Hello! My name is Anusha Lalani (she/her), and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.

I am passionate about working with children and adolescents aged 4 to 19. I believe that children and teens develop self-regulation, problem-solving skills, and resilience as they experience safe and secure attachments. This belief informs my work with parents and other caregivers. When working individually with children and teens, I am dedicated to supporting parents in understanding their children’s unique
needs. I recognize that there is no such thing as “perfect parents” and understand that parents, like all of us, navigate their own personal challenges. Often, parents may feel isolated, overwhelmed, or confused when trying to understand their child’s needs. In my work with parents and caregivers, I utilize my knowledge of the Circle of Security framework to help them look beyond immediate behaviors and
consider how to meet their child’s relational needs. My approach is primarily attachment-based. I also acknowledge that children exist within broader systems and strive to incorporate a culturally sensitive, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist approach in all my work.

I recognize that, like children and teens, adults also need a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their personal challenges, values, relationships, and self-understanding. I approach my work with curiosity and authenticity, believing that building an authentic relationship with clients is essential to fostering a meaningful therapeutic process. My goal is to support and empower clients on their journey toward greater self-awareness and self-expression. I believe that everyone has a fundamental desire to be heard, to feel understood, and to feel safe. I work with unconditional positive regard, using compassionate inquiry and attachment theory as guiding frameworks to help clients gain insight into their present experiences and explore underlying patterns.

While I provide feedback and perspective based on what clients share and my observations, I do not see myself as the ultimate expert on their lives. I believe my clients are the true experts on their own experiences. I highly value their unique perspectives, values, and beliefs. Therefore, my approach is collaborative, with the client’s voice at the center of the work. Some of my future goals include becoming a Certified Play Therapist and pursuing additional knowledge/training in polyvagal theory, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and synergetic
play therapy.