About Dr. Janet Lapp

Originally from Québec, Canada, Janet began her career as a Registered Nurse with post-graduate certification in Psychiatric Nursing. She spent fifteen years in acute patient care, serving as both a nursing director and administrator. Driven by a growing fascination with the human brain, she earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from McGill University in Montréal, completing adjunct research at the renowned Montréal Neurological Institute.

Her early research and publications focused on brain studies. As Director of McGill’s Electrophysiology Laboratories, she collaborated with Dr. Maurice Dongier and Dr. Hans Selye, pioneers in stress research. Her clinical training included work in McGill’s Migraine and Sleep Laboratory, Dr. Leslie Solyom’s groundbreaking treatment of phobias, and Dr. Elie G. Debbane’s group psychotherapy program based on Salvador Minuchin’s Structural Family Therapy model.

After accepting a position as Associate Professor at California State University, Janet continued her practice in Behavioral Medicine and Neuropsychology. A consultation with a dysfunctional executive team at a major bank sparked a pivotal shift in her work—she recognized the urgent need for psychologically grounded approaches within organizations. Since then, she has guided thousands of leaders and teams in developing the emotional agility and mindset required to navigate disruption and lead change with humanity and health.

Janet later created and hosted the Emmy-nominated CBS television series Keep Well, which offered practical psychological strategies for everyday mental health. She is the author of several books, including Plant Your Feet Firmly in Mid-Air, a guide to successful transformation; Dancing with Tigers, a personal exploration of mental health; Positive Spin, a call to build a more compassionate society; and Why Won’t They Listen to Me?, a practical guide for parents and leaders. Her forthcoming 2026 book, Wired Different, presents a groundbreaking approach to understanding and healing trauma.

A licensed pilot and flight instructor, Janet has flown her own aircraft throughout South America and Africa on medical and humanitarian missions. As a 25-year member of the Flying Doctors of Mercy (Liga International), she launched a community health program in central Mexico, installing water filtration systems and teaching water hygiene across the region.

An adventurer at heart, she has crossed the Pyrenees on foot, hiked 500 miles across Spain, studied native healing in the Brazilian jungle, and worked alongside shamans in the Amazon rainforest. Yet, she believes the greatest journey is the one inward—toward self-awareness and wholeness.

Janet lives in Southern California and treasures her time with her golden doodle, two children and four grandchildren.