Therapists in V9R
I work with individuals 18+ navigating interpersonal issues, life transitions and processing trauma. My approach is personable and relational, and I will help you get to the root of what is bothering you and assist you in addressing it in a direct way.
I work with individuals 18+ navigating interpersonal issues, life transitions and processing trauma. My approach is personable and relational, and I will help you get to the root of what is bothering you and assist you in addressing it in a direct way.
I am most helpful to people who need help understanding what they can do to improve their lives.
Perhaps you feel stuck, and wresting with anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship struggles, pornography use, infidelity, or a quiet sense of “Is this all there is?”.
Generally, you avoid conflict, people-please, or carry unprocessed pain from the past that keeps repeating. If you want to stop feeling controlled by old patterns, speak up confidently, rebuild trust (with yourself and others), and live with purpose I can help. By asking for help to own your life and your problems you can become the best person you, and others, need.
I am most helpful to people who need help understanding what they can do to improve their lives.
Perhaps you feel stuck, and wresting with anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship struggles, pornography use, infidelity, or a quiet sense of “Is this all there is?”.
Generally, you avoid conflict, people-please, or carry unprocessed pain from the past that keeps repeating. If you want to stop feeling controlled by old patterns, speak up confidently, rebuild trust (with yourself and others), and live with purpose I can help. By asking for help to own your life and your problems you can become the best person you, and others, need.
If you are here looking for support you probably feel stuck. You may wonder why you keep doing things that cause you to suffer or why you can't seem to feel better about yourself or why you know what to do but can't take action. In other words, you may feel pushed around by the painful events in your world and prevented from doing, having or feeling what you want.
If you are here looking for support you probably feel stuck. You may wonder why you keep doing things that cause you to suffer or why you can't seem to feel better about yourself or why you know what to do but can't take action. In other words, you may feel pushed around by the painful events in your world and prevented from doing, having or feeling what you want.
Life can present us with many challenges, and it can be difficult to figure out where to go next. It is not uncommon to feel tense and overwhelmed or to find yourself reacting in ways that leave you feeling confused, lost, and disconnected. Whether you’re an individual hoping to feel connected to yourself again, or a parent looking for some extra support, I am here to work alongside you to find a path forward.
Life can present us with many challenges, and it can be difficult to figure out where to go next. It is not uncommon to feel tense and overwhelmed or to find yourself reacting in ways that leave you feeling confused, lost, and disconnected. Whether you’re an individual hoping to feel connected to yourself again, or a parent looking for some extra support, I am here to work alongside you to find a path forward.
I am a Registered Psychologist, and have been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Depth-oriented focus, and a Master's degree in Counselling and Creative Arts Therapies. I provide psychotherapy, crisis intervention, pychoeducation, & group facilitation. I have years of experience working with sexual assault & incest, trauma, addictions, eating disorders and mood disorders. My therapeutic approach is integrative, and I combine CBT, DBT, somatic, psychodynamic, humanistic, depth-oriented, insight-oriented, interpersonal, and existential philosophies into my practice.
I am a Registered Psychologist, and have been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Depth-oriented focus, and a Master's degree in Counselling and Creative Arts Therapies. I provide psychotherapy, crisis intervention, pychoeducation, & group facilitation. I have years of experience working with sexual assault & incest, trauma, addictions, eating disorders and mood disorders. My therapeutic approach is integrative, and I combine CBT, DBT, somatic, psychodynamic, humanistic, depth-oriented, insight-oriented, interpersonal, and existential philosophies into my practice.
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.
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.
Navigating a divorce is one of the most exhausting, confusing, and lonely experiences of your life. You're in fight or flight all the time, never quite feeling like you're thinking straight, but you still have to make some of the biggest legal, financial, and parenting decisions of your life. You're trying your best to hold it together for your kids, but you're overwhelmed, and they have questions you just can't answer. Your life has become unrecognizable, and it feels like no one truly understands what you're going through. Every day, you ask yourself, Will it ever get easier?
Navigating a divorce is one of the most exhausting, confusing, and lonely experiences of your life. You're in fight or flight all the time, never quite feeling like you're thinking straight, but you still have to make some of the biggest legal, financial, and parenting decisions of your life. You're trying your best to hold it together for your kids, but you're overwhelmed, and they have questions you just can't answer. Your life has become unrecognizable, and it feels like no one truly understands what you're going through. Every day, you ask yourself, Will it ever get easier?
Welcome. If you've been feeling stressed, overwhelmed or just tired of carrying too much on your own, I'm glad you found your way here.
In my practice, I seek to create a container of safety and connection where people can feel seen, understood and supported. From this place, more helpful and authentic ways of thinking, feeling and relating can emerge or return.
Welcome. If you've been feeling stressed, overwhelmed or just tired of carrying too much on your own, I'm glad you found your way here.
In my practice, I seek to create a container of safety and connection where people can feel seen, understood and supported. From this place, more helpful and authentic ways of thinking, feeling and relating can emerge or return.
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.
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.
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 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.
