Vanessa brings nearly 20 years of experience in social services, working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. Her work has focused on harm reduction, outreach, life skills development, advocacy, and social justice.

She collaborates with clients to navigate challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, and burnout. With a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, she uses evidence-based approaches and tailors her work to each client’s unique needs, guiding them toward greater clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. She embraces life’s complexities, helping clients find moments of joy and humour, even in difficult times.

Vanessa’s approach is trauma-informed, strength-based, and intersectional, recognizing the influence of gender, sexuality, socio-economic status, and culture on well-being. She integrates Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Family Systems, while providing neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming care.

Areas of Focus: - Anxiety and Depression - Identity and Self-Discovery - Personal Growth - Life Transitions - Relationship Dynamics - Career Exploration

Vanessa brings nearly 20 years of experience in social services, working with individuals from a ... Read More

Works with: Children (3+), Adults

Session Types: Individuals (Virtual & In-Person), Couples (In-person Only), Families (In-Person Only)

Claire is an uninvited settler on unceded Sinixt land, dedicated to a decolonial practice by giving back directly to the original stewards of our beautiful West Kootenays. Claire maintains a learner’s approach in and out of the counselling room, humbled by the privilege of walking alongside diverse community members as we accept the great responsibility and understand what it means to care for ourselves, for each other, and for this place we call home.

With past experiences supporting survivors of traumatic and acquired brain injury, as well as youth living with psychosis, Claire has focused her clinical work on couples and families. Grounded in attachment theory and shaped by advanced training in emotionally focused therapy, Claire’s counselling style seeks to repair and strengthen relationships by getting to the heart of underlying issues. The ultimate goal is to help liberate family members of their emotional struggles by restoring the loving bonds that make this work possible.

Claire further brings this relational and emotional focus to working with individuals of all ages. In what can be a playful and creative approach, she carefully attends to the implicit meaning and values embedded in people’s stories. By focusing on what they find most important in life, Claire helps folks re-author their narratives toward actualizing their preferred way of being. With more to love about our life and our selves, based on what we believe matters most, we can work toward liberation from the burdens we all carry.

Claire is a Registered Social Worker (RSW #17975) and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #27515).

Areas of Focus - Couples & Relationship Counselling - Family Therapy - Individual Counselling (All Ages) - Trauma & Brain Injury Support - Youth Mental Health & Psychosis Support

$5 from each session goes directly to the Autonomous Sinixt.

Works with: Children (3+), Adults Session Types: Individuals (Virtual & In-Person), Couples ... Read More

Works with: Youth (12+), Adults

Session Types: Individuals, Couples, & Art Therapy

Many people come to therapy feeling stuck in cycles of anxiety, intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, or burnout. Others may be navigating trauma, grief, or difficult life transitions. Jessica offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can slow down, explore their experiences, and reconnect with themselves.

Jessica is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #19149) and professional art therapist with a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counselling Psychology from Adler University. She integrates talk therapy and art therapy to help clients explore emotions that may be difficult to put into words.

Her approach supports clients in developing deeper self-understanding, making meaning of their experiences, and finding new ways of responding to difficult thoughts and emotions, while also offering practical tools for everyday life. Her work draws from EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic approaches.

Jessica works with individuals aged 12+ and welcomes clients of all genders and sexualities.

Areas of Focus: - Anxiety and OCD - Trauma, PTSD, and EMDR - Self-Esteem, Shame, and Body Image - Relationship and Attachment Challenges - Burnout, Stress, and Life Transitions - Couples Counselling

Works with: Youth (12+), Adults Session Types: Individuals, Couples, & Art Therapy Many peo... Read More

Krista Blakelock is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who believes that meaningful therapy is built on genuine human connection, curiosity, and compassion. She creates a warm, collaborative space where clients feel safe to slow down, explore their experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

Krista has experience supporting young adults and adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and substance use. Her background includes working in community mental health, concurrent disorders, and Early Psychosis Intervention, where she has supported people through some of the most complex and vulnerable periods of their lives.

