Addiction Therapists in Port Hardy, BC
I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, a graduate diploma in addiction treatment, and a bachelor's in public health.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward healing. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure, know you're not alone and support is within reach. I’ve been where you are, and my own healing journey inspired me to help others overcome complex trauma. Since 2020, I’ve been helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves, feel lighter by processing the past, and move forward with confidence. Through a compassionate, non-judgmental space, we’ll work together toward a healthier, more empowered future. Healing is possible and it starts now.
I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, a graduate diploma in addiction treatment, and a bachelor's in public health.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward healing. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure, know you're not alone and support is within reach. I’ve been where you are, and my own healing journey inspired me to help others overcome complex trauma. Since 2020, I’ve been helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves, feel lighter by processing the past, and move forward with confidence. Through a compassionate, non-judgmental space, we’ll work together toward a healthier, more empowered future. Healing is possible and it starts now.
Valerie Laura Kuilboer
Drug & Alcohol Counsellor, MA, ICADC, CCAC, CCCS
1 Endorsed
Port Hardy, BC V0N
I have 30 years of work experience in the area of substance abuse and concurrent disorders, in various roles such as Director of Clinical Services at a Residential Treatment Center, an Inpatient and Outpatient Counselor.
I have completed studies in addiction, trauma, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, emotionally focused therapy and solution focused therapy. I have provided supervision for students of Social Work, Child and Youth Care, and Criminology. My passion is in the area of human potential for resiliency and capacity building.
I have 30 years of work experience in the area of substance abuse and concurrent disorders, in various roles such as Director of Clinical Services at a Residential Treatment Center, an Inpatient and Outpatient Counselor.
I have completed studies in addiction, trauma, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, emotionally focused therapy and solution focused therapy. I have provided supervision for students of Social Work, Child and Youth Care, and Criminology. My passion is in the area of human potential for resiliency and capacity building.
I’m so glad you are here. New Clients are welcome, both young and old (individuals, couples, families). Let’s talk about how therapy helps. There are so many ways we can feel better, we just need to take one step. Reaching out is the first, and often clients feel better after the first session. There are no waitlists for new clients, when you are ready to begin, we begin. Every moment is an opportunity to feel better, but sometimes we lose hope and stop trying. I encourage self love and self-compassion with playfulness and creativity. “Love has the intense ability to heal the wounds from the blows that life gives us.” Sue Johnson
I’m so glad you are here. New Clients are welcome, both young and old (individuals, couples, families). Let’s talk about how therapy helps. There are so many ways we can feel better, we just need to take one step. Reaching out is the first, and often clients feel better after the first session. There are no waitlists for new clients, when you are ready to begin, we begin. Every moment is an opportunity to feel better, but sometimes we lose hope and stop trying. I encourage self love and self-compassion with playfulness and creativity. “Love has the intense ability to heal the wounds from the blows that life gives us.” Sue Johnson
More Therapists Nearby
Since 2009 I have been working in the mental health and addictions field as well as the public and private school systems.
I draw my practice largely from a combination of CBT as well as Mindfulness based approaches that have shown proven benefit within the psychotherapeutic setting. I hold a special interest in working with young men age 10-30 who struggle with depression and addiction based issues. I also have extensive experience supporting the parents and family members.
Since 2009 I have been working in the mental health and addictions field as well as the public and private school systems.
I draw my practice largely from a combination of CBT as well as Mindfulness based approaches that have shown proven benefit within the psychotherapeutic setting. I hold a special interest in working with young men age 10-30 who struggle with depression and addiction based issues. I also have extensive experience supporting the parents and family members.
Addictions recovery and trauma are my specialty practice areas.
As a counsellor, I support individuals in learning about themselves, discovering more fulfilling ways to navigate all of life’s challenges. I feel that you are the expert on your own life. I would be honoured to walk with you on your journey of reflection and inquiry, as I believe self-awareness to be the cornerstone of all change. My aim is to offer a non-judgmental, empathetic approach, while bringing warmth, curiosity, compassion, integrity, and respect, to the counselling relationship and process.
