Counselling in Kelowna & Vernon. Compassionate Therapy for Real Life

Most extended benefit plans provide coverage for counselling with a RCC, RSW, or CCC.   Please confirm coverage with your insurer in advance. Our clinics provide direct billing for ICBC claimants, Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP), and provincial Autism funding.

Therapy session fees in British Columbia typically range from $140 to $180 per hour. Pricing is based on standard fee guidelines set by governing professional bodies such as the BCACC, BCCSW, and CCPA. While this reflects the professional training and standards of care provided, therapy is also an investment in your well-being, growth, and long-term mental health.

No, anyone can access our services, with or without a doctors referral, or formal “diagnosis”.

Yes, our clinical counsellors and psychotherapists can provide their services on a “sliding fee scale” depending on your personal financial barriers or needs. Please feel free to connect with your counsellor directly about this to learn more about their professional fees and any flexibility they may be able to offer you.

An RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) is a master’s-level therapist who provides counselling and psychotherapy but does not typically conduct formal psychological testing or diagnoses. A Registered Psychologist has a doctoral degree and is licensed to provide therapy as well as psychological assessments, testing, and formal diagnoses. In general, RCCs focus on counselling support, while psychologists offer  in-depth assessment services and therapeutic services.

You may benefit from therapy if you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or noticing that stress, anxiety, low mood, or life challenges are affecting your daily functioning, relationships, or overall well-being. Therapy can also be helpful if you want to better understand yourself, improve coping skills, or work through specific concerns or life transitions. You don’t need to be in crisis 🙂 Many people seek therapy simply to support personal growth and maintain health and wellbeing.

When choosing a therapist, look for someone who is licensed or registered with a recognized regulatory body, has experience with the concerns you want to address, and with whom you feel comfortable, heard, and respected. A good therapist will be clear about their approach, fees, confidentiality, and boundaries, and will work collaboratively with you toward your goals.

Red flags include guarantees of quick fixes or “cures,” lack of transparency about credentials or fees, poor boundaries, dismissive or judgmental behaviour, or pressure to continue sessions without discussing your goals or progress. Trust your instincts!  Feeling safe and respected is an important part of effective therapy.

Yes, we offer in-person sessions in both Kelowna and Vernon, as well as online options. Therapy is designed to meet you where you need it, so you can choose the format that feels most comfortable and accessible for you.

A “good fit” means more than just liking your therapist, it is about feeling a sense of trust, safety, and connection that allows you to be open and honest. You should feel understood and not judged, and your therapist should listen actively, communicate clearly, and tailor their approach to your needs and goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all style.

A strong fit also shows up in how the work feels over time: sessions feel purposeful, you leave with some sense of clarity or support, and you feel comfortable giving feedback if something isn’t working.

Early warning signs of deteriorating mental health can vary from person to person, but some common indicators include noticeable changes in mood (such as increased irritability, sadness, or anxiety), changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, or a loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy. You might also notice feeling more overwhelmed than usual, withdrawing from others, decreased motivation, or a decline in performance at work, school, or daily responsibilities.

If these changes persist, worsen, or begin to interfere with your daily functioning, it can be a sign to seek support early.

The “3-3-3 rule” is a simple grounding technique that can help manage anxiety by bringing your attention back to the present moment.

It works like this:

• Name 3 things you can see around you
• Name 3 sounds you can hear
• Move 3 parts of your body (for example: wiggle your fingers, roll your shoulders, or move your toes)

This exercise helps interrupt anxious thought patterns and refocus your mind on what’s happening right now, which can create a sense of calm and control.

Signs of unresolved trauma in adults can vary, but may include persistent anxiety, irritability, mood swings, or feeling on edge without a clear reason. Some people experience intrusive thoughts or memories, difficulty trusting others, avoidance of certain places or situations, or strong emotional reactions that feel disproportionate to the present moment. Others may notice physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, fatigue, or tension, as well as challenges with relationships, boundaries, or emotional regulation.

If these patterns are ongoing or impacting daily life, it is helpful to seek support from a qualified mental health professional who can help you better understand and work through these experiences.

The “3-month rule” is an informal guideline often used in mental health and relationship recovery that suggests it can take about three months of consistent time, space, and intentional effort to begin seeing meaningful emotional clarity, stability, or change after a significant event (such as a breakup, stressful life transition, or mental health setback).

It is not a clinical rule, but more of a general benchmark to remind people that healing and adjustment take time. The process varies for everyone (some may feel better sooner, while others may take longer) so the focus is on steady progress rather than a fixed timeline.

The number of sessions varies from person to person, but many people begin to notice small shifts (such as increased insight, relief, or new coping strategies) within the first 3-6 sessions. More meaningful or lasting change typically develops over several weeks or months with consistent attendance and active participation.
Progress depends on factors like your goals, the nature of what you are working through, and how regularly you attend sessions.

Therapy is a gradual process and your therapist will usually check in with you along the way to ensure the approach is helping and aligned with what you want to achieve.

No worries, life happens. You can cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before your appointment using our secure Jane booking system or you are welcome to reach out directly to your therapist for support with changes.

This is really normal. Many people feel unsure, nervous, or even a little overwhelmed before their first session. You don’t need to have the “right words” or know exactly where to start as your therapist will help guide the conversation at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

In your first session, we will briefly review your intake form and then gently explore your history and the reasons that led you to seek support. From there, you and your therapist will begin to identify your goals and what you would like to focus on moving forward.

That’s okay! Many people come to counselling after a previous experience that didn’t feel helpful. Every counsellor and approach is different and sometimes it is about finding the right fit, timing, or style of support. We can take time to understand what didn’t work before and focus on what might feel more supportive for you now.