Parul Shah

Parul Shah Welcome to the Official page CEO, Founder & Psychotherapist of , Parul Shah!

My dissertation journey! In the world of toxicity, coercion and manipulation, many institutions, organizations and agenc...
02/02/2026

My dissertation journey!

In the world of toxicity, coercion and manipulation, many institutions, organizations and agencies members are apprehensive about potential repercussions for deviating from established norms.

Political handbooks have historically held significant power. However, supportive teams can provide unwavering support, even when a \”pivot\” is necessary for the greater good. Scholarly institutions are moving away from terms like \”trauma,\” \”traumatic,\” and \”trigger\” due to their potential consequences in the current climate.

This affected my scholarly work, as I had to adjust my topic to defend my PhD psychology degree and graduate this year. Initially frustrated by the change, my ultimate goal was to narrow and acknowledge a gap that requires more attention. For su***de rates to decrease, policing romantic partners need to be recognized as full members of the mental health recovery community within the profession. These struggles can feel defeating, but defying all odds requires more effort than it may seem.

My PhD dissertation journey is back on track, and I’m preparing for my first defence before the end of next quarter. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this journey ,
A space for what needs to be acknowledged. Police romantic partners are the first to witness the injury.💙

Intrusive thoughts or visions are often described as a “slideshow” among .A series of memories rapidly shifting into nu...
02/02/2026

Intrusive thoughts or visions are often described as a “slideshow” among .

A series of memories rapidly shifting into numerous incidents that may have a correlation or no discernible pattern or reason.

However, the cumulative trauma caused by this process can lead to a hyperactive nervous system.

Slideshows are fast-paced and can create a protective barrier in unsafe situations, keeping our nerves at high voltage.

To reduce the speed of the slideshow, it is first necessary to acknowledge that the nervous system is dysregulated and to gently invite in breathwork and movement. Only then can the slideshow begin to slow down.


Language matters. Imagine being physically unable to walk or run, even when movement is essential for your well-being. Y...
02/01/2026

Language matters.

Imagine being physically unable to walk or run, even when movement is essential for your well-being. Yes, our body does keep score with mental and moral injuries.

Imagine continuing to hear, “You will get strong”, “ you need to get strong”.

Strength, does not necessarily always equate to physical power.

True strength lies in the understanding that our mind and body may not always align. However, our approach to challenging situations can alter our perspective.

The term “strong” can have a specific meaning and is sometimes used to exert coercive control.

True strength provides grace in the face of any physical and mental challenges, without diminishing one’s worth.

Language is crucial when it comes to our mental health.


For decades, the term “weakness” has a definitive meaning.“If you are not strong, you are weak.”As many clients and form...
02/01/2026

For decades, the term “weakness” has a definitive meaning.

“If you are not strong, you are weak.”

As many clients and former interns are aware, I often change the language in my office space.

From weakness to challenge.

This change alters our self-perception, our approach to difficult conversations, our emotional responses, and our handling of challenging calls and shifts.

Challenge provides an opportunity for readjusting our thought processes and fostering growth.

Strength and challenges are interconnected. Language matters in how we speak to ourselves.


Let’s talk.As we begin a new month, we often reflect on the mishaps, misunderstandings, miscommunication and mistakes.Ho...
02/01/2026

Let’s talk.

As we begin a new month, we often reflect on the mishaps, misunderstandings, miscommunication and mistakes.

How we reflect can ultimately change our direction.

Yet, what we often overlook is that mistakes can teach us something about ourselves.

Those who thrive on jealousy, envy and toxicity will always prey on our vulnerability.

Vulnerability is not a mistake; it is a truth.

Mistakes can become teachable moments that reveal how to protect ourselves, what we will tolerate and what we no longer will tolerate, and how we show up for ourselves every day.

Yes, mistakes have that power. Reclaim it. See your mistakes as teachable moments.

The sail has just adjusted its direction, and you become more into your authentic self, regardless of the noise.

Be teachable. Your mistakes do not define you; they simply refine your purpose, drive and energy.


What no one tells you about healing.That you will miss the old version of you. That “being happy” isn’t in every day.Tha...
01/30/2026

What no one tells you about healing.

That you will miss the old version of you.
That “being happy” isn’t in every day.

That doubt can exist while on this journey.

That some days are much harder than others.

That your care team can change.

