Attachment-based Therapists in Nanaimo, BC
I’m deeply committed to walking alongside women and Indigenous clients on their recovery journey. I’ve witnessed the strength it takes to rise above trauma, stigma, and systemic barriers—and it fuels my drive to create safe, empowering spaces rooted in cultural humility and compassion. As an FNHA-approved provider, I’ve worked across Coast Salish communities to deliver community-driven care. My approach blends clinical skill with heart—drawing on evidence-based therapies, peer connection, and holistic healing to support change.
I’m deeply committed to walking alongside women and Indigenous clients on their recovery journey. I’ve witnessed the strength it takes to rise above trauma, stigma, and systemic barriers—and it fuels my drive to create safe, empowering spaces rooted in cultural humility and compassion. As an FNHA-approved provider, I’ve worked across Coast Salish communities to deliver community-driven care. My approach blends clinical skill with heart—drawing on evidence-based therapies, peer connection, and holistic healing to support change.
I am trained to work with individuals, couples and families, and will provide support and encouragement to achieve breakthrough for emotional and relational concerns. I also support parents to enhance skills and find greater satisfaction in raising their children. I have over twenty-five years in the counselling field and can provide a supportive, caring space for clients to share their concerns, learn effective coping strategies, begin recovery and reconnect with life.
I am trained to work with individuals, couples and families, and will provide support and encouragement to achieve breakthrough for emotional and relational concerns. I also support parents to enhance skills and find greater satisfaction in raising their children. I have over twenty-five years in the counselling field and can provide a supportive, caring space for clients to share their concerns, learn effective coping strategies, begin recovery and reconnect with life.
It is a privilege to support clients in reconnecting with their natural ability to heal and grow. I work with people navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and relationship challenges. Together, we’ll create tools and uncover insights that lead to long-term change, emotional balance, and a deeper sense of self-trust and well-being. In our work together, you’ll feel both validated and compassionately challenged to examine and release old patterns in order to step into a more grounded, empowered version of yourself.
It is a privilege to support clients in reconnecting with their natural ability to heal and grow. I work with people navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and relationship challenges. Together, we’ll create tools and uncover insights that lead to long-term change, emotional balance, and a deeper sense of self-trust and well-being. In our work together, you’ll feel both validated and compassionately challenged to examine and release old patterns in order to step into a more grounded, empowered version of yourself.
Catherine Allen is an experienced practitioner drawing on 20 years of experience working in remote Arctic communities as a nurse, 16 years as a Structural Integration/Rolfer (form of body work to realign) and Somatic Experiencing and Counselling for the last 8 years. She has studied multiple courses in early childhood trauma, amongst other trainings, and has a keen interest in attachment therapy. Catherine uses her creativity, humour, movement, sensitivity and body awareness to explore trauma, behaviour patterns and how to move through them.
Catherine Allen is an experienced practitioner drawing on 20 years of experience working in remote Arctic communities as a nurse, 16 years as a Structural Integration/Rolfer (form of body work to realign) and Somatic Experiencing and Counselling for the last 8 years. She has studied multiple courses in early childhood trauma, amongst other trainings, and has a keen interest in attachment therapy. Catherine uses her creativity, humour, movement, sensitivity and body awareness to explore trauma, behaviour patterns and how to move through them.
Are you looking for support to navigate lifes ups and downs? Maybe you're dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, or another topic that's getting in the way of living life to the fullest.
I can provide a supportive presence and a warm place to land. I offer virtual therapy and draw on evidence-based modalities such as anti-oppressive practices, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy (including exposure and response prevention for those with OCD) to help you on your journey. I have expertise working with the 2Slgbtqia+ community.
Are you looking for support to navigate lifes ups and downs? Maybe you're dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, or another topic that's getting in the way of living life to the fullest.
I can provide a supportive presence and a warm place to land. I offer virtual therapy and draw on evidence-based modalities such as anti-oppressive practices, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy (including exposure and response prevention for those with OCD) to help you on your journey. I have expertise working with the 2Slgbtqia+ community.
