Photo of Michelle Mills in V9R, BC
Michelle Mills
BA CYC, MACP , RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
I maintain an attachment focused and trauma informed lens, and work from a family systems perspective.
Life can present us with many challenges and it can be difficult to figure out where to go next. These experiences can feel isolating, but you do not have to face this alone. If you are experiencing low mood, decreased motivation, difficulties within your relationships or are feeling overwhelmed, we can work together to find a path forward.
I maintain an attachment focused and trauma informed lens, and work from a family systems perspective.
Life can present us with many challenges and it can be difficult to figure out where to go next. These experiences can feel isolating, but you do not have to face this alone. If you are experiencing low mood, decreased motivation, difficulties within your relationships or are feeling overwhelmed, we can work together to find a path forward.
(548) 488-2489 View (548) 488-2489
Photo of Maureen Manning, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Maureen Manning
Counsellor, MA, RCC, ACS
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9R  (Online Only)
I use evidence-based aproaches including CBT, ACT, and Family Systems.
Good therapy brings relief, restores hope, and supports your efforts to reality-test beliefs that may be standing between you and the life you really want to live. Good therapy helps you identify and ask for what you really need in your relationships, and in your career. It helps you get to the very core of what's keeping you from living a more rewarding life. As your therapist, I am essentially working myself out of a job as I support you to uncover hidden resources and try out new ways of resolving old problems.
I use evidence-based aproaches including CBT, ACT, and Family Systems.
Good therapy brings relief, restores hope, and supports your efforts to reality-test beliefs that may be standing between you and the life you really want to live. Good therapy helps you identify and ask for what you really need in your relationships, and in your career. It helps you get to the very core of what's keeping you from living a more rewarding life. As your therapist, I am essentially working myself out of a job as I support you to uncover hidden resources and try out new ways of resolving old problems.
(819) 412-7955 View (819) 412-7955
Photo of Allius Services Inc., Counsellor in V9R, BC
Allius Services Inc.
Counsellor, MA, RCC-ACS, RPT, BCRPT-S
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
We also offer family therapy for couples, families, parents.
We are accepting new clients of all ages for counselling! Here at Allius Services, we support people to connect with themselves in order to better connect with others. The more we learn about our own internal world, the more we can extend greater compassion to ourselves and to those around us. At Allius, we know the path to emotional well-being comes from those small, meaningful steps we take everyday that moves us a bit closer to what and who is most important to us. Together, we can co-create a plan that moves you forward in the direction of living a more meaningful life and one that is more connected to those you care about most.
We also offer family therapy for couples, families, parents.
We are accepting new clients of all ages for counselling! Here at Allius Services, we support people to connect with themselves in order to better connect with others. The more we learn about our own internal world, the more we can extend greater compassion to ourselves and to those around us. At Allius, we know the path to emotional well-being comes from those small, meaningful steps we take everyday that moves us a bit closer to what and who is most important to us. Together, we can co-create a plan that moves you forward in the direction of living a more meaningful life and one that is more connected to those you care about most.
(855) 224-3037 View (855) 224-3037
Photo of Rachel Falconer, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Rachel Falconer
Counsellor, RCT-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R  (Online Only)
I am very holistic in my approach, being trauma-informed, having used CBT and DBT techniques through Moving Forward Family Services with training offered to their interns.
My focus is strongly influenced by a person-centered therapy approach to wellness through different methods such as Eco-therapy or expressive art therapy techniques and using the natural elements available to us should the sessions call for such an approach. Reducing stress and anxiety to create a more peaceful person inside who can claim their meaning and be more joyful in life is a difficult path to walk alone. I am here to help and be part of the healing journey. I have completed my diploma in April of 2023 and plan to continue my education and training to better serve the clients I take on as I evolve as a counsellor.
I am very holistic in my approach, being trauma-informed, having used CBT and DBT techniques through Moving Forward Family Services with training offered to their interns.
My focus is strongly influenced by a person-centered therapy approach to wellness through different methods such as Eco-therapy or expressive art therapy techniques and using the natural elements available to us should the sessions call for such an approach. Reducing stress and anxiety to create a more peaceful person inside who can claim their meaning and be more joyful in life is a difficult path to walk alone. I am here to help and be part of the healing journey. I have completed my diploma in April of 2023 and plan to continue my education and training to better serve the clients I take on as I evolve as a counsellor.
(548) 457-0379 View (548) 457-0379
Photo of Natalie Luchtmeyer, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Natalie Luchtmeyer
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