Addictions recovery and trauma are my specialty practice areas.
As a counsellor, I support individuals in learning about themselves, discovering more fulfilling ways to navigate all of life’s challenges. I feel that you are the expert on your own life. I would be honoured to walk with you on your journey of reflection and inquiry, as I believe self-awareness to be the cornerstone of all change. My aim is to offer a non-judgmental, empathetic approach, while bringing warmth, curiosity, compassion, integrity, and respect, to the counselling relationship and process.
I provide individual counselling and EMDR therapy in Squamish and online across BC, with a focus on supporting those with trauma, anxiety, and concerns around substance use or drinking.
I have extensive experience supporting clients who are struggling with substances, alcohol, and other addictive behaviours. I adapt my approach to meet you where you are in your goals for change, whether it's aiming for abstinence, moderation, or harm reduction. Feeling unsure about making changes is a normal part of the change process.
I provide individual counselling and EMDR therapy in Squamish and online across BC, with a focus on supporting those with trauma, anxiety, and concerns around substance use or drinking.
I have extensive experience supporting clients who are struggling with substances, alcohol, and other addictive behaviours. I adapt my approach to meet you where you are in your goals for change, whether it's aiming for abstinence, moderation, or harm reduction. Feeling unsure about making changes is a normal part of the change process.
It is my honour to deeply listen and support your personal journey through whatever life circumstances bring you to counselling. We can work through difficult experiences, relationship challenges, (family, romatic, and workplace), through the lens of attachment, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, addictions/unhealthy coping mechanisms, grief, and shifting ongoing patterns that you want to change. I value your individual experience, and that you are the expert in your own life. I am here to deeply listen and help you find your meaning, purpose and understandings and to offer a personalized approach and a sense of belonging.
It is my honour to deeply listen and support your personal journey through whatever life circumstances bring you to counselling. We can work through difficult experiences, relationship challenges, (family, romatic, and workplace), through the lens of attachment, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, addictions/unhealthy coping mechanisms, grief, and shifting ongoing patterns that you want to change. I value your individual experience, and that you are the expert in your own life. I am here to deeply listen and help you find your meaning, purpose and understandings and to offer a personalized approach and a sense of belonging.
You feel stuck. Your nervous system is in overdrive, and no matter what you try—self-care, distractions, pushing through—it feels like something keeps pulling you back.
Maybe it’s anxiety, trauma, or depression that won’t loosen its grip. Perhaps you feel numb, disconnected, or constantly on edge. If your strategies haven't worked, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough, it’s because your nervous system needs a different approach.
You feel stuck. Your nervous system is in overdrive, and no matter what you try—self-care, distractions, pushing through—it feels like something keeps pulling you back.
Maybe it’s anxiety, trauma, or depression that won’t loosen its grip. Perhaps you feel numb, disconnected, or constantly on edge. If your strategies haven't worked, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough, it’s because your nervous system needs a different approach.
I am focused on how the brain is wired, how it responds to threat and what needs to happen in order to propel us towards optimal mental health and wellness. I focus my work on helping clients repair the emotional wounds that cause them distress and hold them back from living their best life possible.
I am focused on how the brain is wired, how it responds to threat and what needs to happen in order to propel us towards optimal mental health and wellness. I focus my work on helping clients repair the emotional wounds that cause them distress and hold them back from living their best life possible.
I work with adults navigating trauma, addiction and recovery, grief and loss, relationship challenges, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, and major life transitions.
I offer a grounded, non-judgmental space where you don't have to have it all figured out before showing up. I bring both professional training and lived experience to our work together, helping you better understand yourself, make sense of what's happening beneath the surface, and develop practical tools that support real, lasting change in everyday life.
I work with adults navigating trauma, addiction and recovery, grief and loss, relationship challenges, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, and major life transitions.
I offer a grounded, non-judgmental space where you don't have to have it all figured out before showing up. I bring both professional training and lived experience to our work together, helping you better understand yourself, make sense of what's happening beneath the surface, and develop practical tools that support real, lasting change in everyday life.
