Laurel Tien, PhD, RCC, RN

Registered Clinical Counsellor | Clinical Supervisor | Educational Consultant
Independent Clinician, Breakthrough ADHD Center

I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Nurse, and educator with over 30 years of experience across counselling, supervision, and academic teaching. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, relational approach, and I’m deeply committed to supporting children, teens, and families who present with complex emotional, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental needs.

As an independent clinician at Breakthrough ADHD Center, I’m actively involved in the clinic’s collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to care. I lead the BrainCode Profiling process—a proprietary framework developed by Dr. Sammy Oh—designed to understand each child as a whole person, not just a set of ADHD traits. This structured profile integrates neurofunctional patterns, cognitive and emotional regulation, communication style, and behavioural expression to help clinicians and families work together with clarity and direction.

Within the clinic, I specialize in cases where surface-level strengths—such as verbal ability, insight, or academic performance—may mask internal distress. I support families navigating emotional intensity, perfectionism, executive dysfunction, anxiety, and identity development. My role is to help bring coherence to complex presentations and ensure our interventions reflect both the child’s challenges and their potential.

I also serve as a clinical supervisor for counsellors in training and early-career practitioners, helping them deepen their skills, reflect on their practice, and navigate the responsibilities of therapeutic work with integrity and confidence.

My academic background includes a PhD in Transformative Studies with a focus on Consciousness Studies (California Institute of Integral Studies), an MA in Art Education and Curriculum Studies (UBC), and a BScN from the University of Toronto. I’ve completed post-master’s coursework in Family Therapy, Group Therapy, and Ethics, as well as certifications in:

• ADHD & Executive Functioning (Dr. Ari Tuckman, PESI Canada)
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice for Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and OCD
• Play Therapy Strategies for Young Clients (PESI Canada)

I bring both clinical depth and academic insight to my work at Breakthrough ADHD Center. I’m honoured to work alongside families and fellow clinicians who share a vision for holistic, thoughtful care that meets each child where they are—and helps them grow into who they’re meant to be.

Credentials:
PhD, Transformative Studies (CIIS)
MA, Art Education/Curriculum Studies (UBC)
BScN (University of Toronto)
Registered Clinical Counsellor & Approved Clinical Supervisor, BCACC (#18452)
Registered Nurse, BCCNM (#0728405)