The Laurel Centre

The Laurel Centre provides individual and group counselling to women who have experienced childhood and / or adolescent sexual abuse.Significance of the Laurel TreeIn Greek mythology, there is the story of a wood nymph named Daphne who is much like the Greek goddess Diana - independent, athletic - a huntress. In the myth, the god Apollo pursued Daphne in what would be interpreted today as a sexual attack. Daphne called to the river god for help and was transformed into a laurel tree - a symbol of victory and triumph.The Laurel Centre represents the transformation and triumph of its clients. The laurel leaf is a symbol featured in the Centrés logo.History of The Laurel CentreIn the early 1980's those working in the addictions field realized that many addicted women - up to 80% - were also struggling to overcome the trauma resulting from childhood sexual abuse. Many were unable to deal with their addictions because their lives were too painful.At the time there were no services for women that treated addictions and abuse together.