Therapists in Nanoose Bay, BC

It is part of being human to at times feel stressed, stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged - wanting some kind of change but finding that things stay the same in spite of our efforts. There are understandable reasons for this. We have a human mind that tries to keep us safe but can limit us to seeing things in the same old ways. We inhabit a human body with a complex nervous system. We live in relationship with other people and have developed patterns of relating. We may have had difficult experiences that have put our mind and body into a “protective mode”. And with support, we have great capacity for healing and growth.

I have dedicated the past i5 years of my life to working with First Responders. Before opening up my own practice I served as the Director of Trauma and Spiritual Care at a Treatment Centre located on Vancouver Island. I have met many people who have been my teachers. They have been struggling with PTSD, emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, loss of instinct of purpose. Some have been struggling with loss and grief not knowing how to grieve in a healthy manner. Others have been struggling with intense fear and self doubt knowing that change needs to happen in their lives and not knowing how to move forward.

I enjoy helping clients with a variety of challenges including: Anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, relationship issues, communication issues, grief and loss, loneliness, anger, parenting, family issues, addictions, body image issues, disordered eating, life transitions, spiritual issues. I take a client-centered approach to my practice. I strive to tune in to the individual needs of each client and find out what works best for them to achieve positive growth and change. I often use techniques from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Psycho-Spiritual Therapy and Hypnotherapy.

Many young women seek counselling because they have experienced traumatic or difficult situations. I know how these deeply felt experiences can leave us feeling alone, unable to verbalize our distress to those close to us. The lasting impact of past experiences and traumas on current relationships, beliefs and behaviours can keep us feeling stuck in painful patterns. I work with individuals experiencing a range of symptoms including anxiety that impacts daily functioning, disordered eating, body image issues and the impact of sexual trauma. I also specialize in working with those experiencing the impact of complex trauma.

I specialize in the area of trauma including acute, chronic, or complex as well as the resulting grief, anxiety, depression, and addictions that may have developed. I am passionate about helping women understand that the coping mechanisms that evolved were functional and helped them survive in times of difficulty. These may now show up as patterns that hold you back and cause you to think, feel, and behave in ways that no longer serve you. I believe everyone has the capacity to heal and the ability to learn new skills to become free of overwhelming fear, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.

When you're feeling bogged down, burned out, or stressed, it can feel difficult to stay connected to yourself. Making a change can be hard, but it can be done - part of my role is to help you navigate a path forward that is in line with what's truly important to you. I have over a decade of experience in working in various roles in mental health and social justice, and as a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I am passionate about connecting with people and guiding them in living more authentically. Some concerns that I have supported others with include trauma, anxiety, burnout, life transitions, and interpersonal relationships.

At Central Island Counselling, our clients will immediately find an advocate with compassion, acceptance and expertise. We provide the highest standard of private clinical counselling services to adults, youth, children and families in the Nanaimo area and beyond. We value privacy, professionalism and creativity in care. Our mission is to safely guide each client while they rediscover their internal resources. You are not alone and there is a path forward to healing.

We're a group of experienced, trained, and professional counsellors who serve the mid-island area and beyond. We also provide online services for those who prefer it or for those who live outside of the geographic area. Are you dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship turmoil? We can help!

Vancouver Island Therapy is a full service, multi—disciplinary health clinic focused on providing multiple healing services to help you and your family. Located in Nanaimo, BC, we service many communities including; Port Alberni, Qualicum, Parksville, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan to Victoria.

ACCEPTING CLIENTS NOW! I firmly believe that each person has the potential to overcome the effects of their difficult life experiences. I am committed to walk alongside you on your path towards healing from depression, anxiety, (complex) trauma, abuse, and other mental health challenges. Providing a safe, non-judgmental environment, I tailor my methods to your needs. I love and have experience working with individuals and families from a variety of cultural backgrounds. My expertise is in supporting those struggling with traumatic experiences as well as difficulties related to cultural and relational contexts.

Change can be hard....but you have got this! Hello, my name is Ashleigh and I have over 15 years of providing counselling and social work support to children, youth and adults. My work is focused on trauma, parenting and parenting-related challenges, blended families, adoption, foster care, and working with children and youth who are navigating challenges. I also work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, stress and life challenges. I look forward to connecting with you and walking alongside you and or your children/youth on a journey to wellness.

My primary work is to empower young adults and women who are experiencing burnout, trauma, anxiety & depression - particularly if you're a highly sensitive person, creative, empath and/or introvert. Our over-stimulating society can attract us to unhealthy behaviours & unhealthy relationships in order to feel like we belong. Talk and creative approaches to therapy are used which help ground the nervous system, allowing healing & peace to begin. When changes in life feel tough to navigate through, it is vital to have a compassionate & non-judgemental listener to help you feel connected, & find your place in the world- I can help.

I offer personalized therapy that is grounded in research and relationship; in-person & online; child, teen, & individual adult counselling. I want to connect you back to you. You may have experienced trauma in your life such as: unsettling events or experiences, to challenging or abusive relationships that left you feeling wounded, and alone. You may feel blocked or triggered. This may manifest as: anxiety, depression, numbness, flashbacks, trouble sleeping, addictions, or even the need to be perfect. You may find it hard to connect with others, or navigate certain situations. You just want to feel calmer and happier.

I help people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, stress in the workplace, and blocks to personal growth or creativity. My clients comment that they feel heard and understood by me, and that they appreciate my soft-spoken, gentle, and compassionate nature. My work is based on AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), which draws from attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and more. What this looks like and feels like in session is that I will be working from the get-go to attend to all aspects of the therapeutic relationship with you, and together we will create

As a counsellor I show up just as I am and offer a genuine, heartfelt, relaxed environment with very little clinical feel. I intend to do this so that you will feel as comfortable walking into my office as you would walking into a friend’s living room. The relationship we will create together will be one of value, tailored to your individual needs and reasons for seeking therapy. I typically work with individuals ages 13 and over with various mental health concerns from struggling with day to day life from home, work, school, to relationships, high level athletes, to addiction and recovery. This is about you and your needs.

The individuals and families I see feel stuck and unsure of their capacity to manage life struggles independently. Providing a safe space in which to process these challenges nurtures hope and offers a sense of clarity. I intend for you to leave sessions feeling empowered to make decisions that bring you closer to living authentically. I know that when you enter the room, you bring a wealth of experience that is unique to you. Therefore, consideration will be given to your individual characteristics, preferences, needs, beliefs, and abilities as we take steps that enable you to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Welcome! We all love what we do and are here to help you find health, balance and peace. Vancouver Island Therapy is a full service, multi—disciplinary health clinic focused on providing multiple healing services to help you and your family. Located in Nanaimo, BC, we service many communities including; Port Alberni, Qualicum, Parksville, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan to Victoria. Diverse, professional and experienced, our practitioners bring a broad range of experience into their practice with clients. We are here to help emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Each of us has decades of experience, a unique approach