Lara

Lara Shepard, MA

Clinical Psychologist

Verified

“I work with individuals and families facing emotional, behavioural, and psychological challenges, and I aim to create a supportive, collaborative space. ”

About Me

I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA, PS0154032) and the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF, PR1126628). I completed my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at North-West University in 2021. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults, and I believe that every individual is unique and deserves to be heard. I aim to provide a warm, comfortable, and supportive space where you can grow, explore challenges, and flourish, even when the process of therapy feels difficult. I also work with health psychology as the connection between pain and our mood is significant. Other areas of interest include geriatric psychology, physical rehabilitation and neuropsychology

Approach

My approach is grounded in evidence-based practice and shaped by compassion, curiosity, and respect for each person’s unique experience.
Contact Lara

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person

Services

Services Offered:

  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • Individual Psychotherapy

    In-depth one-on-one therapy that explores the deeper roots of a person's difficulties, often drawing on psychodynamic or psychoanalytic models.

  • Play Therapy

    A therapy for children that uses play as a natural form of communication, allowing them to express feelings and process difficult experiences.

    Learn more about Play Therapy
  • Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.

    Learn more about Adolescent Therapy
  • Child / Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy for children and teenagers using age-appropriate methods, such as play, art, or adapted talk therapy, to address emotional and behavioural difficulties.

    Learn more about Child / Adolescent Therapy
  • Psychological & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal psychological testing to identify conditions, map a person's cognitive and emotional profile, and guide treatment planning.

    Learn more about Psychological & Diagnostic Assessment

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Children
  • Groups
  • Individuals
  • Under Fives

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Depression

    A mood disorder marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in energy, sleep, or appetite that impair daily functioning.

    Learn more about Depression
  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • Self-Esteem

    A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.

    Learn more about Self-Esteem
  • Grief, Loss & Bereavement

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss, varying widely in duration and expression.

    Learn more about Grief, Loss & Bereavement
  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • Behaviour or Conduct Issues

    Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.

  • Child Behaviour

    Behavioural difficulties in children, such as tantrums, aggression, withdrawal, or defiance, that signal emotional distress or developmental needs.

  • ADHD / Attention Difficulties

    A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about ADHD / Attention Difficulties

Professional Title:

  • Clinical Psychologist

    An advanced mental health professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and complex conditions.

Credentials

Registrations

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

Clinical Psychologist (PS)

Registration: PS0154032

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Qualifications

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (MA (Clin Psych))

North West University

Year: 2021

Service Areas

LS Psychology

In-person

Petervale

Sandton, Gauteng 2191

South Africa

Petervale, Sandton, South Africa