Guided by Integrity – Rooted in Empathy

I work with people at pivotal moments—relationship changes, personal growth, and life transitions—offering dignity-driven counselling rooted in connection, intuition, and community.

In a time marked by loneliness, anxiety, addiction, and emotional exhaustion, I help children, youth, adults, and families reconnect with themselves and with one another. My work centres on helping people meet their lives with dignity, curiosity, and courage—whether they’re navigating big emotions, facing fears, or longing for a deeper sense of connection.

With over 15 years of experience, I support clients through trauma, grief, relational strain, emotional regulation challenges, neurodivergence, and the developmental transitions that shape identity across the lifespan. My approach is steady, warm, and deeply relational. I believe people heal when they feel seen—not managed, rushed, or judged.

My Play-Based Approach

For children and youth, I use a play-based, sensory-aware, relational style which means:

• Creating a safe space where children express feelings through movement, art, sand, story, and imagination.

• Helping them connect their inner world with their outer world—making sense of big emotions in ways that feel natural, playful, and empowering.

• Strengthening emotional regulation, communication, confidence, and resilience through experiential, developmentally attuned activities.

This approach not only supports emotional growth—it often transforms family dynamics, easing tension at home and helping parents understand what their child is truly experiencing beneath the surface.

School-Based Expertise

In my current role as a K–12 school counsellor, I collaborate closely with students, families, teachers, and support teams. This keeps me grounded in the real, everyday challenges children and youth face—social pressure, sensory stress, learning differences, anxiety, and the overwhelming pace of modern life. It also deepens my commitment to accessible, trauma-informed, community-rooted care.

Areas of Focus

• Play-based counselling for emotion regulation, behaviour, confidence, & communication.

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) — sensory needs, communication strategies, social supports.

• Anxiety — grounding, coping tools, confidence-building.

• Friendships & social connection — belonging, conflict resolution, relational skills.

• Family dynamics & parent support.

• Life transitions, identity development, and career crossroads.

• Trauma, grief, and loss.

• Loneliness, addiction, and emotional overwhelm.

• ADHD & neurodivergent support.

• Resilience, self-awareness, and emotional development across all ages.

Clients often describe me as intuitive, calm, and deeply present—someone who holds complexity with dignity and helps make sense of what feels overwhelming. Whether I’m supporting a child who’s struggling at school, a teen navigating identity, an adult facing change, or a family working toward healthier patterns, my work centers on connection, clarity, and the courage to build a full, authentic life.

Guided by Integrity – Rooted in Empathy I work with people at pivotal moments—relationship chang... Read More

Helen is a dedicated and experienced counsellor and teacher with a passion for supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges.

With over 25 years in the helping profession, she has worked extensively in both public and post-secondary education, as well as in private practice for the past eight years. Her experience as a school counsellor in elementary and high school settings has given her deep insight into the unique struggles faced by children, adolescents, and their families.

Currently, Helen is focused on expanding her private practice, where she provides compassionate, client-centered support to both youth and adults. She specializes in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and empowered. Additionally, she has extensive experience assisting those navigating complex systems and advocating for their needs.

Helen believes that individuals do not have to face life’s challenges alone. If anyone is feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of their next steps, she is there to support them. Together, they can explore experiences, uncover strengths, and find a path forward that feels right. If someone is ready to take the first step, reaching out to Helen would be an opportunity to walk alongside a dedicated professional on their journey.

Helen is a dedicated and experienced counsellor and teacher with a passion for supporting individ... Read More

At Safe and Sound, Telka is committed to a person-centered therapeutic approach that combines the best of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques.

Here, you’ll find a supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and relationships in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Whether you’re seeking guidance in co-parenting or striving to connect more deeply with your partner, Telka is here to empower you and help you find clarity.

With a solid foundation built on her degrees in Sociology and Social Work from Laurier and Waterloo Universities, Telka brings a wealth of knowledge and years of hands-on experience working with children, youth, teens, and families. Having embraced the beauty and community of Kelowna for the past two years, Telka is not just passionate about the great outdoors—hiking, skiing, and pilates—she’s dedicated to helping you thrive within your own life journey.