With over fifteen years of experience and a commitment to ongoing education/training I can help you. Whether you need a safe, non-judgemental person to talk to, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help with anger, anxiety or depression, a scientific non-twelve step approach to addictions/compulsive behaviour or hypnotherapy to help with all the above as well as letting go of the past or removal of PTSD/PTSD-like symptoms in a non-retraumatizing manner, I can provide you with the effective services that you need.
With over fifteen years of experience and a commitment to ongoing education/training I can help you. Whether you need a safe, non-judgemental person to talk to, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help with anger, anxiety or depression, a scientific non-twelve step approach to addictions/compulsive behaviour or hypnotherapy to help with all the above as well as letting go of the past or removal of PTSD/PTSD-like symptoms in a non-retraumatizing manner, I can provide you with the effective services that you need.
Living with anxiety, stress, overwhelm, or burnout? Numb, stuck or simply surviving? We live in crazy times! You’ve lived, loved, worked, possibly married and divorced, raised a family, cared for aging parents, surely succeeded in your unique ways and also dealt with life’s natural challenges and losses too. If a helper-type, other’s needs have likely come before your own. Life happens, and often not how planned. Whether anxious and stressed, have a heavy heart or upset emotions, stuck in unhealthy patterns of thought or behaviors, in loss or life transitions, unhappy in relationships, we ALL need support to shift / grow.
Living with anxiety, stress, overwhelm, or burnout? Numb, stuck or simply surviving? We live in crazy times! You’ve lived, loved, worked, possibly married and divorced, raised a family, cared for aging parents, surely succeeded in your unique ways and also dealt with life’s natural challenges and losses too. If a helper-type, other’s needs have likely come before your own. Life happens, and often not how planned. Whether anxious and stressed, have a heavy heart or upset emotions, stuck in unhealthy patterns of thought or behaviors, in loss or life transitions, unhappy in relationships, we ALL need support to shift / grow.
Allius Counselling, Family & Play Therapy Services
Counsellor, MA, RCC-ACS, CPT, BCRPT-S
15 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
We are accepting new clients of all ages for psychotherapy. At Allius Counselling, 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: one that is more connected to those you care about most.
We are accepting new clients of all ages for psychotherapy. At Allius Counselling, 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: one that is more connected to those you care about most.
Are you feeling stuck repeating the same patterns, relational habits, or putting other people's needs before your own? Is your pain, grief, or past resentments continuing to surface and it's getting more difficult to suppress or ignore? Are you ready to lean in and confront some thoughts and feelings that might feel messy, complicated, or uncomfortable?
You deserve to have the space to say exactly what you're thinking without feeling like you have to walk on eggshells, censor yourself, or live in fear judgement. What you are feeling and experiencing deserves to be acknowledged and processed, and I want to help with that.
Are you feeling stuck repeating the same patterns, relational habits, or putting other people's needs before your own? Is your pain, grief, or past resentments continuing to surface and it's getting more difficult to suppress or ignore? Are you ready to lean in and confront some thoughts and feelings that might feel messy, complicated, or uncomfortable?
You deserve to have the space to say exactly what you're thinking without feeling like you have to walk on eggshells, censor yourself, or live in fear judgement. What you are feeling and experiencing deserves to be acknowledged and processed, and I want to help with that.
Accepting New Clients.
I am a trauma-specific therapist and offer support to adults experiencing mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use or relationship difficulties. These symptoms may be rooted in trauma, abuse or wounds from the past or you may be experiencing them for the first time; no matter your circumstance, I am here to listen. I also work with new and expectant mothers who may be struggling with postpartum anxiety or depression, intrusive thoughts, rage, loss of identity, or transitioning into their new role as a caregiver.
Accepting New Clients.
I am a trauma-specific therapist and offer support to adults experiencing mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use or relationship difficulties. These symptoms may be rooted in trauma, abuse or wounds from the past or you may be experiencing them for the first time; no matter your circumstance, I am here to listen. I also work with new and expectant mothers who may be struggling with postpartum anxiety or depression, intrusive thoughts, rage, loss of identity, or transitioning into their new role as a caregiver.
Are you ready to explore your rooted underlying issues, as an individual or a couple? Going beyond talk therapy, and engaging your felt sense in the body, allows you to dive deeper in the work, and to honour your process gently and safely at the same time. It can also be very empowering. This deep listening builds self regulation and inner resources, as well as the connecting of the dots, to help us make sense of the past, and create the life we truly want. Answers and insights are coming from within; it becomes clear the deeper work is not about "fixing," but rather holding space for the different parts of us with compassion.
Are you ready to explore your rooted underlying issues, as an individual or a couple? Going beyond talk therapy, and engaging your felt sense in the body, allows you to dive deeper in the work, and to honour your process gently and safely at the same time. It can also be very empowering. This deep listening builds self regulation and inner resources, as well as the connecting of the dots, to help us make sense of the past, and create the life we truly want. Answers and insights are coming from within; it becomes clear the deeper work is not about "fixing," but rather holding space for the different parts of us with compassion.
