Meet the Team
Kessa Schroeder
CCPCP-Rcan
Kessa has spent the last 20 years working with yoga and movement therapeutics. Her experience working with all demographics has given her a sense of what it means to connect with everyone uniquely. She understands everyone is different and uses an integrated style to adapt to specific needs. You can expect an authentic, caring quality from Kessa.
Kessa graduated from the Kelowna College of Professional Counselling with Honours, obtaining her Diploma in Applied Psychology specializing in Professional Counselling. Her focus class was Child & Youth Counselling, emphasis on Play Therapy.
She completed her practicum with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Crisis Intervention and The Shuswap Family Center in Community Counselling. Kessa is expanding her practice at Vernon Counselling to include individuals, couples, youth and families. When Kessa is not at Vernon Counselling, you can find her as Intensive Family Preservation Worker at the center and tending to her loving family.
Josh Nygren
RPC-C
Josh is a dedicated clinical counsellor at Vernon Counselling, with a passion for helping individuals achieve their mental health goals. He's excited to be a part of your journey towards personal growth and holistic well-being.
Josh graduated from the Kelowna College of Professional Counselling, obtaining a Diploma in Applied Psychology: Specialization in Professional Counselling. His approach to counselling is integrative, drawing from various therapeutic theories and modalities to create a unique and effective approach tailored to your needs.
Josh’s top priority is to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can feel valued and heard. Building a strong therapeutic alliance is essential, and he aims to foster trust and authenticity in his sessions. This atmosphere of trust enables you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly, knowing you are supported and understood every step of the way. Whether you're facing life's challenges, seeking personal growth, or navigating difficult emotions, Josh is here to accompany you on your journey towards a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Niquita Eng
CCPCP-Rcan
Meet Niquita, your dynamic ally in the journey to holistic well-being. With over 15 years of firsthand experience in full-body wellness, Niquita understands the undeniable link between physical and mental well-being. This realization ignited her passion for Psychoeducation, leading her to graduate with Honors from Kelowna College of Professional Counselling, earning a specialized Diploma in Applied Psychology.
In the therapeutic space, Niquita brings a personalized touch, adopting a solution-focused therapy style. She believes in unlocking the inherent strengths within each client, drawing from all techniques and styles she’s learned to best suit the clients’ unique needs for meaningful and positive change. Niquita creates a collaborative and empowering atmosphere, where your autonomy is respected and valued. This genuine, multifaceted approach reflects Niquita’s authentic connection with clients. This allows her to facilitate sessions with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, symptoms of ADHD, mid-life crisis, body dysmorphia, negative self-image, unhealthy relationships with food, and communication challenges amongst couples.
Lauren Howard
MA, MC, CCC
Lauren has spent more than 10 years supporting clients recovering from childhood and adult traumatic experiences, C-PTSD, and work-related trauma. Lauren also has experience working with outreach and front line employees, the LGBTQ+ community and has a unique understanding of the challenges that these populations face, including burnout, stress and vicarious trauma. After training in eating disorder treatment centers in California, Lauren has continued to work towards broadening her work and developing an eclectic and dynamic approach including aspects of CBT, DBT, neuropsychology and EMDR.
As a certified EMDR therapist, Lauren focuses on emotional and physical recovery from trauma symptoms, anxiety and depression from an attachment-focused lens. Lauren uses EMDR because she is consistently amazed by the changes she sees in clients, especially when they have been trying therapy over and over without getting the healing that they are looking for. Lauren builds relationships with her clients through her compassionate approach, supporting them in finding their own strengths and moving towards their goals. She believes that the body really does keep the score, and that recovery is possible.
Tina Comeau
BPE, MTC
Tina received her first degree in Physical Education, with a minor in psychology, and later went on to receive an Honours Diploma in Applied Psychology and Counselling. It was her dream to become a psychologist, as she has always been passionate about helping others and listening. Through her years of coaching, guiding and parenting, she has formed a strong foundation for her counselling career.
Tina is an experienced counsellor and just received her Master Therapeutic Counsellor designation. Although she specializes in CBT, she has a very integrated approach. Tina is a registered member of the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada, and has a very flexible schedule to adapt to the needs of her clients.
Please note that as of March 15th, 2024, Tina will only be doing online sessions.
