Preeti Rakhra

What do you do at Shift?

I am a Mental Health Therapist and becoming a Provisional Registered Psychologist. I use the Shift protocol to help women with their unique set of challenges and limitations whether this may be low self-esteem, anxiety, depression or stress management from fertility issues, being pregnant to becoming a mom, motherhood, postpartum depression, job changes, relationship issues, or single parenting.

What are your academic credentials?

I am on this beautiful journey of completing my (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology and have further training and certifications in several areas including Trauma, Postpartum depression and Motherhood, Fertility issues, Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Mediation practices. This led me to believe that there are endless possibilities when it comes to potential and personal self-growth, that I discovered along the way. Being inspired has given me the most meaningful experience in my life to follow my dreams and create my path. With my spiritual guidance, whether you want to call it God, Universe, or Source, I could connect with my mind and heart being present at the moment.

Why did you decide to become a therapist?

I decided to become a therapist when I was in University, and my passion grew from taking courses in Psychology, I knew that this was something I wanted to explore further as it sparked my interest. When I completed my undergrad, I worked with women who faced domestic violence. Then I decided I would further my education by completing my Master of Arts Degree in Psychology. I was involved in several Research studies working with Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary, which I enjoyed. Up until this day, I still feel passionate about my ongoing learning in different areas of research and Psychology, as it always offers a foundation of knowledge and skills.

What do you bring to your therapy sessions, and what are some goals?

My goal is to help others feel unstuck, have a more meaningful life full of purpose, have faith ease, and flow, enhance their beliefs and that everything and anything is possible, live a life with more bliss and joy and realize that setbacks and failures only allow people to grow further and move them closer to their goals and what they truly desire, seeing the best version of themselves, and releasing all the tension. I hope that I can make the journey of others as meaningful as mine, using shift protocols and this being the icing on the cake.

Who do you work with?

I work with adolescents (16+) and adults of all backgrounds to explore and improve their quality of life.

Why are you passionate about what you do?

I feel that moms need more support and to be heard, bringing their own unique challenges forward. I am passionate about what I do because I believe it's rewarding to help women enhance their self-awareness, and whatever they may be working towards, as no goal is too big or too small. Feeling grateful for what we do have, also allows us to remember that we are blessed and life has so much to offer. Recognizing our strengths and knowing that we hold the power, gives us motivation to get through anything.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I love to read books and listen to podcasts regarding self-growth and development. I enjoy travelling and seeing what this beautiful world has to offer, discovering new adventures and experiences. Like sitting on a beach and people-watching next to the ocean, brings me so much peace and happiness. I am also a coffee lover, so being in a coffee shop and sipping a latte and reflecting on my day and letting it all sink in, thinking about what is next is exciting to me. I also devote time and love to my husband and two children who are miracle babies, and I can never forget the day they were born. It was a beautiful experience. I am happy to be taking part in their activities, and what they desire in their lives.

What is a skill that you are currently working on?

I am currently working on expanding my knowledge and always learning not only the culture of ShiftGrit, but latest protocols, that provide excellence to clients. I am grateful for being a part of a strong team and working with other Psychologists to help clients overcome their struggles. Being in a Doctorate program continues to flourish my growth and learn how to utilize my skills with clients.

What motivates or inspires you?

What inspires me is listening to motivational speakers and their determination to make people believe in themselves and live their best life possible. This made me express my creativity with the possibility of knowing that my creation can be given the recognition I desire, and lead me down a path of trusting myself and meeting success on the way. I knew all along that my purpose in life was to help others. I could just feel it in the way I offered compassion to the world and wanted nothing in return. My love for others has always been expressed through my words and the way I felt going into every situation with an open heart. Even though I felt good on the inside, I learned that validation from others is not important. What's important is knowing yourself and confirming your truth. No one needs to tell you you are beautiful, kind, or compassionate, even though we would love to hear it. You just need to know and believe you are.

What are your additional areas of clinical interest?

I have a clinical interest in dating and relationships. I have a special interest in working with adult women and moms who face low self-esteem, stress, anxiety and depression.

Do you have any lived or personal experiences that can be utilized in therapy with you?

I have had therapy with my own traumatic experiences as a child.

Available for:

Anxiety-related symptoms (GAD, Phobia, Panic, Social, etc.) | Immigration, acculturation and adjustment issues | Depression | Exposure Therapy | Inter-generational trauma | Grief and Loss | Building boundaries | Attachment concerns | PTSD | Self Esteem | Stress and Burnout | Boundary Adherence | Life Changes | Grief | Stress & Burnout | and much more...