Lauren Ray 

Lauren is a practicum student supervised by Samantha Short, RCC & Clinic Director.

Lauren believes each person is the expert on their own lived experience. She approaches counselling with sensitivity, humility, and a collaborative style that makes room for reflection, honest conversation, and exploring experiences without judgment or shame. She values transparency and believes trust grows through authentic relationships that normalize the imperfect experience of being human, creating space for people to meet themselves with clarity & compassion, become curious about the narratives that have shaped their lives, and reconnect with the unique strength that lives in all of us. She sees counselling as a reciprocal process of curiosity, learning/unlearning, and discovery.

Before pursuing counselling, Lauren completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Curatorial Studies at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. She also organized community art and music events, which shaped her interest in creativity, collaboration, and group work. She continues to explore these interests through a community radio show, where she curates themed music mixes inspired by different facets of the human experience. She sees the therapeutic process, creative expression, and community as different ways people can explore their experiences, reconnect with themselves, and build meaningful connections with others.

Lauren is currently completing her Master of Counselling practicum and has so far gained experience in a community agency supporting adolescents, parents, and families. Her work has included individual and family therapy, art-based therapeutic groups, and supporting people navigating anxiety, trauma, neurodiversity, identity development, emotion regulation, family conflict, and life transitions. She previously volunteered with Kids Help Phone, providing virtual crisis support and single-session counselling.

As Lauren continues her practicum at Calm Waters Counselling Collective, she is pleased to offer low-cost counselling and believes meaningful mental health support should be as accessible as possible. She is excited by the opportunities virtual counselling creates to reduce barriers to care and connect with people across British Columbia.