Therapists in 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

Hello, my name is Monique Hendricks, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in B.C. I help people of all ages who are dealing with anxiety, depression, overthinking, self-confidence, grief and loss, and relationship/family challenges. My practice is guided through a trauma-focused lens, and I integrate a variety of counselling approaches depending on your therapy needs. With your consent, I will incorporate aspects of mindfulness and somatic-sensory (physical) awareness into the space of wellness that we create together.

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.

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.

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.

Chloe McKinley, a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) and behavioural consultant, offers a unique therapeutic approach for individuals and families seeking counselling support. Chloe specializes in addressing the psychological needs of children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, embracing cultural and gender diverse LGBTQ2 communities. She is one of the few counsellors on Vancouver Island to offer both clinical counselling and behavioural consultation. Chloe also serves the neuro-diverse community as part of the multidisciplinary team known as Cowichan Autism Team Services (CATS). CATS is accepting new referrals.

I support people in finding the sparkle, hope, and joy in life again. The weight of the world, trauma, and our personal experiences can sometimes be very heavy, which can lead to depression, anxiety, grief, loneliness, feeling numb or feeling burnt out. Counselling with me will strengthen the ways you cope, help you re-story what is going on for you (you are already the main character in your life!), and support you in changing negative or self-deprecating thought patterns.

Healthy change is possible and you do not have to face challenges alone. It can be very difficult to seek help and reach out during hard times. If you are reading this then you have already taken the first step towards well being. Finding a counsellor who you feel comfortable with is an essential part of the healing process. I would be happy to talk with you. Supporting individuals, families, youth and children for over 24 years. This is the time to take the best care of ourselves and our loved ones. Triggers arise now more than ever and support is available.

Are you feeling overcome with stress, anxiety and depressive feelings? Do you find yourself suffering from negative self-talk that contributes to a lack of self-esteem and confidence? Are you lonely, even with people all around you? Do you long to connect with meaningful relationships? Do you find yourself looking for escapes with addictive processes? If this sounds like you, I would love to help you connect to your authentic self by overcoming the negative lens that has been built throughout your life by what others have said, feelings of disapproval, traumatic experiences, societal and cultural conditioning.

As human beings, it is inevitable that we will be challenged to navigate our way through hardships and obstacles of life. The process of self-discovery and healing can feel complicated and overwhelming. Allow me to acknowledge your perspective and help you in identifying your needs, sense of direction, and steps toward self-empowerment. I believe that collaborating with individuals is the most effective way to promote healing, increased self-awareness, and emotional growth. If you are ready to invest in yourself and your wellness, let’s take that step together.

I feel profoundly honoured to support people in their journey toward wellness. My approach is nurturing, respect-based, collaborative, strength-based, and trauma-informed. I love the richness of working with all people, but hope to focus on creating a safe space for men, middle agers, and elders. I am also passionate about working with people experiencing diverse challenges such as life transitions and aging, anxiety and depression, grief, relationship conflicts or issues, stress management and burnout, neurodiversity (adults and youth), and identity, sex and sexuality.

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.

To all of you who feel weary, frightened, overwhelmed, alone: take refuge here. You are not alone. There is hope. Although the waves seem too rough, they can be calmed. Let’s navigate these storms together. I am Kathryn Atkinson and I want to provide you with a safe space to share your struggles, be truly heard, and understood. Together we will find ways to increase your resilience and climb those mountains that seem insurmountable or traverse those dark storms that seem unending.

I am a registered Social Worker with the BCCSW and BCASW with a Master's of Social Work. I have completed a post-graduate Certificate in Complex Trauma. In my practice, I utilize CBT, Solution Focused, Person-Centered and Motivational Interviewing techniques to support and inform change. I have extensive experience working with children and youth and I incorporate play, activity, art, nature, movement and activities into my sessions. Other areas of focus are working with men around communication skills, relationships and regulation of emotions as well as couples and individual counselling.

My areas of passion are working with 2SLGBTQIA clients, alternative sexual/romantic relationship identities & dynamics (ex. ethically non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, swinging, BDSM, open relationships, sex work, etc.), sex & intimacy, consent & boundaries, religious trauma, chronic pain/illness, neurodiversity, and life transitions. I draw from both education and lived experience to provide deeper insight into supporting you from an open-minded, trauma-informed, sex-positive, and affirming framework. The journey of healing and growth can be messy, challenging, and heart-breaking while also beautifully majestic and worth every effort.

I truly believe treatment is a partnership between counsellor and client and will work with you to design an effective plan that recognizes your personal strengths and challenges. I use warmth, humour, and authenticity in my approach to make each client feel comfortable and to build a strong, positive therapeutic connection. I have experience using creative methods, such as games and movement activities, to connect with younger clients and spark their interest in the counselling process. I also support individuals with neurodiversity and their families.

People with ADHD are bright, empathetic, and creative. We often struggle with harnessing our uniquely wired brains to fit into a world built for neurotypicals. We know we are capable of so much more, but we're functioning well under that capacity. Examples of the issues we experience include time management, organization, remembering things and motivating ourselves to do things. Other forms of mental illness may accompany our ADHD. However, with some support, we can improve our systems for functioning in ways that are actually fun. We can also improve our intimate relationships, which makes life better all-round.

Accepting new Clients. People seek counselling for reasons as varied as shifting tidal sands. Some want to ease stress and/or anxiety while others want help regarding past and present mistreatment of visible minorities. Others with visible and/or invisible disabilities may deal with issues regarding accessibility or navigating social interactions. Others yet are dealing with evolving sexual and/or gender identities, seeking help with their new understandings about themselves. Whether changing perspectives or navigating new territory, Inclusions Counselling can help.

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.