Therapists in Nanaimo, BC

Counselling can be helpful If you're struggling, overwhelmed, stuck or interested in personal growth and increased self-awareness. I provide a therapeutic space and relationship that is built on transparency, kindness and genuine positive regard for the trials and tribulations of being a human being. Speaking from experience, reaching out to a counsellor can be incredibly difficult. In order to assist you with the process of finding a counsellor that is the best fit for your needs I offer a free phone consultation so that we can discuss your needs, how I work and the areas you would like to focus in our work together.

Our environment and connections affect greatly our ability to cope, our wellbeing, mental health, and joy. Whether it's breaking the cycle of negative thoughts, feeling like there is no one to turn to, struggling to identify feelings, or just needing someone to talk to when life is feeling like too much, strengthening our resolve is always beneficial. Together we can deconstruct the negative stories you may tell yourself and rebuild them into kinder, stronger, and more positive stories that help you be authentic and feel connected in mind, body and environment.

I have worked with people who have experienced intergenerational abuses who struggle with a variety of addiction. I have worked with people who struggle with anger, depression, coping, parenting styles, communication, and organization of daily tasks.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and have also completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Depth-oriented focus. I've been working as a clinical counsellor, crisis counsellor, psychoeducator, and group facilitator in the mental health field for over 20 years. My areas of expertise are in the clinical fields of sexual assault & incest, trauma, addictions, eating disorders and mood disorders. My therapeutic approach is multi-faceted, and I combine CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, humanistic, depth-oriented, insight-oriented, interpersonal, and existential philosophies in my practice.

Hello, my name is Dean Laviolette and this is a counselling practice in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. As a proud Metis, life is both precious and beautiful, just like you. Seeking counselling is an opportunity to unearth and rediscover who you really are. My approach is to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect in a safe environment. Being empathetic and genuine is my commitment to quality of care to clients without being judgmental. The use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches seem to help clients self-explore, become self-aware, and learn self-care.

Breath Control Therapy offers breathwork techniques and breathing exercises critical for rehabilitation from both physical and psychological injury and illness but also to maintaining conditioning and improve sports performance.

I work with children, teens & adults wishing to explore life issues using a creative approach. Is your child acting out after a traumatic experience such as a separation, divorce, or loss of family member? Is your child showing signs of frustration while trying to navigate the expectations of parents, foster parents, teachers, and peers? Have you known that there was a problem for a while, and now feel that you simply must address it? Expressive arts therapy and play therapy are powerful, intuitive, proven forms of therapy that help people express traumatic, painful or confusing life experiences, and begin the healing journey.

Thank you for taking the first step toward creating a brighter future for yourself! Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, obsessive-coumpulsive disorder (OCD), body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRB) or other mental health concerns? I am here to help. Together we will walk a journey towards wellness by unpacking your negative thinking patterns or unhelpful behaviours and work to create healthy thoughts and behaviours that will lead towards a healthier you!

In life we go through many transitions and stages of change. These changes can be positive, energizing and welcoming, and they can also produce feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and self doubt. I believe the first step in overcoming these challenges is by discovering how our inner beliefs, identity, and habits have influenced and shaped us. One small shift in our thoughts, beliefs and behaviors can have a dramatic effect on all areas of life with lasting change. I aim to provide a safe, fun and trusting atmosphere focusing and building on a person's own strengths and past successes in rediscovery who they are and their life purpose.

Since 1996 I have been working along side families and individuals to support them through life’s struggles. With compassion and confidence we work on adjustment to injuries, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations and PTSD. I have worked individuals, children, and couples. I create a queer friendly environment.

Most people I work with initially seek counselling as a result of some form of suffering. Sometimes this suffering is specific such as symptoms of anxiety, depression, addiction, stress or relationship issues. Other times the suffering is vague, a feeling of something being off, amiss, or worse. In either case, I meet people where they are at, either 'getting to it' (so to speak) and yet taking the time for whatever needs to unfold.

I am passionate about working with humans around issues such as anxiety, relational trauma, self-criticism, low self-worth, and struggles navigating connection and conflict. Common concerns that clients come to me with include social and other forms of anxiety, low mood, difficulty regulating big emotions, eating and body image concerns, parenting challenges, and communication/relationship issues. I see adolescents, adults, and couples/partners in my practice.

Are you struggling with difficult emotions or anxious thoughts? Are you experiencing changes, challenges or losses which make it difficult to function? I work with adults who are feeling overwhelmed by daily life, in their relationships or at work. Using a person-centred approach, I offer a safe space where you can feel comfortable, heard and understood. A place where we can work together on your goals at your pace, attending to your unique requirements and the situations you are responding to. I draw from various theoretical perspectives to gain insight into your life experiences and narrow the focus to what is important to you.

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.

Change can be challenging. I am here to help you meet that challenge head on. I have a passion for helping people navigate life transitions and to heal from past issues that may still be lingering. My counselling work focuses on helping people process and heal from the effects of depression, anxiety, trauma (intergenerational and lived experiences), and manage difficult relationships. I also support people who are navigating family conflict, self-esteem issues, health challenges, insecurity, employment complications, life transitions, sexual dissatisfaction, and grief.

I believe achieving well-being should be a positive and pleasant experience. Whatever challenges you have, it is never too late to take the first step in achieving your well-being and maintaining it. Humans are one of the most resilient creatures on Earth, because not only do we adapt and integrate, but are capable of creating unique solutions to solve any problem that comes our way. It is this innate creative power that makes us who we are. In our journey to achieve well-being, I look to the development of the whole person; emotions, social skills, spiritual beliefs, community participation, and awareness of the greater world.

Addiction, eating disorder, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, phobia, and insomnia etc. are most often symptoms, but not the root of the problem. Very often, through childhood and adulthood, many traumatic experiences (such as bullying and abuse) left us with psychological injuries. And we use various above-listed symptoms to deal with experiences that made us feel sad or scared, even for short-term. The real healing/solution is, therefore, to clean the injuries, and develop new coping skills. This approach also applies to unexpected traumatic life experiences, such as accidents, natural disasters, illness, and grief.

Many young women seek counselling because they have experienced traumatic or difficult situations. I know how these deeply felt experiences can leave us feeling alone, unable to verbalize our distress to those close to us. The lasting impact of past experiences and traumas on current relationships, beliefs and behaviours can keep us feeling stuck in painful patterns. I work with individuals experiencing a range of symptoms including anxiety that impacts daily functioning, disordered eating, body image issues and the impact of sexual trauma. I also specialize in working with those experiencing the impact of complex trauma.

Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or drug related problems? Addiction disorders isolate individuals from family, loved ones, community, and ultimately themselves. Many individuals may be fearful or have uncertainty reaching out for help. Be assured, I bring a relaxed non-judgemental approach to the therapeutic relationship and specialize in working with adults experiencing difficulty with addiction and related co-occurring disorders. I have worked in the addiction and mental health field since 2008 and have held clinical and management positions in inpatient, outpatient, and continuing care settings.