Her approach is grounded in mindfulness, self-compassion, and trauma-informed care. She enjoys helping clients understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, nervous system, and past experiences. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, Krista works with clients to build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a more compassionate relationship with themselves.

Krista has a particular passion for working with clients who feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-criticism, uncertainty, or emotional dysregulation. She integrates practical strategies with reflective conversations, psychoeducation, and body-based awareness to help clients create lasting change.

Clients often describe Krista as calm, approachable, thoughtful, and down-to-earth. She believes that therapy doesn’t require having everything figured out—it simply requires a willingness to begin. Whether someone is navigating a major life change, recovering from difficult experiences, or seeking a greater sense of purpose and balance, Krista aims to walk alongside them with curiosity, authenticity, and hope.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety and Depression Trauma and Grief Life Transitions Fertility/Infertility and Relationship Challenges Addiction and Substance Use Bi-Polar Disorder, Schizoaffective and Other Major Mental Health Diagnosis

Krista Blakelock is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who believes that meaningful therapy is buil... Read More

Jason Gaetz is a graduate student whose clinical interests centre on relationships, family systems, identity, and the questions people encounter when the life they are living no longer fits the life they want. Jason works with adolescents, adults, and couples.

Jason’s approach is grounded in the belief that people are shaped by their histories and relationships, but are not wholly determined by them. He draws from existential, narrative, and choice-oriented approaches to help clients examine the meanings they have attached to their experiences, recognize patterns in their relationships, and consider new ways of responding to the circumstances of their lives.

Therapy with Jason is collaborative and conversational. He brings curiosity, directness, warmth, and a willingness to explore difficult questions. His goal is to help clients develop a clearer understanding of themselves and move toward choices that are consistent with the kind of life and relationships they want to create.

Jason comes from a background in business and executive coaching, where he supports leaders in team management and workplace dynamics. He sees conflict resolution and communication repair as a natural and healthy feature of all cooperative ecosystems, including marriages and families.

Jason draws from CBT, person-centered therapy, and reality therapy to support clients experiencing relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, and navigating questions of meaning and purpose. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is currently completing his Master of Counselling degree at Gonzaga University. Jason lives with his wife and children near Nelson, BC, and spends his free time skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and riding motocross.

Jason is practicing as an intern under the supervision of Tami O’Meara, RCC #2518

Areas of Focus include: - Stress Management and Burnout - Relationship and Communication Issues  - Building emotional awareness and resilience - Anxiety and coping strategies - Self-esteem and personal growth - Life transitions

Jason Gaetz is a graduate student whose clinical interests centre on relationships, family system... Read More

• Works with: Children (11+), Adults
• Session Types: Individuals, Couples, Families
• ** Also Offers Clinical Supervision

Anni is a fully bilingual (English & French) relational therapist and registered social worker based in Castlegar, BC, with over 20 years of experience. A resilient survivor of developmental trauma and cancer, Anni understands healing as an ongoing journey — one that can deepen purpose, vitality, and connection. She specializes in Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), supporting individuals and groups in recovering from PTSD and rediscovering meaning and aliveness. Anni works with children, adults, couples and groups and also loves her practice offering clinical supervision.

Grounded in relational and capacity-based psychodynamic psychotherapy, expressive arts, somatic awareness, and evidence-based approaches, Anni co-creates therapeutic spaces that honour emotional regulation, agency, and authentic connection. Her practice is also enriched by 16 years of learning with Elders, Earth-based medicines, teachings, ceremony and Indigenous traditional wisdom. Anni sees healing much like tending a garden — requiring patience, nourishment, and alignment with the seasons of growth. Like deep tree roots, her own practices of meditation, relationship tending, and connection with the natural world inspire her to be grounded and present. Anni and her beloved partner of 28 years, and their family, live in Pass Creek BC.

Anni accepts clients ages 11 and older.

