Mirrell Desjardins was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She is a holistic counsellor whose origins began on Muskeg Lake Reserve. After spending 25 years abroad, Mirrell relocated back to Canada in January 2019. Since that time, she has worked for Northern and Interior Health as a Mental Health Clinician and has a strong commitment to lifelong learning and enhancing her helping skills.

Mirrell has been trained in Trauma Focused CBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Brief Action Planning, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Observed Experience Integration Level 1. Most recently, Mirrell has also gotten basic training to enhance EMDR with Psychosensorimotor Therapy and Hypnosis. Her specialty is helping individuals navigate life transitions. She utilizes and blends many methodologies in her practice and collaboratively works with the client to identify growth areas, establish goals and support her clients to work towards these goals. She believes that everybody has the capacity to live a life worth living, and sometimes, all you need is a little support along the way.

Areas of Interest: - Trauma - Anxiety and Depression - Self-Harm - Group Facilitation - First Responders - Back to Work Programs - Couples/Marriage Counselling

Credentials: - M.Ed (International Counselling) Lehigh, University, USA - M.Ed (Applied Linguistics) Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia - PGCE(College Counselling) UCLA, LA, USA - CCPA: 10001749 - EMDR-BT: 100051404 - BCACC: 18258

Mirrell Desjardins was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She is a holistic counsellor w... Read More

Olivia (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor holding a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a member in good standing with the Canadian Counselling Psychology Association and the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. She has completed training in Compassionate Communication, Mediation, and Grief Counselling. Olivia is also trained to provide Hormone Readiness Assessments and Reports.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Olivia strongly desires to uplift the marginalized and provide her clients with a safe space of caring and non-judgment. She has an eclectic solution-focused approach that helps build hope and optimism. Her goal is to walk alongside her clients as they discover strengths, build resilience, and create manageable goals. Olivia draws on modalities such as Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and more.

At home, Olivia adores her chickens, dogs, and humans. She is an active volunteer with a variety of animal rescues and often has fosters. Olivia appreciates all kinds of humour and believes laughter really can be some of the best medicine. With a previous career in archaeology, Olivia retains a passion for the preservation of culture and is sensitive to issues of social justice. Olivia thankfully acknowledges that she lives and works on the lands of the Syilx Peoples.

Areas of Focus: - Teens and Young Adults - First Nations Community (FNHA Coverage) - LGBTQIA2S+ and relationship diversity - Learning Differences - Depression and Anxiety

Office locations: Vernon and Online

Olivia (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor holding a Master of Arts in Counselling Psyc... Read More

With over six years of experience in mental health and substance use care, Cali brings a warm, grounded, and nonjudgmental presence to therapy. As a registered social worker holding a Master of Social Work and BA in Psychology from UBC Okanagan, she is committed to providing holistic and compassionate support that honours the complexity of each person’s unique journey. Cali strives to create a space where clients feel comfortable exploring their emotions, making sense of their experiences, and reconnecting with their inner strengths.

Cali is honoured to walk alongside her clients as they navigate life’s difficulties such as processing deep trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief – as well as offering substance use and neurodiversity support (ADHD, ASD). She strongly believes every person has the capacity to heal and focuses on empowering clients to connect with their strengths and resilience. She supports them in identifying what matters most and taking steps toward a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Cali believes everyone is the expert in their own lives and tailors therapy to each client’s unique needs. Using an inclusive, collaborative, trauma-informed approach, she draws from wide range of evidence-based therapies including CBT, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy.

Outside of her clinical work, Cali is deeply passionate about animals and finds great fulfilment in caring for and nurturing her cat, dog, and occasional foster dogs. She finds value in slowing down and connecting with herself through creative pursuits such as pottery, writing, or getting lost in a good book. Cali loves engaging with the arts, such as film and comedy, and she is continually inspired by the power of connection through stories. This love of storytelling reflects her approach to therapy, where she helps clients explore the meanings behind the stories they carry and create new narratives that reflect their growth and inspire hope.

Areas of Focus Include: - Trauma & PTSD - Depression & Anxiety - Substance Use & Addiction - Grief & Loss - Hormone Readiness Assessments - Neurodiversity Support (ADHD & ASD)

With over six years of experience in mental health and substance use care, Cali brings a warm, gr... Read More

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Life can be unpredictable and deeply challenging—but no one should have to face pain or healing alone. Jasleen Gill is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She provides compassionate, evidence-based support to children, youth, adults, and families navigating emotional distress, trauma, and major life transitions.

