Laura Cavanagh is a mother, psychotherapist, behaviour analyst, author, and professor of psychology & behavioural sciences at Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto. She has a Master of Arts degree in clinical/developmental psychology from York University and extensive experience in clinical practice with various special populations, including individuals on the autism spectrum, those who have experienced trauma, and youth in foster care.
Laura is a Registered Behaviour Analyst with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario and a Registered Psychotherapist licensed by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She has over 20 years of clinical experience. In her private practice, she provides clinical consultation and client support to Renascent Treatment Centre in Toronto, which offers inpatient and outpatient addiction rehab services to individuals struggling with alcohol- and substance-use disorders.
Laura has taught at the college and university level since 2005, and she is the academic coordinator of the behavioural sciences diploma program at Seneca College. Her very favourite course to teach is Introduction to Psychology, where she gets to be an ambassador for the subject and introduce students to this fascinating field. She has twice been nominated for the prestigious national College and Institutes of Canada’s Teaching Excellence Award.
Laura is a regular media guest, providing psychological insight through her commentary on current issues and events, including anxiety, lockdown fatigue, vaccine resistance, and mental health. She is the author of three textbooks in psychology and co-author of the upcoming book on addiction and treatment, Hope Against Hope: Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery . Laura lives in Toronto with her partner, children, hamster, and cats.
Professor Laura Cavanagh 