Substance Use Therapists in Port Hardy, BC
I work with adults and youth who may be experiencing anxiety and depression or trauma. You determine what your goals for therapy are and we work together to meet those goals.
I work with adults and youth who may be experiencing anxiety and depression or trauma. You determine what your goals for therapy are and we work together to meet those goals.
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 extensive clinical experience working with individuals, couples and families within an outpatient clinic setting, school based prevention program, harm reduction program and a withdrawal management program. I have presented addiction workshops within both a community and university setting for the public and professional sector.
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 extensive clinical experience working with individuals, couples and families within an outpatient clinic setting, school based prevention program, harm reduction program and a withdrawal management program. I have presented addiction workshops within both a community and university setting for the public and professional sector.
My areas of practice include the following: anxiety and/or panic, depression/mood disorders, stress and burnout, substance use, communication, boundaries, and grief and loss.
I strongly believe in focusing on the strengths of each individual. I will provide a supportive, confidential space for you to explore your experiences. I will collaborate with you to make a personalized plan with your goals. With your permission, I will send you a therapeutic letter after each session to highlight our work together.
My areas of practice include the following: anxiety and/or panic, depression/mood disorders, stress and burnout, substance use, communication, boundaries, and grief and loss.
I strongly believe in focusing on the strengths of each individual. I will provide a supportive, confidential space for you to explore your experiences. I will collaborate with you to make a personalized plan with your goals. With your permission, I will send you a therapeutic letter after each session to highlight our work together.
Through a caring, respectful and collaborative relationship we will work together to rediscover and develop strengths and resiliency as you work towards your goals. I hold a strong belief in our innate wholeness as individuals. It is only the twists and turns of life’s path that sometimes makes this wholeness difficult to see. I hold a Masters degree in counselling psychology and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).
Through a caring, respectful and collaborative relationship we will work together to rediscover and develop strengths and resiliency as you work towards your goals. I hold a strong belief in our innate wholeness as individuals. It is only the twists and turns of life’s path that sometimes makes this wholeness difficult to see. I hold a Masters degree in counselling psychology and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).
More Therapists Nearby
Seeking therapy is a sign of a personal strength, not a weakness. It takes awareness in our lives and courage to be able to reach out for help. Often people who engage in therapy are actually doing well in life but would like to do better in one area or another. I believe that the client is the expert on them and it is my role to support them to reach the goals that they set. Now excepting virtual clients in British Columbia.
Seeking therapy is a sign of a personal strength, not a weakness. It takes awareness in our lives and courage to be able to reach out for help. Often people who engage in therapy are actually doing well in life but would like to do better in one area or another. I believe that the client is the expert on them and it is my role to support them to reach the goals that they set. Now excepting virtual clients in British Columbia.
My name is Geoff and I received my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia as well as my Bachelors of Education degree. Since 2009 I have been working in the mental health and addictions field as well as the public and private school systems. As both a fully licensed Social Worker and Teacher, I have spent the majority of my practice working with youth and Young adults and helping them overcome a variety of issues related to their mental health. I have significant experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance misuse, stress (school/career/interpersonal) and psychosis.
My name is Geoff and I received my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia as well as my Bachelors of Education degree. Since 2009 I have been working in the mental health and addictions field as well as the public and private school systems. As both a fully licensed Social Worker and Teacher, I have spent the majority of my practice working with youth and Young adults and helping them overcome a variety of issues related to their mental health. I have significant experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance misuse, stress (school/career/interpersonal) and psychosis.
You are the decision-maker. The problem-solver. The one others depend on.
You operate at a high level, manage significant responsibility, and deliver results. From the outside, you appear composed and capable. Internally, you may feel anxious, burned out or emotionally shut down.
High performance often masks unprocessed stress, unresolved trauma, and chronic pressure. Over time, this shows up as exhaustion, disconnection, strained relationships, or reliance on alcohol or other coping strategies to take the edge off. We can help you.
You are the decision-maker. The problem-solver. The one others depend on.
You operate at a high level, manage significant responsibility, and deliver results. From the outside, you appear composed and capable. Internally, you may feel anxious, burned out or emotionally shut down.
High performance often masks unprocessed stress, unresolved trauma, and chronic pressure. Over time, this shows up as exhaustion, disconnection, strained relationships, or reliance on alcohol or other coping strategies to take the edge off. We can help you.
Being human is weird and messy. Maybe you feel stuck in self-doubt, anxiety, depression, or relationship struggles, wondering, why do I keep doing this? Maybe intimacy feels complicated, trauma keeps showing up in ways you don’t expect, or you’re just trying to figure out who you are and what you actually need. You want deeper self-trust, better emotional regulation, and connections that don’t feel like a rollercoaster. Most of all, you want to feel like you, without the weight of old patterns holding you back.
Being human is weird and messy. Maybe you feel stuck in self-doubt, anxiety, depression, or relationship struggles, wondering, why do I keep doing this? Maybe intimacy feels complicated, trauma keeps showing up in ways you don’t expect, or you’re just trying to figure out who you are and what you actually need. You want deeper self-trust, better emotional regulation, and connections that don’t feel like a rollercoaster. Most of all, you want to feel like you, without the weight of old patterns holding you back.
My therapy approach is relational and collaborative. Feeling comfortable and connected is when therapy is most effective. My goal is to support you to understand yourself and what you need; to come back home to yourself. I tend to work with folks who aren’t feeling satisfied with their quality of life. This may show up as perfectionism, lack of motivation, hyper-independence, people pleasing tendencies, imposter syndrome etc. I have experience working in healthcare, not for profit, and private settings.
