Castlegar Team | Ok Clinical Therapy Group | Contact Us

Receive Specialized Counselling From Our Team in Castlegar

In Castlegar, our team of dedicated professionals, consisting of social workers, clinical counsellors, and candidates, is committed to supporting you on your journey. With a diverse array of backgrounds and specialized skills, you'll connect with a counsellor who resonates with your unique experiences, receiving personalized care within a nurturing environment tailored to your specific needs.

Vanessa Alexander, CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar
Anni Muhlegg, BSW, MACP, RSW, CCC-Q

Registered Social Worker - Castlegar & Online
Maya Tekavcic, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson, Castlegar, Trail
Cassandra Twiname, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar
Daniel Snell, BA., B.Ed. MA., CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar
Jessica Atnikov, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar
Molly Sweeney, CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar
LA Narayan, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Castlegar, Nelson, & Online
Geoff Purdy, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker - Nelson, Castlegar & Online
Tami O’Meara, BA, MEd, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar
Erik Smyth, Practicum Student

Intern - Castlegar & Trail
Amy Beedell

Kootenay Community Support
Nicole Ripley, BA Psyc, MC, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor & Founder/Owner
Nathan Hayward

Director: Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships

Reach out to book a consultation with a specific counsellor

Learn more about our counsellors above, or call us to find which counsellors are practicing in specific methodologies you are interested in.

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Vanessa Alexander, CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar

Vanessa brings nearly 20 years of experience in social services, offering mental health services and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her work has focused on outreach, harm reduction, life skills guidance, advocacy, and social justice. Having completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, she is excited to offer services at OK Clinical Therapy Group.

Vanessa collaborates with clients to navigate challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, and burnout. Using evidence-based approaches, she tailors her work to each client’s unique needs, guiding them toward greater clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. She embraces life’s complexities, helping clients find moments of joy and humour, even in challenging times.

As part of her therapy modality, Vanessa’s practice is trauma-informed, strength-based, and intersectional, recognizing the influence of gender, sexuality, socio-economic status, and culture on well-being. She integrates Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Family Systems into her practice while providing neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQ+ affirming care.

Areas of Focus include:

Anxiety and Depression
Identity and Self-Discovery
Personal Growth
Life Transitions
Relationship Dynamics
Career Exploration

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-718-9291
Have other questions? Contact Us

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Anni Muhlegg, BSW, MACP, RSW, CCC-Q

Registered Social Worker - Castlegar & Online

Anni is a trauma and addiction recovery therapist and registered social worker based in Castlegar, BC, with over 20 years of experience. A resilient survivor of developmental trauma and cancer, Anni understands healing as an ongoing journey—one that can deepen purpose, vitality, and connection. She specializes in Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), supporting individuals and groups in recovering from PTSD and rediscovering meaning and aliveness. Anni works with individuals, couples and groups.

Grounded in relational and capacity-based psychodynamic psychotherapy, expressive arts, somatic awareness, and evidence-based approaches, Anni co-creates therapeutic spaces that honour emotional regulation, agency, and authentic connection. Her practice is also enriched by 16 years of learning with Elders, Earth-based medicines, teachings, ceremony and Indigenous traditional wisdom. Anni sees healing much like tending a garden — requiring patience, nourishment, and alignment with the seasons of growth. Like deep tree roots, her own practices of meditation, relationship tending, and connection with the natural world inspire her to be grounded and present. Anni and her beloved partner of 27 years, and their family, live in Pass Creek BC.

Anni accepts clients ages 25 and older.

Anni is registered under the following:

BCSW #10120
CCC #11264018
OCSW #842188

Areas of Focus:

Trauma Recovery & Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)
PTSD, Developmental Trauma & Complex Trauma
Addiction Recovery & Relapse Prevention
Somatic & Expressive Arts-Based Healing
Relationship Support for Couples, Families & Group

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291
Email: [email protected]
Have other questions? Contact Us

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Maya Tekavcic, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson, Castlegar, Trail

Maya (she/her) is a counsellor and educator whose work is rooted in care, connection, and a deep curiosity in the human experience. Grounded in a person-centred and strengths-based philosophy, Maya’s practice reflects her unwavering belief in every human’s capacity for meaningful growth.

Her primary specialties are grief and couples work. Maya is drawn to these tender spaces because loss and human connection are among the most defining experiences we share- both shaping us in ways both subtle and seismic, both impossible to avoid in a fully lived life.

Maya concurrently works as a school district counsellor with a background in school-based inclusion and case management. In this role, she collaborates with children, families, and educators to cultivate inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where children feel truly seen and supported. Her approach honours the complexities of young lives, blending gentleness and playfulness to guide them back to the heart of childhood.

