Over the last 35 years, Lawrence Ellerby has provided clinical services to individuals who have been involved in violent and sexual offending behaviours having conducted assessments, provided treatment, and developed programming in provincial and federal correctional institutions, mental health centers and in the community. Lawrence has specialized in working with individuals who have significant and complex life and risk management needs. He and his team have also pioneered innovations in blending contemporary treatment with traditional culturally relevant processes of healing for Indigenous individuals who have engaged in violent and sexual offending behaviours. Beginning in 1990, Lawrence sought out guidance from and invited Indigenous knowledge keepers, spiritual helpers (Elders), and medicine people to work collaboratively to achieve optimal outcomes for Indigenous clients. Since this time, his practice has continuously had a team of Indigenous staff focused on providing cultural teachings, spiritual ceremonies, and other traditional forms of healing alongside Western individual, group, couple, and family therapy opportunities. Lawrence has published articles and book chapters on this subject and provided training related to cultural approaches to working with Indigenous forensic clients in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Lawrence is a past President of the ATSA Board of Directors, previously chaired the Sex Offender Management sub-group and co-chaired the Clinical & Research Advisory Group of INTERPOL’s Specialist Group on Crimes Against Children, and is a past recipient of the Canadian Criminal Justice Association’s National Crime Prevention Award.