Therapists in Nanaimo, BC

I'm really glad you're here. Over the past 30 years I've supported a wide variety of people on their healing journey. Together, we have worked through issues around trauma (current, historic & generational) PTSD, addiction & recovery (including alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gaming, porn, shopping, relationships), sexuality & sexual orientation, gender identity, anxiety, depression, BPD, and bipolar disorder. I have also supported people who live differently-abled lives, including those living on the autism spectrum. Please check out my website & reach out to get to know me better.
I also offer grp/individual Clinical Supervision.
I'm really glad you're here. Over the past 30 years I've supported a wide variety of people on their healing journey. Together, we have worked through issues around trauma (current, historic & generational) PTSD, addiction & recovery (including alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gaming, porn, shopping, relationships), sexuality & sexual orientation, gender identity, anxiety, depression, BPD, and bipolar disorder. I have also supported people who live differently-abled lives, including those living on the autism spectrum. Please check out my website & reach out to get to know me better.
I also offer grp/individual Clinical Supervision.

Turn relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and stress downside-up and stop repeating the same troublesome patterns. I am an experienced counsellor who can help you turn problems into solutions, getting you the tools you need to make real changes, starting now. Doing more than just listen, I help you deal with problems and underlying causes so that you can gain relief now and for the future. Life is better with help: I can help with relationships, infidelity, trust, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, sex issues, panic, addictions, anger, trauma, grief, and more. Frowns really can turn into smiles.
Turn relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and stress downside-up and stop repeating the same troublesome patterns. I am an experienced counsellor who can help you turn problems into solutions, getting you the tools you need to make real changes, starting now. Doing more than just listen, I help you deal with problems and underlying causes so that you can gain relief now and for the future. Life is better with help: I can help with relationships, infidelity, trust, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, sex issues, panic, addictions, anger, trauma, grief, and more. Frowns really can turn into smiles.

I specialize in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and mood difficulties in adults. I have training and expertise in assessing and treating depression, extreme shyness (social anxiety), chronic worry (generalized anxiety), panic disorder, agoraphobia, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, specific phobias (e.g., fear of needles, flying), and body focused repetitive behaviors (e.g., skin picking). I also provide treatment for stress-related problems, low self-esteem, and difficulty coping with life events.
I specialize in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and mood difficulties in adults. I have training and expertise in assessing and treating depression, extreme shyness (social anxiety), chronic worry (generalized anxiety), panic disorder, agoraphobia, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, specific phobias (e.g., fear of needles, flying), and body focused repetitive behaviors (e.g., skin picking). I also provide treatment for stress-related problems, low self-esteem, and difficulty coping with life events.

Are you struggling in your relationship? Do you get frustrated at your partner, your mother, your co-workers or your boss? Have you thought that if you moved jobs, or countries, or changed your relationship that life would change; only to realize that you are having the same experience all over again? Sometimes we wish that people would just do what we want them to or be a certain way so that we can feel better. Often we think our relationships need to change when change must really begin within ourselves. If you are ready to look at who you are in your relationships, I'm here to help you discover who that is and why!
Are you struggling in your relationship? Do you get frustrated at your partner, your mother, your co-workers or your boss? Have you thought that if you moved jobs, or countries, or changed your relationship that life would change; only to realize that you are having the same experience all over again? Sometimes we wish that people would just do what we want them to or be a certain way so that we can feel better. Often we think our relationships need to change when change must really begin within ourselves. If you are ready to look at who you are in your relationships, I'm here to help you discover who that is and why!

I am an experienced and compassionate counsellor with over 20 years of dedicated service in the field of mental health and well-being, teaching and school counselling. Possessing a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from UBC, and various specialized certifications, I have honed my skills to provide empathetic and effective guidance to individuals facing diverse challenges. My warm and non-judgmental demeanor instantly puts my clients at ease, fostering a safe and trusting environment for open dialogue.
I am an experienced and compassionate counsellor with over 20 years of dedicated service in the field of mental health and well-being, teaching and school counselling. Possessing a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from UBC, and various specialized certifications, I have honed my skills to provide empathetic and effective guidance to individuals facing diverse challenges. My warm and non-judgmental demeanor instantly puts my clients at ease, fostering a safe and trusting environment for open dialogue.

The pathways to counselling come through many channels. I seek to provide a space that is versatile and sensitive to your unique needs as well as wishes for your work here.
The pathways to counselling come through many channels. I seek to provide a space that is versatile and sensitive to your unique needs as well as wishes for your work here.

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.
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.

Have you spent years being the strong one, keeping it together, often at the cost of your own needs? Underneath anxiety, people-pleasing, or burnout is often a deeper longing—to feel connected, authentic, and alive. In our work, we explore the patterns that once helped you survive but now keep you stuck. With a naturally present and relational approach, I support you in reconnecting with your sense of self - not by fixing the past, but by building awareness and choice in the present. None of us are meant to do this alone - including YOU!
Have you spent years being the strong one, keeping it together, often at the cost of your own needs? Underneath anxiety, people-pleasing, or burnout is often a deeper longing—to feel connected, authentic, and alive. In our work, we explore the patterns that once helped you survive but now keep you stuck. With a naturally present and relational approach, I support you in reconnecting with your sense of self - not by fixing the past, but by building awareness and choice in the present. None of us are meant to do this alone - including YOU!

