Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Courtenay, BC

I offer insight-based, experiential therapy for clients who want to get to the root of their problems by locating unconscious issues and traumas, and actively working with these in-session in a gentle, effective way. Many of my clients have already tried "analyzing" their way free from unhealthy mental states and behaviours, and have realized they need a deeper strategy. Clients learn how to manage their behaviours and emotions from a wise, self-regulated place. I also work with partners who want to deepen their communication and connection and gain freedom from negative patterns.

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.

We cannot change the events or situations of our past, but we can absolutely be free from being chronically impacted, and compacted by our history. You are entitled to all of your feelings and they are an integral part of healing and living a healthy life. If you are ready to move what you are holding to a new place, I am here to support that process. You can find your voice, unpack your story, be seen and heard, I bring tools and support to make the changes you would like to make, so that you can embrace your life with love and enthusiasm. In my mind, everyone who survived their story and makes it to counselling is a superhero.

I work with individuals who have been through overwhelming and traumatic events - who are struggling with anxiety, panic or depression, where symptoms and triggers feel uncontrollable and unstoppable and those who feel like their past continues to resurface. By supporting your nervous system and working from a somatic approach, together we will process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled way so they are no longer needing to keep you in an activated state.

People who experience difficulties in their relationships have often been hurt in the past. If this happened in childhood, you may not even be aware of it or understand why you're reacting. I help individuals, couples and family members discover and heal old wounds from early trauma or past relationships. I offer a variety of therapeutic options so you can chose an approach that is comfortable for you. Each individual determines the goals, pace, and treatment options that are the best fit for them. My client-centred practise ensures that everyone is treated with respect, confidentiality, compassion and cultural sensitivity.

Dr. Kelly McManus has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has been practicing for over 12 years in various mental health settings as a Psychologist and as Registered Clinical Counsellor. Dr. McManus also has a Masters Degree in Education. She works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. She uses integrative, strengths-focused, evidenced-based therapy. Her education includes theory and practice in the major approaches in Psychology including Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioural, and Narrative. Dr. McManus tailors her approach to your particular needs, goals, and preferences. Dr. McManus also takes ICBC and Veteran's Affairs clients.

I support clients managing emotional challenges, BPD traits, depression, OCD, perfectionism, negative internal dialogue, addiction, grief, trauma, and difficult family dynamics. Together we explore a client's history, experience, emotions, and develop better skills for managing challenges. Often old coping strategies are no longer serving the client. Developing relational intimacy with others, and more compassionate communication with self is integral to my work with individuals and families. Together we find solutions for healing and moving forward in healthy ways so clients can align more authenticly with themselves.

I specialize in eating disorders, human performance, and health psychology. I have over 30 years of experience in exercise science, exercise and nutritional psychology, health promotion and coaching. I work with clients struggling with negative body image and take the "health at every size" approach to health counselling/coaching. I work with a wide variety of athletes and academics in performance/ test anxiety.

I help clients seek balance and understanding in their lives. I specialize in working with individual adults that are struggling with anxiety, anger management, communication skills, grief, loss, self-esteem, nutrition, trauma and relationships.

Perhaps you are experiencing a significant transition in your life, wanting to explore your identity, are feeling the influence of anxiety or depression, or are wanting to heal from traumatic experiences you have had. Whatever the life challenge that you are experiencing, I am committed to working collaboratively with you to access your strengths, uncover your preferred vision for living, and create the change that you are seeking.

Although I am also a couples counsellor, I work primarily with those who have experienced trauma. Trauma is the experience of being emotionally and psychologically overwhelmed and overcome for weeks, months, or years by adverse childhood experiences and adult traumatic events. My focus is always on the present and a hopeful future - how can those debilitated by anxiety, shame, poor self-worth, child sexual abuse, c-PTSD and PTSD, and dissociative disorders including Dissociative Identity Disorder, become healthy enough to meet their own needs for income, housing, affirming relationships, and wellness - physical, emotional AND mental

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.

Are you feeling anxious, depressed, grief-stricken, suicidal or alone? Are you struggling with a traumatic incident or relationship? Are you finding yourself unconsciously drawn into unfulfilling relationships, again and again? Are you seeing your own unhealthy patterns in relationships, but don't know what to do to change them? Don't give up! The effective techniques I use, could be the solution you seek to make lasting changes within yourself and how you feel in your relationships.