Find the therapist that best suits your needs.
Our team
Therapist, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Melanie Bennett, RCC
Melanie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree focused in Anthropology and Indigenous Studies. Melanie has experience and a passion for working with youth and adults who struggle with addictions, anxiety, depression, self-harm, trauma, neurodivergence, self-esteem, and self-worth. Knowing the path to healing can lead to incredible outcomes, Melanie is committed to meeting clients where they are at while supporting them on their journey to mental health wellness and resilience.
Melanie employs a socially just and culturally sensitive perspective in working with clients, especially those who are socially disadvantaged, LGBTQ2SIA+, First Nations and Indigenous. Melanie is client-centered, which involves utilizing curiosity, feedback, and unconditional positive regard to honor the unique experiences of each client and create a therapeutic space of non-judgment and acceptance. In addition, Melanie’s holistic approach encompasses emotional, mental, relational and spiritual aspects of your life to understand the experiences that shape how you view your triumphs and struggles. Melanie’s journey to being a mental health professional was a personal one. The experience of working with her own counsellors through pain, loss, and healing has shaped her own empathetic, non-judgmental, and warm approach. Melanie understands that reaching out for help can feel vulnerable or uncomfortable. She wants you to know that she sees your struggle and you are not alone.
Melanie’s eclectic approach to counselling includes utilizing different treatment modalities, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Solutions-Focused Therapy (SFT), Trauma-Informed systems approach, Neuropsychology, and Strengths-based treatment. When not working, Melanie loves spending time with her immediate and extended family. Her passions include gardening, going for nature walks, reading, and exploring the ocean and beaches of the west coast.
Core Areas of Focus:
anxiety/depression
addiction
grief and loss
parenting
trauma
Contact: 587-578-6352
Email: Melanie@lakesideclinical.ca
Therapist, Clinical Social Worker
Katie Keegan, MSW, RSW
Katie holds a master's degree in clinical social work from the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, and is a Registered Social Worker. She is deeply passionate about supporting individuals of all ages in overcoming life's challenges with empathy and insight. With over 14 years of experience in social work and counselling, Katie brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.
Specializing in child, youth, and family-specific concerns, Katie has dedicated her career to nurturing the well-being of young people and their families. Her extensive training in somatic experiencing, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides her with a diverse toolkit to address a broad spectrum of issues.
Katie has extensive training and experience helping individuals navigating the emotional complexities grief, loss, and major life transitions. She helps clients process feelings of sorrow, anger, confusion, and guilt, and creates a safe, empathetic space for people to express their pain without judgment.
Katie is also an expert in perinatal counselling, which allows her to offer invaluable support to individuals and couples navigating fertility, pregnancy, postpartum mood disorders and depression, and infant loss. Her compassionate approach and specialized training in this area create a nurturing environment for those grappling with perinatal challenges. Additionally, Katie possesses extensive experience assisting individuals with parenting challenges, grief and loss, health concerns, and life transitions.
Katie believes in fostering collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationships, where clients feel heard, validated, and supported on their journey toward healing and growth. With her guidance and expertise, clients can find solace, strength, and resilience as they navigate life's complexities, ultimately moving toward greater well-being and fulfillment.
Core Areas of Focus:
pregnancy and perinatal counselling
grief and loss
children and teens
parenting
relationships/couples counselling
Contact: 250-826-5377
Email: Katie@lakeclinical.ca
Therapist, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Carolyn Kingsley, RCC
Carolyn holds a masters degree in mental health counselling from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and is registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. With more than 10 years of experience, Carolyn has a passion for helping individuals heal from trauma (big or small), navigate major life changes, and develop a more secure sense of self.
Carolyn has trained in a variety of modalities, including trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), crisis counselling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). By incorporating a tailored approach, Carolyn works with clients to explore why issues exist, manage the symptoms, and build strength for the future.
Carolyn’s approach is warm and non-judgmental, with an emphasis on helping clients to feel validated and better able to trust their own gut instincts. Her goal is to help you establish peace with your past, let go of any guilt or fear that might be holding you back, and move forward as your most authentic self. You don’t have to feel stuck any longer.
Core areas of focus:
trauma
identity/sense of self
depression
anxiety
major life changes
Email: Carolyn@lakesideclinical.ca
Phone: 778-392-7795
Therapist, Clinical Social Worker
Jessica Alderliesten, MSW, RSW
Jessica holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, and is a Registered Social Worker. She has completed extensive post degree coursework in Family Mediation and Divorce/Separation through the Justice Institute of BC. Jessica works with both children and adults dealing with a wide range of emotional difficulties including depression, anxiety, personal and work-related stress, parenting, and relationship challenges. She is especially passionate about helping families through difficult life transitions such as divorce and separation. She can help parents to act in the best interests of the children as they navigate conflict, restructure the family system, and implement co-parenting plans.
Jessica strives to ensure you feel heard, supported, and empowered to heal and grow in the ways that matter most to you. Her aim is to provide a safe relationship where clients can explore options, gain insight, and obtain strategies to move forward in a positive way. She is gentle, empathetic, and client-centered. Jessica applies a variety of
approaches including the Gottman Method, Family Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Motivational Interviewing techniques.
Core Areas of Focus
separation, divorce, and co-parenting
children and teens
anxiety
depression
conflict and communication
Phone: 250-826-5377
Email: Jessica@lakesideclinical.ca
Indigenous Advocate
Sadie Bedard
Sadie Bedard is an Indigenous advocate with a diverse background in addressing social issues and promoting well-being. Sadie's journey is marked by her commitment to serving marginalized communities, particularly individuals experiencing homelessness and those impacted by substance use. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Indigenous Studies from the University of British Columbia, Sadie has cultivated a deep understanding of the intersecting factors influencing human behavior and societal structures.
Throughout her career, Sadie has been actively involved in harm reduction initiatives, mental health support, and health education. Her experience extends beyond academic knowledge, as she has dedicated herself to practical engagement and community empowerment. Sadie has worked in various roles, teaching harm reduction strategies, providing case management, and providing essential support to vulnerable populations.
Sadie brings her dedication to amplifying Indigenous voices and advocating for their rights to her consultation role at Lakeside Clinical Counselling. With her expertise in working with Indigenous communities and her adept navigation of complex support systems, Sadie provides invaluable guidance to both the clinic and its clients, collaborating with the clinic's team to ensure culturally sensitive and effective practices.
Contact: 250-826-5377
Email: info@lakesideclinical.ca