That some will have a difficult time to see you as the “new you”.

That trying to embrace emotions that you never felt before.

That memories you once lost, it feels like yesterday.

That how you view things will have a new dimension.

That your five senses can hit a stronger note .

That how you see yourself can be two dimensional.

Healing is very messy, non-linear , without a time limit. Give yourself grace. Lots and lots of grace.

Let’s Talk.Chaos and loss permeate the environment, accompanied by widespread anger and betrayal.In this space of confus...
01/28/2026

Let’s Talk.

Chaos and loss permeate the environment, accompanied by widespread anger and betrayal.

In this space of confusion and debilitating grief, we gain a deeper understanding of moral courage.

Moral courage is often perceived as a willingness to accept the highest risk of personal or professional loss, retaliation, and yet to continue speaking up and standing up for the truth.

Narcissistic individuals derive their strength from moral courage, but when it is executed with silence, their “supply” diminishes.

Moral courage is not always evident in loud, confrontational displays. It can also be documented, recorded, shared through video or audio, and through personal storytelling.

Moral courage is essential in this moment. You need it now. We all need it now.

As the world continues to experience significant chaos, many State therapists are placing accountability on one another ...
01/28/2026

As the world continues to experience significant chaos, many State therapists are placing accountability on one another to ensure the safety of those in need.

This concept is uncommon, as many have witnessed therapists engaging in unethical practices to gain clientele.

Not one single therapist can fulfil all responsibilities.

Not one single therapist can bear the weight of the world.

Not one single therapist can take the lead.

This is a collective community.

Joining this community requires to implement and action out, ethics, accountability, liability and a willingness to learn, lead and listen.

Compassion is not a competition.

Therapists who engage in this as a competition are not compassionate therapists at all.

Therapy is not about owning others; it is about owning oneself without the need to control the world.


When someone enters your office space for therapy, outside of safety and trust, language becomes predominantly important...
01/27/2026

When someone enters your office space for therapy, outside of safety and trust, language becomes predominantly important as it becomes half the battle.

Language isn’t about intelligence, it’s about connecting and understanding without the need to ask more questions.

First responders have a distinctive language that any civilian will not comprehend.

Yet, this distinctive language isn’t defined as science , it’s driven in training, through codes.

The language within the services is what many of us within the first responder world would just get over someone who has never been directly affected or is connected to this world.

It’s a language that carries heaviness, insights, understanding of the day in and day out of that uniform without the storyline.

This language is what matters and half the battle is conquered even before the trauma is revealed.

As a first responder family member for over 24 years, this language , is what I just get.

Language matters!


Many inquire if I have ever encountered narcissistic individuals.My response: Yes.The most frequently asked question aft...
01/26/2026

Many inquire if I have ever encountered narcissistic individuals.

My response: Yes.

The most frequently asked question after that is, “How do you make it stop?”

Lived experiences have taught me that knowledge becomes your power. With a decade of trauning in narcissism phenomena , I often share of what we can do when we encounter someone with such a trait.

Narcissism manifests in various forms and subtle nuances, from family members, bosses , colleagues, friends, and romantic partners.

However, fundamental knowledge about narcissism is that they do not change their behaviour; they just change their victims.

So, how do we navigate this situation? What should we look for?

Narcissistic behaviour has a history, and regardless of the level of involvement you have with this person, the art of manipulation can be disorienting.

Basic narcissistic indicators include:

* Excessive kindness
* Overly availability
* Excessive accolades
* A desire to learn everything about you , your job, your business model, your life , your past, your struggles .
* They voluntarily become your primary supporter

Basic narcissistic outcomes include:

* Subtle jabs and put-downs when your guard is down, when they have gained your trust
* overriding authority
* Gaslighting
* Denial of any wrongdoing
* Blaming you for the problem

Basic narcissistic language includes:

* Constant “me moment” (look at me, I am the best, love me, nobody is better than me, you cannot survive without me)

Anger = projection And deflection. This is a constant pattern of denying and utilizing various emotions to convey to others that you are the abuser.

Idle threats = power And control

So how do we stop the behaviour?

Answer: We are unable to stop them, but we can navigate how we conduct ourselves around them.

Some ways:

Silence: This does not mean silencing your story; it means giving no access to you. None. Zero. So delete their number and block access. ALL. ACCESS.