Jasleen works extensively with first responders, veterans, and individuals recovering from workplace injuries—helping them manage the emotional toll of trauma, pain, and reintegration into daily life and work. She also supports those experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression, guiding clients to understand their emotions, strengthen coping strategies, and rebuild a sense of calm, clarity, and control. Her work empowers clients to move from surviving to thriving, no matter where they are in their healing journey.

Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed—grounded in evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic-based interventions. Jasleen integrates mindfulness, self-regulation, and stress-management tools to help clients cultivate emotional resilience and reconnect with their inner balance.

Fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, Jasleen offers an inclusive, non-judgmental space for clients from diverse backgrounds. She believes therapy is not just about recovery, but rediscovery—helping individuals reconnect with their values, strengths, and sense of self.

Outside of her professional role, Jasleen finds balance through hiking in the Okanagan and spending time with her children—moments that bring reflection, connection, and renewed authenticity to her work with clients.

Areas of Focus: - Trauma, PTSD, and Complex Trauma - Stress, Anxiety, and Depression - Work-Related Injuries and Chronic Pain - First Responders, Veterans, and Frontline Professionals - Return-to-Work Adjustment and Reintegration - Child, Youth, and Family Counselling - Emotional Regulation, Anger, and Panic - Grief, Loss, and Life Transitions - Relationship and Family Dynamics

Life can be unpredictable and deeply challenging—but no one should have to face pain or healing a... Read More

Please note that Trevor is currently NOT accepting new clients. Please book in with a different therapist or contact our office for assistance

Trevor is Coast Salish from the Snuneymuxw Nation. He holds a BSW (2009) and MSW (2014) with an Indigenous specialization from the University of Victoria and is a registered social worker. He has 7+ years counselling as a therapist for Hailika’as Heiltsuk Health Centre. The main approaches Trevor works with are Indigenous centered, trauma-informed, solution-focused, anti-oppressive, client/person-centered, narrative therapy, task-centered problem-solving therapy, and motivational interviewing.

He believes in creating and holding a safe space with the people he works with and meeting people where they are at. He works with cultural competence/knowledge/personal experience of the impacts of colonial & intergenerational trauma on Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Areas of Focus: - Depression, Grief, and Loss - Complex Trauma and Intergenerational Trauma - Addictions - Personal Growth, Cultural Identity, and Self– Discovery - Identity, Life Transitions, and Goal Setting - Self-Esteem and Self-Care

Please note that Trevor is currently NOT accepting new clients. Please book in with a different t... Read More

Mandy is a Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC) passionate about meeting individuals where they are in life. Her approach is collaborative and client-focused, designed to support and enhance overall well-being. Furthermore, she brings a compassionate and inclusive perspective to her work, striving to create a safe space where clients feel seen and heard. Mandy is an EMDR-trained clinician and works from a trauma-informed lens. She is here to hold the lantern as we navigate life’s challenges together.

Additionally, Mandy’s lived experience exploring sexuality and gender while challenging societal norms has also shaped her practice. She believe we are all continually evolving, and she is here to walk alongside you on your unique journey of self-discovery and growth. Outside of therapy, you’ll find her enjoying movement in joyful and intentional ways.

Her counselling style is rooted in a client-centred approach and draws from multiple modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Humanistic Therapy, and Existential Therapy. While these frameworks guide her work, she uses an eclectic approach, tailoring sessions to meet the unique needs of each client. She believes the therapeutic process should reflect the individuality of the person she is working with.

In addition to her CCC registration, Mandy is in the final stages of registration as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) through the BC Association of Clinical Counselling (BCACC).

What Sets Mandy Apart - Queer-Inclusive Practice: As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I bring lived experience and understanding to create an inclusive and affirming space. - Trauma-Informed Care: Training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). - Flexible Options: I offer both online and in-person sessions, with evening, weekend, and daytime appointments available. - Body-Acceptance & Health Advocacy: My practice integrates principles of Health at Every Size (HAES), functional fitness, and body-acceptance.

Areas of Focus: - Anxiety - Depression - 2SLGBTQIA Identities - Eating Disorders - Relationships - Youth

Mandy is a Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC) passionate about meeting individuals where they ar... Read More

Lauren (she/her) is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and is currently completing her practicum with OK Clinical Therapy Group.

