Laura Colucci, M.A.

Psychological Services
Populations seen: Adolescents and Adults

Laura is working towards her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Waterloo. She is completing a practicum under the supervision of Dr. Mainland.

Laura offers psychoeducational assessment and therapy services to adolescents and their families. She takes a thorough and strengths-based approach to her work so she can offer personalized and multifaceted assessment and/or treatment recommendations. She is known for her patient, engaging, and compassionate clinical style and enjoys joining clients on their journey of understanding more about themselves, collaborating to develop goals, and undertaking a treatment plan together, step-by-step.

In therapy, she uses a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach, and also employs techniques from Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when they are beneficial for her clients.

Laura has experience working with youth with a variety of presenting challenges, including:

·       Learning difficulties and neurodevelopmental challenges (e.g., ADHD, learning disabilities)

·       Anxiety and OCD

·       Depression and self-esteem

·       Emotion-regulation

·       Parent-coaching and parent-child relationships

Laura has worked with several neurodiverse clients, and also individuals experiencing co-occurring challenges with their mental and physical health.

Prior to joining Waterloo Psychology Group, Laura has worked as a student clinician with individuals of all ages at the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Lutherwood Children’s Mental Health Centre, Waterloo CBT Clinic, and the Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment. Her dissertation research is currently exploring the role of parent-focused EFFT as a family-wide treatment for youth mental health challenges. Prior to graduate studies, in 2019, Laura completed her Honors Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto and contributed to a number of health-focused research projects at the University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, Mount Sinai Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Professional memberships (Student Affiliate):

  • Ontario Psychological Association (OPA)

  • Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)

  • American Psychological Association (APA)