Lauren Goldhamer has over 20 years experience specializing in the treatment of eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, as well as related body image, and self-esteem- based issues. In addition, she has long- term experience working with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, histories of childhood stress or trauma, and/or life stresses. Lauren has worked in residential, day program and outpatient settings including Bellwood Health Services, the Waterstone Clinic, and Sheena’s Place. She is now in private practice at Thornhill Therapy and Assessment full time.
Lauren holds an M.Ed. in Applied Psychology- Counselling (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, U of T) and has advanced training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy-Enhanced, a specialized treatment for eating disorders developed out of the Centre for Research in Eating Disorders at Oxford University. In addition to CBT, she has training and continues to train in “third wave” Cognitive Behavior Therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness and Compassion -based approaches and uses these evidence- based approaches in her work with clients struggling with such issues as self-criticism, anxiety, depression, and childhood stress amongst other challenges.
Lauren’s early career was in dance/dance therapy/dance teaching. She is a Certified Movement Analyst and ran her own dance studio in downtown Toronto prior to returning to school to study counselling/psychotherapy. She feels both careers allowed her to explore and promote the mind/body connection, change limiting patterns, become more mindful, and participate more fully in life. Lauren still loves to dance and move wherever she can!
Areas of Practice
- Eating Disorders and disordered eating (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Chronic Overeating)
- Body Image
- Self-esteem, Self-criticism, shame
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Life challenges
- Adults 18 years+
Training and Additional Studies
- Ed. Applied Psychology-Counselling (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, U of T)
- Certificate and advanced training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E) (Centre for Research in Eating Disorder, Oxford University)
- Certificate and training in Dialectical Therapy (Continuing Education Program, Faculty of Social Work, U. of T.)
- Dialectical Behavioral Skills training (Behavior Tech.)
- Advanced certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Dellcrest-Hincks, Toronto)
- Numerous courses in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy including ACT Immersion with Steven Hayes, Trauma-Focused ACT and ACT for Depression and Anxiety Disorders with Russ Harris
Professional Registration and Memberships
- Registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
- Clinical member, Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists
- Member, Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
