Therapists in Penticton, BC
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.
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.
Stephanie McAlister
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Penticton, BC V2A (Online Only)
I am a registered clinical counsellor and have been working as a counsellor since 2020. I offer clients a supportive place to be heard, validated, and to personally reflect. I believe that there are many life experiences that bring individuals into counselling. I am looking for clients who want to see a change in their lives, want to better understand themselves, and who want to heal from the challenges life has thrown at them. I enjoy meeting my clients where they are at and supporting them along their journey. I work with adults, families, couples, and youth.
I am a registered clinical counsellor and have been working as a counsellor since 2020. I offer clients a supportive place to be heard, validated, and to personally reflect. I believe that there are many life experiences that bring individuals into counselling. I am looking for clients who want to see a change in their lives, want to better understand themselves, and who want to heal from the challenges life has thrown at them. I enjoy meeting my clients where they are at and supporting them along their journey. I work with adults, families, couples, and youth.
I offer a safe and confidential experience to help you work through your personal difficulties. I can help with substance or behavioral addictions such as sex/porn, internet, gambling, family relationships and struggles of grief and loss. Offering compassion and empathy using my expertise and experience. You will find that I am open-minded, non-judgmental and I believe that we all have the capacity to heal. Working primarily with a solution focused and cognitive way of healing, together we can create an action plan to promote progress in your healing. I look forward to working with you toward wellness and emotional freedom.
I offer a safe and confidential experience to help you work through your personal difficulties. I can help with substance or behavioral addictions such as sex/porn, internet, gambling, family relationships and struggles of grief and loss. Offering compassion and empathy using my expertise and experience. You will find that I am open-minded, non-judgmental and I believe that we all have the capacity to heal. Working primarily with a solution focused and cognitive way of healing, together we can create an action plan to promote progress in your healing. I look forward to working with you toward wellness and emotional freedom.
Being a “helper” has always been in my nature. I find a true sense of purpose in knowing I have been of service assisting others in their journey to self improvement, providing an empathetic sounding board, and non-judgemental guidance. I believe that counselling is a collaborative process in which my role is to walk alongside each of my clients, providing them with the emotional support and psycho-educational tools to draw upon the strength & solutions that inherently lie within them. I work with adult individuals, those seeking relationship & marriage counselling, and women during their prenatal/postpartum period.
Being a “helper” has always been in my nature. I find a true sense of purpose in knowing I have been of service assisting others in their journey to self improvement, providing an empathetic sounding board, and non-judgemental guidance. I believe that counselling is a collaborative process in which my role is to walk alongside each of my clients, providing them with the emotional support and psycho-educational tools to draw upon the strength & solutions that inherently lie within them. I work with adult individuals, those seeking relationship & marriage counselling, and women during their prenatal/postpartum period.
I am a somatically-oriented psychotherapist. I support clients who find themselves standing at the crossroads of transformation, be that in relationships, career, sexuality, trauma recovery, intergenerational legacy, or spirituality. I also work with clients wishing to deepen their experience of themselves as body and connect in new ways with their embodied Self and presence.
I am a somatically-oriented psychotherapist. I support clients who find themselves standing at the crossroads of transformation, be that in relationships, career, sexuality, trauma recovery, intergenerational legacy, or spirituality. I also work with clients wishing to deepen their experience of themselves as body and connect in new ways with their embodied Self and presence.
Andrea is a Registered Social Worker with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Counselling. She has over 12 years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups in the non-profit and health sectors.
Andrea is a Registered Social Worker with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Counselling. She has over 12 years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups in the non-profit and health sectors.
I feel like I was born in the construction trades. At a young age I worked at height (Rope Access), in remote areas, and in all environments. I wanted the skills to respond to any emergency at any time, this desire lead me to pre-hospital emergency medicine (EMR), wilderness first-aid, and rope rescue training. My work and personal experiences from this time left me feeling isolated, dreading human interactions, and losing my love of learning and mastering new skills. It was this experience that compelled me to address my own mental health and further lead me to complete a Diploma in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology.