With warmth, humour, and a deep respect for each unique path, Maya helps individuals uncover their inner resilience and live in alignment with their values. She is passionate about the transformative potential of curiosity and the healing power of playful, meaningful connection.

Areas of Focus:

Grief and Loss
Couples and Family Dynamics
Anxiety and Depression
Identity and Self-Discovery
Life Transitions
Stress Management
Self-Worth and Body Image
LGBTQIA+ Allied

Contact Information:

- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 250-718-9291
- Have other questions? Contact Us

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Cassandra Twiname, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar

Cassandra (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #27487) based in the Kootenays, who offers in-person, online, and phones sessions for a variety of concerns including, but not limited to self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and life transitions.

To help guide her practice, Cassandra draws on the principles of Person-Centred, Somatic, and Nature-Based therapies. She believes in the healing properties of the client-counsellor therapeutic relationship and brings curiosity, humour, compassion, and warmth to her sessions. Cassandra is committed to providing nonjudgmental and compassionate care in a space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported.

Cassandra trusts that everyone has the power to make positive changes in their life and that they know themselves better than anyone else. Her role is to help you identify goals, create a treatment plan, and provide you with techniques and tools that best suit your needs. Together, it is possible to navigate challenges and build new habits that reflect your personal values and lead to long lasting growth.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #27487), Cassandra has completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA) from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Biology (Ecology) and Psychology (Neuroscience) at Vancouver Island University.

Areas of Focus include:

Self-Esteem & Compassion
Anxiety & Depression
Relationships & Sexuality
Mindfullness & Somatic Work
Stress Management
Outdoor / Walk and Talk
LGBTQIA+

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-718-9291
Have other questions? Contact Us

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Daniel Snell, BA., B.Ed. MA., CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar

Daniel is a Canadian Certified Counsellor, with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA) from Yorkville University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in multidisciplinary Social Sciences from Trinity Western University and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from the University of British Columbia. Daniel has worked as a public school teacher and specialized in special/inclusive education, elementary learning assistance and school-based case management. This includes the support of children who have been designated by the BC Ministry of Education as living and learning with exceptionalities.

Daniel has been married for over 32 years. Together with his wife, Daniel has raised five children ranging in age from 17-29. Nelson has been home for Daniel and his family for 20 years and considers it a privilege to support a diverse clientele that makes up this beautiful community.

With an intuitive sense of empathy and evidence-based approaches, Daniel supports clients in their life journey’s from a strength-based and person-centered approach. Emphasis is on building and maintaining collaborative therapeutic relationships designed to bring about healing and whole-life transformation. As a certified counsellor, Daniel utilizes an integrative approach that includes: biopsychosocial treatment modalities, solution-focused and narrative therapies, family systems, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), psychodynamic, somatic mindfulness and positive psychology, each through a trauma-informed and multicultural lens.

Areas of Focus include:

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Self-Esteem
Anxiety and Depression
Couples and Family
Children and Youth
Relational Conflicts
Life Transitions
Problem-Solving
Stress Management
Complex Trauma
Grief, Loss & Bereavement
Addiction
Parenting Issues
Sleep Hygiene
Spiritual/Religious Abuse

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 250-718-9291

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Jessica Atnikov, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar

Jessica works as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 19149) and professional art therapist. She holds her Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counselling Psychology from Adler University. From a compassionate and curious lens, Jessica strives to create a safe place for clients to explore and engage with their creative process and connect with their innate wholeness.

Using a combination of art and talk therapy Jessica works with a variety of presenting issues including, but not limited to anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, body image, burnout, trauma & PTSD, grief, and couples counselling. She has also worked extensively with addiction, first responders, families, and school related stress and issues.

Her client-centered, trauma-informed approach pulls from modalities such as EMDR, IFS, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness approaches, somatic therapy, and existential therapy.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety and OCD
Trauma and PTSD
Self-Esteem and Body Image
Addiction and First Responders
Couples Counselling
EMDR

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

Book Your Appointment in Nelson

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Molly Sweeney, CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar

Molly completed her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, supporting youth, couples, families and adults with diverse needs and abilities. She works from a trauma-informed perspective, using Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and cognitive behavioural modalities to help her clients move forward at their own pace. With a keen interest in the principle of neuroplasticity, Molly provides non-judgmental support to those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, injury, violence, loss, anger, or navigating the demands of parenting. Molly is trained in Somatic Experiencing with her Intermediate II certification and is an IFS Level I therapist trained through the IFS Institute.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety and Depression
Trauma
Parenting
Neurodiversity
Somatic Work
Voice Work
Individuals, Couples, Families
Children (10+), Youth, Adults

