Alcohol Use Therapists in Kelowna, BC
At Kelowna Trauma Therapy, we exist to help you find freedom from trauma - whether "big" or "small." We believe you already have the internal resources you need to heal from whatever trauma you have experienced. Our job is to help you find your way to healing, using proven therapeutic methods such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing and Neurofeedback.
At Kelowna Trauma Therapy, we exist to help you find freedom from trauma - whether "big" or "small." We believe you already have the internal resources you need to heal from whatever trauma you have experienced. Our job is to help you find your way to healing, using proven therapeutic methods such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing and Neurofeedback.
Are you looking to get back in control of yourself and your life? Often, we can feel like we are victims at the hands of our emotions, like someone else is running our lives and we are just watching it happen. When we are in this space, we can find ourselves distant from our loved ones, our values, and even ourselves. I work to empower you back to a place where you are able to decide what you want your life to look like, so that when difficult thoughts and emotions arise, you can face them, decide what you want to do with them, and act in a way that you can be proud of.
Are you looking to get back in control of yourself and your life? Often, we can feel like we are victims at the hands of our emotions, like someone else is running our lives and we are just watching it happen. When we are in this space, we can find ourselves distant from our loved ones, our values, and even ourselves. I work to empower you back to a place where you are able to decide what you want your life to look like, so that when difficult thoughts and emotions arise, you can face them, decide what you want to do with them, and act in a way that you can be proud of.
We might work well together if you second-guess what you want or need. Maybe your relationships feel one-sided, or you're noticing patterns ("people-pleasing", resentment, emotional numbing) that leave you feeling disconnected from who you are.
I help individuals build awareness of the dynamics in their lives so they can reclaim a sense of identity, understand where their boundaries start and end, and gain the courage to live authentically.
We might work well together if you second-guess what you want or need. Maybe your relationships feel one-sided, or you're noticing patterns ("people-pleasing", resentment, emotional numbing) that leave you feeling disconnected from who you are.
I help individuals build awareness of the dynamics in their lives so they can reclaim a sense of identity, understand where their boundaries start and end, and gain the courage to live authentically.
My approach is multidimensional and personalized, drawing from various evidence-based practices, which include somatic, attachment, and mindfulness. While we can’t predict how we might respond to challenging situations, we can work to renegotiate our memories by accessing our body’s unique means of responding to triggers. The method is layered; together, we might consider your earliest attachments in childhood, how you have interpreted a traumatic experience and even your intersectionalities on a macro level. Once this evidence is gathered, activation is located in the physical body, energy is addressed and worked with somatically.
My approach is multidimensional and personalized, drawing from various evidence-based practices, which include somatic, attachment, and mindfulness. While we can’t predict how we might respond to challenging situations, we can work to renegotiate our memories by accessing our body’s unique means of responding to triggers. The method is layered; together, we might consider your earliest attachments in childhood, how you have interpreted a traumatic experience and even your intersectionalities on a macro level. Once this evidence is gathered, activation is located in the physical body, energy is addressed and worked with somatically.
Life can brings unexpected changes: Relationships come to an end; There may be Infidelity, failure, and disappointments. For those who value spirituality and faith there is a loss of hope. Alcohol and/or drug issues take control. If any of this resonates with you it may be a good time to consider counselling. I have a passion for people who struggle with chronic anxiety, aging gracefully, faith issues, addictions, depression, and relationship strife. I also have good understanding of the complicated world of blended families, those who struggle with work/family balance, and men who struggle with gaming/porn addictions.
Life can brings unexpected changes: Relationships come to an end; There may be Infidelity, failure, and disappointments. For those who value spirituality and faith there is a loss of hope. Alcohol and/or drug issues take control. If any of this resonates with you it may be a good time to consider counselling. I have a passion for people who struggle with chronic anxiety, aging gracefully, faith issues, addictions, depression, and relationship strife. I also have good understanding of the complicated world of blended families, those who struggle with work/family balance, and men who struggle with gaming/porn addictions.
Youology is a counselling clinic dedicated to supporting adults, teens and children throughout the Okanagan. If you are struggling with any of the following; anxiety, depression, trauma, maintaining romantic relationships, having a hard time knowing how to deal with toxic family dynamics, holding guilt, shame, or even navigating a difficult life transition - we can help! We also specialize in parenting strategies and family counselling.
Youology is a counselling clinic dedicated to supporting adults, teens and children throughout the Okanagan. If you are struggling with any of the following; anxiety, depression, trauma, maintaining romantic relationships, having a hard time knowing how to deal with toxic family dynamics, holding guilt, shame, or even navigating a difficult life transition - we can help! We also specialize in parenting strategies and family counselling.
Many of my clients come to me after trying multiple forms of therapy, mindset work, health protocols and personal development, yet still feel stuck in the same patterns. What they discover is that their exhaustion, anxiety, or repeating cycles are not failures of willpower. They are signals that deeper subconscious and nervous system layers need to be addressed.
My work blends clinical hypnotherapy, mind–body regulation, emotional processing, and internal family systems work to help clients change patterns at the level where they were originally formed.
