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I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#18701) with an educational background in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Alberta and a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. Helping individuals, couples and families navigate complex relationships and difficult transitions to create understanding, hope and growth is my focus of practice. My therapeutic approach is based on Family Systems Theory. I assess the impact of a person’s context, particularly past and present relationships and cultural/societal influences, on emotional functioning. Structural and Experiential (Satir) Family Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy help guide my work. I believe the relationship built between the therapist and the client(s) is key to creating safety and the courage to change. My goal is to help people become “unstuck” and experience more helpful ways of responding to life’s challenges that will serve them both in the present and when future obstacles arise. I have a special interest in helping individuals and their supports who are managing complex outcomes from Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), including stroke, and Persistent Concussion Symptoms (PCS). My deep understanding of Brain Injury is informed by the hundreds of clients I have had the privilege of partnering with on their rehabilitative and adjustment journeys. I have worked with individuals and families navigating brain injury since 1999, as both a counsellor in the non-profit and private sectors, and as an advocate/case coordinator working to facilitate community re-integration. Brain Injury touches every part of a person’s life and often includes relationship loss/isolation, role changes, substance use, mood and anxiety difficulties, return to work or school challenges and grief experiences. My goal is to help these individuals create hope and revision their lives so that brain injury can be just one important part of who they are and not their whole story. Personally, I am married and have lived in Kamloops with my husband since 2004. We have two teenage boys with overly healthy spirits of adventure and a perfectly lazy dog. My favorite day trip is finding a new lake for stand-up-paddle boarding (which involves a lot of sitting and floating). Roots: St. Albert, Alberta Training: In addition to training in various models of Family Therapy, I have completed courses and seminars in Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy and Attachment Theory. Approach to Therapy: Every person is part of a larger system and has a story about themselves that influences their thoughts, feelings and behaviors; Unconditional positive regard creates opportunities to heal and grow; The capacity to learn and effect positive change is inherent in all of us. Something I love: Chai lattes, watching my sons play soccer, holiday movies Ways to Care for self: A good sleep, being in the sunshine, watching my dog scamper down a trail, reading a really good book, taking photographs, games night, travelling to new places, deep phone chats with best friends Favorite Dish: Homemade Perogies, Chai Lattes Favorite Books: for growth: The Gifts of Imperfection – Brene Brown; for fun: A Man Called Ove - Fredrik Backman and The Heart’s Invisible Furries – John Boyne Favorite Quote: “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck” -Dalai Lama

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#18701) with an educational background in Psychology and M... Read More

I am a Registered Social Worker (#09850) with the BC College of Social Workers and have been practicing as a therapist and social worker in a number of different settings since 2001.

I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care. I am also certified as a Craving Change Facilitator, which is a cognitive behavioral intervention for problematic eating. In addition, I am certified in Sexual Abuse Therapy for Children through the Justice Institute of BC.

I launched my career in Northern BC with Child and Youth Mental Health and the Children’s Sexual Abuse Intervention program. This work included: individual, group, and family therapy, general mental health treatment for children and youth, outreach counselling to rural communities, facilitating suicide risk assessments and responding to crisis intervention.

I then moved to Central BC where I provided sexual abuse therapy to adults and teens. I developed a real passion for supporting people on their journey through trauma and I find the experience, as a therapist, both rewarding and a privilege.

In 2012 I relocated to Kamloops where I have had the opportunity to support children, teens, and their families as they increase their knowledge of health, wellness and improved lifestyle. I provide counselling and group intervention support to families struggling with obesity and problematic eating. Through this journey I have gained specialized skills in binge eating, dealing with cravings/triggers and emotional eating.

My other areas of practice are working with children, youth and adults that are dealing with trauma, neglect, abuse/assault, anxiety, depression, personal and workplace stress, self-esteem, parenting challenges, post-adoption support, family’s dealing with complex medical issues and working with individuals with brain injuries.

I am a gentle and reflective therapist and my hope is that clients are empowered through the process of therapy but are also able to move forward with practical strategies. I work from a generalist therapeutic approach interweaving in several different treatment modalities; depending on what works for the client. I strive to help clients connect to their core sense of self by helping to link them to their bodies, minds, feelings and emotions. The therapies I utilize most are motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy with a strong base in a person-centered and strength-based approach.

On a personal note, mindfulness and being grounded is important for me. I spend a lot of time long distance running through the trails and roads of Kamloops. This is a time for me to reflect, be thoughtful and have inner peace.

I am a Registered Social Worker (#09850) with the BC College of Social Workers and have been prac... Read More

I have my Masters Degree in Counselling and have been involved in the counselling field since 1999. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#2032).

