Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Cowichan Bay, BC

I am a warmhearted and respectful professional with over 18 years of counselling experience. I offer individual, child, teen, parent & family counselling with a safe, therapeutic, and non-judgmental lens. I use a variety of counselling approaches, such as CBT, Trauma-informed and Psychodynamic Therapy to suit your circumstances, experiences, and preferences to create a respectful and empowering approach to the work together. I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I am a Registered Counsellor Provider with the BC Crime Victim Assistance Program, First Nations Health Authority and Humanacare EAP.

I specialize in working with children, adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health and substance use issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, unhealthy relationships, addiction and self-esteem issues.

What a courageous step you're taking, to reach out for help. I honour what you've been through to bring you to this moment. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed with life and trying to "hold it all together", or maybe your needs are falling to the bottom of the priority list. Maybe you notice patterns in your life that keep repeating such as perfectionism, negative self-talk, destructive behaviours, unsatisfying relationships, or mindlessly distracting yourself. If you yearn to: know and trust yourself more deeply, be more gentle and tender with yourself, and feel the freedom to be yourself, I am here to support your journey.

Do you struggle with past trauma, depression, anxiety, and letting go of hurt and pain? Are you dealing with grief and loss that is overwhelming? I'm here to journey with you as you explore new possibilities for your life. Past hurts, trauma, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression do not need to define you. The courage and strength to change is within you, and I consider it a sacred honour to journey with you towards change and freedom.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and flexible to suit the needs of each individual client. My specialty is in working with women affected by stress, anxiety, depression and those struggling with past trauma and PTSD. I also offer personalized support to women struggling in their relationships. My primary orientations are strengths based, person-centred and psychodynamic. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I am fully trained and certified in Somatic Experiencing (SE), EMDR, TF-CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Creative Arts Therapy. I also offer interventions based in Internal Family Systems, MBSR, ACT and DBT.

I offer trauma therapy to adult clients and older teens. I use my training in EMDR, emotion-focused therapy and nervous system functioning to help clients heal from their past, be better able to focus on the present, and gain motivation for the future. I have worked with adult clients dealing with both recent or prolonged trauma (including childhood trauma). As well, I enjoy working with clients learning to navigate their ADHD/neurodivergence and/or who are struggling with difficult emotions such as anger, sadness or hopelessness. (My services are covered by most insurances, under Clinical Counsellor(or RCC) in your policy).

Transpersonal psychotherapy is discovering your true resilient self & finding your true path to happiness, taking action integrating body, mind & spirit. Using a holistic and eclectic approach to help you examine your life path we will work together to develop a deeper awareness of your strengths and potential, guiding you to awaken self-awareness and discover your own healing powers. Mentor Coaching for ICF credential also available globally, by phone & video-conferencing. Happily Not a registrant of the College of Psychologists of British Columbia, I AM a Registered Clinical Counsellor RCC#4348 in British Columbia & California Licensed Psychologist #19948 & ICF MCC MasterCertifiedCoach

Many of my clients are looking for ways to strengthen their voices and develop a stronger sense of who they are. They tend to see themselves as outliers: the ones who count themselves out or who yearn for a different life but can’t quite navigate how to get it. My experience as a teacher and comedy/theatre performer combines with my naturally playful and energetic self to help people manage what’s ahead. Together, we will work on developing greater awareness and self-compassion while stoking our imaginations to think of new ways forward.

Queer and Trans folks are welcome. Hello! I am grateful to be based in the beautiful, unceded, traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples. I want to support you through life’s challenges while celebrating your uniqueness and growth. I bring my lived experience as a Queer person and an authentic, warm nature to sessions so that you can learn how to process emotions authentically, manage anxious and/or depressive symptoms, get support with relationships, and feel safer after experiencing trauma.

Wanting to create a better life rather than settling for status quo, just getting by while filled with anxiety and feelings of hopeless; coping with excess food, drugs or alcohol. It takes courage and tremendous willingness to begin a path of change and it is an honour and a joy to walk with people on their journey toward wholeness. My work with people often leaves me in awe of the strength of the human spirit as I witness them overcome trauma and self-destructive behaviours and move toward their dreams while embracing their authentic self.

I am a neurodivergent, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive Social Worker providing evidence based clinical social work practices, remotely from the comfort of my backyard home office on Vancouver Island. I am neurodivergent-affirming and queer affirming with a trauma-informed practice dedicated to supporting others who are looking for a holistic and comprehensive view of themselves. If you are struggling and would appreciate connecting with someone who is non-judgemental and understanding, I am here.

Dr. Elisabeth is a Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a Clinical Supervisor. Elisabeth holds a master's degree in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and a doctoral degree in Psychology (Ph.D.). She works with individuals and couples in-person and on Zoom. Supervision to mental health professionals is provided to all practicing in Canada. Elisabeth offers individual and group competency-based clinical supervision to counselling students, interns, counselling therapists and psychotherapists who are based in Canada.

Today's world is stressful and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by conflict, stress, and everyday pressures. Let me help you find calm and the ability to cope with your own personal stressors. With 30 years' experience working with people in a variety of roles, I can work with you to discover, investigate, and address the stressors in your life, so you are a better person to yourself and those around you. If you are ready to take these steps, I encourage you to reach out and so we can work together to make the changes you envision in your life.