Telka, your strategic ally at Safe and Sound Therapeutics. With a commitment to professionalism and excellence, Telka embodies our clinic’s values of integrity and empathy, providing you with expert guidance anchored in evidence-based practices. We invite you to take the first step towards transformative healing and wellness by scheduling your appointment today.

Join her in crafting a healthy, balanced life. The journey to your best self starts here, in alignment with our clinic’s mission of excellence and care. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards transformation!

At Safe and Sound, Telka is committed to a person-centered therapeutic approach that combines the... Read More

Brittany is currently on Maternity Leave until December 2025

Brittany is a Registered Clinical Counsellor.

She is a counsellor and new mom, passionate about supporting individuals, children, and families through life’s challenges—especially the transition into parenthood. She believes that healing happens in connection. Her approach is non-judgmental, client-centered, and grounded in empathy, offering space to explore the full range of emotions that can arise from parenting, identity shifts, and overwhelm.

Rooted in a person-centered therapeutic approach, she views each client as the expert of their own life and believes that everyone has an innate capacity for growth and healing. By creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative space, she seeks to empower clients to connect with their inner strengths, discover new perspectives, and move toward the changes that feel right for them.

She received her Master’s in Counselling from Gonzaga University in 2023 and feels honoured to walk alongside clients as they define goals that feel meaningful, manageable, and aligned with where they are in their journey.

Brittany is currently on Maternity Leave until December 2025 Brittany is a Registered Clinical C... Read More

Lisa Harder, Registered Psychologist (She/Her)

Serving Kelowna, BC and all of British Columbia with Online and In-Person Counselling & Assessments

Lisa Harder is a Registered Psychologist with over a decade of experience offering counselling and psychological services across a wide range of clinical settings. Based in Kelowna, BC, Lisa supports adolescents (13+), young adults, and adults through both individual therapy and psychological assessments—in person or online.

With advanced expertise in ADHD assessments, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations, and psychoeducational testing, Lisa provides comprehensive, strengths-based assessments to clients aged 18 and older. Each assessment is grounded in a holistic approach, offering clear, evidence-informed recommendations tailored to empower self-understanding and future planning.

Lisa is especially passionate about working with:

Indigenous clients

2SLGBTQ+ and gender-diverse individuals

Complex trauma, personality disorders, grief, and mental health transitions

She is proud to be a member of the Trans Affirming Network, ensuring safe, inclusive, and affirming care for transgender and non-binary clients.

Lisa also brings insight and warmth to her role as a faculty instructor at St. Stephen’s College at the University of Alberta, where she helps shape the next generation of mental health professionals.

When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and playing board games with friends.

Book with Lisa

Lisa offers services through Safe & Sound Therapeutics Inc. in Kelowna, BC, and is currently accepting new clients for both therapy and psychological assessments.

In-person sessions available at Unit 209, 2365 Gordon Drive (Guisachan Village)

Online sessions available across British Columbia

info@safeandsoundtherapeutics.com

Call or text: 250-681-1100

Lisa Harder, Registered Psychologist (She/Her) Serving Kelowna, BC and all of British Columbia w... Read More

Please note the Lea is not accepting new clients at this time.

Lea embraces a holistic therapeutic framework that considers the mind, body, spirit, and the impact of one’s environment and social factors. She employs a variety of techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, skills training, strength-based strategies, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), all while using a trauma-informed lens to support her clients.

With a rich tapestry of life experiences and diverse skills, Lea brings over twenty-five years of high school teaching experience, 400+ hours of yoga teacher training, and expertise in facilitating professional development workshops.

Having navigated life’s complexities herself, Lea has experienced both the client and counsellor perspectives. This journey has strengthened her belief in the transformative power of therapy. Her warm and collaborative approach fosters a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients can openly explore their struggles and work towards achieving their personal goals.

She specializes in helping individuals and families dealing neurodiversity, along with anxiety, depression, life transitions & self identity, low self-esteem, parenting challenges, and issues related to ADHD and autism, among other concerns. Lea is passionate about empowering her clients to heal, evolve, and thrive through the right tools, support, and encouragement.

