Laura Young

Hi, I’m Laura! I’m a Registered Nurse and Nurse Psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience supporting adults through complex mental health challenges in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I’ve always been drawn to supporting people through difficult moments, and my background in mental health nursing showed me just how closely our emotional well-being is connected to our physical health and day-to-day lives.

I began my career working in emergency and hospital-based mental health care, supporting individuals through crisis, hospitalization, and longer-term recovery. Over time, I felt called to move beyond crisis support and medication alone and toward therapeutic work that allows space for deeper understanding, meaningful conversations, and lasting change. Becoming a Nurse Psychotherapist allowed me to combine my nursing foundation with psychotherapy so I could walk alongside people in a more intentional and supportive way.

I hold both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing and am a Registered Nurse with specialized certification in mental health nursing. My work is informed by evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and concurrent disorders treatment. I’m committed to ongoing learning and professional development so that the care I provide reflects current best practices.

I work primarily with adults who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, burnout, relationship challenges, or substance use issues. Many people I support feel overwhelmed, stuck in worry, or stretched thin by the demands of everyday life. In our work together, we take time to slow things down, explore what’s happening beneath the surface, and build practical tools that actually fit into real life.

My nursing background allows me to look at the whole picture — including sleep, stress, medical concerns, medications, and lifestyle factors — while also focusing on emotions, thought patterns, and relationships. I believe meaningful care happens when both the mind and body are supported.

Therapy with me is collaborative and transparent. I take time to explain different approaches, welcome questions, and check in regularly about what feels helpful. We set goals together and adjust as we go so therapy feels supportive, personalized, and empowering.

I’m grateful to be part of the Acceptance Clinic team, where care is truly collaborative and whole-person focused. I work closely with Nurse Practitioners and other health professionals to ensure clients feel supported from multiple angles.

Outside of my clinical work, I’m passionate about mental health education and advocacy. I’ve been involved in developing education resources, supporting staff learning, and contributing to an RNAO Best Practice Guideline workgroup focused on the care of adults at risk for suicidal ideation and behaviour.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, finding small moments of rest and balance, reading, and cheering on my two kids at hockey. I value self-care deeply and understand how important it is for mental well-being — both personally and professionally.

If you’re feeling unsure about starting therapy, that’s completely okay. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Showing up is enough, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive for you.