Perienne Paulson
MA, Counsellor (accepting waitlist clients)
Locations: Kelowna Online
Serving: Adults Young Adults Youth Families
Children Couples
I’ve personally experienced the life-changing growth that therapy can bring, and it fills me with deep humility to walk alongside people who’ve navigated incredible pain, loss, and disconnection. I believe healing isn’t just in the mind—it’s in the body and nervous system, where our stories often live. By gently tuning in to physical sensations—shaking off old tension, softening out of survival states like fight, flight, or freeze, allowing trauma to move through you—we can rediscover safety, belonging, and alignment with our values and live the live we have always dreamt of. My aim is to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and held—so you can heal from the inside out and step forward into a life that truly reflects who you are.
GET TO KNOW PERIENNE
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GET TO KNOW PERIENNE
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GET TO KNOW PERIENNE
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GET TO KNOW PERIENNE • GET TO KNOW PERIENNE • GET TO KNOW PERIENNE •
My Professional Background
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Relational & Developmental Trauma,
Childhood Abuse,
PTSD
Grief & Loss
Anxiety & Depression
Motherhood
Single Motherhood
Postpartum
Life Transitions
Terminal Illness
Domestic Violence
Sexual Assault
Divorce
ADHD
Parenting
High Conflict Legal
Relationship Issues (Single/Dating, Partnerships/Romantic, Family of Origin; Friendship)
*if you want to work with me and don’t see your concern here, mention it on your inquiry form! I’ve worked with many areas and it’s possible I have experience working with yours before, too.
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Somatic therapy (Somatic Experiencing/Somatics)
Strengths Based
Emotion-focused
Therapeutic relationship
Person-centered
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Integration of neurobiology
Psychoeducation
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TF-CBT – Introduction – Medical Univerity of South Carolina
TF-CBT – Trauma Focused CBT, Harbor Maple, Dr. Caroline Sawecki
Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Level 1 – The Gottman Institute
Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Level 2 – The Gottman Institute
Integrative Complex Trauma Certification - PESI
Emotion Coaching – The Heart of Parenting – The Gottman Institute
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English
Get To Know Me Personally
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Laughter, snuggles with my kids, and fresh-cut peonies!
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I wanted to become a counsellor because I’m deeply drawn to human connection and transformation—at the heart of it, I believe in the power of being truly seen and heard. I’ve witnessed so many powerful turning points in others’ lives and experienced them myself through therapy, and there’s nothing more meaningful than supporting someone as they move from pain into possibility. I’m motivated by empathy, hope, and a genuine curiosity about people’s inner worlds—and by the difference a safe, compassionate space can make when someone’s struggling. Each session is a real human interaction, full of vulnerability, discovery, and mutual growth. It’s a privilege to hold space for clients to explore their stories, unearth strengths, and step into deeper wholeness—and I’m honoured to walk with them every step of the way.
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I’m incredibly proud of raising my three children as a single mother, and watching them grow into kind, curious, and courageous young people has been my greatest joy. Through the ups and downs, I’ve worked to create a home filled with warmth, encouragement, and possibilities. Together, we’ve learned that love, dedication, and belief in one another can help us face any challenge. That experience has shaped me—not only as a woman and a parent, but as a counsellor who deeply understands the strength, resilience, and tender vulnerability it takes to navigate life’s journey.
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A New York Times Bestselling Author – it is still on my list!
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Above all, I cherish moments with loved ones—sharing laughter, deep conversations, and simple routines that ground me.
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One thing I think people should know about counselling is that it doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you—it means you’re courageous enough to want more for yourself. Counselling isn’t about fixing who you are; it’s about coming home to yourself. It’s a space to be fully seen, respected, and deeply heard – sometimes for the very first time in your life! Healing happens not because we push harder, but because we feel safe enough to soften. And when you’re met with compassion, trust, and curiosity, real change becomes possible, with a strong therapeutic alliance serving as the foundation for lasting growth.
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One of my favourite things about being a counsellor is the deep, authentic connection I get to build with my clients. I cherish those moments when everything just clicks—when the trust is there, we share a moment of clarity, and you begin to see yourself in a new light. It’s in those "aha" moments—whether it’s gaining insight, shifting a narrative, or finding your own inner strength—that the transformational power of therapy truly shines. I love being part of your story, hearing what you’ve carried, and witnessing the gentle shifts that lead to a richer, more connected life. Seeing you step forward, even in small ways, fills me with joy and purpose—because this work isn’t just what I do, it’s why I’m here.
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My clients have described me as deeply compassionate, grounded, and approachable. Many have shared that they feel genuinely seen and safe in our work together, even when exploring difficult or vulnerable parts of their story. I’m frequently told that my calm presence helps them slow down, breathe easier, and reconnect with themselves in a way that feels steady and empowering. Others have noted that I bring a balance of warmth and insight—someone who listens with care, asks meaningful questions, and gently helps guide them toward their own clarity and strength.
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“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through… But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
— Haruki Murakami
New Clients
Please fill out the New Client Inquiry form below to book an appointment with Perienne.
Existing Clients
Our online booking feature is available to clients who have already had a first appointment with Perienne.