Many of my clients come to me after trying multiple forms of therapy, mindset work, health protocols and personal development, yet still feel stuck in the same patterns. What they discover is that their exhaustion, anxiety, or repeating cycles are not failures of willpower. They are signals that deeper subconscious and nervous system layers need to be addressed.
My work blends clinical hypnotherapy, mind–body regulation, emotional processing, and internal family systems work to help clients change patterns at the level where they were originally formed.
Are you struggling with feelings of insecurity, lack of motivation, and/ or worth and value? Are you feeling unmotivated, uninterested, or simply uninspired? Perhaps you're dealing with a tragedy, a difficult relationship, or are struggling to find your purpose. Whatever your reason for considering therapy, I hope you'll push forward, reach out, and find hope in knowing that lasting change, no matter when, what time, or in what stage of life you're in, is possible!
Are you struggling with feelings of insecurity, lack of motivation, and/ or worth and value? Are you feeling unmotivated, uninterested, or simply uninspired? Perhaps you're dealing with a tragedy, a difficult relationship, or are struggling to find your purpose. Whatever your reason for considering therapy, I hope you'll push forward, reach out, and find hope in knowing that lasting change, no matter when, what time, or in what stage of life you're in, is possible!
Do you feel like you live in a world that can feel isolating, overwhelming, and damaging? Maybe you feel as if the past is haunting you, leaving you frightened, on guard, loss of control, shut down, confused, or ashamed. Perhaps you feel as if you are constantly spiralling in your mind around stress, identity confusion, and relationship difficulties. We can't control what happens around us, but we can control how we respond. If this is you, please know you are not alone; support is there to help.
Do you feel like you live in a world that can feel isolating, overwhelming, and damaging? Maybe you feel as if the past is haunting you, leaving you frightened, on guard, loss of control, shut down, confused, or ashamed. Perhaps you feel as if you are constantly spiralling in your mind around stress, identity confusion, and relationship difficulties. We can't control what happens around us, but we can control how we respond. If this is you, please know you are not alone; support is there to help.
Are you ready for change? Are you struggling with mental health challenges and/or difficult life experiences? I'm here to help. Together, we can bring you to a deep understanding of yourself and help you experience a real shift in the way you feel. You will understand how your past shaped you, what is keeping you stuck, and how you can move forward. I will help you access confidence, clarity, and courage. You will become more compassionate toward yourself and others. You will access your strength, identify the strategies that work for you, and build the skills necessary to create the life you want.
Are you ready for change? Are you struggling with mental health challenges and/or difficult life experiences? I'm here to help. Together, we can bring you to a deep understanding of yourself and help you experience a real shift in the way you feel. You will understand how your past shaped you, what is keeping you stuck, and how you can move forward. I will help you access confidence, clarity, and courage. You will become more compassionate toward yourself and others. You will access your strength, identify the strategies that work for you, and build the skills necessary to create the life you want.
Welcome! My approach to therapy is grounded in honesty and directness. I’m curious about your experiences and deeply value every part of who you are. I specialize in trauma, those navigating complicated interpersonal relationships, and self compassion.
My hope is to provide a safe and supportive space to explore your inner world, and navigate all aspects of your life. Whether you're facing relationship difficulties, life transitions, or seeking personal change, I can work with you each step of the way.
Welcome! My approach to therapy is grounded in honesty and directness. I’m curious about your experiences and deeply value every part of who you are. I specialize in trauma, those navigating complicated interpersonal relationships, and self compassion.
My hope is to provide a safe and supportive space to explore your inner world, and navigate all aspects of your life. Whether you're facing relationship difficulties, life transitions, or seeking personal change, I can work with you each step of the way.
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 15 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 90 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety and eating disorders for adults and children.
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 15 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 90 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety and eating disorders for adults and children.
Hannah Sidney Turner is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who brings warmth, curiosity, and compassion to her work. Grounded in trauma-informed, humanistic principles, she helps clients explore emotions, deepen self-understanding, and create meaningful change safely. With experience supporting youth in the justice system, those facing grief, cancer, substance use, and chronic illness, Hannah offers empathy and respect. She blends evidence-based methods with a collaborative style and is completing training in Couples and Family Therapy.
Hannah Sidney Turner is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who brings warmth, curiosity, and compassion to her work. Grounded in trauma-informed, humanistic principles, she helps clients explore emotions, deepen self-understanding, and create meaningful change safely. With experience supporting youth in the justice system, those facing grief, cancer, substance use, and chronic illness, Hannah offers empathy and respect. She blends evidence-based methods with a collaborative style and is completing training in Couples and Family Therapy.
I have been a counsellor and family therapist for over 30 years, during that time I have worked with a rich diversity of people. Counselling and family therapy is a work that I love. I have found that people carry with them, in their own lives and networks, the strengths, the relationships, and the gifts that enable them to move through the most challenging of situations. I have found that I am able to help people find the possibilities that they need to cope with life’s various challenges.