In a world where people are experiencing increased anxiety and isolation it is important to find a place of safety and belonging. I believe people have the resources within themselves to thrive in this ever changing and complex society and it is my responsibility to guide you through the process of finding your own strengths. I have experience working with children and youth who struggle with anxiety issues stemming from family strife, school stress and self-esteem. I do family mediation and work with clients individually or as a couple. Without relationship human beings are lost, we crave connection.
In a world where people are experiencing increased anxiety and isolation it is important to find a place of safety and belonging. I believe people have the resources within themselves to thrive in this ever changing and complex society and it is my responsibility to guide you through the process of finding your own strengths. I have experience working with children and youth who struggle with anxiety issues stemming from family strife, school stress and self-esteem. I do family mediation and work with clients individually or as a couple. Without relationship human beings are lost, we crave connection.
(866) 722-5450 View (866) 722-5450
Photo of Vancouver Island Therapy, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Vancouver Island Therapy
Counsellor, MA, RCC, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
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
(778) 200-2900 View (778) 200-2900
Photo of Chris J Clarke, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Chris J Clarke
Counsellor, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9R  (Online Only)
Providing help for: Relationship Issues, Depression, Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Addictions, Personal Growth, Abuse, Parenting, Anger Management, Stress, Guilt, Insomnia, Family, Trauma, Spiritual...
Providing help for: Relationship Issues, Depression, Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Addictions, Personal Growth, Abuse, Parenting, Anger Management, Stress, Guilt, Insomnia, Family, Trauma, Spiritual...
(778) 766-4468 View (778) 766-4468
Photo of Nicole Puckering, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Nicole Puckering
Counsellor, BA CYC, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
I understand that everyone has their own unique experiences, especially within their family and value and respect their differences.
Are you finding that you feel stuck in the same negative thought patterns, or are struggling in your relationships? Is your lack of motivation or anxiety and depression spilling over in your day-to-day routine. Have you experienced a recent loss and are feeling lonely and hopelessness? These difficult emotions can be challenging to deal with daily and even harder to figure out the first step to a solution. I work with co-parents, couples, adults, adolescents, and children who are feeling overwhelmed in their daily life. Together we create goals by focusing on values and connection and by moving towards flexibility and acceptance.
I understand that everyone has their own unique experiences, especially within their family and value and respect their differences.
Are you finding that you feel stuck in the same negative thought patterns, or are struggling in your relationships? Is your lack of motivation or anxiety and depression spilling over in your day-to-day routine. Have you experienced a recent loss and are feeling lonely and hopelessness? These difficult emotions can be challenging to deal with daily and even harder to figure out the first step to a solution. I work with co-parents, couples, adults, adolescents, and children who are feeling overwhelmed in their daily life. Together we create goals by focusing on values and connection and by moving towards flexibility and acceptance.
(672) 572-0171 x203 View (672) 572-0171 x203
Photo of Sarah Lake, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in V9R, BC
Sarah Lake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RCC, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9R
This includes CBT,DBT, Satir, expressive therapies and family therapy.
I work with families youth and adults who are struggling and wanting to find ways to make improvements. It is my role to assist you in developing clear goals and implementing practical and effective strategies for positive change.
This includes CBT,DBT, Satir, expressive therapies and family therapy.
I work with families youth and adults who are struggling and wanting to find ways to make improvements. It is my role to assist you in developing clear goals and implementing practical and effective strategies for positive change.
(778) 766-4097 View (778) 766-4097
Photo of Christina James, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Christina James
Counsellor, MACP, MEd, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
Waitlist for new clients
Having obtained a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of body, emotions, mind, and soul and the impact of adverse experiences and suffering on the human spirit, I provide a holistic counselling approach adapted to each individual and family.
I firmly believe that each person has the potential to overcome the effects of their difficult life experiences. I am committed to walk alongside you on your path towards healing from depression, anxiety, (complex) trauma, abuse, and other mental health challenges. Providing a safe, non-judgmental environment, I tailor my methods to your needs. I love and have experience working with individuals and families from a variety of cultural backgrounds. My expertise is in supporting those struggling with traumatic experiences as well as difficulties related to cultural and relational contexts.
Having obtained a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of body, emotions, mind, and soul and the impact of adverse experiences and suffering on the human spirit, I provide a holistic counselling approach adapted to each individual and family.