When she’s not working, Lea loves hiking with friends, staying active through workouts and hot yoga, cooking, and unwinding with comedy sitcoms alongside her husband and teenagers. She also enjoys thrifting fabrics to create handmade meditation cushions, yoga bolsters, and other upcycled treasures.

If you’re seeking a compassionate, skilled counsellor to support you on your journey, Lea is here to help.

Lea is currently under the direct supervision of Shauna Paynter, BCACC-ACS and CCC-S.

Please note the Lea is not accepting new clients at this time. Lea embraces a holistic therapeut... Read More

Saharrah is the Office and Social Media Manager at Safe and Sound Therapeutics. While working with Safe & Sound, Saharrah is also pursuing a degree in Creative Writing at the University of Toronto.

Saharrah brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to our team. Her experience working with several health and wellness brands has equipped her with the skills to drive engagement and enhance our online presence.

Saharrah is passionate about making a positive impact through innovative social media strategies and efficient office management. Her ability to weave storytelling into her work ensures that our daily operations and online community thrive.

When not working you can find her reading fantasy novels or enjoying our beautiful city.

Saharrah is the Office and Social Media Manager at Safe and Sound Therapeutics. While working wit... Read More

Shauna is an accredited Canada-Wide Clinical Supervisor, holding CCC-S as well as RCC-ASC designation.

Shauna Paynter is a Registered Clinical Counsellor & founder of Safe and Sound Therapeutics Inc. She is scientifically trained and holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia, and a Secondary Post-Ed Degree from University of Victoria.

She earned a Master of Art in Transpersonal Psychology through Sofia University in Palo Alto, California and is currently working on her PhD in Psychology.

Shauna is highly skilled and trained in Person-Centered Group Process Facilitation and teaches on a regular basis. Teaching includes private groups, as well as students enrolled to become School Counsellors through Seattle City University.

Evidenced-based guidance and skill building for strengthening and sustaining strong mental health is her approach. She uses ACT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, an empirically supported approach that will shift you and set a forward momentum that will take you to places of solid well-being within all levels of your existence.

How will your life be different after seeing Shauna?

1.) Ability to accept and make space for your anxiety and other difficult emotions.

2.) Clarity during decision making- doing what is right for you and staying true to who you are despite difficult circumstances.

3.) Knowing exactly what your core values are, what you stand for and why.

4.) The ability to create meaningful personal goals and take effective action toward those goals.

If you area a student looking for a practicum placement, or a clinical supervisor looking for professional support, Shauna is an accredited Canada-Wide Clinical Supervisor, holding CCC-S as well as RCC-ASC designation as well as “Supervisor of Supervisors” training.

Shauna is an accredited Canada-Wide Clinical Supervisor, holding CCC-S as well as RCC-ASC design... Read More

Katie is a Registered Social Worker who is eager to hold space for and walk alongside you as you embrace who you are and explore who you wish to become.

Recognizing that each and every person has their own unique story and path, she practices from a person-centered, strengths-based approach and draws from a range of perspectives and techniques, including self-compassion, mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, and acceptance & commitment therapy.

As a Registered Social Worker for the past decade, Katie has supported individuals and families navigating an array of challenges and changes, including mental health diagnoses, which has given her insight into the impacts of trauma and compassion for the people she encounters. She also understands both the courage therapy requires and the benefits that therapy provides after seeking help for her own struggles. This empathy and awareness has inspired her to better serve others through counselling.

Along with a Masters of Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Work, Katie earned a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Psychology from Dalhousie University. She is registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.

Katie also holds her certification as a Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides, and offers guided walks that invite people to connect with the healing power of nature.

Beyond her work, Katie finds joy from time in nature and time with loved ones, including her partner and pup. She also practices forest bathing, gratitude, mindfulness, and yoga as forms of self-care.

Katie is grateful to have the opportunity to support you as part of the Safe & Sound team, and looks forward to accompanying you on your journey!

Katie is a Registered Social Worker who is eager to hold space for and walk alongside you as you ... Read More