I was inspired to begin my journey to becoming a therapist during my first degree as a Special Education Elementary teacher. Seeing the difference that can be made through counselling in overcoming adversity and working with diversity was very inspiring for me.

Over my career span I have become recognized as a highly skilled and sought after Registered Clinical Counsellor, Mental Health and Trauma Specialist, workshop facilitator and Executive Coach. My career has included what I believe to be rich experience in the private and public sectors including with government organizations. I have worked with leaders in business sectors of information technology, education, banking and finance, oil and gas, post-secondary and retail. I specialize in leadership and team development, cultural intelligence, psychological well-being and transition management. These skills and experience gained help in creating great rapport and dynamic shifts with my clients. I am adept at utilizing best practices, including cognitive behavioural principles, solution focussed and strength-based approaches in delivering clinical services in a wide range of modalities.

Supporting couples in building a stronger and healthier relationship through clear communication and discovering their love languages has been an important part of my work. Setting healthy boundaries through learning how to be assertive and teaching people through a kind a compassionate manner to create the lives they desire and deserve is a real passion for me. Life has a way of challenging us through loss and thus grief in all the changes we face by choice or not. These at times, sudden and unexpected changes can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression and an overall sense of being overwhelmed leading to burnout and cumulative stress taking a person whom has been coping and functioning within their life to feeling immobilized.

I also have extensive first-hand experience with and have worked for over 10 years within the LGBTQ2S+ community providing counselling, education, and support. I have supported many people over the years in regards to their sexual orientation as well as with gender identity. My clients have also found it helpful to have a therapist whom is a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

On a more personal note, I am happily married to a wonderful man and am the proud father of two sons. As a family we are all quite adventurous and have been privileged to be able to travel extensively together. I have a love of the outdoors and can often be found enjoying the peacefulness of the local nature we are blessed to be surrounded by. I am a singer and love to sing and one of my greatest passions is driving, to be fair I often partake in both of these activities at the same time. Laughter is a big part of the life I have created with my family and I shamelessly enjoy a good dad joke, this sentiment however might not be shared by my kids.

I have my Masters Degree in Counselling and have been involved in the counselling field since 199... Read More

Carrie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#15822) and holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology and a degree in Elementary Education. Carrie enjoyed working with children and families as an educator in public and independent school systems in Canada, as well as teaching internationally before turning her focus to counselling. Carrie has completed additional post-graduate training in Expressive Play Therapy and Sand Play Therapy which facilitates her work as a child and youth therapist.

Carrie considers it a privilege to partner with children and adolescents, in collaboration with their caregivers to support emotional, relational and mental health needs. Carrie’s approach to working with children is child-centered, solution-focused and strength-based. Children connect, communicate and develop through play, and providing therapeutic support through play can be especially helpful for children when they cannot find the words to describe what they are thinking or feeling. Children and adolescents often come to therapy needing to work on self-regulation skills, so she works with them to make mind, body, emotion connections in order to increase the awareness that also supports behavior change and coping skills. Through healthy connection and attachment, Carrie supports children and adolescents as they learn to see and express in healthier ways, become more empathetic and resilient, and uncover problem-solving skills.

Carrie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#15822) and holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psy... Read More

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Nadine is a registered social worker (#08802) with a masters degree in social work and post graduate certificates in holistic expressive play therapy and Aboriginal Family Systems.

As a social work counsellor therapist, Nadine brings to the team counselling approaches that are person centred, response-based and which locate the problems people experience within the sociopolitical context of our society and community. She recognizes that the bigger issues we face as a society often contribute to the ways people experience “problems”. She is trained and experienced in bringing holistic expressive play therapy approaches into the therapy room. Additionally, as a member of the Hear the Child Roster she can offer Hear the Child Interviews and reports.

Nadine has been working in the counselling field since 2001, primarily with children, youth, adults, and parents responding to oppression, abuse, neglect, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, foster care in both non profit and private practice settings. She feels a deep privilege to give back to the community she grew up in through these efforts of joining people in a counselling relationship. Nadine also appreciates the opportunity to join individuals who are working through life transitions, sexual/gender identity concerns, separation/divorce, and families looking to support themselves and their children through these experiences. Nadine will often use Emotion Focused Family Therapy in consultations with parents/caregivers. She is also consistently engaging in community to build her ongoing capacity to work in a culturally safe way with diverse individuals and to ensure our wonderful Kamloops community is a safe, inclusive place for all of us to live.

Nadine welcomes the opportunity to discuss and collaborate on how best to work together through counselling therapy.

