HISTORY AND VISION
In 2016, Dr. Calista and Vern Ward founded The Stress Center Kelowna, the first business of its kind in Canada. Integrating their 10 years as graduate level educators, 20 years in clinical therapy, and 25 years of marriage, they developed a comprehensive therapeutic experience for individuals and the business community.
“We chose to start The Stress Center because we noticed a need in our community for people who were looking for fast, simple solutions to stress… that work. Traditional stress management focuses on symptoms, identifying and addressing the symptoms of stress. What we’ve chosen to do is something different. We’ve chosen to focus on the source of stress, to eliminate those symptoms altogether.”
Dr. Calista Ward
The Stress Center Kelowna combines traditional therapeutic methods with modern technology and emerging psychological research. Noticing the dramatic, documented increase in North American stress levels and their influence on individuals at home and in the workplace, the Wards decided to develop a practice dedicated to stress and its counterparts – depression, anxiety, anger, work productivity and relational issues. Today, they offer a variety of services including an online course and videos, workbook, online coaching, personal stress profiles, and personal counselling.
Our Clinical Team
Dr. Calista Ward, M.D., M.A., R.C.C.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with an M.D, I offer my clients more than just remarkable qualifications and a warm, welcoming environment. I provide the clinical team and my clients effective strategies and perceptive insights. My experience has developed from over 20 years in medicine and mental health. I love the journey from hopelessness to hope. Finally, the joy of a changed reality that makes my job truly rewarding. As a therapist, I don’t guarantee an easy fix to the challenges you face, but I can promise it will be easier if we share the load and it carry it towards a solution together.
My medical training has equipped me to be aware of the physiological factors that are present in many psychological conditions. However, my specialties are stress, anxiety, and eating disorders. I am in a unique position to develop treatment plans that meet your needs in a holistic way while keeping you at the center.
As a mother of 7 and a wife of 24 years, I have been faced with plenty of challenges personally and in my family, such as parenting stress, depression, chronic illness, adoption, eating disorders, financial crises, and legal battles. Expect compassion, empathy, and encouragement from someone who knows how to overcome struggles.
Vern Ward, M.A., R.C.C.
My clients are regular people who find themselves stuck. This can be emotionally (negative emotions), personally (self-esteem), or relationally (conflict/communication). I work with my clients to help them experience freedom in these areas. My clients get results quickly because I use a proven system guaranteed to get them unstuck. Skeptical? That’s okay, because I have a money-back satisfaction guarantee. I offer that because I know that understanding the underlying dynamics of your emotions = change. We offer a free consultation! Because of this, you have nothing to lose and your freedom to gain. Call today!
I have worked for over 20 years with clients of all types, and taught as a professor for 10 years at Trinity Western University. As part of The Stress Center clinical team, I am able to help clients get results fast in the following areas: stress, anxiety, anger and addictions, and depression. For couples therapy, I enjoy teaching them to communicate effectively and resolve conflict quickly. I am concerned with equipping you with the tools, resources, and understanding you need to achieve freedom in all areas of your life. When we are in alignment with proven principles, freedom from feeling ‘stuck’ occurs quickly. Find your freedom…today!
Jadon Ward, M.A., B.A., C.C.C.
With degrees in counselling and youth work, Jadon is a dynamic addition to the clinical team. He has a keen understanding of emerging issues facing youth and young adults today. He has worked in university health services at Trinity Western University. Through this, he has become adept at helping clients work through issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and eating disorders. He brings a warmth and understanding to his practice that allows his clients to feel heard and understood while implementing effective change in their lives.
“My hope in my practice is that clients can see change. Not change for a day or for a month but concrete, lasting change that allows them to pursue their passions and live their lives with purpose.”