Search Results

Kathryn Knight has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University and is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She works with first Justin Fram, MACP, RP Justine Fram 905-635-7770 jfram.therapy..com Justine Fram is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. Justine provides treatment to adults who have experienced trauma or challenging life transitions, grappling with crisis, or needing support in relation to emotional/psychological health. She works collaboratively with clients, making personalized treatment plans to facilitate their healing and growth. She believes the therapeutic relationship can support clients to gain deeper self-understanding and learn new skills to promote personal growth. You can expect her to be supportive, calm, non-judgmental and trauma informed. Models she incorporates in her work include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Person-Centred Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Attachment-based Therapy.

Although there is not a guarantee of improvement for every situation, your therapist uses models and techniques that have been researched and proven to be beneficial for most people. Short-term therapy is generally focused on change or stabilization in one or two areas that you define as your goal(s Our Services Although there is not a guarantee of improvement for every situation, your therapist uses models and techniques that have been researched and proven to be beneficial for most people. Short-term therapy is generally focused on change or stabilization in one or two areas that you define as your goal(s). Longer-term therapy is for people who usually have long-standing or more complicated or severe problems, often stemming from trauma or long-standing difficulties, and who want more extensive therapy to reach their goals of improved mental health. Occasionally, therapy can elicit difficult or distressing emotions. At all times, you have the right not to discuss a topic, or to terminate the session or therapy. Individual Therapy Individual therapy is a process where clients work one-on-one with a therapist to meet their therapeutic goals. READ MORE Psychological Assessment Dr. Laidlaw provides consultation services and specialized psychological assessments for specialty teams/work assignments, internal promotions, pre- and post-deployment needs/services, and for WSIB claims/issues. READ MORE Group Therapy Group therapy is a process where a small group of people (generally six to ten individuals) meets on a regular basis with a therapist/facilitator to discuss an issue common to all participants. READ MORE Pre-Employment Assessment Pre-employment personnel selection instruments are used to screen applicants and include the assessment of a wide range of skills and abilities. READ MORE Neck-Up Check-Up The Neck-Up Check-Up program is designed to provide clients from the corrections/first-responder/military community with an opportunity to maintain an awareness of their psychological well-being. READ MORE Debriefing for Emergency Services We provide defusing/debriefings to various organizations following critical incidents. We are generally available on short notice and have various resources/referrals at our disposal in order to provide follow-up assistance/guidance. READ MORE Peer Support Teams Peer support teams are important contributors to recovery. Peer support is a supportive relationship between people who have a lived experience in common. READ MORE

Susan joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in January 2018 as Administrative Assistant and Receptionist. Susan’s first career was as a High School Physical Education Teacher in Scotland after obtaining a Diploma of Education (Dip.Ed). Following a motor vehicle accident Susan had to explore alternate care Julia McAdam, BSc, BHSc(OT) Julia McAdam, BSc, BHSc(OT) 905-635-7770 Julia McAdam is a Registered Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist with over 25 years of clinical experience supporting individuals through recovery, growth, and resilience building. Her experience includes supporting first responders, as well as individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma and chronic pain. Julia’s clinical practice is grounded in trauma-informed care, with a focus on addressing post-traumatic stress, moral injury, and workplace-related psychological injuries. Julia draws upon evidence-based therapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and exposure-based approaches, adapting these frameworks to meet the needs of each client. She provides a safe and collaborative space where individuals can explore their experiences, process difficult emotions, and build meaningful strategies for moving forward.

Insurance Plans Psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). Some individuals have extended medical coverage through their place of employment or through a family member’s place of employment. Insurance plans vary in what they cover and in the amount of coverage. Some cover psychological services and may or may not require a medical referral and specific documentation. Review your benefits package to determine eligibility for reimbursement. Health plans which we accept: Not covered by any of these plans? Contact us and we will find the best solution to suit you.

Therapies We Offer CBT Therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. > Read More CPT Therapy (Cognitive Processing Therapy) I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. > Read More Exposure Therapy I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. > Read More EMDR Therapy I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. > Read More Psychotherapy I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. > Read More Solution Focused Therapy I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. > Read More Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. > Read More

Exposure Therapy Exposure Therapy I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font. Feel free to drag and drop me anywhere you like on your page. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you. This is a great space to write long text about your company and your services. You can use this space to go into a little more detail about your company. Talk about your team and what services you provide. Tell your visitors the story of how you came up with the idea for your business and what makes you different from your competitors. Make your company stand out and show your visitors who you are.

