Laura Cain, Emily Popoff and Angela Kemperman - Kootenay Clinical Counsellors

Today on Heart of the Community, it's our 40th feature!! I have the pleasure of introducing the wonderful team of Emily Popoff, Laura Cain and Angela Kemperman. All three are Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC's) and together, form Kootenay Clinical Counsellors

With the covid pandemic presenting such a challenge in many ways for everybody, how has it affected your daily operation as Clinical Counsellors, and what adaptations have you needed to make in order to keep providing your services?

We had planned to open Kootenay Clinical Counsellors for in-person counselling in May, but with COVID, we had to shift our original plans. Because we knew the community needed more mental health options, especially in the midst of a global pandemic, we offered virtual and telephone counselling until the province indicated that it was safe to offer in-person sessions again. We now offer telephone, online counselling, and in-person sessions. We follow provincial guidelines such as COVID screening, increased cleaning, and use of sanitizer and masks to help keep us and clients safe. Starting up a business during the pandemic has not been easy, but we are thankful to be able to provide this much needed service to our community!

What positive or uplifting things have you seen or experienced through this past 6 months?

Walking with clients through this hard time has been a gift -- being with people as they explore their pain and work towards healing and growth is what we love and have been trained to do. Covid shone a light on the resiliency and creativity of people in this community and has been a true testament to the human spirit. The pandemic forced a lot of us to slow down our lives and with that came more time for personal reflection and re-evaluation of values. It has been incredible helping clients work through difficult things and new goals.

Have you been doing anything in particular to support your own mental health or create some joy during all of this?

During all of this we have been trying to have compassion for ourselves because we are all struggling to some extent with changes, uncertainty, and anxiety. We try to practice good self care, just like we encourage our clients to do. For us this looks like spending time with friends and family, reaching out when we need help, being physically active, having alone time when necessary, and doing activities we enjoy. We are fortunate to live where we do and try to take advantage of the natural environment Cranbrook is blessed with.

Is there anything you’d like to share, or wish people were aware of right now ?

That it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help and counselling is for everybody. We offer reduced session fees if needed, and we are great at sharing resources or other ideas for supports even if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Kootenay Clinical Counsellors offers counselling for youth, adults, couples, and families. Please visit our website for more information or to get in touch with any one of us.