Play Therapists

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) through BCACC. I am also licensed through CCPA and hold a CCC license. I completed my Masters of Counselling Psychology at Trinity Western University and began working in my own private practice in 2016.  Before going back to school to pursue my masters, I worked as a senior executive in sales and marketing.  I believe that my unique education has allowed me to help people grow and develop and create change for themselves.

About 10 years ago, I became involved in helping a family with special needs children and it was through that journey that I came to the work I am most passionate about; helping parents of special needs families. Using play therapy, I am able to access children for ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Autism and other types of learning disabilities.

The following list below are my areas of specialization:

• Personal development
• Assertiveness / Boundaries
• Depression, anxiety & panic disorders
• Phobias
• Past or recent trauma or abuse
• Relationship and couples counselling
• Addictions
• Divorce, separation and blended families
• Eating disorders and addictions
• Life transitions
• Gender dysphoria, LGBTQ transitions & other issues
• Communication building
• Grief counselling
• Career planning

CHILD AND YOUTH THERAPY

• Child play therapy
• Self esteem and confidence coaching
• Anxiety and depression
• Career exploration with youth
• Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents perspective
• Helping parents and children with strategies to deal with ADHD and ADD
• Assessments for Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder 

PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCACY AND MEDIATION:

• Access to assessments and diagnosis
• Psycho-educational, Autism, ADHD testing
• Referral to local psychologists for assessments and testing
• Referral to local behavioural consultants and creating a behavioural intervention team
• Mediation with school districts and IEP planning
• Access to 3rd party funding and Ministry of Children and Family case workers
• Completing government and agency paperwork to obtain funding, therapy and resources
• Family planning at transitional ages: birth, school age and adult

I have experience helping clients cope with depression, anxiety, self-esteem and self-acceptance. We work together to set boundaries and build inner strength. I offer counselling for children with autism as well as support for parents and guardians. My approach is holistic, and I draw from cognitive behavioural, solutions focused, and strength based therapies.

I have a Master’s degree in counselling psychology, and I will be licenced as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) from the Canadian Psychotherapy Association in a few months.

My drive and my passion for helping children took me to Stenberg College where I worked on and completed my certification as an Education Assistant. I took my passion for working with children and started working in the school-based system where I enjoyed 5 plus years.

My time in the school-based system opened my eyes to the increasing behaviors in the classroom, but most of these children had no support as they were diagnosed with ADHD or other behavioural issues. I felt there was a need to understand and help these kids to understand themselves and to navigate the school setting that was so turbulent for them, so I designed a program based on accountability and awareness that has been extremely successful. I felt there was so much more to learn so I broadened my scope and took Expressive Play Therapy and Play Therapies at the Justice Institute Of BC.

I have also attended Sand Play Therapy at Trinity Western University. I have been working as a Behavioral Technician at Crossroads Collective and with my added training can also offer Play Therapy Counselling in addition to my skills as a behavioural specialist. I am excited to share my training, education and passion for helping children.

It is a pleasure for me to work with a child, inclusive and alongside the families, to give a comprehensive and overall panoptic treatment plan

As an empathic listener for my clients, I treat them with kindness and a non-judgemental approach. I believe that all people pose an internal drive towards positive change and growth. Let me assist you in reaching new goals for your child/youth and family. I have had experience working with a wide range of children and families, blended, or separated.

Some of the diagnoses that I have worked with are Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, ODD, OCD, Behavior Issues, Stress, Autism, Grief. I have helped families in all these areas, plus more. I have a passion for teaching, playing, learning, and bringing out the best in all. Let me assist you on your journey or your child’s journey. We are in this together!

I am a Registered Clinical Counselor.  I have a Bachelors in Education from The University of Alberta,, and I have my Masters in Counseling from St. Stephen’s University. I have been counseling for twenty years. 

I have training in Satir family systems, EMDR, CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), and I work from a holistic perspective.

Through collective collaboration I will support your child with practical techniques that can be implemented into daily life. My goal is to build a strong foundation for the now and future by incorporating play and having fun into our sessions. I love finding ways to disguise work as games to create a positive and enriching experience for your child. I can ensure you peace of mind knowing your child will enjoy their time with me and look forward to coming back.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology with Trinity Western University.

For the past ten years I have worked with children in a variety of settings including, home-based, swim instructing, and community-based programs. I was employed with Langley School District as both a Special Education Assistant and a Child and Youth Care Worker supporting students in elementary schools.

I have a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Additionally, I have earned Bachelor degrees in the Arts and in Education, as well as a Master’s in Education. Before counselling, I was a teacher for over 6 years in both elementary and secondary schools. I now work in private practice and as a high school counsellor throughout the school year. I love the fact that I have opportunities to work with children and adults! My various experiences have led me to work with diverse clients who have had many different needs. I have a passion for working with BIPOC clients and identify as a LGBTQ2S+ ally. 