With a long-standing interest in human connection and emotional wellbeing, Lauren brings warmth, curiosity, and care into her work. She draws from a range of therapeutic approaches, including person-centred therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and emotion-focused therapy (EFT). Her approach is collaborative and integrative, meaning she tailors each session to the unique needs, identities, and goals of the individual, youth, or couple she’s working with.

Lauren is passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces where clients can feel seen and heard. She operates from the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives . Lauren believes that meaningful change happens through connection, compassion, and shared curiosity. She works with individuals, youth (12+), and couples from all backgrounds and has a particular interest in concerns related to sexuality, gender identity, self-esteem, and relationships. She is affirming of diverse relationship structures, including polyamory and consensual non-monogamy, and has a strong emphasis on supporting romantic partners in navigating challenges and deepening connection.

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)

Lauren (she/her) is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP)... Read More

Marcia graduated with a BA in Psychology and a Teaching Certificate from Simon Fraser University. She then completed her Master of Counselling from Trinity Western Seminary. She is a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

Marcia has worked with children and youth in both educational settings and in community groups for the last 25 years. She has worked in both the US and in Canada helping clients work through issues surrounding mental health, grief and spirituality. She has worked with street youth, victims of violence, behavioral and learning challenged children, children with special needs and those with anxiety.

Marcia utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as prioritizing the therapeutic relationship with the client. She has been trained in trauma therapy and family systems as well as mindfulness and self-regulation techniques. Marcia wants children, youth, families and adults to feel safe with her as steps are taken to see change and wholeness. She also maximizes using solution, compassion, emotional focused therapy interventions. She has worked with people of all ages from young children to seniors and loves the honor of joining with people on their journey.

Marcia is new to the Okanagan and has spent most of her life in the Lower Mainland, but she is loving living just outside of Vernon. She has four adult/ teen children of her own and in her spare time is either with family or her two dogs enjoying the beauty of the Okanagan outdoors.

Areas of Experience:

• Children & Families • Anxiety/Depression • Spirituality • Grief & Trauma • Codependency, Relationship Addiction and Abuse • Behavior, Motivation and Learning Challenges

Marcia graduated with a BA in Psychology and a Teaching Certificate from Simon Fraser University.... Read More

Tami is a Registered Social Worker who has been working in the Okanagan in mental health-related positions since 2002 and has completed a Master of Social Work degree through Dalhousie University. She has diverse experience with supporting people dealing with depression, learning to manage anxiety, experiencing crisis, as well as multiple other mental health concerns.

Tami believes in anti-oppressive, person-centered, strengths-based practice, and seeks to connect you with techniques and support that fit your unique situation. Tami understands the difficulty of finding the balance between caring for yourself as well as others.

We all need support when life gives us challenges, and sometimes we may not even know what the problem is, we just know we don’t feel our best. Tami is here to listen and support you on your journey to meet life’s challenges such as the ones listed in her areas of focus.

Tami believes in accessibility for all. If you need any accommodations to access support effectively due to a disability, please contact her and she will make it a priority to meet your accessibility needs.

Areas of Focus include: - Anxiety - Caregiver stress - Compassion Fatigue - Depression - Diabetes Distress - General Stress Management - Parenting Challenges - Relationship Difficulties - Stress Related to Chronic Medical Conditions - Workplace Burnout - 2SLGBTQIA+ Friendly

Tami is a Registered Social Worker who has been working in the Okanagan in mental health-related ... Read More

Janice (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the British Columbia College of Social Work (BCCSW) and the British Columbia Association of Social Workers (BCASW). Janice is also registered as a Social Worker in Saskatchewan (telehealth only) and can support clients living in Saskatchewan via secure virtual sessions. She grew up in the beautiful Okanagan Valley and obtained her Master of Social Work from UBC.  Janice has experience working with people of all ages, in all stages of life, and with diverse abilities.  Her work with government organizations and community agencies has given her a diverse background working with children, parents and families facing barriers such as anxiety, depression, substance misuse, parenting and relationship challenges, and personal or work-related stress.  Janice strives to connect with clients through warmth, empathy, and understanding and walks alongside them on their path.   

