Therapists in Courtenay, BC
Are you feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, alone and at a loss for how to cope? Life can be challenging and painful. Going it alone can be really hard. Having powerful support can make all the difference. In our work together we can uncover the patterns that no longer serve you, develop effective coping strategies and identify practical steps or actions that help you to live the life that your heart desires. I feel privileged to be able to do this work and am passionate about helping people to live their best life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, alone and at a loss for how to cope? Life can be challenging and painful. Going it alone can be really hard. Having powerful support can make all the difference. In our work together we can uncover the patterns that no longer serve you, develop effective coping strategies and identify practical steps or actions that help you to live the life that your heart desires. I feel privileged to be able to do this work and am passionate about helping people to live their best life.
I want to help you feel less alone in this messy thing called life. As a queer therapist, I understand the importance of creating a space where you feel safe to explore your identities without the fear of judgment. Therapy can provide secure ground to land on when you find a therapist that you click with. Through my career as a registered nurse, I have been privileged to be with people during moments of immense pain and suffering. I lean into hard conversations and taboo subjects, and I am practiced at holding space. You are never "too much", and you deserve to feel seen.
I want to help you feel less alone in this messy thing called life. As a queer therapist, I understand the importance of creating a space where you feel safe to explore your identities without the fear of judgment. Therapy can provide secure ground to land on when you find a therapist that you click with. Through my career as a registered nurse, I have been privileged to be with people during moments of immense pain and suffering. I lean into hard conversations and taboo subjects, and I am practiced at holding space. You are never "too much", and you deserve to feel seen.
Welcome & thank you for reading about my practice. As a psychotherapist, my aim is to provide a compassionate space, help bolster your inner strength and learn new skills so you can create the life you want to live. Psychoeducation is a cornerstone of my practice, which can help you to build greater self-awareness and implement effective life strategies. I work with individuals and couples to navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, substance misuse, difficulties with personality, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, self-esteem, chronic pain and trauma.
Welcome & thank you for reading about my practice. As a psychotherapist, my aim is to provide a compassionate space, help bolster your inner strength and learn new skills so you can create the life you want to live. Psychoeducation is a cornerstone of my practice, which can help you to build greater self-awareness and implement effective life strategies. I work with individuals and couples to navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, substance misuse, difficulties with personality, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, self-esteem, chronic pain and trauma.
We carry our life story within us. Each person has a unique collection of joys and triumphs, pleasures and pain that imprints their biology. These imprints, formed unconsciously, influence our feeling states, our decision making, self-esteem, and the way we see the world. They shape the way our nervous systems respond and adapt to challenges and change. The imprints that hold the most charge are often formed in childhood or in response to trauma, and they have the ability to create mental, emotional, and physical imbalance—to create a state of disregulation. However, we each possess the profound capacity for change.
We carry our life story within us. Each person has a unique collection of joys and triumphs, pleasures and pain that imprints their biology. These imprints, formed unconsciously, influence our feeling states, our decision making, self-esteem, and the way we see the world. They shape the way our nervous systems respond and adapt to challenges and change. The imprints that hold the most charge are often formed in childhood or in response to trauma, and they have the ability to create mental, emotional, and physical imbalance—to create a state of disregulation. However, we each possess the profound capacity for change.
Whether you are going through an extra difficult time or just wanting to maintain your mental wellness, finding someone to safely sit with can be quite empowering for you to grow and heal. Together, we can take small steps to manage your healing journey in a culturally safe, holistic, and trauma-informed space.
Whether you are going through an extra difficult time or just wanting to maintain your mental wellness, finding someone to safely sit with can be quite empowering for you to grow and heal. Together, we can take small steps to manage your healing journey in a culturally safe, holistic, and trauma-informed space.
Tanya Helle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW , RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Courtenay, BC V9N
My name is Tanya, and I would be honoured to be part of your journey towards greater wholeness, healing and connection. I completed my Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of British Columbia and have over 11 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings including community mental health counselling, outreach based social work, as well as working with LGBTQI+ communities. I am passionate about mental health and my goal as a counsellor is to help you learn to see yourself as you truly are; a person who is deeply worthy of love, belonging and joy.
My name is Tanya, and I would be honoured to be part of your journey towards greater wholeness, healing and connection. I completed my Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of British Columbia and have over 11 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings including community mental health counselling, outreach based social work, as well as working with LGBTQI+ communities. I am passionate about mental health and my goal as a counsellor is to help you learn to see yourself as you truly are; a person who is deeply worthy of love, belonging and joy.