Anni is registered under the following: - BCSW #10120 - CCC #11264018 - OCSW #842188

Areas of Focus: - Trauma Recovery & Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) - PTSD, Developmental Trauma & Complex Trauma - Clinical Supervision - Addiction Recovery & Relapse Prevention - Somatic & Expressive Arts-Based Healing - Relationship Support for Couples, Families & Group

Testimonials: “My partner and I recently connected with Anni for some counselling, and we were so supported. She is very intuitive, emotionally attuned, compassionate, generous and clear. I would recommend her practice!” (Dayna Taylor, November 2025).

“I am no stranger to counselling and have experienced many therapists over the years–some good, some not so good. I had some online sessions with Anni a while back and even years later I still reflect on the experience. Her work is rooted in proven methods but it goes beyond that, to something that touches parts that traditional psychology cannot reach. I can only describe it as soul healing. She has a unique, gentle way about her and with me personally, I could feel her lovely and positive energy even through a computer screen. Even just a few sessions with her will leave a client feeling empowered with tools for growth and to see their own uniqueness and value in the world. I don’t say this about everyone in the therapy world but she is a true, genuine healer and empath.” (Carla Knipe, November 2025).

Works with: Children (11+), Adults Session Types: Individuals, Couples, Families ** Also... Read More

With over three decades of collective experience dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families through various challenges, LA brings a compassionate and nurturing approach to her counselling services. In her professional career, she also has experience supporting individuals navigating major life transitions, including vocational counselling, return-to-work planning, and recovery following personal injury. Her extensive background encompasses expertise in assisting individuals grappling with eating disorders, navigating child protection issues, and fostering youth mentorship.

Drawing from a diverse toolkit of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), enhanced cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), emotion-focused family therapy (EFFT), family-based therapy (FBT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), LA tailors her interventions to meet the unique needs of each client and their families.

With a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and affiliation with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselors, LA is committed to delivering high-quality, empathetic care to her clients. Her dedication to fostering healing and growth underscores her role as a trusted ally on the journey toward holistic well-being.

Beyond her formal training and certifications, LA’s personal experiences and continuous professional development inform her practice, enabling her to connect with clients on a deeper level. She is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals, advocating for mental health awareness, and promoting resilience and empowerment within the community.

Areas of Focus Include: - Eating Disorders - Depression & Anxiety - Vocational Counselling - Return-to-Work Support - Personal Injury Recovery - Custody & Access Matters - Substance Use Concerns - Perinatal Counselling

With over three decades of collective experience dedicated to supporting children, youth, and fam... Read More

Tami is not currently accepting new clients. Please contact our intake team to explore other available counsellors or options that may be a good fit.

I am an experienced, supportive, down-to-earth Registered Clinical Counsellor who offers in-person and online sessions to youth and adults for a variety of concerns including, but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I have over 20 years of providing educational, career, clinical and crisis counselling to youth and adults within the post-secondary system including students with learning differences, are of Indigenous ancestry, international students, and those with a broad range of mental health concerns.

I believe that each person wants to make the best choices for themselves and sometimes we need some additional support in achieving our goals. I will work with you to identify goals and co-create a therapeutic plan, focusing on your needs. I will walk alongside you as you develop the tools necessary to make positive long-lasting changes.

Being a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I also hold a Masters degree of Education in Counselling from the University of Northern British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. I work from a strength-based approach incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and clinical hypnotherapy in my work.

Areas of focus: - Life Transitions - Anxiety & Depression - Educational and Career Counselling - ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorders - Clinical Hypnosis - EMDR

Tami is not currently accepting new clients. Please contact our intake team to explore other avai... Read More

Geoff Purdy is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work, brings extensive experience, education and passion to his clinical counselling role. Trained in EFT and Gottman’s Method, he ensures high-level support in couples counselling as well as specialized techniques in supporting those through challenging mental health circumstances. Therapy, to Geoff, is a profound blessing, symbolizing personal growth and transformative change. He eagerly anticipates engaging with others to foster therapeutic relationships, aiming for not only successful but enjoyable therapy.

Having achieved academic milestones and a decade of clinical experience, Geoff is equipped with profound problem-solving skills. Acknowledging familiarity with challenges like anxiety, depression, addiction, and impulse control, he draws from personal experiences to guide others through life’s complexities with knowledge and compassion.