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

Book Your Appointment in Nelson

Book Your Appointment in Castlegar

LA Narayan, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Castlegar, Nelson, & Online

With over three decades of collective experience dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families through various challenges, LA brings a compassionate and nurturing approach to her counselling services. In her professional career, she also has experience supporting individuals navigating major life transitions, including vocational counselling, return-to-work planning, and recovery following personal injury. Her extensive background encompasses expertise in assisting individuals grappling with eating disorders, navigating child protection issues, and fostering youth mentorship.

Drawing from a diverse toolkit of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), enhanced cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), emotion-focused family therapy (EFFT), family-based therapy (FBT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), LA tailors her interventions to meet the unique needs of each client and their families.

With a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and affiliation with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselors, LA is committed to delivering high-quality, empathetic care to her clients. Her dedication to fostering healing and growth underscores her role as a trusted ally on the journey toward holistic well-being.

Beyond her formal training and certifications, LA’s personal experiences and continuous professional development inform her practice, enabling her to connect with clients on a deeper level. She is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals, advocating for mental health awareness, and promoting resilience and empowerment within the community.

Areas of Focus:

Eating Disorders
Depression & Anxiety
Vocational Counselling
Return-to-Work Support
Personal Injury Recovery
Custody & Access Matters
Substance Use Concerns
Perinatal Counselling

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Book Your Appointment in Trail

Geoff Purdy, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker - Nelson, Castlegar & Online

Geoff Purdy is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work, brings extensive experience, education and passion to his clinical counselling role. Trained in EFT and Gottman’s Method, he ensures high-level support in couples counselling as well as specialized techniques in supporting those through challenging mental health circumstances. Therapy, to Geoff, is a profound blessing, symbolizing personal growth and transformative change. He eagerly anticipates engaging with others to foster therapeutic relationships, aiming for not only successful but enjoyable therapy.

Having achieved academic milestones and a decade of clinical experience, Geoff is equipped with profound problem-solving skills. Acknowledging familiarity with challenges like anxiety, depression, addiction, and impulse control, he draws from personal experiences to guide others through life’s complexities with knowledge and compassion.

Geoff, as a registered social worker fully trained in supporting couples, adults and teens, emphasizes collaborative work to appreciate differences and strengthen relationships discreetly. He looks forward to meeting individuals and couples, offering expertise and empathy to facilitate positive transformations in their lives.

When not working at the clinic, you can find Geoff riding motorcycles, fishing and spending time maintaining with his family and in his garden.

Areas of Focus:

Depression and Anxiety
Men’s Challenges
Relationship Issues
Stress Management
Substance Use/Dependence
FNHA Coverage

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Book an Appointment in Castlegar or Online

Tami O’Meara, BA, MEd, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar

Please note: Tami is not currently accepting new clients. Please contact our intake team to explore other available counsellors or options that may be a good fit.

Tami is an experienced, supportive, down-to-earth Registered Clinical Counsellor in the Kootenay area who offers in-person and online sessions for a variety of concerns including, but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, stress, life transitions, divorce and separation, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has over 20 years of providing educational, career, personal and crisis counselling to youth and adults within the post-secondary system including students with learning differences, are of Indigenous ancestry, international students, and those with a broad range of mental health concerns.

She believes that each person wants to make the best choices for themselves and sometimes we need some additional support in achieving our goals. Tami will work with you to identify goals and create a therapeutic plan, focusing on your needs. She will walk alongside you as you develop the tools necessary to make positive long-lasting changes.

Being a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Tami also holds a Masters degree of Education in Counselling from the University of Northern British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. She works from a strength-based approach incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and clinical hypnotherapy in her work.

Areas of focus:

Child & Youth
Divorce & Separation
Hear the Child Reports
Anxiety & Depression
Educational and Career counselling
ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorders
Clinical Hypnosis

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Erik Smyth, Practicum Student

Intern - Castlegar & Trail

Erik Smyth is a counselling student with a unique blend of frontline public safety experience and academic depth. Erik grew up in Vancouver, immersed in the region’s cultural and physical landscapes. Growing up, Erik enjoyed hiking, fishing, and volunteering, continuing to do so today. These formative years helped him understand that everyone has a unique outlook, shaped by their life experiences, social circles, and culture. Passionate about helping others, Erik has dedicated his career to public service.

