Denise J Larsen

Denise J Larsen is a Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Education. She also serves as Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Education. Her research focuses on the role of hope in counseling psychology and educational practices, co-directing Hope Studies Central, a long-standing research unit. She has extensive experience as a Registered Psychologist and former elementary teacher, integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies in her work. Her research explores hope's application in individual, group, and classroom contexts, emphasizing its benefits for diverse populations including those with chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and youth in care.

Dr. Larsen collaborates globally and has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows now in academic and clinical roles. She is currently not accepting new students but co-leads Hope Studies Central with Dr. Rebecca Hudson Breen. Her work spans over 30 years, with notable contributions to programs like SHARP-PWP (for Parkinson’s patients) and SHARP-SMH (school mental health). She has published extensively across counseling, education, and health psychology, addressing topics such as compassion fatigue in healthcare professionals and hope’s role in transitions for marginalized youth.

Her publications highlight hope’s multidimensional nature, with tools like the Multidimensional Hope in Counseling and Psychotherapy Scale. Key areas include hope-focused interventions in chronic illness, educational settings, and vulnerable populations. She advocates for hope as an integral component of therapeutic and educational practices, emphasizing its practical applications in improving well-being and resilience.