Laura Edmonds

Laura Edmonds is a Senior Registered Social Worker with an Honours Degree in Social Work from the University of Johannesburg. With over four decades of experience in the field of Substance Use Disorders, Laura has dedicated her life to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.

Since beginning her career in 1982, Laura has worked extensively across both inpatient and outpatient settings. She served as the Superintendent of SANCA (Johannesburg Society), where she played a pivotal role in developing satellite clinics in Lenasia and Soweto. She also spearheaded lifestyle education initiatives in schools, aimed at preventing substance use among youth.

Laura was a founding member of Riverfield Lodge Treatment Centre, South Africa’s first private treatment facility, where she held the position of Therapeutic Director from 1992 to 1997. Following this, she continued her work in private practice, providing specialized support to individuals and families navigating the complexities of substance use and recovery.

An accomplished professional, Laura has authored several published works and is a qualified supervisor for students and professionals working in the addiction recovery field.

As the Therapeutic Director of Freeman House Recovery, Laura oversees the entire therapeutic program and team. She is responsible for the training of therapeutic and auxiliary staff, managing patient care and case planning, and ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the therapeutic community.