Caitlyn Bickerton is a registered clinical counsellor based in Secwepcúl’ecw, where she is deeply honored to serve the community. With over a decade of experience, she has had the privilege of working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own strengths, abilities, and challenges.

Caitlyn’s approach to counselling is holistic and person-centered, focusing on building meaningful relationships and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for growth and healing. She is committed to a trauma-informed framework, ensuring that each client feels heard, respected, and understood.

Caitlyn holds a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on counselling and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and has completed Level One Synergetic Play Therapy training, incorporating neuroscience techniques into her practice. Caityn’s therapeutic toolkit includes modalities such as EMDR, Somatic Processing, Internal Family Systems, and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy. She is also trained in suicide prevention and life promotion, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Adolescent Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy.

Throughout Caitlyn’s career, she has supported individuals navigating a range of challenges, including intergenerational and complex trauma, Autism, anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, conflict resolution, and grief and loss. Her mission is to provide a compassionate space where clients can explore their experiences, heal, and grow.

Outside of her professional life, Caitlyn enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, running (slowly), and practicing hot yoga.

Caitlyn Bickerton is a registered clinical counsellor based in Secwepcúl’ecw, where she is deeply... Read More

Vicki Farnell is a therapist at Lighthouse Therapy in Kamloops, BC. She is passionate about working with birthing people, parents and adults to support understanding and healing. Vicki’s practice combines many theoretical frameworks to best suit the needs of the client and family. She works holistically, recognizing and supporting the benefits of integrating left and right brain experiences and somatic energies. Vicki’s practice is rooted in the ideas of attachment and connection.

In addition to being a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Vicki has completed her post-graduate certificate in Complex Trauma through the Justice Institute of BC. It was within this program that Vicki recognized her passion for helping childhood trauma survivors validate, work through and heal from the experiences that they had. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and uses this tool to support folks who are struggling with PTSD or C-PTSD. She works with the client to allow them to guide their healing while providing supportive strategies and nudges forward.

Vicki has extensive experience working with parent-child dyads to support and develop the relationships between parents and child. She works with parents of all ages to encourage them to understand their child differently, recognize their own triggers and integrate these things to “level up” their parenting; helping them better understand the function and dysfunction of attachment systems. Vicki is trained in Modified Interaction Guidance, Connect Parenting, and Circle of Security. She has combined what she knows to create a parenting education program to provide parents with the best of the best when it comes to parenting knowledge. She hopes that with greater understanding and better communication, families can begin to come together and be each others’ support system in times of stress. Vicki believes we can always repair relationships with a bit of vulnerability and a whole lot of learning.

Kamloops Play Therapy for Children.jpg Vicki is passionate about working with birthing people and their supports to help provide care and healing for those struggling with pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders as well as those who have experienced birth trauma. She has taken additional training from Postpartum Support International, Pacific Postpartum Support Society and Canadian Perinatal Mental Health. As a mom of two, Vicki understands the intensity of the early parenting experience and the challenges that can come up for families during this time.

Vicki has experience working with folks who are struggling with a range of Mental Health challenges including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance misuse, trauma, self-harm, suicide and family relationships. She approaches each client with kindness and understanding, recognizing that the client is the narrator in their story. She will meet you where you are at and encourage you to take a step forward to meet your goal. Vicki validates all emotions and hopes to assist clients to increase their emotional intelligence through mindfulness and reflection. Vicki has a special interest, and experience working with members of the LGTBQ2S community.

In her spare times, Vicki is an avid gardener and hiker. She finds calmness in being outside with her family: enjoying nature, sitting by a campfire or wandering through the forest. She enjoys community events and advocating for those who need support. Vicki is outgoing, calm and thoughtful.

Vicki is an approved provider for First Nations Health Authority and is available for sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. She is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC).

Vicki Farnell is a therapist at Lighthouse Therapy in Kamloops, BC. She is passionate about work... Read More

Jennifer (she/her pronouns) is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree and post-graduate Certificate in Trauma, both from Wilfrid Laurier University. Jennifer has participated extensively in ongoing professional development, having completed training and workshops in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, Expressive Art Therapy, DBT for Adolescents and Families, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Indigenous Cultural Safety, Motivational Interviewing, Sexual Violence Prevention for Children and Youth, and AMBIANCE-brief to assess parental attachment behaviours.

Jennifer has worked with children, youth, and families since 2015 and she has experience working with children and youth of all ages, including those that are neurodivergent. Jennifer uses a compassionate and empathetic relational approach when working with people in distress. She enjoys offering support, education, and wholistic wellness for children, youth, and adults who are struggling with mental health distress, with a focus on issues of toxic stress and complex trauma. She enjoys finding creative and expressive means to engage and relate to people and to develop therapeutic relationships premised on trust and safety. Jennifer utilizes a trauma-informed, attachment-based, and empowering theoretical framework in her counselling practice.

As an uninvited settler on the traditional and unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc peoples, reconciliation is another important aspect of her practice. Jennifer has experience working with Indigenous peoples, particularly with respect to issues of gendered violence and trauma. Jennifer is an approved mental health service provider for the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) health benefits programs.

In her spare time, you will likely find Jennifer at a field watching her children play sports, on one of the many fabulous running and biking trails in Kamloops, or camping lakeside with a book in hand.

Jennifer (she/her pronouns) is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree and... Read More

Alanna is a counsellor and educator based in the Kamloops region, situated on the traditional, unceded territory of the Secwépemc people. With over eight years of experience as a secondary school teacher and additional work in recreational programs for younger children, Alanna brings a deep understanding of the developmental needs of youth ages 5–18.

