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Lara Sheppard

she/her
MSc, Registered Social Worker

“Hi, I’m Lara and I’m a registered Social Worker at DiveThru. I’ve had the privilege of working in the Mental Health field for more than 20 years with at risk young people and their families in a variety of settings. I bring hope and authenticity into my work and I will strive to build a therapeutic alliance with you in which you feel safe, understood and a partner in our work together. I believe everyone has strengths but sometimes life’s challenges make it difficult to recognize them. Together, you and I will explore your strengths and discover new possibilities for how to tackle life’s challenges and create the future you desire.”

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Lara focuses on life transitions self-esteem, relationship issues, perfectionism and grief & loss.

Works With
  • Individuals
  • Families
Population
  • Children
  • Teenagers
  • Adults
Availability
  • Tuesday Afternoon/Evening
  • Friday Morning/Afternoon
Location
  • Edmonton: Whyte Ave
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  • My Approach

    I work from a strength-based, client-centered perspective and see myself as an appreciative ally who always looks out for strengths and follows your lead regarding what is important to you, what is helpful, and what is not.  I am friendly and authentic in my approach and bring hope, humility, and respectful curiosity into my work with people. While I take your concerns very seriously, I also think that, at times, it is appropriate to make room for humour and some lightness during a session. I believe that people are much more than the difficulties that bring them to therapy. I strive to understand your experience, the meaning you have made of those experiences (your story) and what you would prefer for your life. I will support you in deconstructing unhelpful or oppressive beliefs and help you create a new, empowering story highlighting your competence and resources.  My practice is predominantly influenced by the Narrative model. However, it is also informed by resilience theory, attachment theory, systems theory and trauma-informed, cognitive, and solution-focused models of therapy. I can draw from several evidence-based models so that together we can discover the approach that is the best fit for you. I would love to help you create the life and relationship with yourself and the others you want. 

  • My Philosophy

    Hi! I’m Lara, and I have worked for over 20 years in the mental health field with at-risk children, adolescents, young adults, and their families in schools, private practice and not-for-profit organizations. These experiences have furthered my commitment to anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive practice. I don’t ask myself what is wrong with a person; instead, I ask myself what happened to this person.  It is a privilege to be invited to be a part of another person’s journey and to be entrusted with their story. I genuinely respect and appreciate the people I work with and their efforts to overcome difficulties in their lives. I believe the therapeutic relationship is key to achieving change, and I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel seen and understood. 

  • My Why

    I believe therapy is my calling. Even as a child, I had a genuine curiosity and appreciation for people and their stories of courage and resilience. I also have always cared about children and their well-being. I realized that if the adults and families in children's lives were supported to be healthier and happier, then children would receive the nurturing and guidance they need to feel secure, happy and reach their potential. This, coupled with a high level of empathy and a strong sense of hope and the belief that there is good in everyone, led me to pursue a career as a therapist.

Focus

  • Academic Issues
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Behavioural and Emotional Issues
  • Body Image
  • Career or Work-related Issues
  • Depression
  • Family Issues
  • Family Relationships
  • Grief and Loss
  • Life Transitions
  • Parenting Issues
  • Peer Relationships
  • Perfectionism
  • Relationship Issues
  • School-related Issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Self-harm
  • Sexual Health
  • Sleep Issues
  • Stress
  • Substance Use or Addiction
  • Trauma

Therapy Approaches

  • Attachment-based
  • Bowenian Family Therapy
  • Feminist
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Narrative
  • Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics
  • Person-centered
  • Play Therapy
  • Positive Psychology
  • Solution Focused

Specialized Experience With Allied Communities

  • At Risk Children and Youth

Rates + Direct Billing

Lara’s fees are:

50-Minute Session: $220

80-Minute Session: $330

Our therapy services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance provider or benefit plan. To confirm your plan’s coverage, please contact your insurance provider.

Lara’s appointments can be direct billed to Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Co-operators, and GreenShield.

*At the moment, Lara’s sessions are not accepted by some Alberta Blue Cross contracts (including AHS registered nurses) and Medavie Blue Cross. If your insurance provider is Alberta Blue Cross and you want to book with Lara, please email us and we can confirm eligibility before you book.

Don’t see your insurance listed?

If we’re unable to direct bill your insurance provider, you’ll be able to submit the receipt we send at the end of your session to your insurance provider for reimbursement yourself.

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Fun Facts

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1st time dog mom
Mom of spunky teenage daughter
Married to high school partner
Lover of lakes, outdoors and campfires
5th generation Edmontonian

Get To Know Lara Further

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