About Keith (He/him)
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor. I hold a Masters of Counselling from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alberta. My previous work before counselling includes clinical research in chronic pain. I consider myself a lifelong learner. I aim to grow both inside the counselling chair and as a person. Within the counselling world I grow by consulting, learning from other professionals, and continued training and education.
Outside of the clinical space, cooking and food, in general, are some of my biggest passions. If I am not in the kitchen you may find me outside running, hiking or enjoying the sun. Beyond that, I am a nerdy person with interests in board games, video games, and movies. If it’s nerdy, there is a good chance it’s for me!
About Practice
I take an integrative approach to individual counselling. I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy, Strength Based approaches, and Solution Focused approaches. I pay particular attention to the patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. I find it important to tailor the experience to the unique individual. My first step is to meet a client where they are at and to make a human to human connection. I strive to create a space where a client is safe and agency is held. I also strive to create a safe space for inclusivity of all people and all communities.
I believe that counselling is a journey of growth and understanding. I am lucky to be able to walk that path with people. I aim to create a space where people can let go of the weight they carry and explore it without judgement. I want to empower people to be the best version of themselves.
I also have Gottman level one training for couples counselling. It is a researched and evidenced based approach that focuses on communication, what is currently working, what needs to improve, and what is getting in the way of growth. I connect with this type of couples counselling because it takes an evidence based approach and focuses on ensuring that both members of the couple feel heard, valued, and loved by the other member for the majority of the time but allows space for people to be human as well. It also backed by research that indicates it provides similarly effective results across races, and heterosexual and homosexual couples.
Areas of Interest
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Life Stressors
• Trauma
• Intimate Relationships
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Communication
• Emotion Work
• Assertiveness Training
• Strength Building
• Life Transitions
• LGBTQ2+ inclusivity
• BIPOC inclusivity
About Keith (He/him)
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor. I ...
Read More
I am a registered social worker with the BC College of Social Workers. I completed my bachelor’s degree in social work in 2002 from UBC in Vancouver and my master’s degree in social work in 2012 from UBC Okanagan. I have over 20 years of clinical experience working in a variety of settings within the non-profit, public, and private sector. My area of expertise and passion is mental health.
I am a registered social worker with the BC College of Social Workers. I completed my bachelor’s...
Read More
I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health & Human Services and have proudly served as a Registered Clinical Counsellor since 1989. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in diverse fields such as stockbroking, private investigation, hospitality management, child care, and even served as a court services Justice of the Peace. For a span of nine years, I dedicated my efforts to Community Resources as a committed childcare worker, ensuring the well-being and development of numerous children. Additionally, I have been an integral part of the Pathways Addictions Resource Centre in Penticton for an impressive 34 years.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I have also contributed significantly to the field through my authorship of several books. I take pride in facilitating online resources on the important topics of PTSD, Authenticity, and Addiction. My passion for continuous growth and knowledge has led me to actively participate in countless work-related seminars and workshops, both as an attendee and presenter.
Not only do I bring extensive professional experience to the table, but my personal life is also fulfilling. Having been married for 46 years, I cherish my family and am blessed with ten wonderful grandchildren. I find immense joy in residing in the Okanagan and engaging in various recreational activities. You can often find me running, swimming, cycling, or lending my commentary skills to numerous sports events and community functions. One of my significant contributions to the field is the development of the Detachment Technique, which has proven to be an effective tool in helping individuals overcome challenges. I am honored to have made a positive impact in the lives of countless individuals and look forward to continuing my journey of growth and service.
I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health & Human Services and have proudly served as a ...
Read More
I work in collaboration with clients to uncover strengths, abilities, resources, and meaning. I believe the experiencing of fulfillment and the discovery of purpose and hope can lead to increased wellness. Courage can allow clients to daringly sit in vulnerability while experimenting with values-based actions and behaviours. I prioritize the creation of a safe, warm, and empathic therapeutic relationship in which the client is placed as the expert.
I have worked with youth and adults of all ages as a clinical counsellor in community-based clinics, including Penticton’s One Sky Community Resources and Foundry. As both a performer and music instructor, I have discovered and witnessed music, drama, and other art forms’ ability to evoke positive thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
I am interested in working in collaboration with clients to meet challenges associated with life transitions, relationships, parenting, personal meaning, depression, grief, trauma, and anxiety. I have a deep interest in continued education of strengths-based approaches, nature-based therapies, self-compassion, counselling for couples, trauma, animal-assisted therapy, music, drama, and other expressive arts interventions.