It's natural for us to seek safety, security and comfort; however, there are often obstacles in our way that prevent us from feeling this way. With 20 + years of experience, my practice caters to people experiencing any measure of grief, loss and trauma. Of particular interest to me is perinatal/reproductive stress and trauma, perinatal depression and anxiety, and/or parenting and relationship challenges. This could look like infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy and infant loss, traumatic birth experience, PCOS, mood instability and disorders, and other experiences. I also specialize in bereavement, and end-of-life care support.
It's natural for us to seek safety, security and comfort; however, there are often obstacles in our way that prevent us from feeling this way. With 20 + years of experience, my practice caters to people experiencing any measure of grief, loss and trauma. Of particular interest to me is perinatal/reproductive stress and trauma, perinatal depression and anxiety, and/or parenting and relationship challenges. This could look like infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy and infant loss, traumatic birth experience, PCOS, mood instability and disorders, and other experiences. I also specialize in bereavement, and end-of-life care support.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together. Life’s journey can be beautiful—but also incredibly hard, filled with moments that leave us questioning our worth, our direction, or our capacity to keep going. If you’re here, it means you’re ready for something to shift.
Whether you’re navigating the echoes of trauma, the weight of anxiety or depression, or the complexities of relationships, you don’t have to face it on your own. You deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported—where you can explore your story at your own pace and begin to move toward healing.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together. Life’s journey can be beautiful—but also incredibly hard, filled with moments that leave us questioning our worth, our direction, or our capacity to keep going. If you’re here, it means you’re ready for something to shift.
Whether you’re navigating the echoes of trauma, the weight of anxiety or depression, or the complexities of relationships, you don’t have to face it on your own. You deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported—where you can explore your story at your own pace and begin to move toward healing.
If you feel challenged in your relationships, are struggling with parenting&difficult behaviors, heightened states of anxiety, depression, anger, or total avoidance of others, you are not alone. Conflict, loss, major life changes, & relationship problems are painful and can lead to feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, complete dysregulation, uncertainty and self doubt. I provide counselling to individuals, couples, families, and parents. My approach is informed by Gottman and Prepare Enrich methods, attachment focused interventions, family systems theory, and evidence-based trauma processing approaches that can all support healing.
If you feel challenged in your relationships, are struggling with parenting&difficult behaviors, heightened states of anxiety, depression, anger, or total avoidance of others, you are not alone. Conflict, loss, major life changes, & relationship problems are painful and can lead to feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, complete dysregulation, uncertainty and self doubt. I provide counselling to individuals, couples, families, and parents. My approach is informed by Gottman and Prepare Enrich methods, attachment focused interventions, family systems theory, and evidence-based trauma processing approaches that can all support healing.
At heart I am a down-to-earth optimist, I believe we are born with a desire to be the best version of ourselves. Rather than seeing transitions, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues as merely suffering to be overcome, I see them also as opportunities to deepen in our understanding of self and in our ability to handle the world successfully. Each of us is on a heroic journey, and each life needs two things to grow and develop, ‘love” and “difficulties”. It is the difficulties that cause us to look inside ourselves, and to understand self in a deeper way, and to develop an outlook and the skills to be in the world.
At heart I am a down-to-earth optimist, I believe we are born with a desire to be the best version of ourselves. Rather than seeing transitions, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues as merely suffering to be overcome, I see them also as opportunities to deepen in our understanding of self and in our ability to handle the world successfully. Each of us is on a heroic journey, and each life needs two things to grow and develop, ‘love” and “difficulties”. It is the difficulties that cause us to look inside ourselves, and to understand self in a deeper way, and to develop an outlook and the skills to be in the world.
Feeling overwhelmed? Reaching out for therapy takes courage, and I’m glad you’re here. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, or a major life change, and wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again. My role is to offer a safe, supportive space where you don’t have to carry it all alone, while also giving you practical tools you can use in daily life. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, healing, and the lasting changes you’re hoping for.