Your emotional checklist: Allow yourself to write how you felt when they are overly kind to you. Realize the pattern as the pattern does not change. Watch the pattern.

Remember, you did not cause this or could have prevented it. You are now aware. Set boundaries and learn or relearn how to stand up for yourself. Self-doubt will take time to recover and rediscover your worth. Give yourself some gentle space.

Manipulators will consistently seek to undermine you both publicly and privately. While some individuals may believe their assertions, others will question them.

Narcissistic individuals are scientifically highly functioning.

So, will you recover?

Yes you will , yet, you will not be the same person you were. You will naturally question a person’s motives after the emotional and psychological toll.

Rebuilding trust in yourself will be a gradual process. It can take years to learn to trust another human as you have learned that manipulation is often disguised by kindness.

You will also gain a deeper understanding of your intuition, gut feeling and third eye.

Finally, you will learn to trust yourself again. Emotions are information. Listen, gather data, observe and execute your actions in a manner that is more strategic than the manipulator’s.


Trauma trained is when a therapist/clinician received education & training and successfully obtained an evidence based ...
01/23/2026

Trauma trained is when a therapist/clinician received education & training and successfully obtained an evidence based trauma treatment certification.

Trauma trained can be:

Cognitive Processing Therapy ( CPT)

Trauma -Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (T-CBT)

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

EMDR or Brainspotting

IFS - Internal Family Systems

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT)

Vagal Nerve Stimulation

Therapists cannot call themselves trauma therapists without proper trauma training modalities ( like examples above).

Crucial key points as trauma trained therapists:

Assisting clients in comprehending and finding meaning in traumatic events.

Reducing or eliminating ( for elimination- PAT therapy /Vagal Nerves Stimulation ( not always guaranteed for elimination) trauma-induced symptoms.

Empowering clients to manage flashbacks, stress and anxiety.

Guiding the healing of emotional wounds and fostering personal growth.

Integrating traumatic experiences into a healthy framework for clients’ lives.

Therapists are all trauma informed , but not all therapists are trauma trained.

As clients, you have the right and obligation to seek information of your therapist training.

Every therapist is trauma informed. Yet that does not mean they are a trauma therapist.

Not every therapist is trauma trained.

Read the fine print.

You deserve healing in spaces that carries transparency.


Imagine, never been to therapy.Imagine, carrying the weight of unidentified trauma.Imagine, carrying shame and guilt.Ima...
01/23/2026

Imagine, never been to therapy.

Imagine, carrying the weight of unidentified trauma.

Imagine, carrying shame and guilt.

Imagine , your nervous system heightened.

Imagine, carrying freeze mode

Imagine, being hypersensitive, hyper vigilant, hyper aware.

Imagine, feeling in danger all the time.

Now, imagine a professional sharing with you take a moment and let it go.

Trauma informed care are general principles that all clinicians are to abide by. They are:

Safety/Trustworthiness.

Mutuality & Collaboration.

Cultural sensitivity.

Empowerment: Voice & Choice.

Peer Support: creating a care team.

These principles are the basic knowledge that is required to implement in any therapeutic setting.

Safety and trust is paramount and the first meet, becomes the foundation of how safety becomes a space of wanting to connect again. It can take a client up to 8 sessions to trust your therapeutic approach.

Remember, when you dive into seeking a professional in your vulnerable spaces, that trauma informed is mandatory and without Safety and trust, the rest of the core principles will not stick.

You’re allowed to ask questions.

You’re allowed to seek guidance elsewhere.

You’re allowed to seek more.

Trauma informed DOES NOT EQUAL to Trauma trained.

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Ottawa, ON

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

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+16139866737

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Parul Shah MSP, RSW

Parul Shah has over 20 years of experience in the Mental Health Field. Parul Shah is a privately owned Psychotherapist in the Ottawa area, focusing mainly on frontline personnel dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression or anyone dealing with various traumas. The true understanding of frontline trauma often results either from self-experience or from living with someone who has a Mental Health Injury. Parul Shah continues to be a Clinical Support for A Peer Family based group called First Responders Family Resiliency Support Group Ottawa . She is also a Board Member for First Eyes, a Proactive Mental Health Program for Frontline and their families.

Parul Shah is also known for her public speaking and her daily inspiring posts and poems. Parul Shah has publicized a few of her poems over the span of 34 years.