EMILY FOSTER B.B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed. (School Counselling)

Emily is a dedicated and passionate teacher. She has been an educator for seven years in learning support, inclusive education and school counselling.

Emily takes a trauma-informed, person-centred, and solution-focused approach. She believes everyone carries their own strength and resilience, and she works alongside clients to help them uncover it. With compassion, care, and a genuine presence, Emily creates a welcoming space where people feel safe, understood, and supported as they navigate growth and change.

She is especially passionate about advocating for children, nurturing confidence, self-worth, and social skills, and supporting the LGBTQ2SI+ community. Emily has extensive experience helping children and families navigate school-related challenges, including social and emotional regulation, separation anxiety, academic learning strategies, and the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), while fostering positive collaboration with teachers and school staff.

Emily is well-informed in the areas of anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, neurodivergence, and trauma. Emily acknowledges that she lives, works, and learns on the traditional, unceded, and occupied territories of the Syilx/Okanagan people.

EMILY FOSTER B.B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed. (School Counselling) Emily is a dedicated and passionate teach... Read More

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and Ciara’s goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. Ciara holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She works with individuals, children, and families navigating life transitions, family dynamics, and the ups and downs of mental and emotional wellbeing. Ciara is passionate about supporting clients navigating the challenges of interpersonal conflict, helping them build insight, coping strategies, and meaningful connections. Ciara’s experience as a social worker in different settings has also provided her with transferable skills that allow her to effectively support a wide variety of clients.

Ciara’s therapeutic style draws from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and client-centred modalities. Ciara aims to provide practical tools while also creating space for reflection, growth, and meaningful change.

Additionally, Ciara’s background in sociology informs the way she approaches therapy. It helps her understand the broader social, cultural, and systemic factors that shape our lives and mental health, and allows her to hold the complexities of the world we are currently existing in while supporting clients in navigating their own experiences.

Ciara strives to foster a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental environment. Ciara views the client as the expert in their own life, while Ciara sees her role as a supportive guide—helping individuals clarify their goals, build skills, and improve their overall quality of life.

Outside of counselling, you can often find Ciara enjoying a Diet Coke, watching reality TV, or heading to a Pilates class.

Areas of Focus Include: - Life Transitions - Children, Youth, and Families - Conflict Navigation & Communication - Emotional Regulation - Mental Health and Substance Use

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and Ciara’s goal is to create a space where yo... Read More

Please Note: Lauren is not currently accepting new clients at this time.

With a long-standing interest in human connection and emotional wellbeing, Lauren brings warmth, curiosity, and care into her work. She draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, and emotion-focused therapy (EFT). She often integrates somatic, polyvagal-informed techniques that blend an understanding of the nervous system with practical, body-based strategies to help you regulate emotions and feel more grounded. Her approach is collaborative and integrative, focusing on each person’s unique needs, identities, and goals to create a session that truly fits them.

Lauren works with individuals, youth (12+), and couples from all backgrounds, and has a particular interest in concerns related to ADHD, sexuality, self-esteem, and relationships. She is affirming of diverse relationship structures, including polyamory, consensual non-monogamy, and other non-traditional or kink-positive dynamics.

Outside of her clinical work, Lauren enjoys reading fiction, paddle boarding, hiking, and playing board games. She lives with her partner and two dogs, who remind her daily of the joy in slowing down and staying present.

Lauren is practicing as an intern under the supervision of Rubina Dhaliwal (RSW #10240)

Areas of Focus include: - Anxiety and Depression - Neurodiversity Support (ADHD & Autism) - Life Transitions - Sexuality & Gender Identity - Self-Esteem - Couples & Relationships (including polyamory and non-monogamy)

Please Note: Lauren is not currently accepting new clients at this time. With a long-standing in... Read More

IsaBelle is a practicum student completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) with OK Clinical Therapy Group. Grounded in warmth, curiosity, and respect, she strives to create a supportive environment where clients feel seen and understood. Her approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and trauma-informed, emphasizing each client’s unique goals and strengths. 

IsaBelle brings experience working with neurodiverse youth, which has strengthened her appreciation for the individuality of each person’s way of thinking, feeling, and communicating. She values creating space where all clients can explore their experiences with curiosity and self-compassion. 

As she continues her training, IsaBelle is developing an integrative approach informed by narrative therapy, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and parts-based (Internal Family Systems) perspectives. She believes that growth happens through connection, self-awareness, and compassionate understanding of one’s own experiences. 

