Meet the Team at Alive Counselling

Meet the Alive Counselling Team and Book a Consultation or Appointment

Meet the Team at Alive Counselling:

Meet the Alive Counselling Team and Book a Consultation or Appointment

We are a team of therapists in Kelowna, British Columbia offering In-Person Counselling, Online Counselling and Walk & Talk Therapy. We work in many similar areas of counselling and also have different approaches and specialties to find the best fit for you. We aim to give you the best care by finding the right fit for you, your unique situation, and schedule.

You are welcome to book directly in for a consultation or appointment. We all offer complimentary consultations to find the right fit.

You can also contact us to help you find the right fit for you!

Barb Egan: Owner of Alive Counselling, Counsellor, Therapist

Owner and Counsellor

I aim to meet you where you are at, help you understand your issues or “stuff” (cause we all have it), use your unique strengths to face it, and learn practical coping strategies to make lasting changes. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify, challenge, and replace negative self-talk. This is the gold-standard of treatment for many issues including anxiety, stress, and depression. Essentially, if we can change the way you think –or talk to yourself– we can change the way you feel, we can change how you act, and ultimately, change the way you live. These areas are all interconnected. Thus, small changes in one area can have a ripple effect throughout your life.

Area of Expertise:

Groups
Anxiety, Stress, & Depression
Athletes, Health & Wellness for those wanting to live an overall healthy lifestyle, and Healthcare Professionals
Christian Counselling
Motherhood/ Women’s Issues/ Postpartum Depression/ Pregnancy & Pregnancy loss
University age (12 years experience working with universities across the US and Canada)
Silencing Your Inner Critic of Negative Self-Talk
Increasing Confidence
Trauma, Grief & Loss (CVAP trauma counsellor)
Relationships, Boundaries, and Communication with Couples, Families, and other Relationships
Couples, Marriage, & Relationships
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for practical strategies to increase your overall mental health

I work in many areas but specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to implement change in how you

think/talk to yourself,
feel (manage overwhelming feelings, stress, sadness, etc and improve confidence), and how you
act (what you do or do not do because of your “issue”).
Changes in any of these areas can influence one another, and ultimately impact how you live more fully in your work, relationships, and life–to truly come alive.

However, counselling is so personalized to you. I always tailor my approach uniquely to you and your unique goals.

Learn More

Book Online

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Laura Belland: Registered Clinical Counsellor

Area of Expertise:

Clients who are dealing with anxiety/social anxiety, perfectionism, and depression
Limiting beliefs about themselves, negative thoughts that keep resurfacing
Negative body image and disordered eating
Self-esteem and self-worth
Being stuck and barriers to becoming your most vibrant self
Adolescent and teen issues: friendships and difficult emotions, anxiety and social anxiety, building self-confidence and working on recognizing and growing your strengths
Increasing resiliency and empowerment
Navigating new life changes such as sobriety, returning to school, career and overcoming grief amongst others.
Supporting parents, especially as a former elementary school teacher.

Learn More

Book Online

Lauren Mills

Area of Expertise:

-Lauren is a former high school teacher, elite university athlete, and coach of all levels, including a National Championship university coach.

-Counselling for youth, teens, adolescents, and adults

-Anxiety, Stress, and Depression

-Athletes

–EMDR

-Individuals with learning differences / ADHD

-Trauma, Trauma-based mindful healing

-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

– Strengths-based, Goal-setting

– Narrative Therapy

– Solution-focused Therapy

– Walk and talk Therapy

-In Person Counselling in Kelowna and Online Counselling in BC

-Couples Counselling, Relationships

Learn More

Book Online

Rachel Jones-McKinley

Area of Expertise:

– Anxiety, Stress, OCD

– Depression

– Self-worth

– Grief & Loss

– Caregiver Fatigue

-Parenting Support, especially supporting parents of teenagers

– Trauma

– Relationship Issues, Couples Counselling

– Life Transitions

– Gender Identity

– Mood Disorders

– Personality Disorders

-PANDAS/PAN

Learn More

Book Online

Natasha Martini

Area of Expertise:

Counselling for youth, teens, adolescents, and adults
Anxiety, Stress,
Depression
Self-Esteem & Self-Love
Burnout Prevention/Recovery
Grief & Loss
Self-Harm & Suicidality
Relationship Issues, Couples Counselling
Disordered Eating & Body Image
Navigating Life Transitions
Youth: Health & Sexual Education
Emotional Regulation & Behaviour Coaching
Play Therapy
Art Therapy
Children, Youth, people with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
ADHD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Narrative Therapy
Strengths-based
Online Therapy in British Columbia
In Person Counselling in Kelowna, British Columbia

Learn More

Book Online

Joan vonNiessen

Area of Expertise:

Online Counselling
Trauma, EMDR Online
Couples Counselling Online/ Relationship Issues
Anxiety/Stress/ Depression
ADHD/ Focus/Attention
Self-esteem
Grief/loss
Life Transitions
Sleep disorders
Emotional regulation
Peak Performance

Learn More

Book Online

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Christina Postnikoff, Registered Social Worker (RSW)

Area of Expertise:

Counselling Specialties:

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, CBT
Chronic Pain & Illness
Counselling for seniors
Grief & loss
Pet grief
Caregiver support/ stress/burn out
Dementia/ Cognitive impairments
Life adjustments/transitions
Facilitating educational workshops

Learn More

Book Online

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Shawna Scafe – Registered Professional Counsellor

Area of Expertise:

Works with moms who want to live with more peace, purpose and presence.

