Lara Palset, MA, CCC, CT, and ART Practitioner

Hi, I’m Lara,

I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellor and I provide therapy in person in Calgary, Alberta, and online across the province. Like many of you, I’ve had a few careers in my life. For over 20 years, I was a professional photographer - specializing in weddings, portraits, interiors/architecture, and travel photography.

Following photography, I worked as a patient coordinator for Alberta Health Services. In this role, I spoke with a lot of patients who needed more help than what the public system could really offer, especially in terms of mental health care. It was through working for the AHS that I decided that my final career path would be to provide that mental health support that is so needed for Albertans today.

Therapy Is About Exploring What You Really Want In Your Life

Sometimes it seems like there are almost too many choices - and not enough guidance with what path to choose. I’m here to walk you through those big life decisions, to provide a sounding board for questions you have about what to do next. Sometimes we may use creative methods to help you express what might not come clearly out in words - as an artist, I am able to offer different ways for you to get those feelings out, with photography, paint, chalk, clay or even poetry if that feels right for you. My focus is on giving you options for how you are able to process what you’re going through, and consider your next steps.

What You Can Expect In Our Sessions

My approach is one that incorporates both my skills and also who I am as a person. I am a parent, and am in a long term committed relationship. I ride a motorcycle and love the outdoors. As a photographer, I saw people in very joyful, special moments of their lives, and as an AHS patient coordinator, I was often speaking with people during their most vulnerable times. Both my life and these jobs prepared me well to be able to hold space in therapy, to avoid judgment, since I know everyone has good days and bad, and to truly support and truly care for my clients and their well being.

In our first session, we will begin with a simple conversation. If you need support with a specific issue - we work with what’s happening now. If you’re coming in with some general areas that you want to explore or work on, then I’ll give options for how we can address them. We may also talk about the current life you’re living, how you take care of your health, and if there are areas that may need adjusting. I take a whole body approach to mental health, and occasionally I may recommend you talk to your healthcare provider if I’m seeing signs of an underlying health condition, vitamin deficiency, or if current medications are not working (as these can sometimes impact mental health).

Starting Therapy Is An Act Of Trust - In Yourself and Your Therapist

As someone who has seen a mental health care provider myself, I know that deciding to speak with a therapist is something that can be a bit daunting. You have to trust the person you’ve chosen is a good fit for what you need.

No therapist is for everyone, which is why I offer free consultations so that you can make sure I’m the right person for you. If you’re interested in starting therapy, please reach out to me. You can connect through the contact form at the bottom of my page - or through the book now button below.