Thank you for visiting my page! I am deeply passionate about promoting mental health and empowering individuals and couples to attain positive and meaningful change in their lives…. for change IS possible! I am skilled in working with couples who are navigating relationship challenges as well as individuals impacted by grief and bereavement, stress, anxiety, depression, BFRBs, OCD, and lack of confidence/esteem. I find it a privilege to provide support to clients of all abilities.
Thank you for visiting my page! I am deeply passionate about promoting mental health and empowering individuals and couples to attain positive and meaningful change in their lives…. for change IS possible! I am skilled in working with couples who are navigating relationship challenges as well as individuals impacted by grief and bereavement, stress, anxiety, depression, BFRBs, OCD, and lack of confidence/esteem. I find it a privilege to provide support to clients of all abilities.
My ideal client wants change, and values authentic, down to earth conversation. Ideally their need should be based around a desire to feel seen and heard. My ideal client is often aware of their thoughts and feelings, but unsure how they can make progress. My ideal client is seeking change in areas they feel stuck, and desires tools or insights that can make a difference.
My ideal client wants change, and values authentic, down to earth conversation. Ideally their need should be based around a desire to feel seen and heard. My ideal client is often aware of their thoughts and feelings, but unsure how they can make progress. My ideal client is seeking change in areas they feel stuck, and desires tools or insights that can make a difference.
My ideal client has often dug themselves into a hole into which they can not get out of on their own. The issues will be related to a difficult relationship of some description, partner, family, community, finance, environment, financial, and certainly themselves. It is likely that their goals are uncertain and that they feel lost. Very often, my ideal client does not know what they want, but can with certainty say what they don't want.
My ideal client has often dug themselves into a hole into which they can not get out of on their own. The issues will be related to a difficult relationship of some description, partner, family, community, finance, environment, financial, and certainly themselves. It is likely that their goals are uncertain and that they feel lost. Very often, my ideal client does not know what they want, but can with certainty say what they don't want.
My work is grounded in a relational and collaborative process—we move at your pace, guided by curiosity, safety, and respect. I integrate trauma-specific and evidence-based modalities, drawing from attachment theory, somatic approaches, and parts work. I blend clinical techniques and theoretical orientations with warmth, humour, and playfulness. Therapy is not just for easing pain—it is for growing resilience, self-trust, and your capacity for joy and connection.
My work is grounded in a relational and collaborative process—we move at your pace, guided by curiosity, safety, and respect. I integrate trauma-specific and evidence-based modalities, drawing from attachment theory, somatic approaches, and parts work. I blend clinical techniques and theoretical orientations with warmth, humour, and playfulness. Therapy is not just for easing pain—it is for growing resilience, self-trust, and your capacity for joy and connection.
See more therapy options for V9R
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in V9R
200+
Average cost per session
$150
Counsellors in V9R who prioritize treating:
| 93% | Anxiety |
| 81% | Depression |
| 80% | Relationship Issues |
| 78% | Self Esteem |
| 77% | Stress |
| 73% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 72% | Grief |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 56% | Pacific Blue Cross |
| 53% | SunLife |
| 51% | Green Shield Canada |
How Counsellors in V9R see their clients
| 80% | In Person and Online | |
| 20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 79% | Female | |
| 18% | Male | |
| 3% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in V9R?
Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postal code, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postal code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Most Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are certified by one of the main professional associations, mainly the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and will have a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) designation with their name. Social Workers listed in the directory must be registered members of the college specific to their province. To be listed in the directory, Psychologists must be registered with the psychological college specific to their province or territory.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given the considerable variation in professional regulation and prerequisites across Canadian provinces, some providers may possess significant professional qualifications without necessarily holding professional memberships or being obliged to acquire them. As a result, they may be selectively included without the "Verified" seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given the considerable variation in professional regulation and prerequisites across Canadian provinces, some providers may possess significant professional qualifications without necessarily holding professional memberships or being obliged to acquire them. As a result, they may be selectively included without the "Verified" seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and social workers can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and supervised, practical experience that enable them to do so in Canada.
Psychologists have a master's and/or doctoral degree and have passed both written and oral exams. Psychologists are able to complete mental health assessments and provide diagnostic information to clients as well as provide counselling therapy or psychotherapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are expected to have a master's or doctoral degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline and certification by a professional association, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registered Social Workers possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and where possible must be licensed or certified by the provincial government and/or regulatory college.
Psychologists have a master's and/or doctoral degree and have passed both written and oral exams. Psychologists are able to complete mental health assessments and provide diagnostic information to clients as well as provide counselling therapy or psychotherapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are expected to have a master's or doctoral degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline and certification by a professional association, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registered Social Workers possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and where possible must be licensed or certified by the provincial government and/or regulatory college.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in Canada could be between $100 and $200. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. Some types of outpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare, provided these are performed by a licensed mental health professional in the provinces or territory you reside in and who accepts the assignment.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. Some types of outpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare, provided these are performed by a licensed mental health professional in the provinces or territory you reside in and who accepts the assignment.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postal code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Professionals licensed by regulatory colleges and those certified by associations such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association are obligated to uphold client confidentiality unless there is a legal reason that requires them to disclose information. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others, or a court order, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.

