Laurie has worked in the counselling field for over 10 years. Laurie has supervised practicum students, been interim clinical supervisor of a counselling team, and worked for Vancouver Coastal Health as a concurrent disorders counsellor. Laurie worked at a lab at UBC which focused its research on intimate relationship violence, paraphilia, and terror management.
MCP, Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her
Laurie Hollingdrake
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Words to live by
If we learn to open our hearts,
anyone, including the people who
drive us crazy, can be our teacher.
Q & A With our Staff
A little bit more about me
Education
I completed my undergraduate degree at UBC in Psychology and English Literature. I earned my Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University while parenting my first born full-time.
Primary Modalities Used
Professional Clinical Counselling Certification
Certified with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #: 17460
What do people say your biggest strength is?
Past clients and coworkers have said that I am compassionate, empathic, intuitive, and unflappable, but I will let you be the judge!
Something you’re proud of (challenge you’ve overcome, etc.)?
I feel that I am pretty fearless. Whether it’s training to be a yoga teacher in middle age, constantly learning new modalities of counselling, or raising three boys aged 5 – 13 years; I feel I am always up for an adventure, and can pivot on a dime!
What led you to counselling?
Counselling was something I had been interested in since being a camp counsellor at the age of 19. I worked for a YMCA camp, and there were lots of kids who were underprivileged. I felt that having at least one supportive relationship made all the difference when it came to resilience and self-worth. My eldest son once asked me, “What does a counsellor do?” I told him, “A counsellor is kind of like a tour guide of life, an interpreter, and someone who will sit in the darkest and scariest of places with you to keep a candle lit and hold your hand.”
Favorite book?
Oh boy it’s tough to pick just one, so I am going to cheat and list a couple: Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection was life altering. Gabrielle Hamilton’s Blood, Bones & Butter is an exquisitely written account of a woman’s journey from adversity to success as a chef and writer.
What/who inspires you?
I have been doing this work for almost ten years, and I am still so inspired and amazed at the resilience and self-awareness that my clients possess. Whether it’s relationships with the self, questions about identity, romantic relationships with others, or a past that refuses to stay in the past, it is always an honour to be included on a person’s journey to self-discovery. Every person I have worked with has informed my counselling practice, my relationships with friends, family, and my children. What a gift.
Favorite things to do?
I love making skin care and aromatherapeutic essential oil blends. I also love to do yoga, and meditation, and am currently learning Reiki. I love hanging with my kids and just getting on their level to connect with them.
What would you tell a client that you were meeting for the first time?
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. We can always discuss your personal struggles before you decide to book some time with me. I am always up for being interviewed by potential clients. I feel that a good fit is essential for anyone to do this difficult and vital work. If you find I am not the best fit for you, I will do my best to connect you with someone who may be.