I work with individuals 18+ navigating interpersonal issues, life transitions and processing trauma. My approach is personable and relational, and I will help you get to the root of what is bothering you and assist you in addressing it in a direct way.
I work with individuals 18+ navigating interpersonal issues, life transitions and processing trauma. My approach is personable and relational, and I will help you get to the root of what is bothering you and assist you in addressing it in a direct way.

Are you feeling overcome with stress, anxiety and depressive feelings? Do you find yourself suffering from negative self-talk that contributes to a lack of self-esteem and confidence? Are you lonely, even with people all around you? Do you long to connect with meaningful relationships? Do you find yourself looking for escapes with addictive processes? If this sounds like you, I would love to help you connect to your authentic self by overcoming the negative lens that has been built throughout your life by what others have said, feelings of disapproval, traumatic experiences, societal and cultural conditioning.
Are you feeling overcome with stress, anxiety and depressive feelings? Do you find yourself suffering from negative self-talk that contributes to a lack of self-esteem and confidence? Are you lonely, even with people all around you? Do you long to connect with meaningful relationships? Do you find yourself looking for escapes with addictive processes? If this sounds like you, I would love to help you connect to your authentic self by overcoming the negative lens that has been built throughout your life by what others have said, feelings of disapproval, traumatic experiences, societal and cultural conditioning.

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.
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.

Welcome! We all love what we do and are here to help you find health, balance and peace. Vancouver Island Therapy is a full service, multi—disciplinary health clinic focused on providing multiple healing services to help you and your family. Located in Nanaimo, BC, we service many communities including; Port Alberni, Qualicum, Parksville, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan to Victoria. Diverse, professional and experienced, our practitioners bring a broad range of experience into their practice with clients. We are here to help emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Each of us has decades of experience, a unique approach
Welcome! We all love what we do and are here to help you find health, balance and peace. Vancouver Island Therapy is a full service, multi—disciplinary health clinic focused on providing multiple healing services to help you and your family. Located in Nanaimo, BC, we service many communities including; Port Alberni, Qualicum, Parksville, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan to Victoria. Diverse, professional and experienced, our practitioners bring a broad range of experience into their practice with clients. We are here to help emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Each of us has decades of experience, a unique approach

I have been working as a registered psychologist since 2008. It's important to me to create a safe, caring respectful environment where anyone, no matter who they are, feels welcome. The relationship between us is one of the most important factors in determining how helpful counselling with me will be. Clients often come to me with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, difficulties with life transitions, and grief or loss. We will work together to develop a plan to deal effectively with the issues that bring you to see me. (Can also contact by Fax: 250.984.0859)
I have been working as a registered psychologist since 2008. It's important to me to create a safe, caring respectful environment where anyone, no matter who they are, feels welcome. The relationship between us is one of the most important factors in determining how helpful counselling with me will be. Clients often come to me with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, difficulties with life transitions, and grief or loss. We will work together to develop a plan to deal effectively with the issues that bring you to see me. (Can also contact by Fax: 250.984.0859)

Do you feel bogged down by intense anxiety or stress? Do you feel hopeless or depressed about your life? Are the relationships in your life toxic or filled with tension? Does addiction have a tight grip on your life? Do you feel chained to the past and due to trauma? If you relate to any of those questions and would like help navigating difficult emotions, thoughts, behaviours, relationships, or trauma, come talk to me. I have been trained by some of the leading experts in the field of psychotherapy such as Dr Gabor Mate and Dr Patrick Carnes, and I would be honoured to be a part of your journey to help you achieve your goals.
Do you feel bogged down by intense anxiety or stress? Do you feel hopeless or depressed about your life? Are the relationships in your life toxic or filled with tension? Does addiction have a tight grip on your life? Do you feel chained to the past and due to trauma? If you relate to any of those questions and would like help navigating difficult emotions, thoughts, behaviours, relationships, or trauma, come talk to me. I have been trained by some of the leading experts in the field of psychotherapy such as Dr Gabor Mate and Dr Patrick Carnes, and I would be honoured to be a part of your journey to help you achieve your goals.

Redirect Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Nanaimo, BC V9R
Not accepting new clients
Ever stop and wonder when simply living turned into a performance? It's like there's this invisible script we're all supposed to follow, this checklist of expectations that society has handed down to us, and if we deviate from it slightly, we're met with judgment, criticism, or a sense of failure. Nowadays, it’s all about optimizations. Curating idealized version of ourselves that are unattainable. It's become focused on external results and arbitrary standards, we've forgotten to listen to our bodies and honor our individual and family needs.
Ever stop and wonder when simply living turned into a performance? It's like there's this invisible script we're all supposed to follow, this checklist of expectations that society has handed down to us, and if we deviate from it slightly, we're met with judgment, criticism, or a sense of failure. Nowadays, it’s all about optimizations. Curating idealized version of ourselves that are unattainable. It's become focused on external results and arbitrary standards, we've forgotten to listen to our bodies and honor our individual and family needs.