Carruthers Counselling & Consulting
Counsellor, BA, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Courtenay, BC V9N
I have been supporting children & youth, and their families for the past 22 years in public education. I facilitate workshops and also do group counselling. I have a strong background in special education, which means I often observe the behaviour(s) of children and youth, collaborate with them and their families, and implement/teach tools for alleviating a child's stress. I have experience as a clinician for Adult Mental Health & Addictions in both inpatient and outpatient care from the hospital. This has benefited early recognition and prevention.
I have been supporting children & youth, and their families for the past 22 years in public education. I facilitate workshops and also do group counselling. I have a strong background in special education, which means I often observe the behaviour(s) of children and youth, collaborate with them and their families, and implement/teach tools for alleviating a child's stress. I have experience as a clinician for Adult Mental Health & Addictions in both inpatient and outpatient care from the hospital. This has benefited early recognition and prevention.
Kristen Vandekerckhove
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I am a Registered Social Worker experienced in providing counselling to people of all ages. I work with clients who are looking for support with life's challenges and feeling ready to make a transformation in their life. My areas of specialty include relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, stress management, and life transitions. I integrate a variety of approaches into my practice including Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. With additional certifications in Yoga and Health Coaching, I focus on a holistic approach toward overall health and wellbeing.
I am a Registered Social Worker experienced in providing counselling to people of all ages. I work with clients who are looking for support with life's challenges and feeling ready to make a transformation in their life. My areas of specialty include relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, stress management, and life transitions. I integrate a variety of approaches into my practice including Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. With additional certifications in Yoga and Health Coaching, I focus on a holistic approach toward overall health and wellbeing.
Do you find yourself wishing that the world would just slow down for a few moments, let you catch your breath and get your feet back underneath you? Are you wondering how things got so overwhelming and out of control? In times of transition, whether by choice or demand, we often find ourselves needing new skills to cope with our changing circumstances. Our relationships are deeply impacted by our ability to communicate our needs, desires, and boundaries, and yet we are taught so few of these skills.
Do you find yourself wishing that the world would just slow down for a few moments, let you catch your breath and get your feet back underneath you? Are you wondering how things got so overwhelming and out of control? In times of transition, whether by choice or demand, we often find ourselves needing new skills to cope with our changing circumstances. Our relationships are deeply impacted by our ability to communicate our needs, desires, and boundaries, and yet we are taught so few of these skills.
Matthew G O'Donnell
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, BEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Courtenay, BC V9N
I love to facilitate and witness the client's journey of self-understanding. This includes the process of self-acceptance and self-compassion. Accepting that sometimes it is difficult to be a person.
I love to facilitate and witness the client's journey of self-understanding. This includes the process of self-acceptance and self-compassion. Accepting that sometimes it is difficult to be a person.
Life today is full of challenges, and the pressure to juggle everything can feel overwhelming. If you're struggling with shame, anxiety, burnout, or people-pleasing tendencies, you’re not alone. Many of us push through the hardest moments by putting ourselves down, believing that we’re not “good enough” to handle what life throws our way. But big emotions are a part of being human. Instead of allowing these emotions to isolate us, they can become a bridge to a deeper connection—with ourselves and those around us.
Life today is full of challenges, and the pressure to juggle everything can feel overwhelming. If you're struggling with shame, anxiety, burnout, or people-pleasing tendencies, you’re not alone. Many of us push through the hardest moments by putting ourselves down, believing that we’re not “good enough” to handle what life throws our way. But big emotions are a part of being human. Instead of allowing these emotions to isolate us, they can become a bridge to a deeper connection—with ourselves and those around us.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD(c), MSW, MACP, RSW, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Courtenay, BC V9N
Waitlist for new clients
My primary work is in sexual, and complex mental health concerns. I have extensive training in ISTDP, Direct Neurofeedback (DNF), and behavioral approaches such as CBT, and DBT. This makes me highly effective working with disorders such as anxiety, depression, BPD, addictions, pain and medically complex conditions. My diverse range of skills, such including harassment investigation, and conflict resolution mediation, with my 25 years in the military proves me to be a very direct clinician. I work with individuals, couples and families/supports with varied needs. Most importantly, I strive to provide a safe space for all clients.
