Lara Palset
Profile
About Me as a Human…
When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:
For Self-Care:
For Fun:
For Growth:
Something unique about me is:
What are your academic credentials?
In 1999, I graduated from ACAD, now known as University of the Arts, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), with a major in photography. In 2011, I earned a Medical Office Assistant diploma and worked with AHS. I received my Master of Arts in Counselling from Providence University and am now a Registered Provisional Psychologist. I am a registered member of the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Before I Was in the Mental Health Field…
I was working in:
I worked as a professional commercial photographer and dedicated time volunteering for the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep foundation. I then worked for AHS as a Primary Care Coordinator.
The most impactful thing about my experience here was:
Learning how to communicate and interact with people. As a photographer, I had the privilege of seeing and documenting the best moments of people's lives. As a psychologist, I have the privilege of helping people through the most challenging moments of their lives, while also celebrating the breakthroughs of their hard work.
Three Things I’m Currently Obsessed With and Why:
- Photography and being creative - I love how being creative can help process emotion, trauma, and connection with others in such a powerful way.
- Travelling - I travel often with my husband, and I love learning and experiencing different cultures and food. I also really enjoy those photo opportunities!
- Movies - it does not matter what kind of movie, but I do enjoy the ones that are well done and tell a good story. An unexpected twist is always a treat.
Books & Podcasts
The Most Helpful Book I’ve Read Is:
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Biggest Takeaway: This book clearly interprets how the rise in use of smartphones and social media - particularly during adolescence - has profoundly disrupted child and teen development by contributing to a sharp increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. He argues for the collective cultural shift to delay the exposure to smartphones, social media, and prioritize real-world play and relationships.
The Most Interesting Book I’ve Read Is:
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Why: It's about being vulnerable and how that can lead to courage, connection, and a more fulfilled life.
Specialty & Specific Interest Areas
Client Populations:
I have a special interest in working with: Adults and youth (15+) and Parents
Clinical Concerns:
Anxiety, stress, burnout, vicarious trauma/caregiver burnout, PTSD, relationship struggles, unwanted habits such as shopping, gaming, cellphone use, substance and alcohol use, issues in the workplace, home, or school environment
Non-Clinical Concerns:
High-performance professionals, parents of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children, stress/burnout management, relationship challenges, goal-setting, work/life balance, values/priorities
Expertise & Additional Areas of Study
I have the following additional courses, workshops, and training:
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- PTSD & Trauma
- Evidence-based Parenting - Raising Children to Thrive
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Certification
Additional Areas:
- Anxiety & Depression Trainings (Michael Yapko)
- Diversity,Equity, and Inclusion
- Addictions & Youth - Substances, Technology, Porn
- ASIST II - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- CRISIS Intervention Training – Distress Centre
- Crisis De-Escalation Training
- Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Assessment and Risk Management
- Adolescent Mental Health in the Time of Covid-19
- Trauma Informed Training for Children and Families Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- CCASA – Sexual Violence Training
- Pet Loss & Bereavement Counselling
- Depression Training – Michael Yapko
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm
- Group Facilitator Training
I have expertise and experience working with:
- Individuals 15+ - supporting mental health, emotional regulation, trauma recovery
- Parents- managing how to parent gifted and 2e children
- Professionals - providing guidance on managing stress, burnout, and resilience to those in the aviation industry and other high-performance careers
Some of the Clinical Orientations, Methods, and Theories I Integrate with ShiftGrit’s Core Method:
- Attachment Theory - understanding how early experiences shape adult relationships
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) - focusing on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
- Strength-based Therapy - drawing on a person's strengths to overcome challenges and promote growth
People Like Working with Me Because…
I am direct, transparent, and goal-oriented in my approach to therapy, while also being compassionate and empathetic. I offer a grounded space where people can be real and unfiltered. I have been told that I help people navigate internal contradictions - like wanting to be productive but also needing rest, or wanting connection but fearing vulnerability. For those who are looking for tools to learn how to function better, I am passionate about helping people make practical and lasting change.
Any Additional information you want to share
As someone who has sought mental health support myself, I understand that reaching out to a therapist can feel daunting. You're not just trusting another person with your vulnerabilities—you're trusting yourself to take this step toward growth and healing. Your story matters, your struggles are valid, and change is possible.
