets, caring for my menagerie of houseplants, and testing new recipes in the kitchen. Your animals are always invited to make an appearance in sessions unless you own spiders.
Sex Therapy
Laura can help with
Sexual Trauma
The impact of sexual trauma can extend far beyond your sexual experiences. While we cannot take away the trauma itself, counselling can help you reclaim your sense of agency, rebuild trust, and foster a healthier relationship with your body, sexuality, and relationships. The first step to healing is starting the conversation.
Sexual Interests
Are you wanting to better understand your unique sexual desires, interests, or attractions? Perhaps you are experiencing distress or difficulties in your relationships related to your kinks, fetishes or paraphilias? Our work together can get you to a place of greater self-acceptance and sexual well-being.
Couples Counselling
Do you find yourselves in recurring arguments without any resolution? Does it seem like you and your partner aren’t on the same page when it comes to sex and intimacy? Couples counselling isn’t just for relationships in crisis, it is also a valuable place for couples who want to proactively strengthen their bond and have the tools to navigate future difficulties.
High Desire
Do you feel as though your sexual thoughts, urges, or behaviours are causing you distress, interrupting your daily life, and impacting your relationship(s)? Are you spending excessive time viewing pornography and experiencing negative consequences in your relationship or sexual functioning? Therapy offers a space to explore these experiences and developing strategies for managing urges that are aligned with your values and goals
Performance
Do you find that concerns about erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or difficulty with orgasm are impacting your sexual enjoyment and confidence? If these struggles resonate with you, seeking support can be a positive step towards greater sexual wellbeing.
Low Desire
Do you experience a disconnect between yours and your partner(s)? Have you experienced a decrease or absence of sexual interest? Therapy can offer a supportive space to explore the roots of these challenges and work towards a more fulfilling relationship with your sexuality.
Exploration
Are you curious about improving your relationship to sex and pleasure? Are you considering ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, or other relationship structures? Together we can cultivate a more authentic relationship with your sexuality.
Pain with Sex
Does pain with sex lead to avoidance of intimacy, frustration towards your own body, and strain on your relationship(s)? There are many reasons why painful sex occurs, including physical conditions, hormonal changes, psychological factors, or a combination thereof. Sometimes, the cause may not be immediately clear. In therapy, we can work together to develop effective pain management skills and improve the emotional and relational impacts of this experience.
General Therapy
Do you have things you would like to work on beyond sex? Here is a list of other areas Laura focuses on
Anxiety
Trauma
Depression
Boundaries
ADHD
Communication
Contact Information
Phone
(778) 806-9210
Address
Unit 208 - 175 E Broadway, Vancouver, B.C.
Availability
Monday: In-Person & Virtual
Tuesday: In-Person &Virtual
Wednesday: Virtual
Thursday: Virtual
FAQ's
How much do sessions cost? Individual Session Prices: $160.00 per 50-minute sessions $240.00 per 80-minute sessions Couples session prices: $180.00 per 50-minute sessions $270.00 per 80-minute sessions
Do you offer 15-minute phone consultations? Yes! Either fill out the Get In Touch form or send me an email and we can schedule a 15-minute phone consultation to see if we are a good fit.
What is your cancellation policy? I require 48 hours of notice to cancel or reschedule if you do not wish to be charged. If you need to make any changes please send me an email at laura@ethostherapy.ca
Will my sessions be covered? Maybe! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC and many extended health plans offer coverage for counselling services with my credentials. Please check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage. I do not do direct billing.
Do you offer sliding scale sessions? Yes! However I review requests for sliding scale on a case-by-case basis and my priority goes towards pre-existing clients.
Is GST added to your services? Registered Clinical Counsellors are now exempt from collecting GST on their psychotherapy services.
Laura's Credentials
Education
Masters of Arts
Bachelors of Arts
Mental Health Counselling and Behavioural Medicine Program
Boston University School of Medicine
Psychology Major
University of British Columbia
Certifications
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Individuals
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Neuroscience Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (nCBT)​
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The Developmental Model for Couples
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Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Immersion
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Psychological First Aid
Continued Education
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Pain and Sex
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Erectile Dysfunction
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Working with Queer Couples in Therapy
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Orgasms 101 for Folks with Vulvas
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Integrating Anti-Oppression in Counselling
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Nurturing Trans-Erotic Embodiment: Re Visioning Sex Therapy for Every Body
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Neurodivergence in the Bedroom
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Soma Cultural Liberation
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Treatment Planning in Sex Therapy
Research
Research Assistant under:​
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Dr. Lori Brotto - UBC Sexual Health Laboratory
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Dr. Sarah Valentine - Boston Medical Center
Published:
Valentine SE, Smith AM, Miller K, Hadden L, Shipherd JC. Considerations and complexities of accurate PTSD assessment among transgender and gender diverse adults. Psychol Assess. 2023 May;35(5):383-395. doi: 10.1037/pas0001215. Epub 2023 Jan 19. PMID: 36656725; PMCID: PMC10101923.