Meet Lara, Compassionate Therapist in Calgary
Registered Provisional Psychologist | Canadian Certified Counsellor
Available in-person in Calgary and virtually across Alberta.
Hi, I’m Lara.
I’m a therapist, a parent and the person behind Rooted Counselling Services. My path here hasn’t been a straight line. Before becoming a therapist, I worked with as a professional photographer and spent time in hospital environments.
Each experience taught me something different about people, how much can be communicated without words, how important it is to look beyond what we see on the surface and how differently we all experience difficult moments in life. I also know that life can be complicated outside the therapy room. As a parent of gifted, intense and wonderfully complex children, I understand some of the questions, challenges, and emotions that can come with trying to support someone you love while also taking care of yourself.
Today, I work with people who are navigating stress, difficult experiences, parenting challenges, relationship issues and the many situations in life that can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed or simply unsure of what to do next.
My approach is practical, supportive, and grounded in getting to know you, not just the problem that brought you to therapy. You don't need to have everything figured out before we meet. We can start with where you are and take it from there.
I’m glad you’re here.
I’ve Worn a Few Hats – And They All Led Here
Twenty years behind a camera capturing weddings, family moments, architecture and travel - built a habit of noticing what people were really feeling beneath the surface. Later, work as a patient coordinator with Alberta Health Services involved sitting with individuals during some of their hardest, most vulnerable moments and observing firsthand where mental health care fell short. In both roles, people showed their true selves and trusted that vulnerability would be held.
Carrying that trust and those honest moments revealed the clearest path forward: becoming a therapist. It wasn’t a sudden pivot so much as a continuation of the same journey - moving toward helping people feel seen, supported, and steady.
My Philosophy
Rooted Counselling Services was created with the belief that healing is a journey and every individual deserves a space to be seen, heard and understood. One-size-fits-all therapy is not used here. The first session is just a conversation - no pressure to have everything figured out before arriving. Guidance is provided throughout the process.
Your whole picture is considered relationships, health and sense of self, not just the issue that brought you in. Therapy adapts to each person, not the other way around.
The goal is always the same: to leave therapy with more clarity, greater capacity, and a stronger sense of self. Evidence-based therapeutic methods are integrated with a compassionate, understanding approach to support growth through life’s challenges.
You Don't Have to Be in Crisis to Reach Out
Sometimes people come to therapy because something is broken. Sometimes they come because something just feels off and they can't quite name it yet. Both are completely valid reasons to start.
Reaching out is the hardest part. I've done it myself; I know what it takes to make that first move.
When you're ready, a free 20-minute consultation is a good place to start and a chance to see if this feels right. Your story matters. And change is possible.
Specifics You Need to Know About CBT Counselling in Calgary
Office location
Suite #214,
30 Springborough Blvd SW
Calgary, AB
Cost per session
Individual (50 min sessions) - $210
Couples/parents (50 min sessions) - $210
Payment options
E-Transfer
Credit Card
Debit Card
In-Person and Virtual Appointments available
In-Person and Virtual Appointments available
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Calgary SW
Start CBT Today with a Free Initial Consultation
Looking for support and wondering if we might be the right fit? I’m currently accepting new clients and offer both daytime and evening appointments.
Before getting started, you’re welcome to book a free consultation. It’s a chance to ask questions, learn a little more about my approach and get a sense of whether working together feels right for you. If you’re ready to reach out, simply fill out the contact form and share a little about what brings you here. We can take it from there.
I look forward to talking to you!
Lara Palset