Deepshikha Lakhanpal

Professional Details

Full Name & Credentials

Deepshikha Lakhanpal

Professional Title

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Educational Background

Masters in Psychology

About Me

Hello! My name is Deepshikha Lakhanpal. I work with children and adults in individual therapy, as well as couples. I am a compassionate Provisional Psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's challenges with empathy, respect and collaboration. My education emphasized evidence-based therapy and trauma-informed practice, which pairs seamlessly with the Shiftgrit core method. My core areas of focus include anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation difficulties, self esteem issues, relationship concerns and grief. I also have experience of working with children in community settings, which helps me understand how mental health is shaped by early environmental influence.

Trainings & Certifications

Trainings and Certifications

• DBT: I have completed training in DBT which benefits clients from practical coping strategies, emotional support, skill building and collaborative goal setting that can be applied in daily life.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): I have completed training in EMDR which allows me to help clients safely process and integrate painful or traumatic experiences. This approach supports the nervous system in releasing what feels stuck so clients can move forward with a greater sense of calm and control.
• Play Therapy: I have also finished basic training in Play Therapy that helps me to work with children using evidence based playful ways to help children express emotions, process experiences and develop coping skills in ways that feel natural and comfortable for their developmental stage. This intervention helps me to support children experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioural concerns or social difficulties.

Together these trainings allow me to blend structure, evidence based tools with deep emotional and identity level work. This combination helps clients not just manage symptoms but experience real and lasting change in how they think, feel and connect with themselves and others.

ShiftGrit Core Method & Clinical Approach

How I Use the ShiftGrit Core Method

I use the ShiftGrit core method as a central part in guiding shift from their identity level beliefs that shape their progressive development how they see themselves and the world. The beauty of the core method is that it goes deeper, and clients feel the shift not just in their thoughts but in their lives. From there I integrate tools from DBT, CBT and EMDR to support the client with the cognitive insights.

My favourite Aspect

What I love the most about the core method is how it helps in identity transformation in regard to the beliefs about himself and the world around it.

The Core Method in Three Words

Structured, Transformative and Collaborative.

Personal Background & Story

Before Becoming a Therapist

Before becoming a Psychologist I worked with children which gives me the passion of how emotional support and compassionate care can help the people to cross their mental hurdles. This early experience taught me how early interventions can help a person to develop a progressive insight about himself and the world. This brings resilience and passion for me to help people to overcome their hurdles and bring a change to their limiting beliefs.

A Formative Experience in My Career

A formative experience in my career was working with children and families and seeing how play, trust and emotional safety can support growth and healing.

Something Unique About My Background

My background has given me experience working with individuals from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds, which helps me provide culturally sensitive and inclusive support.

Personality & Connection

When I'm Not in Therapy-Land

When I am not in therapy land, you will likely find me enjoying coffee chats, music, nature walks or spending time with the people who matter most to me.

For Self-Care

For self care, I focus on movement and mindfulness. Walking and exercise give me energy, while meditation keeps me mindfully present during my sessions.

A Hobby That Grounds Me

As a mother of two, a hobby that grounds me is cooking and trying new recipes for my children, which I find both creative and calming.

If I Weren't a Therapist

If I weren't a therapist, I would be drawn to work in community support or wellness, where I could still help people in meaningful ways.

Therapy Style & Client Experience

People Like Working With Me Because…

People like working with me because I create a calm, supportive and non judgemental space where they feel heard and understood. I listen deeply and provide them their own pace in the therapy.

I Work Best With Clients Who…

I work best with clients who are open to self exploration and willing to engage in the therapeutic process at their own pace and are motivated to build coping skills and make meaningful changes in their lives.

What I Hope Clients Walk Away With

I hope clients walk away with a greater sense of self understanding, self compassion and clarity about their experiences.

Passions, Inspirations & Favorites

The Most Impactful Book I've Read

The most impactful book I have read is Man's Search for Meaning, which taught me about the power of meaning making, resilience and how purpose can help individuals endure even the most difficult experiences. I often share this lesson with clients that change begins with awareness, and even noticing patterns is a powerful first step.

A Mantra I Live By

A mantra I live by is "small steps create lasting change" — every small step forward matters in the healing process.

Three Things I'm Currently Obsessed With

• Personal growth
• Mindfulness practices
• New ways to support emotional well being

Clinical Interests & Specialties

Populations I Have a Special Interest In

I have special interest in working with children, adolescents and adults as these groups often navigate identity, relational and transitional challenges that benefit from integrated depth-oriented work.

Clinical Concerns I Focus On

My focus includes anxiety, separation anxiety, depression and emotional regulation since these struggles hinder growth and often keep people away from living a meaningful life.

Non-Clinical Interests

Beyond clinical work, I enjoy reading, exploring new learning opportunities, and staying connected to activities that support my own wellbeing and growth.

Additional Areas of Expertise

• Mindfulness-based interventions
• CBT-informed strategies
• DBT skills for emotional regulation

Clinical Methods & Orientations

Modalities I Integrate With the ShiftGrit Core Method

My approach involves integrating a range of interventions with the core method of ShiftGrit, allowing for a structured yet adaptable therapy experience.

• DBT provides mindfulness and ways we can regulate our emotions during distressful situations.
• EMDR supports clients in processing distressing memories and reducing the emotional intensity connected to past experiences, helping them move toward greater relief and healing.

How I Blend Approaches in Practice

In practice I often start with the identity level core work and work in identification of limiting beliefs and then integrate DBT skills to give techniques to regulate their emotions during distressful situations.

Growth & Professional Development

A Professional Challenge I Overcame

A professional challenge I overcame was learning how to balance structure with flexibility in therapy, which helped me better adapt interventions to each client's unique needs. Over time I learned how I can integrate these approaches with flexibility and still provide clients a pace in the therapy.

How I Stay Current in Psychology Research

I keep myself current in the field of psychology research by participating in training opportunities, workshops and continuous supervision, which teaches me the value of staying curious rather than certain — keeping the spark of learning ignited.

Free Form

A Metaphor for How I View Therapy

I often think of therapy as a journey where clients are not being fixed but rather supported in reconnecting with their own strengths, clarity and resilience. I see clients as whole, creative and evolving well beings — not just a problem to solve. I see therapy as a safe space where individuals can slow down, reflect and better understand themselves while developing practical tools for growth and healing.