Dr. Lori Haskell is a clinical psychologist, researcher and writer, renowned nationally for her leadership in developing trauma-informed approaches to mental health services, the legal system, and other professional contexts. With over three decades of dedicated experience, Dr. Haskell has made lasting, system-wide contributions to educating diverse professionals, supporting survivors of sexual violence and guiding systems toward trauma-responsive care and practices.
- Private Practice & Professional Training: Dr. Haskell operates a private clinical practice, while also delivering high-impact professional training and presentations across Canada—educating mental health professionals, Crown attorneys, police forces, and members of the judiciary on trauma neuroscience and justice-informed care
- Academic & Research Roles: She serves as a Research Associate at the Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children at the University of Western Ontario (appointed 2003–present) and held a long-standing appointment as Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto (2000–2016)
- Scholarship & Publications: Dr. Haskell is the author of First Stage Trauma Treatment: A Guide for Therapists Working with Women (2003), and Women, Abuse and Trauma Therapy: An Information Guide. She has also co-authored pivotal reports, including "The Impact of Trauma on Adult Sexual Assault Victims: What the Criminal Justice System Needs to Know" for Justice Canada (2019)
- Legal Consultation & Expert Testimony: A respected expert, she has provided testimony in high-profile criminal trials—including those involving sexual assault—as well as delivering expert insights during coroner’s inquests into domestic violence homicides
- Honours: In recognition of her exceptional contributions to improving trauma-informed mental health and legal responses across the nation, Dr. Haskell was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada on December 29, 2022
Central Focus
- Her work spans clinical innovation, trauma-informed systemic reform, and legal education.
- She bridges the worlds of psychology, policy, and public justice, inspiring cross-sector change to better support survivors.