Perceived Injustice & PTSD The term “perceived injustice” was coined by a researcher who demonstrated that when a person feels they have been treated poorly, it can prolong the symptoms of PTSD, and make it harder it to return to work. The impact of perceived injustice is independent of the severity of the original injury. One of the greatest causes of perceived injustice is “sanctuary trauma”. As an employee, you expect your employer, your co-workers, and workplace policies to be supportive of your injury, not to mention insurance companies, such as WSIB. When this care is not available, or your claim is questioned, these failures of support can add more psychological pain to your existing symptoms. Disability and the Perception of Injustice

Who Are Our First Responders First responders are trained professionals who are the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency or crisis. They include paramedics, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, police officers, and other rescue workers. Their job is to assess the situation, provide medical assistance, and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

At Dr. Laidlaw & Associates we are dedicated to helping First Responders through trauma therapy and counselling. With over 40 years of combined experience. Located at 460 Brant Street 1st Floor, Unit 13 Burlington, ON L7R 4B6 . 905-632-0748. Please contact us for more information. Counselling Our therapists are here to support and facilitate a safe place for those that need the support. READ MORE First Responders Find more information on PTSD, the signs and the treatments for PTSD for first responders and their families. READ MORE Resources We offer individual and group counselling at Dr. Laidlaw and Associates. Find out more below. READ MORE We are currently accepting new clients, including those covered by WSIB. Our wait list is open and we invite you to contact us for an intake. We look forward to helping you reach your goals. Accepting New Clients about US Dr. Laidlaw & Associates provides individual and group treatment to adults 19 years of age and older. We work with various population groups including first responders (e.g., Police, Firefighters, Paramedics, Correctional Officers, and Military Personnel). Primary issues include depression, anxiety, and reactions to trauma and abuse (e.g., Acute Stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Occupational Stress Injury). Therapeutic models include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness. READ MORE Organizations we have worked with: SEE MORE

Oliver Vertes Oliver Vertes MA, RP 905-635-7770 Oliver Vertes is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario. He has extensive clinical experience working with adult populations, with a focus on first responders and their complex needs. In addition to his undergraduate, and graduate work, he has completed additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existentialism, trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, Critical Incident Stress Management, and a variety of other life transitional issues. As a psychotherapist, he is heavily influenced by existentialism and in defining your values to live a meaning driven life. Although he focuses on ACT and Existentialism, he integrates perspectives and practices from other modalities, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Solution Focused Therapy. Oliver works out of both our Burlington and St. Catharines offices and, in addition to in-person, he offers telephone and video sessions.

