Laura Walzak

My name is Laura. I am a doctoral-level clinician in the process of completing a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology, with a Masters in Clinical Neuropsychology from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria. I completed my predoctoral residency at the CPA-accredited Vancouver Coastal Health internship program and have worked in a variety of public health and private practice settings throughout British Columbia with youth, adults, and older adults. In addition to my work at VIPS, I serve veterans and RCMP members at the BC Operational Stress Injury Clinic. I am very pleased to be working on Vancouver Island again, ready to serve the community I grew up in as a skilled mental health professional.

I offer evidence-based treatment for a variety of clinical issues including:
anxiety, depression, grief & loss, trauma, suicidal thoughts/suicidality, stress management, chronic illness management, concussion & brain injury, relationship issues, life transitions (school, work, moving), conflict resolution, communication & social skills, motivation/procrastination, confidence/self-esteem, and identity development. Additionally, I am able to complete a variety of standardized assessments including neuropsychological, psychoeducational (including ADHD), psychovocational, and personality testing.

I bring a unique blend of experience to the VIPS team through my specialized training in Neuropsychology, which incorporates elements including cognition (e.g., memory, attention) and health (e.g., sleep, exercise) into the assessment and treatment of psychological difficulties. My clinical style stems from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and person-centred mindfulness based approaches. I am also trained in a variety of treatment modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed methods including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

Therapeutically, I hold a strong belief that every individual possesses the inner tools they need to work through problems, but sometimes we can lose access to these resources and are unable to tap into our own unique intuitions and capabilities. My hope is to create a supportive space where my clients feel safe to learn more about themselves, and work together on unlocking this inner toolbox to build a life that reflects their desires and goals. I strive to empower my clients that they can lead full and value-focused lives, alongside the difficult moments and stressors that inevitably come with the human experience. I approach my work with humour, creativity, and empathy, and enjoy collaborating with and learning from my clients. From my work with military and police populations, I have a great appreciation for the sacrifices and experiences of my clients and feel honoured to work with them on their journeys.

I am currently in the process of completing my PhD and applying for registration with the College of Psychologists of BC. During this process, I provide psychological services under the supervision of a registered psychologist at VIPS.