Nadine is a registered social worker (#08802) with a masters degree in social work and post gradu... Read More

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#17509) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McGill University and a Master of Education in Counselling from Thompson Rivers University. Additionally, I have training in Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (Level One Certification), Narrative Therapy (Foundations), a Certificate in CBT Groups for Anxiety, and a Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. For the past 10 years, I have worked with individuals with diverse abilities. I am passionate about helping each individual I work with identify their unique strengths and potential.

In my counselling practice, I work with both children and adults, meeting each individual where they are at. I bring an empathetic, genuine, and compassionate approach and believe that each person who I work with is the expert of their own lives. It is an honour to sit with people in their most vulnerable moments. I feel inspired by the strength and bravery that my clients display by showing up each time and taking a step towards positive change.

When working with children, I know that children learn most naturally through play and therefore, I incorporate play therapy, learning through stories, and role play into our sessions. I also believe it is crucially important to help children develop strong, positive relationships with the attachment figures in their lives. I help facilitate this through family sessions and working with parents.

My approach is client-centred, strength-based, and relationship-oriented. I have a passion for supporting people of all ages with challenges such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, perfectionism, shame/guilt, trauma, interpersonal relationships, and burn out. I strive to help clients develop tools, practical strategies, and insight to move towards the life they want to live.

Roots: Vancouver, BC

Training: Psychology and Counselling

Approach to therapy: The client is the expert of their own life; I walk side-by-side with clients to help them recognize their inner strength and resiliency.

Recommended book(s): “Atomic Habits” by James Clear; “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene Brown; “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk; “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog” by Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz; “Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself” by Kirsten Neff

Areas of interest: Anxiety, perfectionism, burn out, trauma, attachment, interpersonal relationships, regulation, expressive play therapy, mindfulness

Something she loves: Figure skating, hiking, skiing, reading, travel, good food, friends & family, laughter, honesty, and vulnerability

Ways to care for self: Exercise, being out in nature, getting a good sleep, reading a really good book, spending time with loved ones

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#17509) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I... Read More

Leilah is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#12055) with a degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. She has over 20 years of direct and indirect counselling experience. Leilah has worked in government, non-profit, and for-profit agencies in a variety of positions from front-line to management. Her experience is extensive and encompasses a multitude of human experiences such as mental health, addictions, separation/divorce, blended families, parenting, grief/loss, trauma, violence, abuse, stress, workplace challenges, relationship challenges, family/criminal court systems, and the continued impact that colonization has on Aboriginal people in Canada.

In 2012, Leilah began focusing more directly on the counselling aspect of her career by entering into private practice counselling. From 2015 to 2017, Leilah worked as a Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician while operating her own counselling practice. In 2017, Leilah joined the Synergy Counselling Team and is very happy to now offer her counselling services on a full-time basis.

Leilah is a generalist practitioner who employs a strengths-based, holistic approach. Leilah is trained in and has experience with cognitive behavioural therapy, art and play therapy, resilience, attachment, trauma, and mindfulness. Leilah is a proponent of the Health at Every Size movement and supports the practice of Intuitive Eating.

Leilah has a particular interest in working with clients who are experiencing varying degrees and types of anxiety. This passion has lead her into training, research, one-to-one work, family work, and the development/facilitation of therapeutic and educational groups on anxiety management (for the anxious themselves, for parents, for caregivers, for teachers, and for employers). It is Leilah’s desire to support her clients and their families along this journey, and to help them successfully manage this very common life experience.

Leilah is passionate about assisting her clients in developing a deeper level of personal insight. It is her belief that a greater understanding of self can promote long-lasting, positive change. She feels a great sense of honour when given the opportunity to listen, validate, empower, and assist.

Leilah is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#12055) with a degree in Social Work and a Masters de... Read More

Jenn has a Master’s Degree in Social Work, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care, and has completed a certificate in Sany’as Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. Jenn provides counselling services for children, youth, and adults.

Jenn places great focus on creating a warm, gentle, and welcoming counselling environment in which clients feel safe, valued, and accepted for who they are. She respects individuals as experts in their own lives, experiences, and treatment goals.

As a social worker and counsellor, Jenn places importance on the ways in which social and environmental factors (ie: family dynamics, culture, socio-political context) affect the experience and well being of individuals. Her therapeutic approach is tailored to the needs, goals, and values of each client. Her most commonly used modalities are acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, with a strong foundation in trauma-informed and strengths-based practice. Jenn also possesses extensive knowledge of child and youth development and offers expressive play therapy for her elementary school-aged clients.

Jenn is a generalist clinician, offering support to those experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, relational violence or emotional abuse, discrimination, and life transitions. Additionally, she has extensive experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as those living with chronic health concerns.