Geoff, fully trained in supporting couples, adults and teens, emphasizes collaborative work to appreciate differences and strengthen relationships discreetly. He looks forward to meeting individuals and couples, offering expertise and empathy to facilitate positive transformations in their lives.

When not working at the clinic, you can find Geoff riding motorcycles, fishing and spending time maintaining with his family and in his garden.

Areas of Focus:

Depression and Anxiety Men’s Challenges Relationship Issues Stress Management Substance Use/Dependence Youth Counselling

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291 Email: geoff@okclinical.com

Geoff Purdy is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work, brings extensive... Read More

Erik Smyth is a counselling student with a unique blend of frontline public safety experience and academic depth. Erik grew up in Vancouver, immersed in the region’s cultural and physical landscapes. Growing up, Erik enjoyed hiking, fishing, and volunteering, continuing to do so today. These formative years helped him understand that everyone has a unique outlook, shaped by their life experiences, social circles, and culture. Passionate about helping others, Erik has dedicated his career to public service.

Drawing on 20 years of experience in law enforcement, firefighting, and the army, Erik has developed the ability to navigate pain, trauma, and dynamic situations with a calm, connecting presence. This background has allowed him to quickly build relationships, collaboratively create solutions, and maintain a safe space. Passionate about translating real-world experience into clinical practice, Erik believes that struggles can be overcome through reframing, understanding, validation and positivity. Erik is dedicated to helping clients navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress and relationships.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology, Criminology and is working towards completing his Master’s in Counselling Psychology. Erik brings an evidence-based approach to counselling, utilizing CBT, person-centred therapy, narrative therapy and Gottman’s therapy.

Erik is practicing as an intern under the supervision of Mirrell Desjardins (CCC #100001749)

Areas of Focus include: - Anxiety & Depression - Stress/Burnout - First Responders and Their Families - Relationships and ENM - Psychodynamic Psychotherapy - Person Centered Therapy, Solutions Focused - Therapy & CBT - Gottman’s and Narrative Therapy

Erik Smyth is a counselling student with a unique blend of frontline public safety experience and... Read More

Works with: Children (5+), Adults

Session Types: Individuals, Couples, and Families

Daniel is a Canadian Certified Counsellor, with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA) from Yorkville University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in multidisciplinary Social Sciences from Trinity Western University and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from the University of British Columbia. Daniel has worked as a public school teacher and specialized in special/inclusive education, elementary learning assistance and school-based case management. This includes the support of children who have been designated by the BC Ministry of Education as living and learning with exceptionalities.

Daniel has been married for over 32 years. Together with his wife, Daniel has raised five children ranging in age from 17-29. Nelson has been home for Daniel and his family for 20 years and considers it a privilege to support a diverse clientele that makes up this beautiful community.

With an intuitive sense of empathy and evidence-based approaches, Daniel supports clients in their life journey’s from a strength-based and person-centered approach. Emphasis is on building and maintaining collaborative therapeutic relationships designed to bring about healing and whole-life transformation. As a certified counsellor, Daniel utilizes an integrative approach that includes: biopsychosocial treatment modalities, solution-focused and narrative therapies, family systems, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), psychodynamic, somatic mindfulness and positive psychology, each through a trauma-informed and multicultural lens.

Areas of Focus include: - Mindfulness and Self-Compassion - Self-Esteem - EMDR - Relational Conflicts - Life Transitions - Problem-Solving - Stress Management - Complex Trauma - Grief, Loss & Bereavement - Addiction - Parenting Issues - Sleep Hygiene - Spiritual/Religious Abuse

Works with: Children (5+), Adults Session Types: Individuals, Couples, and Families Daniel is a... Read More

Molly completed her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, supporting youth, couples, families and adults with diverse needs and abilities. She works from a trauma-informed perspective, using Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and cognitive behavioural modalities to help her clients move forward at their own pace. With a keen interest in the principle of neuroplasticity, Molly provides non-judgmental support to those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, injury, violence, loss, anger, or navigating the demands of parenting. Molly is trained in Somatic Experiencing with her Intermediate II certification and is an IFS Level I therapist trained through the IFS Institute.

