Nice to meet you!
I live with my partner and two weird and wonderful kids in North Vancouver. I’m a registered Master’s level Social Worker with 20 years experience working with people at the toughest time in their lives.
My own adverse experiences and intense curiosity about people inspired my focus on healing and recovery from trauma. I fully believe in our ability to recover and thrive after tough experiences.
Meeting a new therapist can feel nerve wracking! I focus on warmth, a keen eye for the details of your story with a little touch of humour. We won’t talk endlessly in circles. My case conceptualization will be shared with you early and our treatment plan will be transparent and revisited often. Although I offer many concrete advanced approaches and treatment, one of the most profound experiences we can have is to be validated for what we have been through.
In my off hours you can find me baking with my son, knitting an insane sweater, talking with my teen about dystopian books or walking long distances with my husband all over North Vancouver, in matching outfits.
My specialties include :
Developmental trauma, CPTSD & PTSD
Dissociation
Anxiety
Recovery from narcissistic or emotionally immature parents
Childhood Abuse and Neglect
Sexual Abuse and Assault
I look forward to doing meaningful work together!
Laura Vander Steen, BAPsych, MSW, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDR CIT
In the spirit of reconciliation, mend counselling acknowledges and respects the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam First Nations people where we work, live & play.