About Laurie
From the age of 18, Laurie has been captivated by the complexities of the human mind and the dynamics that shape our relationships. This early fascination launched a lifelong dedication to understanding what makes people and relationships thrive. Her natural warmth, keen sense of humor, and exceptional listening skills have made her both a gifted therapist and an inspiring teacher to countless professionals.
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Professional Journey
Originally from Calgary, Canada, Laurie qualified as a clinical social worker and gained extensive experience across diverse therapeutic settings. Her early career included work in psychiatric emergency services, hospital settings, community outpatient clinics, aged care facilities, and as a community worker on a First Nations Cree reservation—experiences that gave her deep insight into human resilience across different cultures and contexts.
Laurie advanced her expertise at the renowned Family Therapy Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, where she trained and later worked as both a family therapist and supervisor. This program's international reputation attracted visiting therapists from around the world, including the acclaimed Milan Associates, providing Laurie with exposure to cutting-edge therapeutic innovations.
After relocating to Australia, Laurie continued her commitment to excellence by training extensively in numerous individual and family therapy approaches. She then dedicated herself to training a generation of family therapists in Sydney, passing on her knowledge and passion to emerging professionals.
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Academic Contributions and Recognition
While Laurie briefly explored academia, she discovered her true calling remained in direct client work. However, her intellectually curious and driven nature led her to contribute significantly to therapeutic literature. What began as a way to integrate her own learning evolved into a mission to challenge therapeutic dogma and make complex concepts more accessible to fellow practitioners.
Her contributions to the field have been recognized with prestigious honors:
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2012: The American Family Therapy Academy awarded her the Distinguished Contribution to Family Therapy Theory and Practice Award
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2012: The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy presented her with the Special Award for Distinguished Contributions to Family Therapy
Development of Radical Exposure Tapping (RET)
Over the past decade, Laurie's focus shifted to trauma therapy, where she identified a need for more effective, efficient treatment approaches. Drawing from multiple therapeutic modalities, she developed Radical Exposure Tapping (RET)—an innovative method for rapidly resolving disturbing memories and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The success of RET has led Laurie to train therapists throughout Australia and Canada, expanding access to this transformative approach and continuing her lifelong commitment to advancing therapeutic practice.
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Beyond the Therapy Room
When not working with clients or training therapists, Laurie pursues her passion for health and fitness research. She is also an enthusiastic technology lover with a particular fondness for gadgets, especially her electric bikes!
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Laurie shares her home with two mini-Labradoodles, whom she is training to become therapy dogs, combining her love of animals with her dedication to healing and helping others.