I work in collaboration with clients to uncover strengths, abilities, resources, and meaning. I b...
Read More
With each client I strive to create a person-centered approach, grounded in trust, paralleled with congruency, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. I provide a safe and therapeutic environment for the exploration of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours which encourages clients to build self-awareness and gain insight into personal struggle. Empowering clients to manage their own lives as they discover personal strengths and capabilities, enhances well-being, builds resiliency, and embraces problem solving skills.
I utilize a combination of treatment modalities, including but not limited to cognitive behavioural therapy, solution focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. Additionally, I take a strength-based and trauma-informed approach to therapy, while incorporating positive psychology and mindfulness strategies and techniques into my practice. Furthermore, I have recently become certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and currently working towards a certification in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Please see the news section for a further explanation of each of these modalities.
Each client receives a tailored approach to best meet their needs and support their movement towards change. Furthermore, I have recently become certified in Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and currently working towards a certification in Internal Family Systems.
With each client I strive to create a person-centered approach, grounded in trust, paralleled wit...
Read More
I have been living in BC for the last 13 years, and first moved to Canada by myself in my late-teens. I have lived in different parts of the world including Central America and Europe. I grew up in a multi-cultural family that instilled in me a sense of curiosity to experience different cultures and traditions. As a result, I am building a multi-cultural family of my own.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling from City University of Seattle, a diploma in Human Resources Management from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts & Science from Quest University Canada.
I have worked with children, youth and adults of all ages in different settings, including community-based organizations like Hollyburn Family Services, the Howe Sound Women’s Centre and OneSky Community Services. I have also had the opportunity to work within different School Districts and Health authorities in British Columbia.
Outside of the clinical space, I love to spend time outdoors whether it is hiking, skiing, paddle boarding or finding new walks with my pup Ollie. I also really enjoy road-tripping across BC and discovering new places in our own backyard.
About Practice
I join therapeutic conversations by understanding each person’s unique experience and view of their world and respecting individual differences and ways of dealing with life. I believe clients are the experts of their own lives and it is an honour to support them with their individual process of change. I love seeing individuals gain a greater level of awareness in all aspects of being.
I work from a client-centered approach, where I focus on building connection through trust and safety. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is key to our work together. I see what is alive for my clients and connect with other parts of their inner worlds, not just the problems they bring and share. I think it is crucial to be able to see the essence of the person and work from their strengths. I focus on my clients’ purposes and intentions as the core of our relationship.
I offer services in English and Spanish.
I have been living in BC for the last 13 years, and first moved to Canada by myself in my late-te...
Read More
I believe relationship is an antidote to suffering that fosters opportunities to recognize our potential and face our challenges with the secure hold of connection. I work to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship for a safe and supportive process to explore how beliefs, feelings, history, and experiences have brought you to where you are at. Individual experiences and needs are diverse and nuanced, and I enjoy learning about people from a place of curiosity, compassion, sometimes humour and colourful language (I’m a sailor’s daughter and my mom says I’m funny) to help identify obstacles and strengths, and to develop tools for connection and improved quality of life.
I have worked in the mental health and helping professions since 2005 when I completed my Bachelor of Social Work at University of Victoria. I have since completed my Master of Counselling Psychology with Athabasca University and I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the BC College of Social Workers and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
I believe relationship is an antidote to suffering that fosters opportunities to recognize our po...
Read More
I have come to this beautiful part of the world by way of Poland, through Greece, to Vancouver, and most recently, I have discovered the hidden gem of Summerland. I love our community, the lifestyle, the seasons, and all the wine and good food the Okanagan has to offer!
I hold a Master of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle, complemented by a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University. My first exposure to counselling came through my experiences as a high school teacher. I taught Social Studies, Psychology, Law, English, Career Education and even a cooking class. Beyond my teaching duties, I was involved in the choir, athletics, and the school drama productions - I was a veritable Swiss Army Knife of education! But, most importantly, I talked to and heard from the kids. I heard from their parents, and I heard from my colleagues as they expressed their day to day professional and personal frustrations. I loved teaching, but at some point, my career path shifted from lecturing to listening. I became a counsellor.
After many years of teaching and counselling, this is where I am today. My goal is to provide a space and an opportunity for clients to be listened to, and, hopefully, to be understood.
I have come to this beautiful part of the world by way of Poland, through Greece, to Vancouver, ...
Read More