My therapeutic approach is an integrative model where I work from an evidence-based, holistic lens. Some of these include CBT, MBSR, and SFT. I work with a range of different areas such as: 

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Life transitions
• Depression
• Creating and communicating boundaries
• Divorce/ separation
• Grief
• Personal development 

I prefer in utilizing an integrative approach in which they blend different but complimentary theories to work with their client in the most effective way. This flexible approach enables the counselling experience to be tailored to the individual needs and style of each client. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where relationship can thrive.

I have earned my Bachelor’s in Developmental Counseling and Master’s in Psychology from India. Also have 6+ years of experience of working with children and young youth both in elementary and secondary schools as a counselor and as academia support teacher. I plan to educate myself again in Canada starting May 2022 with master’s in counselling psychology. I have experience working with a broad range of mental health difficulties along with life challenges. I have worked alongside parents and teachers and other professionals. My main areas of focus are those who present with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. I also work with those who have experienced grief/loss, life transitions (school, work, moving), anger, bullying/discrimination and conflict resolution.

I found my passion helping people through turmoil and hardship early in my career. I worked in crisis response and coaching for young adults and their families for a decade, supporting people through some of the worst moments of their lives. I’ve worked with individuals with diverse needs, many experiencing mental health crises. I moved into supporting children and youth, exploring how someone’s behaviour and routine can be a tool to supporting their wellness.

I’m currently completing a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. I also have been fortunate to have taken a plethora of training and certification opportunities about crisis response, paramedicine, and leadership.

Some of my focus areas for counselling include: crisis counselling, trauma counselling (acute or historic), grief and loss counseling, LGBTQ2S+ support, anxiety, depression, youth & adolescence counselling, and addictions counselling. I work with individuals of all age groups, despite my experiences lending to younger populations.

Through my professional, personal, and educational experience, I have developed a passion for supporting others through hardships and celebrating their path to wellness. I understand that journey is seldom easy, and requires a lot of effort, dedication, and care to reach what can feel like an ever-changing horizon. I hope to join you on that journey together.

One form of therapy that I offer is one that is music-integrated, using a brief singing lesson at the beginning of the session. This can be helpful with those who are seeking to modulate their autonomic nervous system, reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, while building skills that will encourage mindfulness, self-confidence, and competency.

Some Specific Types of Therapy I Offer:
-Music-integrated Therapy
-Child and Youth Counselling
-Play Therapy
-Couples Therapy
-Seniors Counselling
-Virtual as well as In-Person
Some of the areas I can support you with include:
-Trauma
-Anxiety
-Depression                                                         -Building self-confidence, self-esteem, and sense of self
-Parenting
-Relationships
-Time management
-Stress management
-Goal setting
-Mindfulness-based techniques
-Health and wellness
-Personal development
-Life Transitions
-Burnout

I am an intern counsellor, which means that I have completed my formal education, and I am now able to see clients under the supervision of a more experienced therapist. I hold a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta and I am currently enrolled in my last term at Yorkville University in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology practicum. I am a student member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and both myself and my practicum supervisor are held to the highest ethical and professional standards as determined by the BCACC when working with clients.

I am a passionate professional who continues to strive to improve my skillset while bringing passion to working with both youth and adults in hopes of providing them further opportunities to thrive and grow as they overcome the challenges of life.  My culturally informed style of counselling is a blend of humanistic and client-centered theoretical approaches in which I apply a variety of different techniques based on the need of the individual client.

 I have been blessed with a vast range of experiences in my professional career as a teacher, program director, athlete, coach, father of 3 adult children, and a small business owner. As a result of these opportunities and experiences, I feel I have a balanced perspective and a wide range of skills, interests, and abilities that make me very adaptable to any new challenge set before me. I also feel that this well-rounded skill set, coupled with having overcome challenges in my own life will serve me well as I continue to seek new opportunities to connect with and help people as a counsellor.

I am an intern counsellor with Crossroads Collective completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. As a student member of the CCPA, I exercise the highest level of ethical industry standards. Before becoming a counsellor, I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and worked in sales, marketing, procurement, operations, and management roles. I opened my first business in 2014 by working with children and youth from a myriad of backgrounds. My experience led me to understand socioeconomic divides and different personality traits and propelled me to explore a career in the helping field. Through these experiences, I realized my passion lies in helping people reach their full potential.

 I believe the best if everyone. I operate from a person-centred, strength-based perspective. Also, I integrate CBT, mindfulness, narrative therapy, solution-focused and other methods to cater to your needs. I recognize that we all come from different paths and consider cultural factors and family systems.  

 The following list below are my areas of specialization:

Addiction

• Internet addiction
• Alcohol use
• Drug use
• Gambling
• Sexual addiction
• Substance use
• Video game addiction
• Chronic Relapse

 Relationship Issues

• Sexuality (Bisexual, LGBTQ+, Lesbian, Gay)
• Marital and Premarital
• Anger Management

 Other

• Coping skills
• Depression
• Men’s Issues
• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Anxiety
• Career Guidance
• Chronic Impulsivity
• Sports Performance
• Stress

 Child and Youth

• Self-esteem and confidence coaching
• Anxiety and depression
• Career exploration with youth
• Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents’ perspective

Our work together can look many ways, as my goal is to tailor my approaches to your needs. There are a variety of lenses that will inform our work together. I believe that you have strengths and resources that can be supported and expanded, and we can look.

