About Carmen
I enjoy with youth (12+), young adults, adults, individuals and families. I believe healing begins with genuine connection, compassion and understanding. I offer a calm and supportive space where you can slow down, breathe, and explore your emotions and experiences with curiosity rather than with judgment.
My goal is to walk alongside you and provide you with support as you reconnect with yourself, develop self-awareness, identify your strengths and create meaningful change in your life. I provide a supportive therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, heard, empowered and respected.
I practice from a whole person, humanistic, culturally aware and trauma informed lens. I am culturally aware of Indigeneity and the effects of colonialism towards Indigenous peoples. I am passionate about creating an affirming and inclusive space for all individuals.
I work with clients to find what will best suit their individual needs, considering familial, cultural and spiritual values, beliefs, traditions and practices. I will use gentle inquiry into your past experiences and how you may store these experiences in your body.
I may invite breathwork and mindfulness activities in order to help calm your nervous system during and outside of counselling. These activities help you to gain self-awareness, understanding, and self-compassion.
Whether you are facing a specific challenge or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I consider it a privilege to walk alongside you as you navigate life’s challenges and rediscover your uniqueness and beauty, your strength and resilience.
Counselling Practice:
I draw on several counselling theories including Person Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Theory (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Theory (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Areas of focus include:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Mood dysregulation
- Grief and loss
- Life transitions
- Mindfulness
- Boundary setting
- Trauma Informed Care
- Parenting and caregiving
- Burnout and workplace issues
- Self-esteem & identity exploration
- Enhancing Relationships and improving communication
- Individual and Family Counselling
I have a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Regina and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I have worked in healthcare most of my career and focused on the social, emotional, spiritual, physical and cognitive well-being of others. I have worked in long term care and end of life care for more than 20 years. My education and work experience have helped me recognize the importance of companionship, connection, commitment and compassion. I am passionate about supporting individuals become their best selves at all stages of life. I am committed to meeting you where you are at and supporting you through challenge or change in an authentic, non-judgemental and respectful way.
Originally from Saskatchewan, I learned the importance of community and helping others in need. Here, I also learned the importance of cultural awareness, inclusion and diversity. I am passionate about creating an affirming and inclusive space for all individuals. My husband and I moved to Kelowna in 2010 and raised our two children here. I am grateful to the Sylix Okanagan and Metis people of the Okanagan Valley for the land on which our family now gets to live, work and enjoy every day. Outside of counselling, I enjoy spending time in the beautiful Okanagan, walking my dog, hiking, yoga and gardening. I love the fall, a big cup of tea, great conversation, and anything warm and cozy. I love to learn and grow and will support and encourage you to learn and grow along your life journey.