Alanna’s approach to working with young people is person-centered and grounded in the therapeutic relationship. She draws on attachment theory and principles of nervous system regulation to create a foundation of safety, trust, and connection. Whether in the classroom or counselling space, her focus is on helping youth make sense of experiences and emotions that may feel overwhelming or difficult to process. She brings curiosity, flexibility, and a strengths-based approach, honoring each young person’s lived experience.

Alanna holds a Bachelor of Education as well as a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Her dual perspective as both an educator and a counsellor strengthens her ability to support the emotional and mental well-being of her clients. Alanna is passionate about fostering resilience and self-understanding, and she believes in the power of supportive relationships to promote healing and growth.

Outside of her professional work, Alanna enjoys being with her family and friends, and exercising. She loves learning new sports and hobbies and is always seeking an opportunity to try something new.

Alanna is currently in the process of obtaining her Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) designation. While her services are not yet eligible for reimbursement through extended health benefits, she offers sessions at a reduced rate of $100 per session during this time.

Alanna is a counsellor and educator based in the Kamloops region, situated on the traditional, un... Read More

Amanda Neystrong (she/her) is a Master of Counselling student at City University, currently completing her clinical internship. With nearly two decades of experience supporting youth and families through her work as a social worker and counsellor, Amanda brings warmth, insight, and dedication to her practice. People often describe Amanda as approachable, down-to-earth, and deeply empathetic. Her priority is creating a space where you feel safe, seen, and understood. This will be a space where your story matters, and where healing and growth can unfold at your pace.

Walking alongside parents and caregivers is Amanda’s passion within the counselling field. She understands specific challenges and how isolating it can feel to support a child who is neurodivergent, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or experiencing mental health or substance use concerns. Her approach centres around supporting caregivers to feel more grounded, connected, and confident in their parenting journey.

Amanda also enjoys working directly with teenagers, offering a genuine and non-judgmental presence that builds trust and connection. In addition, she supports individuals and couples navigating fertility struggles, family building, or the complex emotions of trying to conceive, offering a blend of professional expertise and heartfelt understanding.

Her counselling style is person-centered, strength-based, integrative, and trauma-informed, drawing from approaches that honour your individual strengths and lived experience. Amanda has received specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, substance use, and San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, and she is currently working toward her Registered Social Worker (RSW) designation.

Amanda is grateful to live, work, and play on the unceded and traditional territory of the Secwépemc Nation. She is committed to ongoing learning and growth in the areas of cultural humility, equity, and safety in her practice. Amanda cherishes time with her family and can often be found soaking up the outdoors - whether camping, exploring near the water, or enjoying a beach day together.

Amanda Neystrong (she/her) is a Master of Counselling student at City University, currently compl... Read More

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Tia Stanley (She/Her) Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. She passionate about working with young children, helping them navigate big feelings like anxiety, depression, anger, and trauma through play therapy. Play is a child’s natural way of making sense of the world, and Tia creates a safe, supportive space where they can express themselves, build emotional regulation skills, and feel understood. She also work closely with families, helping them strengthen connections and continue healing beyond sessions.

Tia’s approach is trauma-informed, attachment-based, and rooted in cultural humility. She has specialized training in Synergetic Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, and CBT, along with experience supporting children and youth with FASD, those facing intimate partner violence, and those impacted by intergenerational trauma. Tia is currently working toward becoming an approved mental health services provider with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).

Tia is a grateful, though uninvited, guest on the traditional, unceded territory of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. With Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, Chinese, and settler roots, she brings a multifaceted lens to her work and is deeply committed to reconciliation and culturally responsive care.

When Tia is not in the playroom, you’ll find her adventuring around Kamloops with her tiny dog, Arthur, snowboarding, biking, hiking, camping, or soaking up live music with friends.

Session fee: $150 per 50-minute session. Tia offers sessions on alternating Fridays and Saturdays

Tia Stanley (She/Her) Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier ... Read More

MEET THERAPIST ###MEGAN UMPHRESS Megan Umphress is a therapist at Lighthouse Therapy, working primarily with children using Play Therapy.

Her job is playing with kids, how great is that? She is amazed that every day she gets to meet with kids who are struggling and find ways to help them navigate their world and make sense of how it all works. Through play children communicate, invent, and test things out. It is their safe way of discovering themselves and connecting with the world. Through play Megan helps to increase emotional regulation and reduce outbursts and overwhelm. She also helps the important people in their life understand them better, so healing continues outside the playroom.

Alongside her work at Lighthouse Therapy Megan is creating a community called Adaptive Parenting (adaptive-parenting.com), and she teaches the odd course at Thompson Rivers University in the Social Work Department. At home she is Mom to a teen boy and a sweet, fluffy, white dog. This ragamuffin crew, along with her patient husband, fill her world with laughter and love. It is because of them she is able to do her work and follow her passion.

Megan has been working at Lighthouse Therapy since May 2019. After working with children and families in social services for 8 years Megan changed her focus and began working exclusively for children and youth with mental health concerns. She holds a Masters degree in Social Work from UBC Okanagan and is a Registered Social Worker. A school junkie, Megan loves to learn. You will often find her reading about therapeutic interventions or dreaming of her next academic foray. When the sun is shining you will find Megan camping out at a lake with her family in her kayak or on her paddle board.

Megan is the owner of Illuminate Counselling and Consulting and works in contract with Lighthouse Therapy Ltd.

MEET THERAPIST ###MEGAN UMPHRESS Megan Umphress is a therapist at Lighthouse Therapy, working pri... Read More