My primary work is in sexual, and complex mental health concerns. I have extensive training in ISTDP, Direct Neurofeedback (DNF), and behavioral approaches such as CBT, and DBT. This makes me highly effective working with disorders such as anxiety, depression, BPD, addictions, pain and medically complex conditions. My diverse range of skills, such including harassment investigation, and conflict resolution mediation, with my 25 years in the military proves me to be a very direct clinician. I work with individuals, couples and families/supports with varied needs. Most importantly, I strive to provide a safe space for all clients.
I believe one of the greatest maladies of our time, affecting us individually and socially, is the loss of soul. Fulfilling work, rewarding relationships, personal resiliency, a sense of belonging, are all gifts of the soul that have become particularly elusive because we no longer believe in the soul. Instead, we come to know the soul through its complaints—emptiness, meaninglessness, loneliness, disillusionment, longing, hunger. These complaints let us know what the soul craves, but it can be hard to discern the cry when it comes in the form of blind reactivity, conflict in our relationships, anxiety, confusion, melancholy.
I believe one of the greatest maladies of our time, affecting us individually and socially, is the loss of soul. Fulfilling work, rewarding relationships, personal resiliency, a sense of belonging, are all gifts of the soul that have become particularly elusive because we no longer believe in the soul. Instead, we come to know the soul through its complaints—emptiness, meaninglessness, loneliness, disillusionment, longing, hunger. These complaints let us know what the soul craves, but it can be hard to discern the cry when it comes in the form of blind reactivity, conflict in our relationships, anxiety, confusion, melancholy.
Hi there, I am Carissa. Are you seeking support during a time of stress, change, or emotional intensity? Perhaps you find yourself experiencing heightened emotions that feel overwhelming or difficult to understand. My expertise lies in supporting individuals who feel the weight of these intense feelings, often linked to past experiences. I am here to provide a compassionate, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can explore, process, and work through what may be holding you back.
Hi there, I am Carissa. Are you seeking support during a time of stress, change, or emotional intensity? Perhaps you find yourself experiencing heightened emotions that feel overwhelming or difficult to understand. My expertise lies in supporting individuals who feel the weight of these intense feelings, often linked to past experiences. I am here to provide a compassionate, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can explore, process, and work through what may be holding you back.
Elly Boer Counselling & Art Therapy
Counsellor, RCC, DVATI, MC:AT
Verified Verified
Courtenay, BC V9N
Creativity and an inner sense of knowing exists within each of us, even if you do not identify as artistic. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and professional art therapist, I offer creative, sensory and experiential tools and activities to help clients tap into insight and knowledge with less effort and more ease.
Creativity and an inner sense of knowing exists within each of us, even if you do not identify as artistic. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and professional art therapist, I offer creative, sensory and experiential tools and activities to help clients tap into insight and knowledge with less effort and more ease.
Lisa Steels
Counsellor, MACP, RCC, CCC, IAYT-YT, PCP-IV
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Courtenay, BC V9N
Life can be chaotic and full of unexpected change! Many clients are unaware that their nervous system is overwhelmed and unregulated, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, hyper-vigilance and anxiety. As a somatic (body-informed) therapist, I understand how the body can hold emotions, trauma or defensiveness, which can change how people function and show up in the world. As a result, you may feel angry, stressed out, distracted or ambivalent. My work as a Firefighter and Paramedic for over 10 years, allowed me to experience and observe how highly adaptable the human body is at processing traumatic events.
Life can be chaotic and full of unexpected change! Many clients are unaware that their nervous system is overwhelmed and unregulated, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, hyper-vigilance and anxiety. As a somatic (body-informed) therapist, I understand how the body can hold emotions, trauma or defensiveness, which can change how people function and show up in the world. As a result, you may feel angry, stressed out, distracted or ambivalent. My work as a Firefighter and Paramedic for over 10 years, allowed me to experience and observe how highly adaptable the human body is at processing traumatic events.
After 10 years of working with women and their families as a midwife, I am pleased to work with women and families in a counselling capacity. My practice is accessible to new mothers and mothers-to-be in clinic, on Skype and in clients homes. I offer individual, group and family counselling. After a practicum with CYMH I am passionate about working with children and often treat the family as an interconnected system.
After 10 years of working with women and their families as a midwife, I am pleased to work with women and families in a counselling capacity. My practice is accessible to new mothers and mothers-to-be in clinic, on Skype and in clients homes. I offer individual, group and family counselling. After a practicum with CYMH I am passionate about working with children and often treat the family as an interconnected system.