Jenn is passionate about offering decolonized mental health supports. She welcomes opportunities to co-create safe and meaningful healing environments with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit individuals and families. She offers culturally safe services for refugees, immigrants, and people of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

· Roots: Kamloops

· Training: Child and youth care, social work, cultural safety

· Approach to therapy: Relational, non-judgemental, validating

· Recommended Book: “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk

· Areas of Interest: Attachment, social justice, gender-affirming mental health support

· Something she loves: Camping, canoeing, cooking

· Ways to care for self: Healthy boundaries, building a strong support network

· Favourite dish: Food shared with people I care about

· Favourite quotes: “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” Neil Gaiman

“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” Brene Brow

Jenn has a Master’s Degree in Social Work, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care, and has c... Read More

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#5304), have a Masters Degree in Counselling, and am trained in several counselling approaches: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Brief Systemic Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Addiction Counselling, EMDR, Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and General Mental Health Counselling. I specialize in helping couples (communication, affairs, parenting, conflicts, sex), individuals (trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, anger, and self-esteem), families and youth. I have over 15 years counselling experience in the Kamloops area.

I began my path to becoming a counsellor by completing a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major, through the Thompson Rivers University. I subsequently completed a Masters in Counselling through the University of Calgary. Additional professional development has included EMDR, Trauma Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Brief Systemic Family Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Narrative Therapy Training, Satir Trauma Training, and Motivational Interviewing. In addition to working in private practice, I have been a Core Addictions Practice Instructor for the Kamloops Region, and a Motivational Interviewing Interior Health Region Community of Practice Instructor/Facilitator. I’ve worked with various agencies including Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services, the Phoenix Centre, Interior Community Services, and Kiwanis House (now Sage Health Centre). With these agencies, my responsibilities have included individual, family, and group therapy, supervision of an outpatient treatment program, conducting psychosocial assessments for the justice system, violent and sexual offender treatment, and general mental health treatment.

My approach to counselling emphasizes compassionate engagement, collaboration, and confidentiality. My warm, respectful, and genuine therapeutic style creates the necessary safety and trust for your personal journey of healing and wellness. I believe that through our conversations, you will learn ways to reduce suffering and embrace your life’s potential for joy, meaning, and fulfillment.

On a more personal note, I am happily engaged in a relationship with a wonderful woman and am the proud father of two teenagers. Given my strong appreciation for nature and its healing abilities, I tend to seek active, outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, hiking, soccer, and cycling. In more restful moods, I enjoy reading literature and playing chess. Although I have not traveled for years, I have an adventurous spirit, and have journeyed to various countries in Europe and Africa.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#5304), have a Masters Degree in Counselling, and am train... Read More

I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University), a Master of Education (TRU), and a Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Psychology (UVic). I am currently working towards registering with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). During my Master of Education, I worked with youth living with Autism to assist them with their academic and behavioural goals; through this process, I learned that I much prefer helping individuals in a counselling capacity more than in an educational capacity. This prompted me to go back to school to earn my MACP from Yorkville University. As a recent graduate, I am looking forward to building my clinical capacity and helping folks with a variety of concerns.

In practice, I provide counselling services for youth and adults, while having a passion for working with individuals living with neurodiversity. Throughout my practicum, I worked for a trauma-focused clinic where I grew my skills as a trauma-informed clinician. In session, I focus on creating a warm and trusting relationship where clients can feel safe and accepted for who they are. I truly believe that clients are the experts of their lives and that it is my role to hold space and walk alongside each client in their journey.

I ground my work in a Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) and Attachment Theory foundation while integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients explore their internal experience. These theoretical approaches allow me to focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship while having avenues to facilitate exploration of my client’s experience. In addition to this approach, I am acutely aware of the privilege I have as a white, cis, heterosexual man, and have committed to deconstructing traditional masculine norms while utilizing my privilege for equity and advocacy.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons with my friends, engaging with photography and outdoor adventures, and I always have a book on the go!

Roots: Kamloops, British Columbia

Training: In addition to the training, I received in the MACP program at Yorkville University, I have completed the Gottman Level 1 training, attended training for Internal Family Systems, participated in Daring Greatly, and have my Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. I am currently working on my Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist training.

Recommended Book(s): Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff, Tuesday’s with Morrie by Mitch Albom, NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman

Something he loves: Reading, Cycling, spending time with family and friends, Photography, a good movie, being cozy at home.

Ways to care for self: Good sleep, intentional time for just me, exercise, reading, connecting with others.

Inspired by: Stories of human perseverance and resilience, music, great storytelling in movies or literature.

Favourite food: Eggs Benedict

Favourite quote: “I sit before flowers hoping they will train me in the art of opening up. I stand on mountain tops believing that avalanches will teach me to let go. I know nothing, but I am here to learn” -Shane Koyczan

I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University), a Master of Education (... Read More