Kayla Kleidon,

I am a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology practicum student completing my training through Yorkville University. I bring over a decade of experience working in mental health and community-based settings, supporting individuals who are navigating complex emotional, relational, and life challenges.

My background includes working within a health authority supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries, as well as working  with community mental health and substance use teams to provide emotional regulation support, practical education, and meaningful information for individuals and their families. I have also held leadership and frontline roles within shelter environments, supporting individuals and families during times of crisis. These experiences have shaped my commitment to meeting people where they are with compassion, respect, and clear, supportive boundaries that foster safety and trust.

I am drawn to counselling that recognizes the real barriers many people face when seeking support. I believe healing begins with feeling safe, understood, and met with respect. I strive to offer a grounded, supportive presence and to walk alongside clients in a way that honours their lived experience and individual pace.

My approach to counselling is client-centred, trauma-informed, and integrative. I understand that coming to counselling can feel vulnerable, particularly for those who have faced barriers to accessing support or have had challenging experiences with systems in the past.

I aim to create a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative space where clients feel safe, respected, and heard. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), strengths-based, and solution-focused practices, and tailor each session to the unique needs, goals, and lived experiences of the individual.

I view counselling as a shared process rather than something that is done to a person. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is central to my work, and I focus on supporting clients in developing insight, emotional regulation skills, resilience, and a greater sense of agency, while moving at a pace that feels supportive and manageable

• Anxiety and stress
• Depression and mood concerns
• Trauma and trauma-related experiences
• Life transitions and change
• Emotional regulation and coping skills
• Grief and loss
• Relationships and communication
• Self-identity and self-esteem
• Strength building and resilience
• Mental health and substance use concerns
• Youth and young adults (15+)
• LGBTQ2+ affirming care
• Culturally responsive and inclusive practice

Wild Mountain Clinical Counselling offers low-cost counselling services provided by master’s level practicum students under the supervision of Christel Mitchell. With extensive education and years of experience, Christel is dedicated to supporting students learn the skills to support individuals facing life challenges, mental health concerns, and trauma. This initiative aims to make quality mental health support more accessible to individuals in the community, while also providing valuable hands-on experience for students.

Low-Cost Counselling Approach

1. Initial Contact: Front desk personnel will take your information. Following this, a master’s level practicum student will reach out to schedule an intake counselling session.
2. Intake Counselling Session: During the intake counselling session, the practicum student will gather information about your current life challenges and mental health concerns, discuss your counselling goals, share relevant information about themselves, and outline the counselling process while reviewing confidentiality and ethics.
3. Evaluation: After the intake session, the practicum student and their supervisor will review your case to determine if they can support you in achieving your counselling goals.
4. Follow-Up:
   • If the practicum student and supervisor believe they can assist you and you feel comfortable with them, they will connect and help you with your booking needs.
   • If they determine they cannot adequately support your needs, they will reach out and help you find another counsellor who may be a better fit.

This structured approach ensures that you receive the most appropriate and effective support for your counselling journey.

If you are looking for effective counselling at an affordable rate, we encourage you to connect with us! You can access low-cost counselling by calling or texting the office at 250-486-1868 or emailing [email protected].