Kathryn Kriitmaa (she/her)
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BCACC
I've always been drawn to peoples' stories. Stories give our lives meaning and help us make sense of the world around us. I believe connecting to our unique story opens the door to small changes that can have a ripple effect, creating big shifts in how we think, feel, and interact with others.
My love of storytelling led me to a decade-long career as a documentary television producer. What I loved most about this creative work was bearing witness to the deep healing people experienced as they gave voice to their life stories.
After suffering a traumatic brain injury, I was no longer able to do the work I loved and had relied on to define who I was. The grief and loss felt insurmountable. My mental health suffered and I withdrew from loved ones.
With the help of a therapist, we explored what matters most to me. The story I was telling myself was holding me back from moving forward. In honouring my challenges I was able to own them, rather than being owned by them.
I found a sense of peace and creativity that allowed me the clarity to tap into my love for storytelling in a new way - this time as a therapist. The sense of purpose and belonging I derive from counselling clients is richer than I could have ever imagined. Today, I hold deep respect for the story that brought me to where I am today, as well as the one I am still actively creating.
It would be a privilege to hear your story.
Stress & Anxiety
Depression & Mood Disorders
Self-Esteem & Self Worth
Communication & Healthy Boundaries
Grief & Loss
Relationship Issues
How to Develop a Somatic Sense of Safety
Understanding Trauma, Rejection, and Abandonment
Intimate Partner Violence
Deepening your Experience of Embodiment
Areas of Focus
My Approach
We will collaborate to expand your self-awareness, take intentional action towards your goals, and gently look inward to deeply nurture the parts of you that need healing.
You know you best, so that’s where we’ll start. The therapeutic relationship we create together will be central to your experience in therapy, and is one of the biggest predictors of positive therapeutic change. My practice is informed by current research in neurobiology, polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and creativity.
My approach is empathetic and flexible, with a lot of compassion and a bit of humour (yes, laughter heals!). Humour can help us process difficult emotions, reduce anxiety, and connect us to our common humanity. I use a variety of modalities including traditional talk therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy, and somatic practices depending on your needs and comfort.
Real growth occurs when we feel safe enough to be challenged to view things differently. I'll help with that. And I will always welcome your feedback with an openness to grow and change with you.
What people are saying
“Finding Kathryn was a saving grace. From the moment we began working together, she created an environment that felt incredibly secure and welcoming, regardless of where I stood emotionally that day. She not only guided me through challenging moments but also played a pivotal role in helping me become a more self-assured version of myself. Kathryn excels in posing insightful questions and she offered simple next steps for me to navigate my journey independently.
If you're in search of a counsellor who truly listens, makes a meaningful impact, and offers a sanctuary of safety, look no further.”
— Natasha
Outside of Therapy
Supporting Okanagan dwellers in ways that extend beyond counselling holds a special place in my heart. There’s a lot comfort to be found in connecting with community. As much as the pandemic story and the 2023 summer fire season have brought unprecedented uncertainty and loss they are also stories of resilience.
Bit by bit, individuals, families, and communities have found ways to serve others, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit. Here’s a shout out to the small gestures - checking in on your neighbour, supporting local farmers, donating food, helping care for a pet - that have helped us connect and take care of each other when we've needed it most.
Outside private practice, I work on an incredible UBCO Research project, called SOAR, helping women who live with traumatic brain injuries as a result of intimate partner violence recover and thrive. I believe that nature is magic, movement is medicine, the body is briliant and wise, and restorative justice is the way forward.