REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Karin Lawless

“Every story we tell ourselves is a reflection of the resilience and a pathway to re-authoring our lives.”

- Michael White


Karin Lawless psychologist in Calgary specializing in ADHD, anxiety and depression therapy, and EMDR therapy

Welcome! When it comes to my approach to therapy, I aim to work from a client-centered, collaborative lens, grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your life, and you have what you need to make the changes you’re looking for. 

I Work With:


Adults
Teens
Kids 6+

I Help With:


Neurodivergence
Anxiety
Trauma
Self-Esteem

Ways I Work:


EMDR
Therapeutic Play
IFS
CBT

I Work With:


Adults • Teens • Kids 6+

I Help With:


Neurodivergence • Anxiety • Trauma • Self-Esteem

Ways I Work:


EMDR • Therapeutic Play • IFS • CBT

HOW I APPROACH THERAPY

Therapy is about feeling understood.


Together, we can move beyond thoughts and into a fuller awareness of your emotions, body, and experiences. I aim to support you in noticing patterns, building insight, and developing tools that feel meaningful and sustainable in your day-to-day life. 

Your cultural identities and lived experiences are an important part of this process, and I strive to integrate these into our work in a way that feels respectful and affirming.

I draw from approaches such as EMDR, parts work (influenced by Internal Family Systems), and strengths-based therapy, always tailoring the process to fit your unique needs. With children and adults alike, I incorporate therapeutic play, art, and creative approaches to help build resilience, coping skills, and self-understanding.

Therapy with me is grounded in relationship first. I prioritize building trust and creating a space where you feel safe to show up as you are, without pressure to have everything figured out.

Our work together is collaborative and flexible. We might explore things by gently “taking them apart” to better understand them, and then rebuilding in a way that fits who you are and what you need. I support you in moving out of patterns like overthinking or intellectualizing, and into a more connected experience that includes your thoughts, feelings, and body.

Above all, my goal is to help you feel understood, supported, and empowered as you navigate challenges and move toward the life you want.

Areas of Practice


  • Anxiety & Stress

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Behavioural Concerns

  • Depression

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Family Conflict & Relationship Issues

  • Grief

  • Life Transitions

  • Self-Esteem

  • Self-Harm

  • Trauma

Therapeutic Approaches


  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Attachment-Based

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy

  • Humanistic

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Person-Centred

  • Therapeutic Play

Education & Training


  • Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology (University of Lethbridge)

  • Master of Counselling Psychology (Athabasca University)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (Basic Training)

  • EMDR Therapy for Children

  • Therapeutic Play Skills

Getting to Know Me


I love movies, TV shows, and books, anything with a good, cozy story.

Walking is my favourite form of movement, especially if it takes place in a forest or the mountains.

Though I have a wonderful husband, my cat is the true love of my life.

I have recently started dabbling in a yoga practice and am amazed by its benefits!

Karen Lawless is a psychologist in Calgary, AB specializing in ADHD, depression, trauma, stress, relationships, and grief.

“In a way, you’ve already won in this world because you’re the only one who can be you.”