Our therapists are licensed professionals registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselling and/or The Canadian Counselling Psychotherapy Association and Registered Social Workers (RSW).
To read more about our team click here
Compassionate, evidence-based counselling for individuals, couples, youth, and families in Kelowna, BC. Our Accredited & Registered Clinical Counsellors offer in-person therapy on Kirschner Rd and secure virtual sessions across British Columbia, specializing in anxiety, trauma, relationships, and life transitions and offer direct billing (ICBC, CVAP, and other healthcare providers).
ICBC · CVAP · Autism Funding
RCC, CCC, RSW
Trauma-Informed Therapists
No Referral Required
Kelowna · Vernon · Anywhere in BC
Finding the right therapist in Kelowna is one of the most important steps you can take for your mental health — and it should feel as manageable as possible. At Relate & Restore Counselling, our Kelowna team of Accredited Clinical Counsellors (RCC, CCC, RSW) is here to make that first step feel safe.
We provide counselling in Kelowna for individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, cPTSD or “complex trauma”, grief, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Our Kelowna therapy office is conveniently located on Kirschner Rd, welcoming clients from Rutland, Glenmore, Black Mountain, Lower Mission, Downtown Kelowna, and the University District.
Kelowna is a community of families, professionals, students, and newcomers all navigating the pressures of modern life. Whether you are a parent managing the demands of raising children, a professional dealing with burnout, or a young adult navigating your path — our Kelowna therapists meet you exactly where you are.
Every member of our Kelowna counselling team brings clinical expertise, genuine compassion, and lived connection to the Okanagan community. Browse our therapists and find the one who feels right for you — all offer in-person sessions at our Kirschner Rd office and online sessions across BC.
Sarah Harris (She/Her)
BSc Psych · MC · RCC · Owner & Clinical Director
Anxiety · Trauma · Couples & EFT
Supporting teens, adults, and couples through anxiety, grief, trauma, and relationship challenges — with a warm, evidence-based approach.
Nicole Fakaua (She/Her)
BA Psych · MC · RCC · ACS · Owner & Clinical Director
Couples · Trauma · ADHD & Family
Working with children, teens, adults, and families — with a culturally aware, trauma-informed approach including EFT and Betrayal Trauma.
Sam Stone (She/Her)
MACP · PGDip · BScHons · CCC
Anxiety · Disordered Eating · 2SLGBTQ+ Care
Supporting teens and adults navigating anxiety, identity, disordered eating, and addiction recovery — with integrative CBT, Somatic, and IFS approaches.
Rochelle Dionne Ruttan (She/Her)
BFA · MA · RCC
Trauma & EMDR · First Responders · Couples
Specializing in trauma, PTSD, and EMDR for adults, couples, and first responders — with a solution-focused, strength-based approach.
Audrey McMann
B.Ed · MA Counselling Psych · RCC
Couples · Youth · Neurodivergent & 2SLGBTQ+ Care
Working with families, couples, children, and youth on identity, relationships, anxiety, and resilience — in a queer-affirming, inclusive space.
Rebuild trust, improve communication, and deepen connection. We support Kelowna couples at every stage — from conflict resolution to rebuilding after disconnection.
Specialized trauma therapy using EMDR, IFS, and somatic approaches. Helping Kelowna residents process difficult memories and find lasting relief from PTSD.
Compassionate support for Kelowna children, teens, and families. Addressing anxiety, behaviour, school stress, identity, and family conflict with age-appropriate care.
Evidence-based CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy to reduce anxiety, lift low mood, and rebuild confidence — at our Kelowna office or online.
ICBC-approved direct billing for mental health support after motor vehicle accidents in Kelowna. No referral needed. Process trauma, anxiety, and accident-related stress.
Registered CVAP and FNHA-approved providers serving Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. Accessible, culturally aware mental health support.
Relate & Restore Counselling has been serving Kelowna and the Central Okanagan for years, building a reputation as a trusted, compassionate practice that genuinely cares about its community. We are not a national chain — we are locally rooted therapists who live and work alongside our clients.
Our Kelowna counsellors understand the unique pressures facing Okanagan families — from the rapid growth of the city, to the demands of outdoor life, to the challenges facing youth and young adults at UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College. We are part of this community, and we are committed to it.
Our therapists are licensed professionals registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselling and/or The Canadian Counselling Psychotherapy Association and Registered Social Workers (RSW).
To read more about our team click here
Best for: anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, perfectionism
CBT helps you identify the thought patterns and behaviours driving your distress — and build practical tools to change them. One of the most well-researched therapies available.
Best for: trauma, PTSD, accident recovery, childhood experiences
EMDR or ye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing works directly with how traumatic memories are stored in the brain, reducing their emotional charge without requiring you to talk through every detail. Our Kelowna team includes certified EMDR therapists.
Best for: couples, relationship conflict, attachment wounds, family disconnection
EFT gets beneath the surface of arguments to the emotional needs underneath — helping partners and family members understand each other and rebuild secure connection.
Best for: self-criticism, complex trauma, identity, inner conflict
IFS explores the different "parts" of yourself — why one part of you wants to change while another resists — with curiosity rather than judgment. Particularly effective for clients who feel stuck despite understanding their patterns.
Best for: trauma, chronic stress, anxiety held in the body, nervous system dysregulation
Trauma doesn't only live in the mind — it lives in the body. Somatic approaches work with physical sensation and nervous system responses to release what talk therapy alone may not reach.
Best for: specific goals, life transitions, clients who feel ready to move forward
Rather than focusing primarily on problems, SFT identifies what's already working in your life and builds on it. Effective for clients who want practical, forward-focused support.
Best for: stress, burnout, emotional regulation, anxiety, chronic pain
Drawing from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and other mindfulness frameworks, these approaches build present-moment awareness and the ability to respond to difficulty rather than react to it.
Best for: parents of young children, attachment concerns, managing big emotions in kids
An evidence-based parenting program that helps caregivers understand their child's emotional and developmental needs — building a more secure, confident relationship from the ground up.
Best for: children experiencing big emotions & behaviours, anxiety, trauma, or life transitions.
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach that uses play, art, and creativity to help children express emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills for healing and growth.
No referral needed. Currently accepting new clients at our Kirschner Rd Kelowna office.
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:
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.
Compassionate, professional therapy — in-person in Kelowna or online across BC.
Whether you are seeking a therapist in Kelowna for anxiety, trauma, couples support, or simply need someone to talk to — the Accredited Clinical Counsellors at Relate & Restore are here, and we are currently welcoming new clients at our Kirschner Rd Kelowna office.