Therapists in V9T
Well would you look at that! Reaching out for help is a powerful sign that the change you desire is already underway. My role is to walk beside you as you take the next steps. I strongly believe in the resilience of my clients, even when they can’t see it in themselves yet. With over a decade of experience in mental health and addictions, I’ve supported individuals through a variety of issues including substance use, trauma, low self-worth, relationship issues and maladaptive patterns. I understand—both personally and professionally—that healing is rarely linear. Together, we can build meaningful, lasting change.
Well would you look at that! Reaching out for help is a powerful sign that the change you desire is already underway. My role is to walk beside you as you take the next steps. I strongly believe in the resilience of my clients, even when they can’t see it in themselves yet. With over a decade of experience in mental health and addictions, I’ve supported individuals through a variety of issues including substance use, trauma, low self-worth, relationship issues and maladaptive patterns. I understand—both personally and professionally—that healing is rarely linear. Together, we can build meaningful, lasting change.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 25 years experience, my heart’s work is to be a sacred witness for those carrying the weight of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and addiction. I offer compassionate support to people of all genders, while my primary passion and focus are devoted to women’s healing and empowerment. I help you understand the coping mechanisms that helped you survive but now show up as patterns that hold you back and cause you to think, feel, and behave in ways that no longer serve you. I believe deeply in every person’s innate capacity for healing and growth.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 25 years experience, my heart’s work is to be a sacred witness for those carrying the weight of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and addiction. I offer compassionate support to people of all genders, while my primary passion and focus are devoted to women’s healing and empowerment. I help you understand the coping mechanisms that helped you survive but now show up as patterns that hold you back and cause you to think, feel, and behave in ways that no longer serve you. I believe deeply in every person’s innate capacity for healing and growth.
Welcoming new clients. I provide meaningful support to thoughtful, self-aware adults, teens, and couples seeking positive change, deeper self-understanding, and a greater sense of connection with themselves and others. Many of the people I work with are navigating anxiety, overthinking, relationship challenges, life transitions, or the lingering impact of experiences that shaped how they learned to cope, relate, and protect themselves. I am a gentle and curious therapist, and I bring compassion, honesty, and a quality of stubbornness that I hope is experienced as an unfaltering commitment to your wellbeing and growth.
Welcoming new clients. I provide meaningful support to thoughtful, self-aware adults, teens, and couples seeking positive change, deeper self-understanding, and a greater sense of connection with themselves and others. Many of the people I work with are navigating anxiety, overthinking, relationship challenges, life transitions, or the lingering impact of experiences that shaped how they learned to cope, relate, and protect themselves. I am a gentle and curious therapist, and I bring compassion, honesty, and a quality of stubbornness that I hope is experienced as an unfaltering commitment to your wellbeing and growth.
Working with others is my life's passion. It stems from my sincere desire to help people develop insight into their lives and the relationships they are connected through. Culturally sensitive, empathetic, compassionate but direct, I am regarded as non-judgmental and accepting. My professional background is in mental health, addictions, as well as working with couples/families affected by systemic issues. Together we will foster effective communication skills, self-care, health, future goals and building of respectful relationships. It is my sincere pleasure to be part of someone's journey to find deeper meaning in their lives
Working with others is my life's passion. It stems from my sincere desire to help people develop insight into their lives and the relationships they are connected through. Culturally sensitive, empathetic, compassionate but direct, I am regarded as non-judgmental and accepting. My professional background is in mental health, addictions, as well as working with couples/families affected by systemic issues. Together we will foster effective communication skills, self-care, health, future goals and building of respectful relationships. It is my sincere pleasure to be part of someone's journey to find deeper meaning in their lives
Hello, if you are reading this, it means you have taken the first step in your counselling journey. I stronly believe in a “come as you are” counselling approach that is centred around the belief that all individuals have the capacity for change. Whether it is a mental health concern or needing support around improving your relationships, career, and day-to-day life. As a queer woman (preferred pronouns she/her), I am passionate about movement for mood, empowering healthy bodies, self-love, and honouring the courage it takes to start the journey of healing.