I feel like I was born in the construction trades. At a young age I worked at height (Rope Access), in remote areas, and in all environments. I wanted the skills to respond to any emergency at any time, this desire lead me to pre-hospital emergency medicine (EMR), wilderness first-aid, and rope rescue training. My work and personal experiences from this time left me feeling isolated, dreading human interactions, and losing my love of learning and mastering new skills. It was this experience that compelled me to address my own mental health and further lead me to complete a Diploma in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology.
I'm Jonah, a Canadian Certified Counsellor dedicated to supporting you through life's journey. Healing and growth can take place in many different contexts, and the one I offer is that of a genuine, authentic relationship. Within each and every person, there is inherent value. There is a story waiting to be heard and a journey longing to be witnessed. My approach is to meet people where they are and create a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported throughout our work together.
I'm Jonah, a Canadian Certified Counsellor dedicated to supporting you through life's journey. Healing and growth can take place in many different contexts, and the one I offer is that of a genuine, authentic relationship. Within each and every person, there is inherent value. There is a story waiting to be heard and a journey longing to be witnessed. My approach is to meet people where they are and create a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported throughout our work together.
Gaia Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Penticton, BC V2A
Sydney Bell, MSW is a social worker and psychotherapist with over twenty years experience in the field. She provides strengths-based support to people struggling with challenges such as anxiety, depression, self worth, food and body anxiety, and life transitions. Sydney sees her work as a therapist is to create a safe and non judgmental space where growth can take place for those looking to liberate themselves from shame and self-criticism.
Sydney Bell, MSW is a social worker and psychotherapist with over twenty years experience in the field. She provides strengths-based support to people struggling with challenges such as anxiety, depression, self worth, food and body anxiety, and life transitions. Sydney sees her work as a therapist is to create a safe and non judgmental space where growth can take place for those looking to liberate themselves from shame and self-criticism.
You have taken the first courageous step towards your goal by reaching out for counselling. My role is to work along side you to help you achieve self-compassion, self-understanding and renewed calm. I have witnessed my clients’ progress, particularly, their understanding of difficult life situations, with a new sense of direction and confidence. Clients come to me for an exploration of their important family and other interpersonal relationships, for trauma, loss or abuse counselling or to achieve specific shorter term goals. I work with individuals in person or virtually, and couples or families in person.
You have taken the first courageous step towards your goal by reaching out for counselling. My role is to work along side you to help you achieve self-compassion, self-understanding and renewed calm. I have witnessed my clients’ progress, particularly, their understanding of difficult life situations, with a new sense of direction and confidence. Clients come to me for an exploration of their important family and other interpersonal relationships, for trauma, loss or abuse counselling or to achieve specific shorter term goals. I work with individuals in person or virtually, and couples or families in person.
Have you been struggling to cope with recent life changes? Are your thoughts keeping you up at night? Feeling trapped? Do you have a child who is struggling to cope with big emotions? When you or your child is faced with these challenges, it can feel incredibly overwhelming and you might not know where to start. My passion in life is to help people like you navigate these challenging times and reach your full potential.
Have you been struggling to cope with recent life changes? Are your thoughts keeping you up at night? Feeling trapped? Do you have a child who is struggling to cope with big emotions? When you or your child is faced with these challenges, it can feel incredibly overwhelming and you might not know where to start. My passion in life is to help people like you navigate these challenging times and reach your full potential.
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I earned a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and a Master ‘s degree in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University, focusing on acquiring the skills to support persons living with mental health and substance use disorders, and their affected family members. I have several years of closely supervised experience in counselling youth, adults, couples, families, and groups As well, I continue to complete continuing education credits and consult with colleagues, to remain current in psychological theory/practice and ensure the highest quality of service is provided.
I earned a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and a Master ‘s degree in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University, focusing on acquiring the skills to support persons living with mental health and substance use disorders, and their affected family members. I have several years of closely supervised experience in counselling youth, adults, couples, families, and groups As well, I continue to complete continuing education credits and consult with colleagues, to remain current in psychological theory/practice and ensure the highest quality of service is provided.