Drawing on 20 years of experience in law enforcement, firefighting, and the army, Erik has developed the ability to navigate pain, trauma, and dynamic situations with a calm, connecting presence. This background has allowed him to quickly build relationships, collaboratively create solutions, and maintain a safe space. Passionate about translating real-world experience into clinical practice, Erik believes that struggles can be overcome through reframing, understanding, validation and positivity. Erik is dedicated to helping clients navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress and relationships.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology, Criminology and is working towards completing his Master’s in Counselling Psychology. Erik brings an evidence-based approach to counselling, utilizing CBT, person-centred therapy, narrative therapy and Gottman’s therapy.

Erik is practicing as an intern under the supervision of Mirrell Desjardins (CCC #100001749)

Areas of Focus include:

Anxiety & Depression
Stress/Burnout
First Responders and Their Families
Relationships and ENM
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Person Centered Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy & CBT
Gottman’s and Narrative Therapy

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-718-9291
Have other questions? Contact Us

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Amy Beedell

Kootenay Community Support

Amy is our Kootenay Community Support and moved to the Kootenays from England half a decade ago. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and working in retail management, Amy decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a primary school teacher. The blend of experience in retail management and elementary school teaching, have both shaped her ability to create a warm, safe and supportive environment for our clients. Amy’s background in retail management has honed her organizational and communication skills. Her experience as an elementary school teacher has enhanced her empathy, patience, and ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

In her role as the Kootenay Community Support, Amy works closely with our team of counsellors to ensure that everything is in place for our counsellors to deliver the best care. Amy is keen about fostering a welcoming and compassionate space for mental health and wellness.

Outside of work, Amy is a mother to her wonderful girl. Amy loves baking, crafts, gardening and is slowly working her way through an ever-growing list of local hikes.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291
Email: [email protected]
Have other questions? Contact Us

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Nicole Ripley, BA Psyc, MC, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor & Founder/Owner

Founder, Clinic Director, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Nicole earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Fremantle, Australia, in 2012. She is the visionary Founder of the OK Clinical Therapy Group, a company she has nurtured from its inception to address the ongoing need for accessible, high-quality mental health services within our communities. Nicole has established a social enterprise that fosters a supportive environment for counsellors to thrive while providing clients with access to funding and a safe, beautiful, and judgment-free space for counselling. At the core of her organization lies a dedication to community mental health, safety and accessibility.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, she is skilled in working with complex trauma, PTSD and mental health concerns. Nicole is passionate about her work with children and families experiencing difficulties after divorce and separation. She helps families navigate healthy ways forward after experiencing traumatic or unwanted changes within their family unit. Nicole offers Hear the Child reports, for families and for court purposes where necessary. Within these reports, she interviews children to learn about their needs and desires during their parents difficult separation process.

Nicole has worked as a Traumatologist around the world in Asia, Africa and Australia, assisting individuals to overcome personal adversity and struggle with their difficult environments and mental health challenges. Nicole has worked with indigenous children living in remote parts of North-Western Australia. She has worked with children recovering from human trafficking in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nicole has worked extensively with PTSD and management of major stress, depression and anxiety. She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR and mindfulness-based practices into her work.

Outside of her work in the mental health field, Nicole enjoys her mountain life in the Kootenay region where she lives with the three little loves of her life, her adventurous spouse and two very active boys.

Areas of Focus:

Trauma/PTSD
Depression & Anxiety
Family Separation
Children of Divorce
Relationships & Sexuality

*Not accepting new clients*

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

RCC#10535

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Nathan Hayward

Director: Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships

Nathan Hayward is one of the Directors at OK Clinical Therapy Group, supporting Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships. He plays a central role in expanding access to mental health services through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and systems-level collaboration.

Born and raised in the Okanagan, Nathan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling and supplementary certificates in leadership, community development, marketing and business. Nathan also brings over a decade of experience across human services, non-profits, school districts, and community-based organizations. His work is informed by a strong understanding of how organizational systems, accessibility, and relationships shape meaningful access to care.

In his role, Nathan develops and manages organizational and corporate partnerships, supports contract-based counselling programs, and collaborates closely with clinical and administrative leadership to ensure services are operationally sound, ethical, and sustainable. He also contributes to marketing and public-facing initiatives, helps design referral and intake pathways, and supports digital systems that improve client access and experience.

Known for his collaborative, solutions-focused approach, Nathan serves as a key point of connection for organizations, referral partners, and individuals seeking to engage with OK Clinical. He supports cross-team communication and problem-solving, helping bridge strategy, operations, and community impact.

Nathan is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and welcomes conversations around partnerships, referrals, and community initiatives.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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