Outside the therapy room, IsaBelle enjoys baking, walking her dog, reading, and spending time with loved ones. 

IsaBelle is practicing as an intern under the supervision of Devinder Dhaliwal (RCSW #13248)

Areas of Focus include: - Stress and burnout management  - Building emotional awareness and resilience - Anxiety and coping strategies - Self-esteem and personal growth - Life transitions

IsaBelle is a practicum student completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) wi... Read More

Laurie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who is deeply passionate about the work she does. With over 20 years of experience, she has had the privilege of supporting youth and adults through both struggles and growth.

Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that each person is the expert of their own life. Laurie works from a person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed perspective, offering a safe and supportive space where clients can feel understood and empowered. She integrates a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI), and mindfulness techniques, tailoring each session to meet her clients’ unique needs.

Laurie is passionate about working with both adults and youth, creating an environment of safety, trust, and genuine connection as they navigate life’s challenges. She also has extensive experience in grief, loss, and trauma, and has co-facilitated bereavement groups for many years.

Whether clients are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, or loss, Laurie walks alongside them with empathy, honesty, and encouragement. Her goal is to help foster healing, resilience, and hope.

Areas of Focus - Grief, Loss, and Bereavement Support - Trauma and Resilience Building - Youth and Adolescent Mental Health - Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Management - Relationship and Life Transitions Support

Laurie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who is deeply passionate about the work she does. With... Read More

Heather has over 25-years of experience as a Registered Counsellor working in a variety of settings, supporting clients in the areas of trauma, addictions, adverse childhood experiences, loss and grief, anxiety, depression and emotional dysregulation.

Heather’s overarching philosophy to counselling is growth-oriented, empowering and person-centred. She believes that our life experiences create stories that we live by - stories about ourselves and the world. Sometimes these stories are helpful for us; other times, they come at a cost and limit us. Therapy can provide us an opportunity to safely explore how our experiences have shaped our perceptions, beliefs and choices – and to move into a future that is more in alignment with our values.

Heather’s work is guided by a deep understanding of the universal human need for connection and acceptance. She uses emotionally focused approaches to help clients become more aware of the underlying, yet unmet needs that might be driving and sustaining mood difficulties and subsequent unhelpful coping behaviours. Clients are empowered to develop the emotional regulation, self- compassion and courage to live with more freedom and ease.

Heather can integrate several modalities and adapt therapy to suite her clients. She has extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy for Trauma and Forward Facing Trauma Therapy. She weaves somatic and mindfulness-based processes into her therapy sessions, with an ongoing awareness of her client’s needs for of agency and safety in the therapy room.

Heather works with individual clients age 14 and up.

Areas of Focus Include - Relationship difficulties - Trauma treatment - Healing adverse childhood experiences - Anxiety and depression - Emotional regulation - Loss and grief - Life transitions - Stress managemen

Heather has over 25-years of experience as a Registered Counsellor working in a variety of settin... Read More

Paula holds a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She also completed a diploma in Child and Youth Work (CYW) from Humber College. Originally from Toronto, Paula now calls the Okanagan home, where she is dedicated to supporting individuals and families in their journey toward healing and growth.

With over 17 years of experience coaching gymnastics and a background in Child and Youth Work, Paula brings a deep understanding of human development, motivation, and mental well-being. Her work in sport and with athletes has given her unique insight into performance anxiety, confidence, and mindset — which she integrates into her counselling with youth, adults, and women alike. Paula’s neurodivergent-informed approach allows her to support clients through ADHD, anxiety, and emotional regulation challenges, helping them develop strategies that work with, not against, their individual wiring.

Paula is particularly passionate about empowering women and mothers, nurturing strong mother-daughter relationships, and guiding clients through life’s transitions with compassion and clarity. Her therapeutic approach is holistic and trauma-informed, addressing the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of wellness.

She strives to create a safe, grounding space where clients can explore their strengths, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves — whether they are athletes navigating sport performance pressures, teens developing identity, or women rediscovering balance and self-worth.