Dr. Laidlaw and Associates provide individual and group treatment to adults 19 years of age and older. Dr. Laidlaw and Associates have a special interest in depression, anxiety, and reactions to trauma/abuse. Therapeutic models include Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, E Our Team About Us Dr. Laidlaw & Associates provides individual and group treatment to adults 19 years of age and older. We work with various population groups including first responders (e.g., Police, Firefighters, Paramedics, Correctional Officers, and Military Personnel). Primary issues include depression, anxiety, and reactions to trauma and abuse (e.g., Acute Stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Occupational Stress Injury). Therapeutic models include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness. Dr. Laidlaw is a Clinical, Counselling, and Rehabilitation Psychologist with extensive experience in providing psychological services. Her areas of specialization include critical incident stress, posttraumatic stress, and psychological difficulties of first responders. Dr. Laidlaw provides individual treatment to adults aged 19 years and older, utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, and Brief Psychotherapy. She also conducts pre-employment personnel selection assessments for emergency services and offers personality, intellectual, developmental, and vocational assessments. In addition, Dr. Laidlaw is a registered provider for several organizations, including the Salvation Army, Blue Cross, and Veterans Affairs Canada. She is a member of several professional associations, including the Ontario Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association. Dr. Laidlaw holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts Degree in Human Development (combined Psychology, Kinesiology, and Sociology) from Laurentian University, Sudbury. She also has a certificate in Trauma Counselling for Front-Line Workers from the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, Toronto. Dr. Laidlaw furthered her education by earning a Master of Education Degree in Counselling Psychology and a Philosophy Doctorate Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and has completed training in Group Crisis Intervention from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Buffalo, NY. Dr. Paulette Laidlaw PhD., CPsych. Practice Owner READ MORE Katie Chown MACP, BSc, RP Katie Chown is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology with a Minor in Religious Studies from McMaster University, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Degree from Yorkville University. In addition, Katie is a Certified Trauma Professional (Levels I & II). Katie brings a breadth of experience from her work in academic and healthcare settings as an educator, counsellor, and clinical technician. These roles have informed her deep appreciation for the mind-body connection and the varied pathways through which people achieve healing and personal growth. Her clinical work focuses on adults in individual and couple’s settings. Katie is committed to providing an empathetic, non-judgmental environment that supports open dialogue and genuine connection. She takes a relational, psychodynamic, and holistic approach, integrating modalities such as Attachment-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Polyvagal Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Her advanced trauma training equips her to support clients through complex life experiences with care and skill. Collaboration is central to Katie’s practice. She partners with clients to enhance self-awareness, address challenges, and foster meaningful, sustainable change offering both clinical expertise and a respectful, supportive presence throughout the therapeutic process. READ MORE Justine Fram MACP, RP Justine Fram is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. Justine provides treatment to adults who have experienced trauma or challenging life transitions, grappling with crisis, or needing support in relation to emotional/psychological health. She works collaboratively with clients, making personalized treatment plans to facilitate their healing and growth. She believes the therapeutic relationship can support clients to gain deeper self-understanding and learn new skills to promote personal growth. You can expect her to be supportive, calm, non-judgmental and trauma informed. Models she incorporates in her work include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Person-Centred Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Attachment-based Therapy. READ MORE Oliver Vertes MSc, RP Oliver Vertes is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario. He has extensive clinical experience working with adult populations, with a focus on first responders and their complex needs. In addition to his undergraduate, and graduate work, he has completed additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existentialism, trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, Critical Incident Stress Management, and a variety of other life transitional issues. As a psychotherapist, he is heavily influenced by existentialism and in defining your values to live a meaning driven life. Although he focuses on ACT and Existentialism, he integrates perspectives and practices from other modalities, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Solution Focused Therapy. Oliver works out of both our Burlington and St. Catharines offices and, in addition to in-person, he offers telephone and video sessions. READ MORE Rachel Spekking MACP, RP Rachel Spekking is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Criminology, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. She has over 10 years of experience working in policing in Ontario. Rachel provides client-centered therapeutic interventions to address the unique emotional and psychological challenges faced by clients. She believes effective treatment is dependent upon building a therapeutic relationship that can support clients to gain deeper self-understanding, self-growth, and to develop strong coping strategies through being actively engaged in the therapeutic process. She provides an integrative approach to treatment of adults 19 years of age and older who are experiencing challenging life transitions, critical incident stress/trauma, operational stress, or needing support regarding their emotional/psychological health. Models that she finds helpful include, but are not limited to, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Rachel is also Eagala certified for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. READ MORE Julia McAdam BSc, BHSc(OT) Julia McAdam is a Registered Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist with over 25 years of clinical experience supporting individuals through recovery, growth, and resilience building. Her experience includes supporting first responders, as well as individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma and chronic pain. Julia’s clinical practice is grounded in trauma-informed care, with a focus on addressing post-traumatic stress, moral injury, and workplace-related psychological injuries. Julia draws upon evidence-based therapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and exposure-based approaches, adapting these frameworks to meet the needs of each client. She provides a safe and collaborative space where individuals can explore their experiences, process difficult emotions, and build meaningful strategies for moving forward. READ MORE Krisandra Einboden MSW, RSW Krisandra Einboden is a Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She holds a Master of Social Work Degree with the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Guelph. With nine years of experience in law enforcement, Krisandra has developed an important understanding of crisis intervention, resilience, and the complexities of trauma. Her recent transition into a career in firefighting has further deepened her understanding of high-pressure. environments and reinforced her commitment to fostering genuine human connection. Krisandra approaches therapy with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment. She understands the importance of active listening, empathy, and genuine engagement in the therapeutic process. She integrates evidence-based therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs of each client. READ MORE Administrative Team Pam Pam joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in April of 2021 as the Office Administrator. She supports all aspects of day-to-day office operations. She brings a wealth of administrative and interpersonal skills acquired over a decade-long career in a variety of roles. Pam holds an Associate of Science Degree from Lake Superior State University. She takes pride in her work, completing responsibilities in a professional and timely manner while maintaining a mature, gracious, and approachable presence. Meticulous and detail-oriented, Pam is adept at managing priorities and ensuring the smooth functioning of the office. READ MORE Jennifer Jennifer joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in August of 2023 on a part-time basis. Jennifer provides essential support to staff while overseeing confidential record management. She supports the practice by ensuring a welcoming, organized environment for clients. READ MORE Ornella Ornella joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in January of 2022. Ornella is part of the administration team and is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day duties in the office. READ MORE Olivia Olivia joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in May of 2025 as a Research Student. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Criminology from Western University and is in the process of continuing her education through graduate studies in counselling psychology. In her role, Olivia supports the practice by conducting literature reviews, analyzing current research, and developing training material for peer support initiatives with first responders. She contributes to the team’s work by translating research into practical resources that enhance mental health awareness and resilience. READ MORE Katrina Kent Laidlaw Katrina volunteered with Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in the summer of 2025, supporting the teams’ research initiatives. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology at Queen’s University. READ MORE READ MORE