Feeling overwhelmed? Reaching out for therapy takes courage, and I’m glad you’re here. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, or a major life change, and wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again. My role is to offer a safe, supportive space where you don’t have to carry it all alone, while also giving you practical tools you can use in daily life. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, healing, and the lasting changes you’re hoping for.
I believe healing begins with being truly seen and understood. I offer a safe space to process the past, make sense of your experiences, and tend to what’s hurting, without staying stuck there. My approach blends counselling with the forward momentum of coaching, helping you break old patterns, build emotional intelligence, and step into your full potential. Together we’ll honour where you’ve been while creating momentum toward the life you long for.
I believe healing begins with being truly seen and understood. I offer a safe space to process the past, make sense of your experiences, and tend to what’s hurting, without staying stuck there. My approach blends counselling with the forward momentum of coaching, helping you break old patterns, build emotional intelligence, and step into your full potential. Together we’ll honour where you’ve been while creating momentum toward the life you long for.
My approach is trauma-informed, and I have training and certification in a variety of modalities including: Attachment-based Treatment; Adlerian approaches; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; Couples Counselling and Family Systems.
When I meet someone who is reaching out for support, you are my main concern. Everyone is different and has unique experiences, goals, and needs. Services provided at Creative Minds Counselling are tailored to you, your needs, and your goals. You are the center of our counselling plan.
My approach is trauma-informed, and I have training and certification in a variety of modalities including: Attachment-based Treatment; Adlerian approaches; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; Couples Counselling and Family Systems.
When I meet someone who is reaching out for support, you are my main concern. Everyone is different and has unique experiences, goals, and needs. Services provided at Creative Minds Counselling are tailored to you, your needs, and your goals. You are the center of our counselling plan.
I am an adult/child/youth and family therapist and clinical consultant in private practice. As well as being a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), I am a Registered Art Therapist (ATR and BCATR), a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), and a certified Play Therapist Supervisor (CPT-S). I celebrate 45+ years experience as a counsellor psychotherapist and 35 years teaching internationally the therapeutic methods I have developed called Holistic Expressive Therapy. For 34 years, I have taught courses at the Justice Institute of British Columbia where a certificate on my approach to therapy is offered.
I am an adult/child/youth and family therapist and clinical consultant in private practice. As well as being a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), I am a Registered Art Therapist (ATR and BCATR), a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), and a certified Play Therapist Supervisor (CPT-S). I celebrate 45+ years experience as a counsellor psychotherapist and 35 years teaching internationally the therapeutic methods I have developed called Holistic Expressive Therapy. For 34 years, I have taught courses at the Justice Institute of British Columbia where a certificate on my approach to therapy is offered.
Helping thoughtful women transform “never enough” into calm confidence.
If you look successful on the outside yet secretly wrestle with self-doubt, people-pleasing, or exhaustion from trying to keep it all together, you’re not alone. You might notice you’re replaying the same relationship patterns—cling-then-retreat, over-giving, choosing emotionally unavailable partners—and suspect it traces back to early trauma or attachment wounds. You don't have to stay stuck - together we’ll turn survival patterns into sustainable self-trust so you can enjoy relationships, work, and your own company.
Helping thoughtful women transform “never enough” into calm confidence.
If you look successful on the outside yet secretly wrestle with self-doubt, people-pleasing, or exhaustion from trying to keep it all together, you’re not alone. You might notice you’re replaying the same relationship patterns—cling-then-retreat, over-giving, choosing emotionally unavailable partners—and suspect it traces back to early trauma or attachment wounds. You don't have to stay stuck - together we’ll turn survival patterns into sustainable self-trust so you can enjoy relationships, work, and your own company.
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.
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.
I believe that you are the expert about you and that I will work together with you to move forward in healing and wholeness. I work from a trauma informed perspective that means when I work together with individuals, I consider past trauma and how this may impact your resulting thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I have a range of therapeutic tools that use with clients including certification as an EMDR clinician through EMDRIA, Polyvagal practices, Mindfulness, FLASH, G-TEP and Deep Brain Reorientation, I also offer EMDR Intensives.