Areas of focus: - Anxiety & Depression - Trauma - Parenting - Neurodiversity - Somatic work - Voice work - Individuals, Couples, Families - Children (10+), Youth, Adults

Molly completed her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, supporti... Read More

Maya (she/her) is a counsellor and educator whose work is rooted in care, connection, and a deep curiosity in the human experience. Grounded in a person-centred and strengths-based philosophy, Maya’s practice reflects her unwavering belief in every human’s capacity for meaningful growth.

Her primary specialties are grief and couples work. Maya is drawn to these tender spaces because loss and human connection are among the most defining experiences we share- both shaping us in ways both subtle and seismic, both impossible to avoid in a fully lived life.

Maya concurrently works as a school district counsellor with a background in school-based inclusion and case management. In this role, she collaborates with children, families, and educators to cultivate inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where children feel truly seen and supported. Her approach honours the complexities of young lives, blending gentleness and playfulness to guide them back to the heart of childhood.

With warmth, humour, and a deep respect for each unique path, Maya helps individuals uncover their inner resilience and live in alignment with their values. She is passionate about the transformative potential of curiosity and the healing power of playful, meaningful connection.

Areas of Focus: - Grief and Loss - Couples and Family Dynamics - Anxiety and Depression - Identity and Self-Discovery - Life Transitions - Stress Management - Self-Worth and Body Image - LGBTQIA+ Allied

Maya (she/her) is a counsellor and educator whose work is rooted in care, connection, and a deep ... Read More

Marin (she/her) is a counsellor and longtime educator whose work is grounded in deep presence, genuine connection, and a belief in every person’s innate capacity to heal and grow. Rooted in a person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based philosophy, Marin brings warmth, curiosity, and collaboration into every therapeutic relationship. 

Drawing from mindfulness, emotion-focused approaches, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and somatic practices, Marin supports clients in developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and compassionate connection to their inner experience. Her training in yoga and mindfulness adds a grounded, body-based dimension to her work, helping clients cultivate safety and calm when things feel overwhelming. 

Before entering the counselling field, Marin spent nearly two decades as a teacher and educational leader, collaborating closely with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams. Her work in inclusion and social-emotional learning shaped her belief in meeting each person with gentleness, respect and a little bit of humour. Marin cultivates a space for reflection, healing, and possibility. She enjoys working with clients of all ages and believes deeply in each person’s ability to move toward a life that reflects their values and their authentic self. 

Marin is practicing as an intern under the supervision of Tami O’Meara (RCC #2518)

Areas of Focus include: - Anxiety & Stress Management - Self-Worth & Identity Exploration - Mindfulness & Self-Compassion - Grief and Loss - Life Transitions

Marin (she/her) is a counsellor and longtime educator whose work is grounded in deep presence, ge... Read More

Cassandra (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #27487) based in the Kootenays, who offers in-person, online, and phones sessions for a variety of concerns including, but not limited to self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and life transitions.

To help guide her practice, Cassandra draws on the principles of Person-Centred, Somatic, and Nature-Based therapies. She believes in the healing properties of the client-counsellor therapeutic relationship and brings curiosity, humour, compassion, and warmth to her sessions. Cassandra is committed to providing nonjudgmental and compassionate care in a space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported.

Cassandra trusts that everyone has the power to make positive changes in their life and that they know themselves better than anyone else. Her role is to help you identify goals, create a treatment plan, and provide you with techniques and tools that best suit your needs. Together, it is possible to navigate challenges and build new habits that reflect your personal values and lead to long lasting growth. 

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #27487), Cassandra has completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA) from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Biology (Ecology) and Psychology (Neuroscience) at Vancouver Island University.

Areas of Focus include: - Self-Esteem & Compassion - Anxiety & Depression - Relationships & Sexuality - Mindfullness & Somatic Work - Stress Management - Outdoor / Walk and Talk - LGBTQIA+

Cassandra (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #27487) based in the Kootenays, who ... Read More