I have been a counsellor and family therapist for over 30 years, during that time I have worked with a rich diversity of people. Counselling and family therapy is a work that I love. I have found that people carry with them, in their own lives and networks, the strengths, the relationships, and the gifts that enable them to move through the most challenging of situations. I have found that I am able to help people find the possibilities that they need to cope with life’s various challenges.
Let’s start a relationship based on trust, healing, growth, and fulfillment. Do you feel stuck, lacking motivation, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next? My role is to walk alongside you as we delve into your emotions. I want to provide you with tools, communication, emotional awareness, and fulfillment as we navigate your struggles, successes, and transitions so you live a fulfilling life that highlights your true self.
Let’s start a relationship based on trust, healing, growth, and fulfillment. Do you feel stuck, lacking motivation, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next? My role is to walk alongside you as we delve into your emotions. I want to provide you with tools, communication, emotional awareness, and fulfillment as we navigate your struggles, successes, and transitions so you live a fulfilling life that highlights your true self.
I have completed my graduate degree/masters in Counselling Psychology and hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology. My career started when I worked supporting youth who struggled with substance use-related issues. I then spent several years working as an Addiction and Mental Health Counsellor with both youth and adults in outpatient and inpatient settings. I moved to BC and then spent some time working as a Family Counsellor for youth with complex needs using a trauma-informed/attachment-based approach.
I have completed my graduate degree/masters in Counselling Psychology and hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology. My career started when I worked supporting youth who struggled with substance use-related issues. I then spent several years working as an Addiction and Mental Health Counsellor with both youth and adults in outpatient and inpatient settings. I moved to BC and then spent some time working as a Family Counsellor for youth with complex needs using a trauma-informed/attachment-based approach.
Being authentic means that you can live according to what you care about and do what you are good at. It involves knowing yourself, recognizing pressures to be a certain way (from inside and outside), and acting in a way that is consistent with your values.
When you can't be authentic it can lead to feeling anxious, depressed, angry, or avoidant. This can result from messaging and roles put on you growing up, from a traumatic experience, being in relationships where you feel pulled to be a certain way, not being validated, or not having had the opportunity to figure out who you are.
Being authentic means that you can live according to what you care about and do what you are good at. It involves knowing yourself, recognizing pressures to be a certain way (from inside and outside), and acting in a way that is consistent with your values.
When you can't be authentic it can lead to feeling anxious, depressed, angry, or avoidant. This can result from messaging and roles put on you growing up, from a traumatic experience, being in relationships where you feel pulled to be a certain way, not being validated, or not having had the opportunity to figure out who you are.
I have over 20 years of experience in mental health and substance use services. My areas of competence include working with individuals in the LGBTQIA community, addiction, depression, anxiety, anger, and interpersonal violence. Having worked for over two decades as a frontline registered nurse, social worker and clinical counsellor in health care, I have an interest in working with individuals and front line workers in the health care field.
I have over 20 years of experience in mental health and substance use services. My areas of competence include working with individuals in the LGBTQIA community, addiction, depression, anxiety, anger, and interpersonal violence. Having worked for over two decades as a frontline registered nurse, social worker and clinical counsellor in health care, I have an interest in working with individuals and front line workers in the health care field.
My mission in life is to help people grow and thrive in their environments. Life can be difficult and hard to navigate. Whether you're dealing with pain from the loss of a loved one. Or a recent job loss or career change. The family dynamics that can be a surprise. The feelings that can come from being lonely or afraid. The crippling anxiety that can come from something new and strange happening in your life. Our passion is to help people maneuver through all of the obstacles with compassion and empathy in an open and calm setting. Being open to help people in all age groups is something we all strive for.
My mission in life is to help people grow and thrive in their environments. Life can be difficult and hard to navigate. Whether you're dealing with pain from the loss of a loved one. Or a recent job loss or career change. The family dynamics that can be a surprise. The feelings that can come from being lonely or afraid. The crippling anxiety that can come from something new and strange happening in your life. Our passion is to help people maneuver through all of the obstacles with compassion and empathy in an open and calm setting. Being open to help people in all age groups is something we all strive for.
Paula Mackay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
4 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1W
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, my name is Paula and I’m a Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker in the province of British Columbia. I specialize in both trauma and anxiety. Low-level trauma can cause just as much distress and disruption in your everyday life. Subtle emotional wounds, or repeated experiences, can result in a trauma response such as emotional numbness, low self-worth, or ongoing anxiety. A special area of interest is reproductive mental health. In addition to this, I am equipped to help you navigate life transitions such as retirement or parenthood, or lifestyle changes such as substance use or nutrition.
Hello, my name is Paula and I’m a Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker in the province of British Columbia. I specialize in both trauma and anxiety. Low-level trauma can cause just as much distress and disruption in your everyday life. Subtle emotional wounds, or repeated experiences, can result in a trauma response such as emotional numbness, low self-worth, or ongoing anxiety. A special area of interest is reproductive mental health. In addition to this, I am equipped to help you navigate life transitions such as retirement or parenthood, or lifestyle changes such as substance use or nutrition.