I firmly believe that each person has the potential to overcome the effects of their difficult life experiences. I am committed to walk alongside you on your path towards healing from depression, anxiety, (complex) trauma, abuse, and other mental health challenges. Providing a safe, non-judgmental environment, I tailor my methods to your needs. I love and have experience working with individuals and families from a variety of cultural backgrounds. My expertise is in supporting those struggling with traumatic experiences as well as difficulties related to cultural and relational contexts.
(782) 823-3125 View (782) 823-3125
Photo of Erin Kristine Todsen, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Erin Kristine Todsen
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
Life is hard to enjoy when you're not getting through to your kids, spouse or family. Maybe you miss being carefree and less snappy. The family is disconnected and everyone is doing their own thing. It's difficult to get motivated to come together and when you do, it doesn't go well. Handling typical life challenges is difficult and no one is listening. No wonder your fuse is short and the kids are quick to yell or cry. It's like there's a pattern that can't be stopped. Feeling overwhelmed is normal in this situation. This is hard and we can start to make sense of things so you can feel better!
Life is hard to enjoy when you're not getting through to your kids, spouse or family. Maybe you miss being carefree and less snappy. The family is disconnected and everyone is doing their own thing. It's difficult to get motivated to come together and when you do, it doesn't go well. Handling typical life challenges is difficult and no one is listening. No wonder your fuse is short and the kids are quick to yell or cry. It's like there's a pattern that can't be stopped. Feeling overwhelmed is normal in this situation. This is hard and we can start to make sense of things so you can feel better!
(431) 531-8348 View (431) 531-8348
Photo of Veronica Harris, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Veronica Harris
Counsellor, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
In my practice I value the opportunity to work with individuals who are experiencing grief and loss, depression and anxiety, parenting and family challenges, and the impacts of trauma. As a clinical counsellor and a mother I offer support to women throughout motherhood, addressing concerns for postpartum depression and anxiety, transitioning to motherhood, intimate partner challenges, burnout, pregnancy and postpartum loss, and processing birth trauma. I work in collaboration with the client to explore the issues and to support their emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
In my practice I value the opportunity to work with individuals who are experiencing grief and loss, depression and anxiety, parenting and family challenges, and the impacts of trauma. As a clinical counsellor and a mother I offer support to women throughout motherhood, addressing concerns for postpartum depression and anxiety, transitioning to motherhood, intimate partner challenges, burnout, pregnancy and postpartum loss, and processing birth trauma. I work in collaboration with the client to explore the issues and to support their emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
(778) 800-6565 View (778) 800-6565
Photo of Jenny Harris, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Jenny Harris
Counsellor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R  (Online Only)
I have experience in the mental health and addiction field, and supporting women and children escaping family violence.
My passion lies in partnering with clients to navigate life's challenges and foster personal growth, and I believe in the power of collaboration. With curiosity and respect for how your experiences and identities have shaped your values, beliefs, and goals, I can help you set goals, make decisions, and explore solutions. I offer support for those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, parenting, boundary setting, navigating life transitions, healthy relationship building, and self-empowerment work. Each session will focus on what you feel is most important for you, using a strengths-based approach.
I have experience in the mental health and addiction field, and supporting women and children escaping family violence.
My passion lies in partnering with clients to navigate life's challenges and foster personal growth, and I believe in the power of collaboration. With curiosity and respect for how your experiences and identities have shaped your values, beliefs, and goals, I can help you set goals, make decisions, and explore solutions. I offer support for those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, parenting, boundary setting, navigating life transitions, healthy relationship building, and self-empowerment work. Each session will focus on what you feel is most important for you, using a strengths-based approach.
(778) 763-1954 View (778) 763-1954
Photo of Lyris Paña, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Lyris Paña
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
Often our family history can impact our lives without us knowing how.
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!
Often our family history can impact our lives without us knowing how.
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!
(778) 400-7149 View (778) 400-7149
Photo of Linda L. Reid, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Linda L. Reid
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, RCAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
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.
(604) 409-4937 View (604) 409-4937
Photo of Marie José Dhaese, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Marie José Dhaese
Counsellor, PhD, RCC, ATR, RPT-S, CPT-S
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9R  (Online Only)
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.
(855) 668-6003 View (855) 668-6003
Photo of Healthy Relationships BC in V9R, BC
Healthy Relationships BC
MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
Being in relationship is work and there are many factors that add stress to family life.