My therapy approach is relational and collaborative. Feeling comfortable and connected is when therapy is most effective. My goal is to support you to understand yourself and what you need; to come back home to yourself. I tend to work with folks who aren’t feeling satisfied with their quality of life. This may show up as perfectionism, lack of motivation, hyper-independence, people pleasing tendencies, imposter syndrome etc. I have experience working in healthcare, not for profit, and private settings.
Life has a way of challenging us in ways that can stop even the strongest of us in our tracks. Increased stress, sudden life changes, anxiety, unresolved trauma.... many things can trigger disruptive behaviours and emotions that throw us off-base, damage our health and relationships, or simply hold us back. If your mental or emotional well-being, your relationships with others or with yourself, or your ability to deal with problems is out of balance – whatever the issue or stumbling block, a safe therapeutic relationship can help you return to, or develop a greater sense of ease and well-being.
Life has a way of challenging us in ways that can stop even the strongest of us in our tracks. Increased stress, sudden life changes, anxiety, unresolved trauma.... many things can trigger disruptive behaviours and emotions that throw us off-base, damage our health and relationships, or simply hold us back. If your mental or emotional well-being, your relationships with others or with yourself, or your ability to deal with problems is out of balance – whatever the issue or stumbling block, a safe therapeutic relationship can help you return to, or develop a greater sense of ease and well-being.
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.
Hello! My name is Claire and I'm a counsellor who aims to support the experience of being human with therapeutic, evidence-based approaches in counselling. If you are struggling with life's circumstances, managing emotions, navigating change, relational challenges or you want to better understand yourself, I will bring an open mind and curiosity to accompany you in your process of self-discovery.
Hello! My name is Claire and I'm a counsellor who aims to support the experience of being human with therapeutic, evidence-based approaches in counselling. If you are struggling with life's circumstances, managing emotions, navigating change, relational challenges or you want to better understand yourself, I will bring an open mind and curiosity to accompany you in your process of self-discovery.
Meaningful relationships are everything to me and a big part of why I became a therapist. When we feel safe, heard, and understood, we can work through challenging emotions and feel more connected to the different parts of ourselves.
Whether you’ve experienced trauma, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, identity shifts, or just need an open ear, I’m here to support you on your healing journey.
We will explore thoughts, patterns, and emotions and help you understand what your nervous system needs to feel more safe, regulated, and resourced in times of stress or conflict.
Meaningful relationships are everything to me and a big part of why I became a therapist. When we feel safe, heard, and understood, we can work through challenging emotions and feel more connected to the different parts of ourselves.
Whether you’ve experienced trauma, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, identity shifts, or just need an open ear, I’m here to support you on your healing journey.
We will explore thoughts, patterns, and emotions and help you understand what your nervous system needs to feel more safe, regulated, and resourced in times of stress or conflict.
Life can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating trauma, abuse, anxiety, grief, or relationship challenges, you don’t have to carry it alone.
I bring years of frontline crisis and counselling experience supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, and human trafficking. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, relational, and integrative approach that is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to you - not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Life can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating trauma, abuse, anxiety, grief, or relationship challenges, you don’t have to carry it alone.
I bring years of frontline crisis and counselling experience supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, and human trafficking. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, relational, and integrative approach that is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to you - not a one-size-fits-all approach.
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.
I integrate IFS, EFT, expressive arts, somatics, and trauma-informed yoga, while bringing the learning of my own journey with immigration, self-discovery, queer and non-monogamous relationships, depression, anxiety, and substance use.
Seeking support is an act of courage, and I aim to honour that by creating a space that feels safe, welcoming, and collaborative. My approach is relational and experiential, as I believe that healing grows not just from insight but from presence, connection, and new experiences in the therapy room. I work with clients who want to develop deeper self-understanding, greater embodied presence, and more authentic ways of relating. Together, we explore your inner landscape with curiosity and move beyond “problems” toward greater aliveness and meaningful connection.
I integrate IFS, EFT, expressive arts, somatics, and trauma-informed yoga, while bringing the learning of my own journey with immigration, self-discovery, queer and non-monogamous relationships, depression, anxiety, and substance use.
Seeking support is an act of courage, and I aim to honour that by creating a space that feels safe, welcoming, and collaborative. My approach is relational and experiential, as I believe that healing grows not just from insight but from presence, connection, and new experiences in the therapy room. I work with clients who want to develop deeper self-understanding, greater embodied presence, and more authentic ways of relating. Together, we explore your inner landscape with curiosity and move beyond “problems” toward greater aliveness and meaningful connection.
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.
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.
I have immense gratitude to be a psychotherapist for over thirty years and still feel a sense of awe in the strength and resilience and wisdom inherent in each person I meet. My role as a psychotherapist is to help you access the wisdom inside you so that you may heal from what has prevented you from being in a place of peace and contentment in yourself. Together we will transform loss, trauma, and life transitions into new hope and possibilities. It's about bringing more joy and creativity into each day and having more presence in all the moments of your life. As a seasoned therapist, I am ready to be with you on this journey.
I have immense gratitude to be a psychotherapist for over thirty years and still feel a sense of awe in the strength and resilience and wisdom inherent in each person I meet. My role as a psychotherapist is to help you access the wisdom inside you so that you may heal from what has prevented you from being in a place of peace and contentment in yourself. Together we will transform loss, trauma, and life transitions into new hope and possibilities. It's about bringing more joy and creativity into each day and having more presence in all the moments of your life. As a seasoned therapist, I am ready to be with you on this journey.
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.
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How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.