No matter your age or stage in life, Little Mountain Counselling can help you find inner peace and healing.

“People don’t need to be saved or rescued, people need knowledge of their own power and how to access it.”

- Tammy Plunkett

Life is a series of beautiful and difficult moments - this is our shared experience as human beings.  We are not defined by our struggles or our past, we are simply navigating a complex life. While we often rely on our innate resilience and loved ones to support us, there are times when life overwhelms us or our support systems falter. That's where a therapist can help. If you are facing a challenging life transition, grappling with grief, anxiety or depression or dealing with exhaustion while balancing work, family and marriage, I'm here for you.

Helping you heal

With over 27 years of experience in mental health I have stood by many people through their toughest times. I am grateful to have been a part of these experiences for they have taught me so much about resilience, acceptance and courage.  I have learned that we can not only endure life's challenges but also heal and grow from them. Our collective journey is to separate our challenges from ourselves with kindness and self-compassion.

Our Journey

Raised in the Lower Mainland I moved to Salmon Arm in 2010 with my family. The natural beauty of the Shuswap and the healing I have found in the Little Mountain trail system led me to name my practice "Little Mountain Counselling."

I hold a Master's  Degree in Social Work and continually seek to expand my therapeutic knowledge. My approach is practical, unique to you, compassionate and trauma-informed, non-judgmental, strength-based and influenced by many therapeutic modalities. I am registered with the BC College of Social Workers and adhere to Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics as set forth by the College. I am also a proud member of the BC Association for Social Workers.

I love a good cup of coffee, campfires with friends, hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and spending time with my family and our two dogs.

Meet Shawna

My hope is that our time together will feel like the gentle embrace of nature, grounding you in moments of uncertainty. Here you will find a safe space to explore, heal, and grow. Let us walk this healing path together.

FAQs

  • If you are feeling nervous or even apprehensive about seeing a counsellor this is perfectly normal! Talking to someone you don’t know about personal or difficult experiences can be scary and it is important to me that you feel safe and supported. We will take time to get to know one another and we will pace sessions to your comfort. I am trained to support you if uncomfortable emotions or feelings arise.

  • If you are unable to make an appointment please let me know as soon as possible. If you cancel 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time you will not be charged, less than 24 hours you will incur a $50 fee and if you cancel within an hour before your appointment or you don’t show (for your appointment) the full session fee of $135 will be charged. I understand that life can take unexpected turns and I will always be reasonable so please contact me so we can discuss a fair agreement.

  • The fee for a counselling session is $135. I reserve 60 minutes for each client. If you would like to request a longer session, please let me know and we can work out pricing. At the end of each session, a few minutes is used to complete payment and book your follow-up appointment. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, e-transfer or credit card. For direct billing please see below.

  • I am able to bill directly to a number of insurance companies. Please confirm with your insurer that your coverage includes Registered Social Workers as plans do differ. If your insurance covers a percentage of a counselling session you are responsible for the remaining amount at the end of the session and can pay via methods noted above. I can provide a receipt if required. If you want to find out if your insurance provider can be direct billed please reach out to me.