Relationships troubles affect us all and I am here to help guide you through the tough issues and get you back on track. Whether you have a past trauma re surfacing, sexual desire problems or intimacy issues, I am here to talk with you and give you some exercises to get you back to satisfying sex. I am an accredited sex therapist and I have 10 years of experience working with people in relationships. I also work with individuals on a host of other issues such as social anxiety or sexual preference, and gender variance. I enjoy working with an inclusive range of clients.
Being in relationship is work and there are many factors that add stress to family life.
Relationships troubles affect us all and I am here to help guide you through the tough issues and get you back on track. Whether you have a past trauma re surfacing, sexual desire problems or intimacy issues, I am here to talk with you and give you some exercises to get you back to satisfying sex. I am an accredited sex therapist and I have 10 years of experience working with people in relationships. I also work with individuals on a host of other issues such as social anxiety or sexual preference, and gender variance. I enjoy working with an inclusive range of clients.
(855) 971-1813 View (855) 971-1813
Photo of Joelene Heathcote Registered Counsellor, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Joelene Heathcote Registered Counsellor
Counsellor, BA, MFA, RTC
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9R
I support clients managing emotional challenges, BPD traits, depression, OCD, perfectionism, negative internal dialogue, addiction, grief, trauma, and difficult family dynamics. Together we explore a client's history, experience, emotions, and develop better skills for managing challenges. Often old coping strategies are no longer serving the client. Developing relational intimacy with others, and more compassionate communication with self is integral to my work with individuals and families. Together we find solutions for healing and moving forward in healthy ways so clients can align more authenticly with themselves.
I support clients managing emotional challenges, BPD traits, depression, OCD, perfectionism, negative internal dialogue, addiction, grief, trauma, and difficult family dynamics. Together we explore a client's history, experience, emotions, and develop better skills for managing challenges. Often old coping strategies are no longer serving the client. Developing relational intimacy with others, and more compassionate communication with self is integral to my work with individuals and families. Together we find solutions for healing and moving forward in healthy ways so clients can align more authenticly with themselves.
(672) 202-3647 View (672) 202-3647
Photo of Robin Jacobs, Counsellor in V9R, BC
Robin Jacobs
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
Somatic techniques, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Hypnotherapy offer tools to invite deep, lasting shifts.
Ever feel stuck in a loop of frustrating patterns? Long for meaningful connection, but get lost in estrangement or conflict? Wonder why that joyful ease you occasionally glimpse feels buried under a sludge of anxiety, numbness, or anger? No matter how many "new leaves" we turn over — we find ourselves sinking back into the familiar muck. Here we go again! It's not just in your head. Pain and anxiety get encoded and frozen in the physical body, along with all the feelings it's not okay to feel. By adulthood, our nervous systems are hardwired to survive the situation we grew up in – and can get stuck there, replaying the same script.
Somatic techniques, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Hypnotherapy offer tools to invite deep, lasting shifts.
Ever feel stuck in a loop of frustrating patterns? Long for meaningful connection, but get lost in estrangement or conflict? Wonder why that joyful ease you occasionally glimpse feels buried under a sludge of anxiety, numbness, or anger? No matter how many "new leaves" we turn over — we find ourselves sinking back into the familiar muck. Here we go again! It's not just in your head. Pain and anxiety get encoded and frozen in the physical body, along with all the feelings it's not okay to feel. By adulthood, our nervous systems are hardwired to survive the situation we grew up in – and can get stuck there, replaying the same script.
(506) 308-0970 View (506) 308-0970
Photo of Megan Gasparotto, Registered Social Worker in V9R, BC
Megan Gasparotto
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9R
I have provided individual, group and family therapy using an eclectic mix of therapeutic modalities such as such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy and Narrative.
Over the past fourteen years I have worked with adolescents, youth, adults and families in several different settings including community mental health, hospital, crisis services, school and live in treatment homes. I have worked with people experiencing a wide range of complex needs and challenges such as developmental, cognitive, physical and mental.
I have provided individual, group and family therapy using an eclectic mix of therapeutic modalities such as such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy and Narrative.
Over the past fourteen years I have worked with adolescents, youth, adults and families in several different settings including community mental health, hospital, crisis services, school and live in treatment homes. I have worked with people experiencing a wide range of complex needs and challenges such as developmental, cognitive, physical and mental.
(289) 236-1215 View (289) 236-1215

See more therapy options for V9R

Family Therapy Counsellors

What do family therapists do?

A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.

How long does therapy for families take to work?

Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?

You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.

Is therapy for families effective?

Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.