Areas of Focus include: - Neurodivergent (ADHD) Support & Coaching - Child, Youth, and Young Adult Mental Health - Women’s Mental Health and Identity - Mother-Daughter Relationships - Sport, Athlete, and Performance Counselling - Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Regulation - Trauma-Informed and Holistic Care

Paula holds a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Soc... Read More

Christina, a Registered Social Worker (RSW), holds a BA in Psychology and a MA in Clinical Social Work. With over 6 years of dedicated experience working with children and youth, she brings a deep understanding of their needs to her role. Christina’s passion for making a positive impact on young lives is why she has chosen to pursue clinical social work. Her experiences have encompassed roles in coaching sports, youth after-school programs, and working with youth experiencing complex substance use and mental health adversities.

Christina’s practice commitment is to create a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth to thrive in. She firmly believes that fostering such an environment is essential for supporting their emotional and psychological growth. Using a child-centred and person-centred approach allows Christina to tailor her interactions to each individual’s unique needs. This approach resonates deeply with her as it empowers individuals to be active participants in their own healing journey.

Christina is particularly drawn to expressive therapies, such as play and art therapy. She recognizes the power of these creative mediums in allowing individuals to communicate complex emotions and experiences that might otherwise be challenging to express verbally. These methods offer a unique opportunity for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgmental space.

Outside of the professional environment, Christina enjoys spending time in nature, playing beach volleyball, skiing and snowboarding, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

Areas of Focus: - Children, youth, and families - Grief - Trauma & PTSD - Anxiety & Depression - Self-esteem - Relationship dynamics

Christina, a Registered Social Worker (RSW), holds a BA in Psychology and a MA in Clinical Social... Read More

Zoe (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) at OK Clinical Therapy Group. She has worked for nearly a decade in the social services sector and has a strong community resource and problem-solving background. She meets clients where they are at with compassion, empathy, and care. Zoe has a passion for working with clients to explore the challenges and opportunities life’s journey brings.

Zoe works with clients from all walks of life to address issues around self-acceptance, body image, and identity. She loves helping clients explore their values and goals, work on habit formation, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life. Moreover, she uses a holistic approach to explore an individual’s whole life picture, including their environmental, social, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Zoe tailors her therapeutic approach to fit the individual and what works for them.

Additionally, Zoe enjoys working with couples and individuals focused on relationships, healthy communication, emotional expression, and boundaries. This includes working with folks with a history of relationship and family trauma and abuse. She welcomes clients who are exploring sexuality, intimacy, friendship, and relationships of all types.

Furthermore, Zoe is experienced working with clients experiencing anxiety and depression. Also, she uses a non-pathologizing, mindfulness-based approach to explore the protective functions of these mental health challenges, and incorporates trauma-informed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skill-building to manage and cope. In addition, she has also completed Gottman Couples Therapy Training Levels 1 and 2. Zoe is currently working on incorporating Nature Therapy and Walk and Talk Therapy into her practice, and is interested in working with folks experiencing climate and existential anxiety.

On top of her Master’s in Social Work, Zoe has an undergraduate degree in Human Ecology from the University of Alberta and has experience working with pregnant and parenting individuals, as well as folks in crisis and substance use recovery. Also, in her free time, she loves hiking, gardening, crafting, cooking, reading, and spending time with her partner and dog.

Areas of Focus include: - Life Transitions - Personal Growth, Identity and Self-Discovery - Anxiety and Depression - EMDR - Perinatal Mood Disorders - Couples and Relationships - Self-Esteem, Body Image and Acceptance - Outdoor and Walk & Talk Therapy

Zoe (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) at OK Clin... Read More

Please Note: Tamara will be completing her placement on April 30th and is currently accepting short-term clients only.

Tamara Rose (she/her) is a social work practicum student with OK Clinical Therapy Group and a proud member of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. Additionally, she is an RSW candidate, completing her Bachelors of Social Work. Tamara brings meaningful experience supporting children, youth, and families through trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approaches. For example,, this includes her work as an advocate within the Okanagan Public School District.

At the core of her work,, Tamara’s approach focuses on helping clients identify practical tools and strategies they can use . Moreover, she integrates solution-focused practice with strengths-based and family systems perspectives. Tamara draws on both Indigenous and Western frameworks to support healing, insight, and meaningful change. As a result, guided by the Two-Eyed Seeing approach, Tamara values collaboration, balance, and respect for each client’s unique experiences and ways of knowing.

Tamara works with children, youth, families, and individual clients, supporting people to build resilience, navigate life transitions, and strengthen relationships. She welcomes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients and has a particular interest in working with children and families, including those navigating separation, anxiety, neurodiversity, and school-related challenges.

