LAURA & ANDREW

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Laura is an active member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She is a Certified Attendance Counsellor with the Ontario Association for Counselling and Attendance Services (OACAS), an Associate Addiction Counsellor, a Certified Canadian Problem Gambling Counsellor (CPGC), and an active member of the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF). 

Laura has extensive experience counselling students to overcome attendance challenges, many of which are fuelled by video game addiction. Her previous roles at Humewood House and Youthdale Treatment Centre further honed her skills in client assessment and analysis.

Her education in Addiction Studies with honours, combined with over two decades of experience in counselling and social service, provides her with a profound and comprehensive understanding in the field. Laura draws on evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to support clients dealing with gambling addiction,  internet addiction, screen dependency, and video game overuse. 

Laura's dedication, non-judgmental approach, and empathetic nature have fostered strong working relationships with families, youth, and community agencies. She remains an invaluable support to individuals seeking to overcome gaming addiction and find a healthier balance in their lives.

Andrew is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and has been teaching and coaching in various high schools for two decades. He specializes in pathway planning and has a background as a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT). Andrew has worked extensively with students from diverse backgrounds, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and behavioural issues such as Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), employing personalized educational approaches.

He also holds an Addictions Certificate, with a focus on behavioural addictions—including gambling, gaming, and technology overuse—as well as Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) and Addiction and the Family.

Andrew is a video game expert with deep experience in immersive games such as Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto V, Diablo, and Elden Ring. His personal triumph over a serious addiction to World of Warcraft—where he played five accounts simultaneously—gives him firsthand insight into the complexities of gaming addiction. Drawing from this experience, Andrew offers specialized support to individuals facing similar challenges, helping them establish healthier routines and regain control over their time and priorities.

Each session is with both Laura & Andrew