Lerna Hanceroglu
CLINICAL ASSOCIATE
I am a PhD Candidate in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology. My primary area of practice is child and adolescent assessment and intervention.
What matters
I have specialized training in autism and complex neurodevelopmental assessments, including training through McMaster Children’s Hospital. My approach to assessment is strengths-based and client-centred, emphasizing collaboration with families and consideration of broader developmental and cultural contexts to ensure recommendations are practical across home, school, and community settings. This perspective is especially meaningful to me as a second-generation Canadian who has navigated both mainstream and heritage cultures.
Supporting growth and resilience
I treat children and teens presenting with a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, mood disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma-related difficulties, and other emotional and behavioural difficulties. My therapeutic approach is evidence-based and integrative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), emotion-focused therapies, and mindfulness-based strategies. I also have specialized training in family therapy and providing parent consultation, helping caregivers develop tools and strategies to support their children’s emotional and behavioural needs. I aim to tailor interventions to the unique goals, strengths, and developmental stage of each child and family I work with.
My therapeutic philosophy
My aim is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. I believe that treatment works best when children and families feel heard, respected, and understood. My work focuses on building hope by emphasizing strengths, empowering families, and helping them advocate for their needs. Ultimately, my goal is to support children and families in developing skills, confidence, and resilience that will serve them well across the lifespan.
What guides my work
My research at the University of Windsor has focused on the effects of mindfulness across multiple contexts, including school curricula, parenting practices, and children’s emotion regulation. Through this work, I have developed a strong interest in how mindfulness and emotion regulation skills can support both children and the adults who care for them. My research has also examined parent–child interactions and the family processes that support healthy development and well-being. I have trained in diverse settings including hospitals, community clinics, private practice, and youth justice environments, across several cities, such as Detroit, Windsor, Hamilton, and Toronto. These experiences have strengthened my cultural competence and ability to work with families from diverse cultural backgrounds. I value approaching clinical work with curiosity, humility, and respect for each family's unique experiences.