– moms who feel overwhelmed by motherhood and stressed out with life

– moms who wish they could be more present and enjoy their kids more

– moms who want to create an experience of motherhood that is inline with their personal values

– moms who want to learn about emotional intelligence for themselves and their kids

Works with those who wish to live more intentionally

– those who want to be more proactive with their day and life

– those who want to make consistent, simple steps towards intentional living

– those who want to shift their habits

Works with those who want to improve relationships

– those who feel intimidated by conflict and want to learn conflict resolution skills

– those who want to improve connection in their relationships

– those who want to set healthy boundaries with people in their lives

– those who wish to be proactive and intentional with their marriage

Offers counselling and coaching, virtual sessions with video on or off.

Options include a Christian-based approach, the use of the Enneagram, and the Life on Purpose workbook (intentional living exercises to help you identify your personal values and vision for the nine areas of your life).

Learn More

Book Online

Shenaya-Matvieshen-Alive-Counselling-Therapist-Kelowna-British-Columbia

Shenaya Matvieshen, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Area of Expertise:

Shenaya Matvieshen is a therapist at Alive Counselling in Kelowna, British Columbia and offers Online Counselling. Shenaya is passionate about creating space where people feel seen, accepted, and safe to explore the depths of their experiences. She approaches counselling from a holistic view, recognizing that the mind, body, and spirit all play an important role in wellbeing.

Her Counselling Specialties include

Women’s Issues
Depression & Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Pregnancy and Postpartum
Self-esteem & Identity
Grief & Trauma

Learn More

Book Online

Natalie Spooner Team Canada Olympic Gold Medalist-sports-psychology-barb-egan-alive-counselling

Testimonial

Natalie Spooner / Team Canada, Olympic Gold Medalist & Silver Medalist

The mental side of the game is extremely important. Having someone like Barb– who has been there as a player, coach, & mental health professional—is invaluable to help players perform their best on the ice, and in life!

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Testimonial

Client M

The work I have done with Barb has changed my life. With her help I learned that I was not only worthy but, capable of helping myself. Walking with her has been one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever had.

Testimonials

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Client C

At first I was skeptical of Online Counselling. However, I love the flexibility for my family and schedule. I’ve created a spot in my home, with my tea, and look forward to this time that I may not otherwise be able to fit in. It has made such a difference in my life and for my family’s life!

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Client A

I am able to engage and connect in a very authentic way in our Online sessions. I actually feel like I can be more open and vulnerable, leading to more self-awareness and growth.

Shaemus McLeod

Goaltender for Humboldt Broncos

Serious athletes train both their bodies and minds for peak performance. Barb continues to be a motivational inspiration to me and my goaltending career both on and off the ice. She is not only an exceptional mental coach but takes the time to work through the personal trials of day to day life. I look forward to working with her for many years to come.

Jocelyne & Monique Lamoureaux

Team USA, Olympic Gold & Silver Medalists

Whether it’s on ice and or off ice training the mental component of the game is bigger than the physical at times. I believe in sport and in life there are always obstacles, extrinsic and intrinsic. The biggest and most important mental skill I think a person can have is the ability to rebound from mistakes, criticisms and doubt with the confidence that you have the ability to get the job done and to improve yourself every step of the way.

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Client T

I love this option for my schedule with my sport. It can be difficult to balance school, work, practice, training, games, travel, and a social life. I am able to have my sessions in the evenings. I can also check in before big game weekends so that I feel confident and in the right headspace to perform.

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Client K

Highly recommend Barb! Very easy to speak with and effective at helping you understand how you can take action to to bring about positive life changes and to move past areas in life where you may feel a little ‘stuck’ “

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Client J

I like how interactive our sessions are with exercises, materials to look at for a visual, and homework to complete and debrief together. The flexible hours allow me to take some power back over my schedule so that I am not as spread thin, but more fulfilled!

Stephanie Schaupmeyer

Captain, UBC Thunderbirds

In my 5 years with the UBC Thunderbirds, the discourse surrounding mental health as a high performance athlete has changed so much. I have learned that being mentally tough on the ice is inextricably linked with being mentally well in the other areas of your life. I learned that this idea of a strong, mentally unbreakable athlete just isn’t possible. We all need support at times, and it’s ok to ask for it. When I started actively working on my mental wellbeing just like I actively worked on my hockey skills is when I began to really feel mentally tough in other areas of my life.

Kate Kowalchuk

NCAA and CIS Goaltender

After meeting Barb she changed my life, helping me to reach deeper and find out how to be the person and player I wanted to be even with my set backs with post-concussion & outside obstacles. I am forever grateful for the ongoing support and help I was lucky enough to receive from my coach and mentor Barb Egan.

Client M

The work I have done with Barb has changed my life. With her help I learned that I was not only worthy but, capable of helping myself. Walking with her has been one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever had.” – Client M.