As a Registered Social Worker, Janice has experience in solutions-focused approaches, motivational interviewing, attachment theory, family systems theory, as well as mindfulness-based techniques.  Her approach is evidence-based and trauma-informed.  Her goal is to empower clients to gain insight into their challenges and connect with their strengths to move past them. 

At home, Janice enjoys life with her husband, children, cats and dog.  Her family is frequently found having fun in the outdoors. 

Areas of focus include:  - Families, children and youth  - Anxiety and depression  - Communication and navigating conflict  - Personal and work-related stress  - Mental health and substance misuse  - EMDR Therapy - Functional Neurological Disorders (FNDs)

Janice (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the British Columbia College... Read More

Shannon brings 20+ years of experience in community-based, clinical, and healthcare settings. She provides compassionate, anti-oppressive, spiritually sensitive, culturally safe, and trauma-informed counselling for individuals, couples, and groups. She also has experience working with people from diverse walks of life including first responders in the military and RCMP.

Shannon moved to Vernon in 1999 and has enjoyed being an active member of the local community. After completing her undergraduate degree in Social Work at UBCO, Shannon served women, children, and the elderly fleeing intimate partner violence. During this time, she developed key community programs to support the needs of vulnerable persons. As a result, She founded a community-based non-profit organization and developed a sexual health and relationships curriculum for middle school students. After completing her graduate degree, Shannon worked in various acute care units including psychiatry.

Furthermore, as a trauma survivor herself, Shannon has great empathy and experience helping others find relief from the impacts of trauma. Utilizing trauma-informed Counselling, she feels honoured when people experiencing mental health challenges and intra-personal distress allow her to walk a part of their healing journey with them. Additionally, integrating a tailored approach for individualized care, she aims to create a non-judgmental, comfortable, yet somewhat challenging therapeutic space. Additionally, Shannon will help you explore places you feel ‘stuck’ and assist in letting go of ‘old’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours that no longer serve you.

Shannon specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR therapy both virtually and in person). She also utilizes methodologies such as CBT, DBT, Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness-based interventions and more in your personalized therapy experience.

Shannon enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors in her ‘happy place’ with her dog walking or biking in the mountains and along our beautiful lakes and rivers. Spending quality time with her grandchildren is one of Shannon’s greatest joys.

Areas of Focus Include but are not limited to:

• Anxiety & Depression
• Life Adjustments & Transitions
• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
• Trauma Reprocessing
• Grief & Loss
• Phobias
• PTSD
• Relationships
• EMDR (90-minute Sessions Only)
• Please note that Shannon is currently only accepting clients ages 19+

Shannon brings 20+ years of experience in community-based, clinical, and healthcare settings. She... Read More

Hallie received her master’s in counselling from Gonzaga University and BA Psychology through Simon Fraser University. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has worked for 20 years helping individuals identify and address barriers that impede progress towards living their best life. She believes that providing a warm, hopeful and non-judgmental space is the first step in creating a strong therapeutic relationship, which we will use to explore areas of concern and create an individual approach to meet your goals.

Hallie brings Person Centred and Cultural/Relational lens to her practice, while utilizing a variety of methods and techniques tailored to people’s needs, preferences and realities. She believes that we seek and find meaning and purpose through our relationship with ourselves, families, and the socio-cultural environment we live in. Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and ACT are some of the approaches she uses.

Hallie has a strong background in Vocational Counselling and enjoys helping people navigate life changes and challenges. She is interested in working with individuals with ADHD and those who identify as neurodiverse, particularly when (self)diagnosed later in life, to embrace their unique selves and abilities while strategizing life hacks for areas that cause stress or loss of confidence and esteem. She has worked with culturally diverse clientele and is an LGBTQQ2S+ ally.

Hallie lives with her family on a small acreage in Coldstream and is kept busy looking after a variety of four footed/hoofed and winged friends. She enjoys feeding the birds, hanging out with the horses, sitting by the creek and reading. When not hanging around the farm you might find her thrifting downtown, catching a movie at the Towne Theatre or enjoying time with friends.

Areas of Focus: - Anxiety & Depression - Vocational Counselling - Life Transitions - Neurodiversity & ADHD - Person-Centered Therapies - Cultural Diversity and LGBTQQ2S+ Advocacy

Hallie received her master’s in counselling from Gonzaga University and BA Psychology through Sim... Read More