Hello, if you are reading this, it means you have taken the first step in your counselling journey. I stronly believe in a “come as you are” counselling approach that is centred around the belief that all individuals have the capacity for change. Whether it is a mental health concern or needing support around improving your relationships, career, and day-to-day life. As a queer woman (preferred pronouns she/her), I am passionate about movement for mood, empowering healthy bodies, self-love, and honouring the courage it takes to start the journey of healing.
Addiction, eating disorder, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, phobia, and insomnia etc. are most often symptoms, but not the root of the problem. Very often, through childhood and adulthood, many traumatic experiences (such as bullying and abuse) left us with psychological injuries. And we use various above-listed symptoms to deal with experiences that made us feel sad or scared, even for short-term. The real healing/solution is, therefore, to clean the injuries, and develop new coping skills. This approach also applies to unexpected traumatic life experiences, such as accidents, natural disasters, illness, and grief.
Addiction, eating disorder, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, phobia, and insomnia etc. are most often symptoms, but not the root of the problem. Very often, through childhood and adulthood, many traumatic experiences (such as bullying and abuse) left us with psychological injuries. And we use various above-listed symptoms to deal with experiences that made us feel sad or scared, even for short-term. The real healing/solution is, therefore, to clean the injuries, and develop new coping skills. This approach also applies to unexpected traumatic life experiences, such as accidents, natural disasters, illness, and grief.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns that don’t match the life you want. Maybe you’re navigating social anxiety, ADHD, burnout, or a complicated relationship with technology. You might be a parent worried about your teen, or an adult trying to understand old wounds, emotional triggers, or communication struggles. Underneath it all, you want clarity, steadiness, and a healthier way forward.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns that don’t match the life you want. Maybe you’re navigating social anxiety, ADHD, burnout, or a complicated relationship with technology. You might be a parent worried about your teen, or an adult trying to understand old wounds, emotional triggers, or communication struggles. Underneath it all, you want clarity, steadiness, and a healthier way forward.
Drop the mom guilt. Build self-trust. You don't have a patience problem, you have a capacity problem, and capacity can be built. You know you're doing your best. It's the gap between knowing it and feeling it that's breaking you. Welcome to breath-informed therapeutic counselling for moms. If you're running on empty, done proving yourself, and ready to BE the calm connection you crave, let’s begin one breath at a time.
Drop the mom guilt. Build self-trust. You don't have a patience problem, you have a capacity problem, and capacity can be built. You know you're doing your best. It's the gap between knowing it and feeling it that's breaking you. Welcome to breath-informed therapeutic counselling for moms. If you're running on empty, done proving yourself, and ready to BE the calm connection you crave, let’s begin one breath at a time.
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.
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.
I believe counselling can provide a supportive space to navigate life’s challenges, better understand yourself, and work toward meaningful change. My approach is rooted in compassion, understanding, and a deep respect for my clients’ unique experiences and perspectives. With a strength-based and person-centered approach, I aim to cultivate resilience and promote positive change in our work together. Before becoming an RCC, I spent 14 years working in community-based roles with individuals and families navigating trauma, crisis, and significant life transitions.
I believe counselling can provide a supportive space to navigate life’s challenges, better understand yourself, and work toward meaningful change. My approach is rooted in compassion, understanding, and a deep respect for my clients’ unique experiences and perspectives. With a strength-based and person-centered approach, I aim to cultivate resilience and promote positive change in our work together. Before becoming an RCC, I spent 14 years working in community-based roles with individuals and families navigating trauma, crisis, and significant life transitions.
Experienced counsellor (20+ years) with training & tools to help you face anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more. I help you feel better now, and also get to what’s driving symptoms so the same problems don’t keep coming back.
Experienced counsellor (20+ years) with training & tools to help you face anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more. I help you feel better now, and also get to what’s driving symptoms so the same problems don’t keep coming back.
