Originally from the Netherlands and rooted in Fernie for over a decade, I am deeply committed to supporting the wellbeing of this community I love and am fortunate enough to call home.

My path into counselling has been shaped through work in victim services, youth care work, fitness coaching, and many years of volunteer involvement. These experiences have shown me both the beauty and the challenges within our community, and strengthened my belief in connection, prevention, and compassionate support. My time in victim services shaped me profoundly as a counsellor and as a person. It taught me that I am not afraid to sit with the hard things in life; grief, trauma, uncertainty, and moments when life feels overwhelming or unfair. I have seen firsthand the resilience people carry, even in their most difficult chapters.

My own life journey has also shaped my perspective. Moving within my country at a young age, immigrating to Canada in my twenties, and navigating family changes and experiences of ambiguous loss have deepened my empathy for the complexity of being human. I understand how transitions, loss, and unmet expectations can impact our sense of belonging and identity.

I work with individuals (8+), couples, families, LGBTQ2+ individuals, and neurodiverse folks; navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, suicidality, family conflict, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

My style is direct, genuine, and compassionate. I bring curiosity, warmth, and sometimes a quirky laugh into the room. I won’t shy away from gently challenging you, but our therapeutic relationship will always guide the work we do together. I take a holistic approach that honors the mind–body connection and recognizes the strengths each person already carries.

At the heart of my practice is a passion for community and a belief that everyone deserves a space where they can show up exactly as they are, and feel seen, heard, and supported.

Originally from the Netherlands and rooted in Fernie for over a decade, I am deeply committed to ... Read More

My path into counselling has been a little different than most. Before this work, I spent years in rugged, high-pressure environments across mining, forestry, ski patrol, avalanche operations, first aid, and wilderness guiding. I’ve worked in places where people are expected to keep going, stay capable, and push through, even when stress has been building for a long time.

That lived experience shapes how I show up as a counsellor. I understand demanding workplace cultures, shift and camp life, critical incidents, toxic dynamics, and what it can feel like when chronic stress starts to affect your body, relationships, and sense of self. I also know that many people do not realize how much they have been carrying until things finally catch up with them.

I’ve been there.

My approach is person-centered, grounded, and practical. I want therapy to feel real and useful, not overly clinical or detached. I aim to create a space where people can talk openly, feel understood, and build tools they can actually use in everyday life. I can be direct when it is helpful, while still moving at your pace.

I work with adults (19+) who may be navigating burnout, anxiety, stress, workplace conflict, toxic work environments, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, ADHD-related challenges, or the lingering impact of high-pressure roles and critical incidents.

I also work with youth ages 16–18. My experience guiding wilderness canoe trips and supporting students at Fernie Secondary School has deepened my appreciation for the pressures young people carry and how important it is to offer support that feels safe, genuine, and approachable. I care deeply about supporting youth in this community in whatever capacity they need.

I also work with couples who feel stuck in patterns of miscommunication, conflict, or disconnection. I understand how relationships are impacted by high-stress jobs, shift work, or time apart. I offer practical support to rebuild connection.

Outside of counselling, I’m happiest outdoors. I’m a self-proclaimed comedian, a black coffee lover, and an elite-level leisure athlete. I’m also known to bring a questionable amount of Mini Eggs on adventures and to maintain full-throttle Leafs optimism, which, honestly, might be one of my greatest emotional endurance skills.

PLEASE NOTE, Sam works with children aged 14+. If you book for a child younger than 14, we will reach out to reschedule you with another practitioner.

My path into counselling has been a little different than most. Before this work, I spent years i... Read More

Hi, I’m Karen! I hold a Master of Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University (2015). I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC).

I’ve been working in the counselling field since 2008. At Caledonia Counselling, I see individuals, couples, and families. I also provide clinical supervision for counsellors. I bring additional experience from my work in school-based counselling, which has given me a strong foundation in supporting youth and families.

I support people with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, parenting, family conflict, life transitions, and grief and loss. My approach is flexible and collaborative. I draw from different counselling models to find what works best for you. I believe that a strong, supportive relationship is at the heart of meaningful change.

On a personal note, I live in Fernie with my husband and three children. Like many people, I know what it’s like to juggle the demands of work, family, and everyday life. Sometimes feeling like I’m thriving, and other times just getting through.

I’m here to offer a supportive, non-judgmental space, whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk things through with.

KAREN IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. ANY NEW CLIENTS WHO BOOK WILL BE CONTACTED TO DISCUSS ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS.

Hi, I’m Karen! I hold a Master of Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University (2015). I’m ... Read More