Experienced, compassionate care for meaningful change.
Specialized treatment for anxiety and trauma.
Experienced, compassionate care for meaningful change.
Specialized treatment for anxiety and trauma.
About Sara Lapp Psychology
Personalized Therapy
At Sara Lapp Psychology, I provide individualized therapy tailored to meet your unique needs. With 21 years experience, 15 years as a practicing therapist, I am trained and experienced in creating treatment plans that meet your needs and goals. I provide tangible strategies and measurable results.
I specialize in treating anxiety- generalized anxiety, social anxiety, performance based-anxiety, health anxiety, phobias, school avoidance, separation anxiety and selective mutism.
I specialize in treating trauma-based disorders- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder.
Taking the first step can be the hardest. I am happy to offer a free 15 minute phone or video call to introduce myself and answer any questions you have.
About Me
Hi, nice to meet you, I'm Sara
SARA LAPP-SMELSKI
Registered Provisional Psychologist (she/her)
Life can throw experiences at us that shake our sense of who we are, challenge our worth, or make us question where we belong. These experiences are universal — no one is immune — but the ways we process and respond to them are deeply personal.
I see therapy as a transformative and progressive process, where we explore possibilities together and take each next step intentionally. My hope is that clients leave therapy feeling more connected to themselves and their priorities — making choices, directing their energy, and focusing on the parts of life that feel truly meaningful and aligned with who they are.
What is your training?
I have a Master of Counselling degree from Gonzaga University. I graduated in 2011. Prior to being a Registered Provisional Psychologist, I practiced as a Certified Canadian Counsellor. I have advanced training in EMDR therapy and continue to grow through professional development opportunities.
What experiences do you bring to your work as a therapist?
I have "learned the hard way" more times than not. I've had to let go in the face of disappointment, grieve losses that shook me to my core, and I've been lucky to embrace surprises I didn't think would ever come my way. By doing my own therapy work, traipsing around the dog park and finding comfort in connection, I've found my way through.
Areas of Practice
Some people come to therapy knowing the issue that they're looking help for, some come with a sense that something is not right. The following are concerns I treat:
My areas of specialty include:
- anxiety
- depression
- trauma
- self-esteem, perfectionism and people pleasing
- school refusal
- life transitions
- relationship with food/eating disorders
- attachment issues
- self concept and self esteem
- occupational stress injury, including burnout and compassion fatigue
- grief, loss and bereavement, including complicated and traumatic bereavement
- perinatal concerns, including infertility and pregnancy and infant loss
- suicide and suicide bereavement
- parenting and family concerns
Populations Served
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a supportive space to explore your experiences, gain insight, and create meaningful change. Sometimes, what’s beneath the surface isn’t as it seems—and therapy can help make sense of those deeper patterns. Together, we’ll work to understand what’s getting in the way of your well-being and develop strategies to help you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected in your daily life.
Child and Adolescent Therapy
I work with children 8 years and older as well as youth and teens. I started my career working with young people and their families and continue to invest in working with young people. I work from a systemic lens and recognize the importance of including important adults in the young person's life. Some concerns that young people come see me for are: bullying, school avoidance, anxiety, and self esteem just to name a few.
Family Therapy
First Responders and their Families
Family therapy sessions are designed to help families build stronger relationships, improve communication, and resolve conflicts. I believe that every family has unique strengths, and I work with families to identify those strengths and build on them to create a more positive and supportive family environment.
First Responders and their Families
Individuals, Couples and Families impacted by Reproductive Loss
First Responders and their Families
Having worked in an emergency services agency as a civilian, I know first responders face unique challenges—long hours, high stress, and frequent exposure to difficult situations. Therapy can be a space to slow down, process what you’ve been through, and learn ways to manage stress that actually fit your life. My approach is down-to-earth and compassionate, focused on helping you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected—both at work and at home.
Individuals, Couples and Families impacted by Reproductive Loss
Individuals, Couples and Families impacted by Reproductive Loss
Individuals, Couples and Families impacted by Reproductive Loss
Experiencing reproductive loss—whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility, or other challenges—can bring deep grief and complex emotions. It can affect individuals, couples, and families in unique ways, often leaving people feeling isolated or misunderstood.
As someone with lived experience, I understand how painful and disorienting this journey can be. Therapy offers a gentle space to process your loss, make sense of your emotions, and begin to heal at your own pace. Together, we’ll make room for your grief, strengthen connection within your relationships, and find ways to move forward with compassion and meaning.
FAQ's
Fees, Billing, Parking, Hours, Telepsychology
What are your fees?
My fee is $200/session.
Where is your office?
My office is located in the Beltline in South West Calgary. The address is: 200-638 11th Avenue SW.
Do you offer tele-health?
Yes, I offer telehealth to residents of Alberta.
Do you offer a sliding fee scale?
Yes- I offer sliding fee on a case by case basis.
Are you covered by insurance? Many large carriers accept receipts from Registered Provisional Psychologists. I always encourage folks to check in with their plans about coverage.
Do you direct bill?
I do direct bill to Alberta Blue Cross and Sun Life. I also direct bill for clients of Arcora.
Where do I park?
There are options for parking. 11th Ave, 10th Ave, 6th Street and 7th Street offer paid parking through the Park Plus system. Rates are approximately $2.00/hour. There is an Impark lot available on 10th Ave and 6th Street with hourly parking options. 12th Ave has some free 2 hour street parking available.
What are your hours?
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00-4:30
Thursday: 2:00-8:30
Friday: 9:30-2:30
Program Launch!
Is your family struggling with school avoidance or school refusal?
Dr. Shelley Skelton and I have collaborated to develop a program specific to children and youth who are struggling to get to school.
We know absenteeism has exponentially increased in the past 5 years. And we know it's not about laziness.