Therapists in Nanoose Bay, BC

Now accepting new clients, adults only. I specialize in EMDR and Art Therapy/Expressive Arts Therapy. I am also trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Emotion Focused Therapy. Expressive Arts Therapy uses all the art forms including visual art, movement, music, theatre and writing. It is a gentle approach where internal resources are highlighted. It is a way to express, contain and problem solve difficult events and emotions. No art experience necessary.

Change can be hard....but you have got this! Hello, my name is Ashleigh and I have over 17 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.

Many of my clients are looking for ways to strengthen their voices and develop a stronger sense of who they are. They tend to see themselves as outliers: the ones who count themselves out or who yearn for a different life but can’t quite navigate how to get it. My experience as a teacher and comedy/theatre performer combines with my naturally playful and energetic self to help people manage what’s ahead. Together, we will work on developing greater awareness and self-compassion while stoking our imaginations to think of new ways forward.

When you're feeling bogged down, burned out, or stressed, it can feel difficult to stay connected to yourself. Though making change can be hard, 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.

Dr. Elisabeth is a Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a Clinical Supervisor. Elisabeth holds a master's degree in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and a doctoral degree in Psychology (Ph.D.). She works with individuals and couples in-person and on Zoom. Supervision to mental health professionals is provided to all practicing in Canada. Elisabeth offers individual and group competency-based clinical supervision to counselling students, interns, counselling therapists and psychotherapists who are based in Canada.

Accepting new clients. Available for in-person sessions in Nanaimo or virtual sessions anywhere in BC. - After over 12 years working as a counsellor within government and non-profit organizations, I have decided to open my own practice. In my years of working with people, I have come to strongly believe that people and their problems make sense. I can help you understand your struggles, your emotions, and yourself. I aim to understand you holistically, including your complex life. I strive to listen deeply, to be genuine, and to really see you.

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 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 truly believe that the hardest part of parenting is undoing the hardwiring we experienced during our own childhood. I help adults make sense of what triggers their own reactivity with their kids, where that came from, how it plays out in their relationships and how to tame those triggers to break the cycle of authoritarian and shame based parenting. It is hard work making those changes but I truly believe it’s never too late to repair those relationships. Using EMDR, I help clients process past childhood memories that hold those negative reactions, so that we can heal and parent from a more empathetic and respectful place.

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.

I believe strongly that every person has the innate ability to enact the changes they wish to see in their lives, and I strive to be a support and guide during that growth. Often when we are feeling depressed, anxious, or out of sync with our loved ones we feel like there is something wrong with us; we struggle to connect our current feelings with our previous experiences. Or perhaps we make the connection on a thinking level but are unable to gain a felt sense of wellness. I will help you make sense of your history and your current experiences, allowing for a deep connection to the self and, in turn, deep connection to others.

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.

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!

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.

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.

We are accepting new clients of all ages for counselling! Here at Allius Services, we support people to connect with themselves in order to better connect with others. The more we learn about our own internal world, the more we can extend greater compassion to ourselves and to those around us. At Allius, we know the path to emotional well-being comes from those small, meaningful steps we take everyday that moves us a bit closer to what and who is most important to us. Together, we can co-create a plan that moves you forward in the direction of living a more meaningful life and one that is more connected to those you care about most.

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.