Alberta Blue Cross Therapists in Courtenay, BC

"We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future." George Bernard Shaw-- While working together there is but one expert and, ultimately, one person responsible for your life. That person is you. I consider it an honour to work alongside people who are motivated for change and moving forward in life. As we are all very complex and unique I seek to help you identify and address your needs, challenges and goals from a respectful, positive and supportive role that is future focused.

I imagine you might be struggling in some way at the moment. Maybe things are not the way you thought they would be. Maybe you imagined your life would have turned out differently. Perhaps you have had some painful life experiences that are feeling difficult to heal. Our grief and loss are exactly that and need to be honoured. What I do believe is if we allow space for our emotions and give the pain the attention it needs, we can experience some relief from that pain and find where the light can seep in. We then can build a life full of meaning and happiness.

If you are struggling with a loss of direction or purpose, and want to rejuvenate life with renewed purpose, facing death or about to lose a loved one, I will work with you to find peace and broader meanings so you can carry on with joy and loving memories. I believe that everyone has the potential to grow beyond their current limits regardless of what they are struggling with i.e. addiction, relationship, life-transitions, or meaninglessness etc.

Feeling stuck in a cycle of challenges while others progress? You're not alone. I understand your frustration and want to help you gain insight into your struggle. While this journey may appear daunting, together, we can navigate it. Establishing a secure therapeutic connection is at the core of my practice. I am committed to providing a safe and supportive space for your self-discovery. My approach draws from the proven Internal Family Systems Model (IFS).

In the constant battle to match societal norms you may find yourself sticking out like a sore thumb. You might find that no matter how well you adapt to your environment you have an inner desire to just be yourself and to stop caring what other people think. But the pressures to perform, be productive and be useful overpower that voice within, limiting its expression. I help guide you to find ways to express and live a life that is aligned for you through inner child and shadow work by working with your body, mind and soul.

I believe in your inner resources to heal and step onto a new path, in your own way, and offer my services in confidence, as a compassionate witness on your journey of healing. During our sessions, I will gently encourage you to be true to yourself and your own direction, especially as you explore unsettling or difficult issues. My training and experience includes both psychological and spiritual dimensions of human growth and potential. Psychology and spirit are deeply connected: I have witnessed my own and others' healing coming through the heart, the body and the spirit.

Accepting new clients . Are you feeling overwhelmed ? I offer non-judgemental, down to earth sessions where you can come to be heard, to talk about what's really happening for you, to work on realistic goals, helpful tools and solutions. I have experienced a great deal of grief, trauma and anxiety in my own life. I know how hard it is to try be strong all the time and to try to do it all alone. Reaching out for support is brave.

I help my clients in the process of grief, trauma, life transitions and burnout. By integrating modalities such as Mindfulness, DBT, Somatic therapy and Internal Family Systems we are able to look at all aspects of the human experience. We can explore the impact these experiences have in your day-to-day life and the big picture. We will create an individualized and well-balanced approach to therapy by focusing on how you've been impacted, and develop tools and resources to support you in moving forward.

My name is Melissa and I'm here to support you on your path to healing and wellness! I have over 15 years experience with somatic energy work. I use this valuable experience in my counselling practice to help clients release inner blocks and open their mind and body to new possibilities. I support people through with various life challenges including anxiety, divorce/separation, grief/loss, depression, substance abuse, sexual abuse, and more. I currently work with Indigenous children and families who have experienced sexual abuse and intergenerational trauma. I am a First Nations Health Authority provider.

I bring empathy, warmth, and collaboration as a therapist and aim to create meaningful connections through the safe exploration of experiences shaping your life. I have worked extensively with anxiety, depression, trauma (including childhood trauma), sexual assault/abuse, grief/loss, relationship/family issues, stress, as well as chronic and acute health issues. I also have a heartfelt interest, and post-graduate training, in working with individuals and couples impacted by infertility and perinatal/postpartum mental health. I bring 15 years of experience and work with adults (individuals and couples), teens, and youth.

I help people learn to forgive themselves for the things they had to do in order to survive. I believe that when we feel safe in our body and free from the shackles of our past, we can create our dream reality. By honouring our sensitive nature, and creating a safe space to explore, we can set our inner child free - inviting playfulness, humour, and curiosity to the healing process. We are not what has happened to us, we are who we choose to become. I'm here to help you discover who you truly are on a soul level.

You are ready to feel better and I am here to help. Counselling is a healing journey and am honoured to be a part of it. I can help you gain better self-understanding, improve your mood and change old patterns, by using both my knowledge of neuroscience and effective counselling techniques. I work collaboratively with you to make lasting change. I specialize in counselling individuals who have experienced trauma, mental health (depression, anxiety, PTSD) , abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), grief and loss, life transitions (relationships, work, school), anger management, relationship issues, parenting and pregnancy concerns.

Currently taking clients / Clients come to me to me with a desire to reclaim parts of themselves that are buried under trauma, anxiety, self-judgement, and perfectionism. They feel as though the fundamental spark at the core of their being is lost, tarnished, and far out of reach. As such, they rightfully long for the fullness of their being and it is a privilege to help them rediscover it.

Are you struggling with intense emotions? You are not alone. I am here to help you heal emotional hurt and trauma so that you can connect to others instead of reacting. I will walk you through the process of understanding your emotions and triggers, finding new ways to deal with the present and understand and heal from the impact of your past traumatic life experiences. There is no emotional problem or trauma too big or too small for to bring to our sessions together.

My name is Amanda Sparkes, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work, whereby my focus was in the area of mental health and addiction treatment, specifically serving and working within northern rural and remote communities and service provisions.My approach to practice specializes in the understanding of ‘culturally respectful social work practice’, anti-oppressive paradigm, and holistic healing through mindful practice. I am experienced in offering counselling services to children, youth, adults, and families focusing on issues

I invite you, if you are tired of living on the "autopilot" mode and are looking to regain full control over your life, to read a bit more. Do you have a strong desire to embark on a journey of self-exploration and inner healing, fostering self-acceptance, compassion, playfulness and readiness to confront hidden parts of yourself? Have you tried traditional therapies such as talk therapy, and you still feel stuck? We experience life with our bodies and senses, and they all store our stories and experiences. I invite you on a self-exploration beyond words...

Do you want to feel more connected and happier in your relationships? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by your feelings? Do you often feel sad, worried, or anxious? Many of my clients are professionals, parents, students, and creatives who appear to be functioning well on the outside, but inwardly are feeling anxious, inadequate, and disconnected. Whether you're dealing with something right now or want to understand your feelings better, I'm here to help and ready to support you.