About

Lucas Psychological Services is dedicated to fostering healing and growth within a supportive community.

Our approach is deeply rooted in trauma-informed principles, ensuring that every individual receives care that is respectful, understanding, and specifically attuned to their unique experiences of trauma. 

We aim to uphold the dignity and inherent strength of every client, facilitating a pathway to recovery that respects their personal story.

Our Philosophy

Our unwavering commitment to a trauma-informed approach is fundamental to the services we provide.

This philosophy influences every aspect of our therapeutic practice, from the initial assessment to the conclusion of treatment.

By embracing principles of safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment, we customize our support to effectively meet the diverse needs of individuals and families on their healing journeys. 

The teachings of Dr. Gabor Mate, Dr. Daniel Siegel, Dr. Kristin Neff, and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk significantly shape our approach. Their innovative work in holistic and compassionate care provides the framework for our therapeutic strategies, allowing us to offer recovery paths that are both cutting-edge and deeply empathetic.

At Lucas Psychological Services, these insights are crucial in addressing the comprehensive needs—psychological, physical, and emotional—of those we serve.

Our Story

Lucas Psychological Services was founded by Kayla Lucas

whose personal and professional experiences with trauma inspired her to create a space dedicated to healing and recovery. Driven by a deep-seated passion for helping others, Kayla established the practice to guide individuals and families through their transformational journeys toward wellness.

The butterfly symbolizes transformation and resilience, reflecting the core ethos of our practice. Just as the butterfly emerges from its chrysalis transformed and renewed, we at Lucas Psychological Services believe in the transformative power of our therapeutic processes. We are here to guide our clients toward rediscovering strength and hope in their lives.

About Kayla Lucas

Kayla Lucas is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Psychologist (College of Alberta Psychologists #6344) who founded Lucas Psychological Services to provide a supportive space where individuals can navigate their mental health journeys with expert guidance. With a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta and extensive clinical training, Kayla brings a wealth of experience to her practice, specializing in trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based approaches.

Her path to establishing Lucas Psychological was driven by a deep passion for helping individuals heal from trauma, overcome personal challenges, and improve their mental well-being. Kayla’s diverse work experiences, including her role as a trauma therapist at Little Warriors – Be Brave Ranch, where she facilitated group sessions for children and adolescents, and as a school counselor for KeeTasKeeNow Tribal Education Authority, which provided her with valuable insights into supporting people from all walks of life. Her focus on intergenerational healing and crisis intervention laid the foundation for her empathetic, client-centered approach.

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Lucas Psychological Services is the culmination of Kayla’s commitment

to providing personalized mental health care. At the core of the practice is a belief that healing and growth are possible for everyone. Kayla’s integrative therapeutic techniques, which include Mindful Self-Compassion Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), empower clients to overcome their struggles and achieve emotional well-being.

Her clinical training, including practicum work

at Stollery Children’s Hospital, gave her a unique understanding of the complex emotional and cultural issues her clients face. Whether working with individuals experiencing trauma, navigating difficult life transitions, or seeking personal growth, Kayla creates a compassionate environment where every client feels understood and supported.

Kayla’s pursuit of continued professional development

is reflected in her certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Play Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) for PTSD. Her academic work, including her Honours thesis on the anxiolytic effects of scopolamine in zebrafish and her research on how animals can help refugee trauma survivors, further highlights her commitment to understanding the intricacies of mental health.

  • Registered Psychologist, College of Alberta Psychologists (#6344)
  • Active Member, Psychologists' Association of Alberta (#3595)
  • Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, University of Alberta (2019)
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours with Distinction in Psychology, MacEwan University (2014)
  • Trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (T-CBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Sandtray/Play Therapy
  • Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Therapy 

Lucas Psychological Services

is built on the belief in the transformative power of personalized, empathetic care. Whether you’re seeking support for trauma, emotional well-being, or personal growth, Lucas Psychological is here to help you thrive.

Additional Resources

Intergenerational impacts on mind/body

Lead researcher on shame/vulnerability

Social emotional skills for children/adolescence