At our multidisciplinary practice, we’ve got a front-row seat to the beautiful, messy, and oh-so-human parade of folks who walk through our doors (or hop on our virtual calls). Each one’s got their own vibe, their own reason for showing up, and their own way of navigating their health journey.
This blog post is lighthearted, inclusive, and designed to resonate with people who may be wondering “if therapy is right for them” or “how does counselling fit into my life”. The blog intends to normalize the diverse reasons people seek counselling and therapy in the Okanagan. It is not in any way intended to downplay or make-light-of some of the more serious, traumatic, or horrifying reasons people may seek out these health services for.
With that said, let’s take a fun little tour through the types of people who come to our Kelowna counselling clinic, maybe you’ll spot yourself in the lineup!
Meet the Okanagan Crew Who Keep Our Couch Warm:
The Checker-In-Er
They’ve got a standing date with their trusted health practitioner, penciled in like a haircut or a dentist appointment; every month, maybe every couple of months, like clockwork. The Checker-In-Er isn’t here for a crisis (well, not usually). They’re keeping tabs on themselves, like a gardener pruning a perfectly healthy plant to make sure it keeps thriving and growing in the style and direction the gardener desires. They’ll stroll in, plop down (not too hard as to damage the couch), and say something like, “Oh, you know, life’s pretty good… just wanted to make sure I’m not missing anything.”.
But here’s the magic: the Checker-In-Er knows deep down that having this secure space, whether it be their health practitioner, a comfy couch, or a Zoom link waiting in the wings is half the battle won. It’s like keeping an emotional lifeboat on standby. Just knowing it’s there makes the choppy waves of life feel less scary, even if they never need to climb aboard. And when they do show up? It’s a mix of catching up, reflecting, and maybe untangling a tiny knot or two before it becomes a full-on tangle. Cheers to the Checker-In-Er for making self-care as routine as their morning coffee!
The Plot-Twist Seeker
This person’s life feels like a Netflix drama, and they’re ready for a new season with fewer cliffhangers. The Plot-Twist Seeker comes in because they’re stuck in a storyline that’s not quite working; Maybe it’s a job that’s draining their soul; A relationship that’s hit a loop; An old injury that just won’t stop aching; or just a vague sense that “something’s gotta give, and it feels like it could be at any moment!”.
They’re not always sure what they want, but they know they want the script to shift. You’ll spot them diving into sessions with big questions: “Why do I keep doing this?” or “What’s next for me?” They love the “aha!” moments when their health practitioner helps them flip the narrative or design a specific exercise that hits just right. The Plot-Twist Seeker leaves with a spark in their eye, ready to rewrite the next chapter, even if it’s just one page at a time.
The Archeologist
Armed with curiosity and perhaps a metaphorical trowel, The Archeologist is here to dig up the past (not to dwell, but to understand). They’re the ones who want to know why they flinch at certain triggers; why family gatherings feel like a minefield; why they never seem to fully recover; or why that one childhood memory still pops up uninvited.
These folks aren’t afraid to get dusty; and they’re more than ready to unearth old patterns and hold them up to the light. Sessions with The Archeologist are like a treasure hunt in that sometimes they find a shiny gem of insight, sometimes it’s just a dusty old rock, but every discovery helps them map out who they are today. They’ll leave with a mental scrapbook of “oh, that’s why” moments, hopefully feeling lighter, grounded, and with better self-understanding all at once.
The Overloaded Backpacker
You know that friend who’s carrying a backpack stuffed with everyone else’s stuff? That’s the Overloaded Backpacker. They come to our clinic because life’s piled on a bit too much: work stress, family drama, or not being able to take a moments rest because so many people depend on them. They’re juggling it all with a smile, but inside, they’re whispering, “I can’t keep this up” and their back and/ or knees may be screaming it.
In sessions, the Overloaded Backpacker learns to unpack. They’ll spill the contents of their metaphorical bag: guilt, worry, to-do lists,responsibilities, and activities of daily living. Together with their health practitioner they will sort through what’s theirs to carry and what they can gently set down, even if just for a while. By the end, they’re standing taller, maybe even leaving a few things behind, like the weight of trying to please everyone, or have delegated certain tasks and responsibilities to another loved one.
The Big-Dream Daydreamer
This one’s got stars in their eyes and a vision board in their heart. The Big-Dream Daydreamer comes to our health services not because they’re falling apart, but because they’re ready to build something: whether it’s a new career, a passion project, or just a version of themselves that feels more put together. They’re bursting with ideas but might need a nudge to turn “someday” into “today.”.
Sessions with the Big-Dream Daydreamer are full of brainstorming, goal-setting, and tackling the sneaky fears that whisper, “What if you fail?”. They often are looking to leave with a roadmap to chase their dreams, one brave step at a time.
The Quiet Storm Navigator
Some people’s struggles are loud; others brew beneath the surface. The Quiet Storm Navigator is the latter. They might seem fine on the outside: steady job and a nice smile, but inside, there’s a storm of doubt, anxiety, or grief swirling, or a pain that day by day is getting ever worse. They come to the clinic in hopes of learning how to sail through it without capsizing or breaking apart.
These folks are masters of subtlety, dropping hints about what’s really going on until they feel safe enough to open up. They often seek to leave sessions with tools to weather the storm: breathing techniques, journal prompts, or just the permission to feel what they feel. The Quiet Storm Navigator’s superpower? Resilience, even when they don’t see it yet.
Why They All Show Up
No matter which type strolls into our Kelowna multidisciplinary health clinic; from Belgo-Black Mountain to Peachland, what unites them is courage. It takes guts to say, “I want to understand myself better,” or “I deserve to feel stronger”. Whether they’re checking in, chasing dreams, or unpacking old stories, they’re all here to grow, heal, and maybe laugh a little along the way.
So, if you’re reading this and thinking, “Hmm, I might be a Checker-In-Er… or maybe a Plot-Twist Seeker,” come join the crew! Our doors are open, and we’ve got a great spot (the best spot honestly) ready for whoever you are. What’s your character? Drop by and let’s find out together.
Ready to Meet Your Inner Character?
Book a session at out Landmark location, whether you’re in the vineyard calm of Upper Mission or the lakeside buzz of Downtown Kelowna. We’re here to cheer on every Checker-In-Er, Daydreamer, and Navigator out there. Let’s make your story the best one yet!
Written by:
Tim Lamont C.C.C