I also take the perspective of seeing the person in their environment. This means that I see the challenges that a person faces influenced by many different factors both in and around them, and we can explore different ways of thinking about and acting.

My practice lens is informed by seeing the person in their environment. This means that I believe that your experience is influenced by the communities and environments you interact with. Together we might explore ways to modify your surroundings and strive to find a better fit. I aim to support individuals holistically, recognizing the importance of and integrating a person’s social, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.

I come to you with a strengths-based and person-centered perspective; that is, I believe you have an abundance of strengths and resources to draw from. Together we can refine these strengths so you can take on new challenges.

I am completing my Master of Social Work Degree at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, and I plan to register as a clinical counsellor with the BCACC and as a social worker with the BCCSW. I have been living here in Kelowna for 7 years and take pride in helping build a resilient community. Over the past 5 years, I have worked with youth in our community delivering nature-based psychoeducation and recreation programs. I also spent time working in a restorative justice program, supporting youth, parents and families in promoting healing where interpersonal conflict and harm were experienced. I was a volunteer for a national crisis and suicide intervention line and had the honour of speaking with many individuals at very vulnerable times of their lives. I got to witness the strength and resilience people have when given the opportunity to be heard. From these experiences, I have a better understanding of the importance of unconditional positive regard, non-judgement, empathy, and genuine relationship. These are building blocks that we can use to co-create a therapeutic alliance. Lastly, I want to recognize the courage and self-awareness it takes to reach out for help. 

Some Specific Types of Therapy I Offer:

• Motivational Interviewing
• Child and Youth Counselling
• Using the outdoors in therapy
• Play Therapy
• Virtual as well as In-Person

Some of the areas I can support you with include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress Management
• Life Transitions
• Career Planning
• Goal Setting
• Behaviour Change
• Boundaries
• Self-Esteem

It is through her own challenges that she has come to this body of work. She has worked hard to heal and understand her own challenges and believes that is what qualifies her the most when it comes to helping others.

If you struggle with self worth, worthiness, or feelings like you are not enough Jessica would like to help you to transition to your rightful place of self love and wellbeing. She invites you into a loving, collaborative environment where you can feel safe to explore and take a deep dive into the places where you can hear the quite whispers of your soul that have been calling you into healing and wholeness.

Jessica is a life long learner committed to staying current with continuing her education and skillset ongoingly  

Her studies include- Applied psychology of counselling, eating psychology, holistic nutrition, mind-body wellness coaching, health coaching, personal training, yoga, mindfulness, death & grief studies, Reiki healing- master level, EFT tapping and more.

Jessica Trained under Dr Alan Wolfelt at the Center for Loss and Life Transitions. She worked in the non-profit sector for 8 years as the Director of Bereavement services for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association offering direct client support as well as coordinating and overseeing all of the bereavement and wellness programs.

In Aug 2022 she made the decision to follow her heart and step back into her private practice full time. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice.

It is her intention and deepest desire to be a channel of love and a healing presence. She believes it is what she was put on this earth to do. She invites you if you feel called to reach out and work with her towards your highest goals.

Areas of specialization

• Life transitions
• Grief and loss
• Personal / spiritual growth and development
• Low self worth/ Confidence / Self esteem
• Body image issues
• Relationship / Couples counselling
• Separation / Divorce
• Chronic pain/ Illness/ End of life
• Life coaching / Health coaching /Healthy lifestyle changes
• Weight loss
• Stress/ Burnout / Compassion fatigue
• Anxiety/ Depression
• Assertiveness/ Boundaries
• Communication building
• Coping skills
• Career guidance

I am a Registered Professional Counsellor- Candidate (RPC-C) through the Canadian Professional Counsellor’s Association (CPCA). I am also registered through the CPCA and hold an RPC-C designation. I completed my Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling Specializing in Counselling at Kelowna College of Professional Counselling in July of 2020. While completing my schooling, I volunteered at KCR as a counsellor and outreach worker. Helping all types of people in whatever situation they were in. I believe that with my education and volunteer experience it has allowed me to hone my personal skills to help others and gave me the tools I need to help people get the necessary confidence to create change for themselves.

The following list below are my areas of specialization:

• Personal development
•  Assertiveness / Boundaries
• Depression, anxiety & panic disorders
•  Suicidal Ideation
• Suicide Crisis Intervention
• Past or recent trauma
• Mental and or Physical abuse
• Low self-worth/ Confidence / Self esteem
• Relationship and couples counselling
• Drug and Alcohol Addictions
• Gender dysphoria, LGBTQ transitions & other issues
• Communication building
• Grief/ Loss counselling
• Career planning