Hi! I’m Claire, a passionate couple, family, and overall relationship-oriented therapist meeting you on unceded Sinixt land in Nelson BC. I earned my Master of Social Work from UBC’s Okanagan Campus in August 2025, having focused my nearly 1000 clinical practicum hours on working with couples. After completing advanced training in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for both romantic relationships and families, I aim to hone these skills by supporting you and your loved one(s) in the (e-)counselling room. As an EFT therapist I’m not a coach telling you what to do or making you feel “unskilled” at relationships. Rather, I’m walking right alongside you, gently guiding you and your partner(s) or family through life-changing experiences. By practicing, together in sessions, giving voice to the things that can be challenging to communicate to others, we can find increased understanding, connection, and direction for your relationship(s). Please feel free to connect with me over a free phone or video call if you have any questions about what our work will look like, or visit ICEEFT.com for more about this gold-standard approach.

A little more about me: My path to this work has been far from linear! I grew up doing school and sports on unceded Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe land in Toronto. While pursuing a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience (2009-2013) in rural upstate New York, I became interested in small-scale sustainable agriculture and herbalism, eventually leading me to northern California and, of course, the Kootenays. My late-20s goals of becoming a professional Chef brought me to the Slocan Valley, northern BC, and the south Okanagan - at which point my own mental health challenges pointed me to yet another career change and ultimately committing to this truly purposeful and fulfilling profession. Sports, and growing and sharing food are still my preferred ways of connecting with people and land when I’m not working.

Hi! I’m Claire, a passionate couple, family, and overall relationship-oriented therapist meeting ... Read More

As a Registered Social Worker, I specialize in supporting youth and adults through life’s challenges using evidence-based approaches. Over the past three years, I’ve been providing mental health assessment and treatment services in Fernie and the surrounding Elk Valley region. My practice is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and a client-centered approach, with experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and neurodivergent conditions.

I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University (2019) and a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia Okanagan (2022). My background includes nearly a decade of facilitating group programs that integrated mindfulness, CBT, and martial arts for youth at the Child Development Institute in Toronto. Today, I’m proud to be part of the Kootenay Virtual Clinic, where I lead services focused on boys’ and men’s mental health across the region.

In addition to general mental health support, I offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)—a structured, short-term, and highly effective treatment for chronic sleep difficulties. CBT-I helps clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors around sleep, improve sleep hygiene, and develop healthier sleep patterns. As a trained CBT-I provider, I tailor this therapy to each client’s needs, helping them regain restorative sleep without relying on medication.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about kayaking, martial arts, and spending time in nature. I’m also an assistant instructor at the local jiu-jitsu club in Fernie, where I enjoy building community and resilience through movement.

Reach out today to discuss Clinical Counselling Services with me.

As a Registered Social Worker, I specialize in supporting youth and adults through life’s challen... Read More

Hello! I’m Lia Kay, Clinical Director/CEO of Kootenay Virtual Clinic. I’m thrilled to be back in the Kootenays with my family after completing my studies at UBC Okanagan. For most of my life, I lived in the Beaver Valley, graduating from J.L. Crowe, and playing sports throughout the region.

As a therapist, I specialize in Complex and Childhood Trauma, Anxiety/Mood disorders, Neurodivergence, and 2SLBGTQIA+ Mental Health. I’ve worked with Indigenous youth, neurodivergent children, and queer communities in both clinical and nonprofit settings — and I’m committed to supporting healing and growth for all.

Starting at Selkirk College in 2014, I developed a passion for mental health assessment and treatment. While completing 2 degrees at UBC Okanagan (2016 - 2021), I became recognized as a Top Indigenous Researcher in Health and Mental Health, receiving prestigious awards such as BC’s Graduate Scholarship and the Irving K. Barber Indigenous Masters Studies Award.

In 2021, I entered the Master of Clinical Social Work program while working as a counsellor at the Okanagan Indian Band. This furthered my specialization in mental health assessment and treatment in rural communities. Since then, I have become a Registered Social Worker (#16623), allowing me to assess and treat complex mental health disorders. Shortly, I will complete my licensing requirements to provide DSM-5 Diagnoses.

Today, my passion lies in developing mental health programs and services for rural communities while continuing my clinical practice. I believe we all deserve access to high-quality, affordable mental health programs and services, regardless of where we live.

I started Kootenay Virtual Clinic with one simple mission: to provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible mental health services to community members throughout the Kootenay Boundary.

Hello! I’m Lia Kay, Clinical Director/CEO of Kootenay Virtual Clinic. I’m thrilled to be back in ... Read More

Hi, I’m Rena Kundu (she/her), a Clinical Counsellor specializing in child and youth mental health. With over a decade of experience supporting young people through complex life challenges—such as trauma, addiction, family conflict, identity exploration, and emotional overwhelm—I offer a safe, affirming space where people can feel seen, heard, and supported.

I meet children and youth where they’re at—whether through play, story, movement, or creative expression. Healing takes many forms; it can emerge through art, breath, or within moments of healthy connection.

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed and relational care. I draw on narrative therapy, somatic practices, EMDR, mindfulness, and DBT-informed tools to support emotional regulation, resilience, and self-understanding. I’m committed to creating safer spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and honouring neurodiversity, cultural identity, and the many ways young people make sense of their world.

Hi, I’m Rena Kundu (she/her), a Clinical Counsellor specializing in child and youth mental health... Read More