I invite you to come to a safe space to gather strategies and tools that can help to strengthen your own knowing and can gently guide you back to your intelligent heart. During these uncertain times, it can be comforting to find someone to collaborate with to regain a sense of direction, hope, and stability.
I invite you to come to a safe space to gather strategies and tools that can help to strengthen your own knowing and can gently guide you back to your intelligent heart. During these uncertain times, it can be comforting to find someone to collaborate with to regain a sense of direction, hope, and stability.
South Okanagan Counselling Group
Counsellor, RCC, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Penticton, BC V2A
Find Your Therapist Here ... South Okanagan Counselling is a team of ethical, compassionate, and impeccably skilled therapists that effectively partner with clients in their journey toward optimal wellbeing. Located in Penticton, servicing the South Okanagan (Summerland to Osoyoos), providing support to adults, couples, youth, families, and child counselling.
Find Your Therapist Here ... South Okanagan Counselling is a team of ethical, compassionate, and impeccably skilled therapists that effectively partner with clients in their journey toward optimal wellbeing. Located in Penticton, servicing the South Okanagan (Summerland to Osoyoos), providing support to adults, couples, youth, families, and child counselling.
I am a Registered Clinical Counselor with a Master's in Clinical Psychology, practicing since 1993, Helping people heal from those events that impact the mind and spirit when circumstances in life make it almost impossible to process those events. Different methods exist to help with the right flow of that process to overcome emotional difficulties. Through different psychotherapeutic techniques, I guide my clients on the journey to self-discovery and personal growth. You and I together will analyze the conflicts and obstacles you face in your life, work with your fears and beliefs, overcome them, and free yourself from them.
I am a Registered Clinical Counselor with a Master's in Clinical Psychology, practicing since 1993, Helping people heal from those events that impact the mind and spirit when circumstances in life make it almost impossible to process those events. Different methods exist to help with the right flow of that process to overcome emotional difficulties. Through different psychotherapeutic techniques, I guide my clients on the journey to self-discovery and personal growth. You and I together will analyze the conflicts and obstacles you face in your life, work with your fears and beliefs, overcome them, and free yourself from them.
Nicole Johnson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Penticton, BC V2A
I believe strongly in supporting people on their personal healing journey to walk alongside them in their pursuit of balance and health. I am committed to Truth and Reconciliation and the support as an ally in Indigenous Healing. I draw from Medicine Wheel principles that look at all domains (social, emotional, physical, spiritual) in a persons life and the pursuit to balance.One of my main objectives is to support the exploration of those pieces of our lives that serve us and to develop awareness of the behaviours, responses, relationships and connections that do not. With this awareness in hand, a path of healing is established.
I believe strongly in supporting people on their personal healing journey to walk alongside them in their pursuit of balance and health. I am committed to Truth and Reconciliation and the support as an ally in Indigenous Healing. I draw from Medicine Wheel principles that look at all domains (social, emotional, physical, spiritual) in a persons life and the pursuit to balance.One of my main objectives is to support the exploration of those pieces of our lives that serve us and to develop awareness of the behaviours, responses, relationships and connections that do not. With this awareness in hand, a path of healing is established.
Joanne Scofield
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Penticton, BC V2A (Online Only)
We all experience challenges at different times in our lives. Therapy can help us see our path more clearly and navigate our way through difficult and challenging times. We can get stuck in old patterns and ways of responding to life's challenges. Often we're not aware of where these responses may be coming from. When we get curious about what were experiencing, it can lead to new insights and an opportunity to create conditions to move toward a positive future. I have experience working with individuals who are experiencing a wide range of challenges including life transitions, stress, grief, depression, and anxiety.
We all experience challenges at different times in our lives. Therapy can help us see our path more clearly and navigate our way through difficult and challenging times. We can get stuck in old patterns and ways of responding to life's challenges. Often we're not aware of where these responses may be coming from. When we get curious about what were experiencing, it can lead to new insights and an opportunity to create conditions to move toward a positive future. I have experience working with individuals who are experiencing a wide range of challenges including life transitions, stress, grief, depression, and anxiety.
Hello. My name is Keith Balisky. 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. 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.
Hello. My name is Keith Balisky. 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. 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.
