Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW (he, him)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

1 Endorsed

Parksville, BC V9P

(236) 874-1792

Let's Connect (236) 874-1792

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is the primary therapeutic model that we use. We work from a sensitive, parts-based approach that helps people understand the different “voices” or feelings inside them—like the anxious parts, the overwhelmed parts, or the ones carrying old pain. Our goal is to help you unburden these parts and reconnect with your grounded, authentic Self. We support individuals and couples with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, OCD, substance use, Chris is an RSW (Level 3 IFS trained) and Bimala is an RCC (Level 1 IFS trained) and has experience treating complex trauma. Full details can be found on our website.

We offer IFS therapy to help individuals and couples understand the parts within them that shape emotions, reactions, and relationship dynamics. With a warm and kind approach, we support these parts in feeling seen and heard, so you can experience less inner conflict and more clarity, connection, and healing.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, we’re here to help you meet your inner world with tenderness and support. You don’t have to carry everything alone. If you’re ready for support and curious about healing with IFS, we’d be honoured to walk with you.

Call or Email Awaken Counselling now for a free 15 minute consultation - (236) 874-1792

Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Parksville, BC V9P

(236) 874-1792

Website

We offer in person, Zoom or phone sessions - our office is in Parksville on Vancouver Island. We also offer evening and Saturday appts.

I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety and Emotional Disturbance

$175 Per Session, I accept insurance

I see individuals and couples

We are Chris and Bimala Spencer. You're welcome to book a 15 minute complimentary consultation at our website at Awaken Counselling.

Let's Connect (236) 874-1792

Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Parksville, BC V9P

(236) 874-1792

Website

We offer in person, Zoom or phone sessions - our office is in Parksville on Vancouver Island. We also offer evening and Saturday appts.

I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety and Emotional Disturbance

$175 Per Session, I accept insurance

I see individuals and couples

We are Chris and Bimala Spencer. You're welcome to book a 15 minute complimentary consultation at our website at Awaken Counselling.

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $175
Couple Sessions $292

Payment Methods

ACH Bank transfer, Cash, Cheque

Insurance

CVAP | Crime Victim
First Nations Health Authority
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
Medavie Blue Cross

Clients who have private insurance for counselling with a Registered Social Worker (RSW) pay up front and submit receipts for reimbursement.

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (236) 874-1792

Clients who have private insurance for counselling with a Registered Social Worker (RSW) pay up front and submit receipts for reimbursement.

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (236) 874-1792

Qualifications

Registered Social Worker: Christopher Spencer

Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by Province of British Columbia / 11427 Christopher Spencer

Education and Years In Practice

In Practice for 17 years

Attended University of British Columbia, MSW, Graduated 2009

Additional Credentials

Certificate from Internal Family Systems Institute CSL-1647 / 2025

Level III Internal Family Systems Trained. Addictions and Mental Health Training. Trauma Informed Practice, Integrated Body Psychotherapy.

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (236) 874-1792

Level III Internal Family Systems Trained. Addictions and Mental Health Training. Trauma Informed Practice, Integrated Body Psychotherapy.

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (236) 874-1792

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Emotional Disturbance

Expertise

Addiction
Alcohol Use
Anger Management
Behavioural Issues
Bipolar Disorder
Bisexual
Borderline Personality (BPD)
Child
Chronic Illness
Chronic Impulsivity
Chronic Pain
Chronic Relapse
Codependency
Coping Skills
Depression
Dissociative Disorders (DID)
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Violence
Drug Abuse
Dual Diagnosis
Family Conflict
Geriatric and Seniors
Grief
Impulse Control Disorders
Lesbian
LGBTQ+
Life Transitions
Marital and Premarital
Men's Issues
Mood Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Personality Disorders
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Sexual Abuse
Sleep or Insomnia
Spirituality
Stress
Substance Use
Suicidal Ideation
Veterans

We help people reduce internal distress so they can see themselves and others more clearly. This leads to better connection and confidence in trusting your own inner resources.

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (236) 874-1792

We help people reduce internal distress so they can see themselves and others more clearly. This leads to better connection and confidence in trusting your own inner resources.

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (236) 874-1792

Endorsement

Abraham Awais

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, IFS-2

Chris and Bimala are gentle, wise and able to hold the space for deep healing to occur. Their presence is very special. Both are exceptionally skilled in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and I highly recommend them!

Client Focus

Age

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults ,

Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied ,

Gay Allied ,

HIV / AIDS Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Sex Worker Allied ,

Single Parent ,

Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Indigenous Peoples ,

Other Racial or Ethnic Background

Age

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults ,

Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied ,

Gay Allied ,

HIV / AIDS Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Sex Worker Allied ,

Single Parent ,

Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Indigenous Peoples ,

Other Racial or Ethnic Background

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Attachment-based
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Somatic
Strength-Based
Trauma Focused

We use Internal Family Systems (IFS) as our main approach. Chris is a Level 3 IFS Certified Therapist. Bimala is Level 1, currently in Level 2, and accepted into the Accelerated Trainer Program. We also serve as Program Assistants with IFSI, helping other therapists learn this model. In our work together, you'll be supported in getting to know the different parts of yourself with kindness, clarity

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (236) 874-1792

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (236) 874-1792

Location

Primary Location

Parksville, BC V9P

(236) 874-1792

Email us

Website

Nearby Areas

Towns/Cities

Postal Codes

We offer in person, Zoom or phone sessions - our office is in Parksville on Vancouver Island. We also offer evening and Saturday appts.

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Call for a free consultation now - (236) 874-1792

We offer in person, Zoom or phone sessions - our office is in Parksville on Vancouver Island. We also offer evening and Saturday appts.

Awaken Counselling

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Call for a free consultation now - (236) 874-1792

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