"The wound is the place where the light enters you” - Rumi
Welcome
People experience challenges in their lives that are difficult to work through alone.
Therapy may help with:
Anxiety & Depression, Career & Life Balance, Communication, Problem Solving
We all have, within us, an innate potential for growth.
According to the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario), Psychotherapy occurs when the Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and client enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning.
Individuals seek therapy due to feelings of unhappiness, frustration, or dissatisfaction. Difficult life experiences and unhealthy patterns can present obstacles which prevent us from feeling fulfilled. We may be enmeshed in stressful or destructive patterns and unconsciously drawn to unhealthy situations, even when they make us unhappy.
LAURIE KOLESA, RP
REGISTERATION NUMBER 10267
About Laurie
“Maybe you are searching among the branches for what only appears in the roots” – Rumi
Prior to becoming a Registered Psychotherapist, Laurie had a successful career in the Financial Services and Insurance Industry in Canada and the US, and held corporate leadership roles for over 20 years, including head of client experience in an insurance start-up. She holds significant business experience and training helping employees and businesses achieve their goals. During a corporate acquisition, Laurie held a change management role which led her to look for more personal ways to help people cope with their changing personal and professional circumstances. This catalyzed a desire to help others in tumultuous situations which led her to the study of psychotherapy. In addition to her vast corporate work, her other experience includes hospice care where she volunteered for several years. This rewarding experience inspired an interest in grief therapy where she holds special training.
Laurie holds extensive training in psychodynamic psychotherapy. She continues to expand her knowledge and is currently a master’s student in counselling psychology. Laurie utilizes psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is a particular theory that utilizes exploration to determine the root cause of suffering. Recognizing feelings, thoughts, sensations and influences that are sometimes outside of awareness can help people better understand themselves, identify unhealthy patterns, and improve relationships and ways of relating with others. Often, acknowledging and understanding the past, including early attachments, may illuminate our feelings, thoughts, and reactions, in the present. This can allow us to learn new perspectives and ways of being.
Laurie also utilizes cognitive behavioural therapy, which is a theory that considers how a person’s amplified perceptions of a problem, create distorted and unhelpful reactions which can lead to fears, anxiety, and depression. CBT treatment is an evidence-based approach that can help people who are suffering learn interventions and techniques that can help relieve symptoms and change faulty thinking patterns.
Working in collaboration, Laurie offers practical, strength-based solutions to help her clients achieve the outcomes they desire. A collaborative approach encourages shared capacity for growth and change.
Laurie tailors therapeutic sessions based on the needs of the client and incorporates various therapeutic modalities to help clients grow, calm situations, build confidence, recognize negative patterns, and make transformative changes.
Laurie is a Registered Psychotherapist, under the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), registration number 10267. You can find her here: https://www.crpo.ca
Laurie is verified by Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/laurie-kolesa-toronto-on/448650
Laurie is a member of CAPT (Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy)
Laurie Kolesa’s Qualifications and Training
Registered Psychotherapist, College Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) License number 10267
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology With Distinction, Yorkville University
University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Arts, English Literature
Michigan State University, Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership with specialization in Human Resources Management and Change Management
Centre for Training in Psychotherapy (CTP School), Foundational Theory Two-Year Certificate
Centre for Training in Psychotherapy (CTP School), Transference and Countertransference Certificate
Wilfred Laurier Faculty of Social Work, Trauma Certificate (over 120 hours of training)
Intensive Trauma, Certificate
Breaking the Cycle of Unhealthy Family Relationships, Certificate
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Externship Certificate
Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy Program Diploma (3 year program)
Adler, Hospital for Sick Children, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training for Anxiety and Depression, Certificate
From Loss to Resilience with Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Certificate
Grief Treatment to Promote Healing and Hope Among Grieving Children, Adolescents & Adults, Certificate
Survivors’ Guilt, Regret, and Shame, Certificate
Institute of Traditional Medicine (ITM), Contemplative End of Life Care Certificate, Certified Death Doula
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness Based Cognitive-Therapy (MBCT)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a Psychotherapeutic and Psychodynamic Perspective, Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Consultation:
A scheduled consultation occurs before commencing therapy. This is important to ensure your problem is within Laurie’s scope of practice, to address any questions, to align schedules and to determine fit. A consultation usually takes 15-20 minutes, and there is no charge.
Psychotherapy Sessions, Fees and Insurance:
Cancelation Policy:
Laurie has a 24-hour cancelation policy and charges for missed sessions, in full.
Insurance and Benefits:
Receipts are provided for all psychotherapy sessions. OHIP does not cover psychotherapy. If you have insurance benefits, please confirm it covers psychotherapy.
I am here to support you on your journey towards healing and transformation.
Your information is always kept strictly confidential.
I look forward to hearing from you.