You deserve a soft landing where you can express the unexpressed and explore the things that make you human. My intention is to assist you with accessing your deeper truth and authentic self - helping you find your way back home to you. My approach is to care for the soul with loving compassion and create a safe and supportive environment where you can improve your relationship with self and others. I use a trauma-informed approach and work with folks holistically on varying issues (anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, trauma, grief, burnout) to bring healing, understanding, and hope.
You deserve a soft landing where you can express the unexpressed and explore the things that make you human. My intention is to assist you with accessing your deeper truth and authentic self - helping you find your way back home to you. My approach is to care for the soul with loving compassion and create a safe and supportive environment where you can improve your relationship with self and others. I use a trauma-informed approach and work with folks holistically on varying issues (anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, trauma, grief, burnout) to bring healing, understanding, and hope.
Does living in this world just seem too heavy sometimes? Do you want to connect with your deepest self? My focus is on healing the trauma of both our experiences in and our fractured relationship with the world we inhabit. Are you a frontline activist, first responder, or are you suffering from climate grief and anxiety/depression from living in uncertain times? I am here to act as a guide to help you find your highest self's purpose. I have lived experience in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and a background in youth support work, and have a trauma-informed, body-positive, intersectional practice.
Does living in this world just seem too heavy sometimes? Do you want to connect with your deepest self? My focus is on healing the trauma of both our experiences in and our fractured relationship with the world we inhabit. Are you a frontline activist, first responder, or are you suffering from climate grief and anxiety/depression from living in uncertain times? I am here to act as a guide to help you find your highest self's purpose. I have lived experience in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and a background in youth support work, and have a trauma-informed, body-positive, intersectional practice.
Life can be overwhelming sometimes and we feel that there is no way out because there are stressors everywhere we turn. It can feel like there is no way out of the overwhelming stressors we face, but I am here to let you know that it does not have to be so. Let us walk alongside in your journey of healing and mental wellness. As a registered social worker, I believe that you the client are the expert in your own life, and I am simply here to work in collaboration with you to reach your full potential. As Brene Brown says, "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change".
Life can be overwhelming sometimes and we feel that there is no way out because there are stressors everywhere we turn. It can feel like there is no way out of the overwhelming stressors we face, but I am here to let you know that it does not have to be so. Let us walk alongside in your journey of healing and mental wellness. As a registered social worker, I believe that you the client are the expert in your own life, and I am simply here to work in collaboration with you to reach your full potential. As Brene Brown says, "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change".
Do you feel lost, burnt out, or that you're barely surviving and can't catch a break?
I support clients through the messy and complicated periods of life. As humans we face all sorts of challenges - from your relationships dynamics or mood (like anxiety or depression), trauma from the past that keeps getting in your way, or just general "life" (like parenting, finances, health conditions). Therapy is the space to get some support, learn some tools and find some insight on the patterns which will help meaningful shifts in your life from surviving to thriving.
Do you feel lost, burnt out, or that you're barely surviving and can't catch a break?
I support clients through the messy and complicated periods of life. As humans we face all sorts of challenges - from your relationships dynamics or mood (like anxiety or depression), trauma from the past that keeps getting in your way, or just general "life" (like parenting, finances, health conditions). Therapy is the space to get some support, learn some tools and find some insight on the patterns which will help meaningful shifts in your life from surviving to thriving.
Reaching out for support can feel intimidating (and honestly, a bit overwhelming). A compassionate, supportive therapeutic relationship can make that first step feel less heavy.
I’m a counsellor with a deep curiosity about the human experience and a genuine respect for each person’s unique story — no two are the same, and I don’t believe they should be treated that way.
I take a collaborative approach, working alongside you rather than “fixing” you, to support a life that feels aligned with who you truly are. I support individuals in building lives that reflect balance, meaning, and purpose.
Reaching out for support can feel intimidating (and honestly, a bit overwhelming). A compassionate, supportive therapeutic relationship can make that first step feel less heavy.
I’m a counsellor with a deep curiosity about the human experience and a genuine respect for each person’s unique story — no two are the same, and I don’t believe they should be treated that way.