For those from a faith perspective, I can offer a Christian based perspective.
I believe that you are the expert about you and that I will work together with you to move forward in healing and wholeness. I work from a trauma informed perspective that means when I work together with individuals, I consider past trauma and how this may impact your resulting thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I have a range of therapeutic tools that use with clients including certification as an EMDR clinician through EMDRIA, Polyvagal practices, Mindfulness, FLASH, G-TEP and Deep Brain Reorientation, I also offer EMDR Intensives.
For those from a faith perspective, I can offer a Christian based perspective.
Life brings both expected and unexpected transitions—moving to a new place, navigating relationship or career changes, or simply facing the daily challenges of life. These shifts can stir up feelings of anxiety, sadness, confusion, or isolation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lost, please know that you’re not alone. Many people experience these emotions when life feels uncertain or unfamiliar, and reaching out for support is a courageous first step toward healing.
Life brings both expected and unexpected transitions—moving to a new place, navigating relationship or career changes, or simply facing the daily challenges of life. These shifts can stir up feelings of anxiety, sadness, confusion, or isolation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lost, please know that you’re not alone. Many people experience these emotions when life feels uncertain or unfamiliar, and reaching out for support is a courageous first step toward healing.
If you are struggling with stress of any kind ie. work stress, family stress, relationship or personal stress or simply trying to cope with the overwhelming demands of modern life, please feel free to give me a call. I have 20 years experience treating Depression, Anxiety, Burnout, Addictions and Trauma of all kinds. I also provide family and couples counselling. In addition to offering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused interventions, I teach Mindful Self Compassion and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction to all my clients, including older children and teens.
If you are struggling with stress of any kind ie. work stress, family stress, relationship or personal stress or simply trying to cope with the overwhelming demands of modern life, please feel free to give me a call. I have 20 years experience treating Depression, Anxiety, Burnout, Addictions and Trauma of all kinds. I also provide family and couples counselling. In addition to offering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused interventions, I teach Mindful Self Compassion and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction to all my clients, including older children and teens.
Come as you are. Whatever challenges you are currently facing, unless you talk about it, you'll never know what's possible. You don't have to know where to start. Your story needs to be told, by you. I welcome and value diversity from all walks of life.
Come as you are. Whatever challenges you are currently facing, unless you talk about it, you'll never know what's possible. You don't have to know where to start. Your story needs to be told, by you. I welcome and value diversity from all walks of life.
Accepting New Clients. Are you experiencing increased anxiety or sadness lately? Do you wish to feel more confident, more connected, more relaxed? You may wish to increase your motivation, to get more out of life, you may wish to navigate a life change, you may wish to identify or explore your goals. You don't want it to be this hard. You don't want to be this angry. You want to be happier and more fulfilled. You want your relationships to be better, perhaps deeper, richer, less difficult. You want to identify your dreams and find out the steps to take to get closer to fulfilling your dreams. I can help you on your journey.
Accepting New Clients. Are you experiencing increased anxiety or sadness lately? Do you wish to feel more confident, more connected, more relaxed? You may wish to increase your motivation, to get more out of life, you may wish to navigate a life change, you may wish to identify or explore your goals. You don't want it to be this hard. You don't want to be this angry. You want to be happier and more fulfilled. You want your relationships to be better, perhaps deeper, richer, less difficult. You want to identify your dreams and find out the steps to take to get closer to fulfilling your dreams. I can help you on your journey.
See more therapy options for Nanaimo
Nearby Attachment-based Counsellors Searches for Nanaimo
- Chemainus
- Cobble Hill
- Cowichan Bay
- Cumberland
- Duncan
- Ladysmith
- Lantzville
- Nanoose Bay
- Parksville
- Qualicum Beach
- Shawnigan Lake
- Tofino