“Nothing about us without us” is a movement in the Autistic community that is foundational in the support provided to Neurodiverse persons and their families. I am passionate about helping individuals and families thrive. I work with families from diverse backgrounds and am dedicated to providing culturally-sensitive care. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor who also has lived experience as an Autistic person, I understand the nuanced needs of autistic adults and families needing support for their neurodiverse children.
“Nothing about us without us” is a movement in the Autistic community that is foundational in the support provided to Neurodiverse persons and their families. I am passionate about helping individuals and families thrive. I work with families from diverse backgrounds and am dedicated to providing culturally-sensitive care. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor who also has lived experience as an Autistic person, I understand the nuanced needs of autistic adults and families needing support for their neurodiverse children.
There are times throughout our lives when we seek support and reflection. Times when we want to focus on our well-being with a trusted and skilled witness. You may be here because you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, are hurting, experiencing depression or anxiety, or are simply feeling ready to step into a growing call for change in your life. Expressive arts therapy is an arts based and somatically informed approach to psychotherapy that connects us to our inner resources. *No experience in or previous knowledge of the arts is required.
There are times throughout our lives when we seek support and reflection. Times when we want to focus on our well-being with a trusted and skilled witness. You may be here because you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, are hurting, experiencing depression or anxiety, or are simply feeling ready to step into a growing call for change in your life. Expressive arts therapy is an arts based and somatically informed approach to psychotherapy that connects us to our inner resources. *No experience in or previous knowledge of the arts is required.
See more therapy options for Penticton
Nearby Searches for Penticton
- Grand Forks
- Kelowna
- Lake Country
- Okanagan Falls
- Oliver
- Osoyoos
- Peachland
- Summerland
- West Kelowna
- Westbank
- Winfield
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Penticton, BC
100+
Average cost per session
$145
Counsellors in Penticton, BC who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
83% | Depression |
78% | Self Esteem |
77% | Stress |
74% | Relationship Issues |
73% | Grief |
69% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
49% | Green Shield Canada |
46% | SunLife |
41% | Other |
How Counsellors in Penticton, BC see their clients
85% | In Person and Online | |
15% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
79% | Female | |
20% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Penticton?
Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postal code, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postal code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Most Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are certified by one of the main professional associations, mainly the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and will have a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) designation with their name. Social Workers listed in the directory must be registered members of the college specific to their province. To be listed in the directory, Psychologists must be registered with the psychological college specific to their province or territory.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given the considerable variation in professional regulation and prerequisites across Canadian provinces, some providers may possess significant professional qualifications without necessarily holding professional memberships or being obliged to acquire them. As a result, they may be selectively included without the "Verified" seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given the considerable variation in professional regulation and prerequisites across Canadian provinces, some providers may possess significant professional qualifications without necessarily holding professional memberships or being obliged to acquire them. As a result, they may be selectively included without the "Verified" seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and social workers can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and supervised, practical experience that enable them to do so in Canada.
Psychologists have a master's and/or doctoral degree and have passed both written and oral exams. Psychologists are able to complete mental health assessments and provide diagnostic information to clients as well as provide counselling therapy or psychotherapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are expected to have a master's or doctoral degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline and certification by a professional association, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registered Social Workers possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and where possible must be licensed or certified by the provincial government and/or regulatory college.
Psychologists have a master's and/or doctoral degree and have passed both written and oral exams. Psychologists are able to complete mental health assessments and provide diagnostic information to clients as well as provide counselling therapy or psychotherapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are expected to have a master's or doctoral degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline and certification by a professional association, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registered Social Workers possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and where possible must be licensed or certified by the provincial government and/or regulatory college.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in Canada could be between $100 and $200. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. Some types of outpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare, provided these are performed by a licensed mental health professional in the provinces or territory you reside in and who accepts the assignment.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. Some types of outpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare, provided these are performed by a licensed mental health professional in the provinces or territory you reside in and who accepts the assignment.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postal code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Professionals licensed by regulatory colleges and those certified by associations such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association are obligated to uphold client confidentiality unless there is a legal reason that requires them to disclose information. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others, or a court order, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.