I take a collaborative approach, working alongside you rather than “fixing” you, to support a life that feels aligned with who you truly are. I support individuals in building lives that reflect balance, meaning, and purpose.
Mental health and relationship challenges can be wild, so I'm excited you're here -because you don't need to navigate this alone. Whether for yourself, family, dependent, or relationship, I am deeply passionate about mental health and certain positive change can occur together. While therapy can seem nebulous, I believe in demystifying the counselling process and don't ever want you wondering if this even works -it does! I use evidence-based best practices and help you develop the tools to address the roots of your concerns/patterns.
Mental health and relationship challenges can be wild, so I'm excited you're here -because you don't need to navigate this alone. Whether for yourself, family, dependent, or relationship, I am deeply passionate about mental health and certain positive change can occur together. While therapy can seem nebulous, I believe in demystifying the counselling process and don't ever want you wondering if this even works -it does! I use evidence-based best practices and help you develop the tools to address the roots of your concerns/patterns.
Life doesn’t always unfold the way we imagined. Transitions, relationships, and the ups and downs of our inner world can leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your direction. You may find yourself in familiar relationship patterns, feeling anxious beneath the surface, or noticing patterns like overthinking, people-pleasing, or struggling to set boundaries, even when you know something needs to change. Part of you understands what’s happening, but another part still feels stuck. Together, we’ll look at the patterns underneath what you’re experiencing, not just the symptoms, so change feels meaningful and lasting.
Life doesn’t always unfold the way we imagined. Transitions, relationships, and the ups and downs of our inner world can leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your direction. You may find yourself in familiar relationship patterns, feeling anxious beneath the surface, or noticing patterns like overthinking, people-pleasing, or struggling to set boundaries, even when you know something needs to change. Part of you understands what’s happening, but another part still feels stuck. Together, we’ll look at the patterns underneath what you’re experiencing, not just the symptoms, so change feels meaningful and lasting.
I have extensive training and experience working with adult survivors of childhood abuse, trauma (of physical, combat, emotional, and/or sexual nature) survivors, inter-generational trauma survivors, immigrants and individuals navigating various life transitions, and individuals suffering from Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Emotional regulation difficulties, Substance use problems, and/or PTSD.
I believe that with safe, skilled, and compassionate support, sound knowledge from the bio-psycho-social approach, and effective tools and techniques, each one of us have remarkable ability to heal ourselves. Using a collaborative approach, I strive to create a warm and authentic relationship with my clients to help them gain clarity and reach their goals.
I have extensive training and experience working with adult survivors of childhood abuse, trauma (of physical, combat, emotional, and/or sexual nature) survivors, inter-generational trauma survivors, immigrants and individuals navigating various life transitions, and individuals suffering from Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Emotional regulation difficulties, Substance use problems, and/or PTSD.
I believe that with safe, skilled, and compassionate support, sound knowledge from the bio-psycho-social approach, and effective tools and techniques, each one of us have remarkable ability to heal ourselves. Using a collaborative approach, I strive to create a warm and authentic relationship with my clients to help them gain clarity and reach their goals.
Are you looking for greater life satisfaction? Something needs to change but you just can't make it happen on your own? Or perhaps you want to check in with someone objective, for another perspective? Let's talk! Counselling doesn't have to increase your anxiety levels. It can be about two or more people sitting in a safe place, having coffee and a good chat about life. Face to face, online, or on the telephone. I'm a registered psychotherapist and I can help. Maybe for the first time in a long time, it's all about you!
Are you looking for greater life satisfaction? Something needs to change but you just can't make it happen on your own? Or perhaps you want to check in with someone objective, for another perspective? Let's talk! Counselling doesn't have to increase your anxiety levels. It can be about two or more people sitting in a safe place, having coffee and a good chat about life. Face to face, online, or on the telephone. I'm a registered psychotherapist and I can help. Maybe for the first time in a long time, it's all about you!
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
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What is the best therapy for addiction?
Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.
How long does therapy for addiction take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.
How effective is drug addiction treatment?
Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.
How can you get addiction treatment for someone?
The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.