During sessions, her sessions are collaborative and goal-oriented, designed to help clients gain insight and leave each session with tools they can put into practice immediately.

At this time, Tamara is practicing as a social work intern under the supervision of Trevor Good (RSW #12430) and Nicole Ripley (RCC #10535).

Outside of her clinical work, Tamara enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, connecting with the land, and creating designs that celebrate identity, resilience, and empowerment.

Areas of Focus include: - Children, youth, and families - Youth mental health and resilience - Parenting support, including families of neurodiverse children - Trauma-informed and strengths-based care - Identity, belonging, and life transitions - Solution-focused strategies - Community outreach and resource navigation

Please Note: Tamara will be completing her placement on April 30th and is currently accepting sho... Read More

Nicola is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who brings compassion, experience, and genuine care to her work with the people she supports. She holds a Master of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle and an MA (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Glasgow, Scotland where she studied before immigrating to Canada. With over ten years of experience supporting individuals through mental health challenges and times of crisis, Nicola creates a space where people feel safe, respected, and truly heard.

Nicola volunteers with the Central Okanagan Hospice Association, supporting individuals with life-limiting illnesses and families after the death of a loved one. She is also part of a provincial disaster psychosocial team, offering support to communities who have been evacuated from or lost their homes during forest fires and other natural disasters.

Nicola is committed to providing a welcoming, supportive space for people from all walks of life. Her work is trauma-informed and tailored to each client’s needs. She draws from several modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and existential therapy.

She especially enjoys working with adolescents and supporting them as they navigate challenges such as ADHD, emotional regulation, self-harm, self-esteem, family dynamics, and anxiety. Nicola has experience providing counselling services to teenagers in Kelowna’s middle school system and values building trusting, collaborative relationships with both youth and their families.

Nicola recognizes that loss is a universal part of being human and that grief can take many forms. She supports individuals experiencing all types of loss including those facing existential loss, such as the loss of dreams, identity, or the life they once imagined. She understands that life can change in unexpected ways, and she offers a compassionate space to make sense of those curveballs and move forward with meaning and care.

A strong believer in lifelong learning, Nicola continually expands her knowledge and skills. She has completed Gottman Couples Therapy Training Levels 1 and 2, Gottman Affairs and Trauma, and Gottman Parenting Coaching, along with additional training in grief and loss and supporting children impacted by trauma. She is currently furthering her education in cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. Nicola has completed San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training and has worked with Indigenous clients all over BC.

Outside of her counselling work, Nicola is a married mum of three school-aged children. She loves spending time outdoors with her family and can often be found by the lake or skiing at Big White.

Areas of Focus include: - Adolescent Mental Health - Couples Counselling - Grief, Loss and Bereavement Support - Life Transitions - Women’s Mental Health and Identity

Nicola is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who brings compassion, experience, and genuine c... Read More

Clara (she/her) holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and is currently offering services at OK Clinical Therapy Group. She is passionate about supporting individuals and couples as they navigate life’s challenges through an empathic, client-centered approach.

Drawing from her background in Kinesiology and community outreach, Clara integrates trauma-informed, evidence-based techniques grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Her work supports clients in developing coping skills, building resilience, and fostering self-compassion, while also deepening emotional awareness and connection within relationships.

Clara offers individual counselling, individual relationship counselling, and couples counselling, with a particular focus on attachment patterns, communication dynamics, emotional safety, and relational repair. She works with individuals and partners experiencing relationship distress and life transitions. Additionally, Clara is passionate about working with women experiencing pre- and post-partum mood disorders. Clara emphasizes the creation of a safe, collaborative space for emotional exploration and meaningful change.

With a strong commitment to holistic well-being, Clara empowers clients by offering practical tools and insights tailored to their unique experiences. She values helping clients reconnect with their personal strengths and values while cultivating self-compassion, understanding, and secure connection throughout their therapeutic journey.

Outside of her counselling work, Clara enjoys fostering community and connection through her book club, group fitness classes, and sharing meals with loved ones.

Areas of Focus include: - Pre- and Post-Partum Mood Disorders - Couples Counselling - Individual Relationship Counselling - Anxiety and Depression - Stress and Burnout - Life Transitions - Attachment and Communication Patterns - Religious Trauma - Loneliness, Connection, and Relational Repair - Self-Compassion and Personal Growth

Clara (she/her) holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and is currently offering... Read More