Are you a mom? Struggling with the overwhelm? Don't know who you are anymore outside of being a mom? Feeling unseen, resentful, burnt out, on autopilot or depleted? Wondering if this is what it means to be a mother? Yet desiring more - more connection, more presence, more calm. I feel you, as a mom and as a therapist who specializes in motherhood, you are not alone. Let's explore how to connect inward and how to fill yourself up so that you are giving to others from your overflow, rather than from within you.
Are you a mom? Struggling with the overwhelm? Don't know who you are anymore outside of being a mom? Feeling unseen, resentful, burnt out, on autopilot or depleted? Wondering if this is what it means to be a mother? Yet desiring more - more connection, more presence, more calm. I feel you, as a mom and as a therapist who specializes in motherhood, you are not alone. Let's explore how to connect inward and how to fill yourself up so that you are giving to others from your overflow, rather than from within you.
Do you keep telling yourself & others, "I'm fine, I'm fine!"? But you're actually feeling overwhelmed by "all the things"? Do you struggle with feeling stressed, anxious, guilt, on edge, and can't seem to stop the negative thought train fuelled by self-doubt? Addressing daily stressors associated with the mental load of parenting, work, and home can help you feel a little lighter, giving you the tools to work through long-term symptoms associated with unresolved psychological issues. I strive to create a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental space that supports my clients in working towards healing, growth, and lasting change.
Do you keep telling yourself & others, "I'm fine, I'm fine!"? But you're actually feeling overwhelmed by "all the things"? Do you struggle with feeling stressed, anxious, guilt, on edge, and can't seem to stop the negative thought train fuelled by self-doubt? Addressing daily stressors associated with the mental load of parenting, work, and home can help you feel a little lighter, giving you the tools to work through long-term symptoms associated with unresolved psychological issues. I strive to create a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental space that supports my clients in working towards healing, growth, and lasting change.
My view on counselling is based upon the level of trust and the quality of the connection that we are able to create together. In essence, the relationship that we develop together is key. I would wish to provide you with a safe, caring environment where you could come to feel completely heard and understood. I see my role as being more of a Guide, offering support while at the same time gently encouraging your growth by pointing out certain areas, thoughts, beliefs or behaviours that may be keeping you stuck, or that you may be unaware of.
My view on counselling is based upon the level of trust and the quality of the connection that we are able to create together. In essence, the relationship that we develop together is key. I would wish to provide you with a safe, caring environment where you could come to feel completely heard and understood. I see my role as being more of a Guide, offering support while at the same time gently encouraging your growth by pointing out certain areas, thoughts, beliefs or behaviours that may be keeping you stuck, or that you may be unaware of.
Quarress Addiction
Drug & Alcohol Counsellor, CSAT-S, CPTT-S, CCMAC, CCS-AC, CPGC
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9T
Do you struggle with Compulsive Sexual Behaviors or Betrayal Trauma associated with your partners Sex, Porn and/or Love Addiction? If you can relate to any of these struggles that have created anxiety and stress in your life, let me help. Allow me to come along side you and support, guide, heal and offer accountability.
Do you struggle with Compulsive Sexual Behaviors or Betrayal Trauma associated with your partners Sex, Porn and/or Love Addiction? If you can relate to any of these struggles that have created anxiety and stress in your life, let me help. Allow me to come along side you and support, guide, heal and offer accountability.
You're still showing up, at work, at home, mostly. From the outside it looks fine. You're the one who knows it isn't. Maybe it's a marriage that's gone quiet, or already ended. A job that used to mean something and now just drains you. Or nothing you can point to exactly, you just don't recognize the guy who used to have energy for any of this. Maybe someone suggested you come here. Maybe you're just done pretending it's fine. Either way, you're not looking for a lecture. You want a way through this.