I am a Registered Psychologist and I work with couples at all stages of relationship, with problems ranging from minor communication difficulties, to coping with affairs, to making decisions about whether to stay or leave.
I am a Registered Psychologist and I work with couples at all stages of relationship, with problems ranging from minor communication difficulties, to coping with affairs, to making decisions about whether to stay or leave.
Adapting to life transitions can be overwhelming. Life-changing events often bring pain and struggle. Divorce, grief, loss, new jobs, moving, a diagnosis, and our children’s challenges – we all need support to deal with the resulting anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, and uncertainty. Moving forward while feeling uncertain is very hard to accomplish alone, leaving us feeling stuck or avoiding ourselves with unwanted behaviors; anything to feel some relief in our daily lives. We want something different but are uncertain about how to change our patterns and beliefs.
Adapting to life transitions can be overwhelming. Life-changing events often bring pain and struggle. Divorce, grief, loss, new jobs, moving, a diagnosis, and our children’s challenges – we all need support to deal with the resulting anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, and uncertainty. Moving forward while feeling uncertain is very hard to accomplish alone, leaving us feeling stuck or avoiding ourselves with unwanted behaviors; anything to feel some relief in our daily lives. We want something different but are uncertain about how to change our patterns and beliefs.
Hi! I’m Dr. Michelle. I am a Registered Psychologist with a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary. I completed my residency in Los Angeles, California where I supervised doctoral students in addition to providing psychotherapy. My practice focuses on people managing: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and chronic health conditions. I also provide couple therapy. Lastly, I conduct psychoeducational assessments for suspected/confirmed learning disorders and ADHD for children 8-years and older and adults.
Hi! I’m Dr. Michelle. I am a Registered Psychologist with a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary. I completed my residency in Los Angeles, California where I supervised doctoral students in addition to providing psychotherapy. My practice focuses on people managing: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and chronic health conditions. I also provide couple therapy. Lastly, I conduct psychoeducational assessments for suspected/confirmed learning disorders and ADHD for children 8-years and older and adults.
See more therapy options for Courtenay
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Courtenay, BC
100+
Average cost per session
$150
Counsellors in Courtenay, BC who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
78% | Stress |
77% | Depression |
76% | Self Esteem |
73% | Relationship Issues |
70% | Life Transitions |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
52% | Pacific Blue Cross |
50% | SunLife |
48% | Green Shield Canada |
How Counsellors in Courtenay, BC see their clients
81% | In Person and Online | |
19% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
84% | Female | |
15% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Courtenay?
Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postal code, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postal code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Most Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are certified by one of the main professional associations, mainly the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and will have a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) designation with their name. Social Workers listed in the directory must be registered members of the college specific to their province. To be listed in the directory, Psychologists must be registered with the psychological college specific to their province or territory.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given the considerable variation in professional regulation and prerequisites across Canadian provinces, some providers may possess significant professional qualifications without necessarily holding professional memberships or being obliged to acquire them. As a result, they may be selectively included without the "Verified" seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given the considerable variation in professional regulation and prerequisites across Canadian provinces, some providers may possess significant professional qualifications without necessarily holding professional memberships or being obliged to acquire them. As a result, they may be selectively included without the "Verified" seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and social workers can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and supervised, practical experience that enable them to do so in Canada.
Psychologists have a master's and/or doctoral degree and have passed both written and oral exams. Psychologists are able to complete mental health assessments and provide diagnostic information to clients as well as provide counselling therapy or psychotherapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are expected to have a master's or doctoral degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline and certification by a professional association, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registered Social Workers possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and where possible must be licensed or certified by the provincial government and/or regulatory college.
Psychologists have a master's and/or doctoral degree and have passed both written and oral exams. Psychologists are able to complete mental health assessments and provide diagnostic information to clients as well as provide counselling therapy or psychotherapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are expected to have a master's or doctoral degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline and certification by a professional association, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registered Social Workers possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and where possible must be licensed or certified by the provincial government and/or regulatory college.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in Canada could be between $100 and $200. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. Some types of outpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare, provided these are performed by a licensed mental health professional in the provinces or territory you reside in and who accepts the assignment.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. Some types of outpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare, provided these are performed by a licensed mental health professional in the provinces or territory you reside in and who accepts the assignment.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postal code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Professionals licensed by regulatory colleges and those certified by associations such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association are obligated to uphold client confidentiality unless there is a legal reason that requires them to disclose information. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others, or a court order, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.