Laurie Larkin-Boyle is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Art Therapist. As a former teacher, she has 20 years experience working with children and youth. Laurie offers in-person individual counselling for children and youth as well as online counselling for adults. She uses expressive art therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. Her therapeutic approach is client-centred and tailored to the individual needs of each client.
Laurie Larkin-Boyle is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Art Therapist. As a former teacher, she has 20 years experience working with children and youth. Laurie offers in-person individual counselling for children and youth as well as online counselling for adults. She uses expressive art therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. Her therapeutic approach is client-centred and tailored to the individual needs of each client.

Hi, I’m Kelly. I support people feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or carrying the weight of trauma or health challenges. Kōkua is a Hawaiian word meaning to help with kindness and without expectation; this inspires my approach to therapy. Though I live in the Pacific Northwest, its spirit guides me. Life transitions and stress can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face them alone. I offer a safe, compassionate space where you feel heard and empowered as we build practical skills, resilience, and hope together.
Hi, I’m Kelly. I support people feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or carrying the weight of trauma or health challenges. Kōkua is a Hawaiian word meaning to help with kindness and without expectation; this inspires my approach to therapy. Though I live in the Pacific Northwest, its spirit guides me. Life transitions and stress can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face them alone. I offer a safe, compassionate space where you feel heard and empowered as we build practical skills, resilience, and hope together.

It is part of being human to at times feel stressed, stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged - wanting some kind of change but finding that things stay the same in spite of our efforts. There are understandable reasons for this. We have a human mind that tries to keep us safe but can limit us to seeing things in the same old ways. We inhabit a human body with a complex nervous system. We live in relationship with other people and have developed patterns of relating. We may have had difficult experiences that have put us into a “protective mode”. And with support, we have great capacity for healing and growth.
It is part of being human to at times feel stressed, stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged - wanting some kind of change but finding that things stay the same in spite of our efforts. There are understandable reasons for this. We have a human mind that tries to keep us safe but can limit us to seeing things in the same old ways. We inhabit a human body with a complex nervous system. We live in relationship with other people and have developed patterns of relating. We may have had difficult experiences that have put us into a “protective mode”. And with support, we have great capacity for healing and growth.

Hi, my name is Krista, I am glad you're here. I primarily work with those who struggle with anxiety, grief and loss, and chronic pain management. My goal is to establish a therapeutic relationship where clients feel safe enough to explore issues that are important to them. I bring a unique perspective as a certified yoga teacher and vipassana meditator. I believe in the importance of restoring a connection with all aspects of the self to facilitate the healing process. I work with clients one-on-one to help them find a connection between body, mind, and heart, and to rediscover the inherent wisdom that resides within the body.
Hi, my name is Krista, I am glad you're here. I primarily work with those who struggle with anxiety, grief and loss, and chronic pain management. My goal is to establish a therapeutic relationship where clients feel safe enough to explore issues that are important to them. I bring a unique perspective as a certified yoga teacher and vipassana meditator. I believe in the importance of restoring a connection with all aspects of the self to facilitate the healing process. I work with clients one-on-one to help them find a connection between body, mind, and heart, and to rediscover the inherent wisdom that resides within the body.

Walking through life feeling a sense that there must be something more. Tired of feeling lost with no outlet in sight. You have been carrying a heavy load for a long time and want to find peace and acceptance. You feel called to step into who you truly are and break through the shackles of your struggling. I can help you to find your inner peace and heal through old wounds. Let us walk together toward your inner peace; healing what needs to be. Through some special methods like compassionate connection and truly seeing who you are, healing will happen...goals will be achieved...and oh yes that inner peace!
Walking through life feeling a sense that there must be something more. Tired of feeling lost with no outlet in sight. You have been carrying a heavy load for a long time and want to find peace and acceptance. You feel called to step into who you truly are and break through the shackles of your struggling. I can help you to find your inner peace and heal through old wounds. Let us walk together toward your inner peace; healing what needs to be. Through some special methods like compassionate connection and truly seeing who you are, healing will happen...goals will be achieved...and oh yes that inner peace!
See more therapy options for Nanaimo
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Nanaimo, BC
300+
Average cost per session
$150
Counsellors in Nanaimo, BC who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
78% | Relationship Issues |
77% | Self Esteem |
76% | Stress |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | Grief |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
48% | Pacific Blue Cross |
47% | Green Shield Canada |
44% | SunLife |
How Counsellors in Nanaimo, BC see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
4% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Nanaimo?
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.