You're still showing up, at work, at home, mostly. From the outside it looks fine. You're the one who knows it isn't. Maybe it's a marriage that's gone quiet, or already ended. A job that used to mean something and now just drains you. Or nothing you can point to exactly, you just don't recognize the guy who used to have energy for any of this. Maybe someone suggested you come here. Maybe you're just done pretending it's fine. Either way, you're not looking for a lecture. You want a way through this.
On the surface everything looks fine. You are doing what you need to do to take care of yourself and those around you. Underneath, you may feel angry, exhausted, alone, or overwhelmed by responsibilities that never seem to end. You know something needs to change, but you're not sure where to start.
I work with capable, hardworking people who are used to handling problems on their own. Together, we clarify the person you want to be, develop the skills needed to get there, and keep moving forward when life gets difficult.
On the surface everything looks fine. You are doing what you need to do to take care of yourself and those around you. Underneath, you may feel angry, exhausted, alone, or overwhelmed by responsibilities that never seem to end. You know something needs to change, but you're not sure where to start.
I work with capable, hardworking people who are used to handling problems on their own. Together, we clarify the person you want to be, develop the skills needed to get there, and keep moving forward when life gets difficult.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC 11661) who believes passionately in the human-spirit’s ability to heal and overcome adversity when we face issues such as a mental health disorder, trauma, increase in stress, life transition or loss. At times we may have difficulty accessing our inner healing resources, thus the support of a mental health professional may be needed. It would be my honour to walk beside you on your journey to improve your mental health. I work with youth, individual adults and parents/caregivers in my practice located in Nanaimo, BC.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC 11661) who believes passionately in the human-spirit’s ability to heal and overcome adversity when we face issues such as a mental health disorder, trauma, increase in stress, life transition or loss. At times we may have difficulty accessing our inner healing resources, thus the support of a mental health professional may be needed. It would be my honour to walk beside you on your journey to improve your mental health. I work with youth, individual adults and parents/caregivers in my practice located in Nanaimo, BC.
Congratulations! You've taken the first step toward seeking support for yourself or your family. This takes courage, so I commend you for being here. I believe that we all possess the potential within us to heal and grow into the healthiest, most confident, successful version of ourselves. Life presents challenges and sometimes we all need someone to guide us along the way. Connection, compassion, creativity, collaboration and a touch of humour reside at the heart of my counselling style. My integrative approach is customized to your situation and draws from a variety of theoretical approaches.
Congratulations! You've taken the first step toward seeking support for yourself or your family. This takes courage, so I commend you for being here. I believe that we all possess the potential within us to heal and grow into the healthiest, most confident, successful version of ourselves. Life presents challenges and sometimes we all need someone to guide us along the way. Connection, compassion, creativity, collaboration and a touch of humour reside at the heart of my counselling style. My integrative approach is customized to your situation and draws from a variety of theoretical approaches.
Navigating life’s challenges can be daunting, especially when exploring identity or facing family and social pressures. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space where you can share your story without fear of judgment. I specialize in supporting children, youth, young adults, parents and families. With experience in identity exploration, family dynamics, and building resilience, I work collaboratively to help you thrive. Whether you’re a young person seeking guidance or a parent looking for support, we’ll build on your strengths to foster growth and healing.
Navigating life’s challenges can be daunting, especially when exploring identity or facing family and social pressures. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space where you can share your story without fear of judgment. I specialize in supporting children, youth, young adults, parents and families. With experience in identity exploration, family dynamics, and building resilience, I work collaboratively to help you thrive. Whether you’re a young person seeking guidance or a parent looking for support, we’ll build on your strengths to foster growth and healing.
See more therapy options for V9T
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in V9T
80+
Average cost per session
$150
Counsellors in V9T who prioritize treating:
| 96% | Anxiety |
| 96% | Social Anxiety |
| 96% | Health Anxiety |
| 96% | Driving Anxiety |
| 86% | Depression |
| 82% | Stress |
| 81% | Relationship Issues |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 61% | Pacific Blue Cross |
| 61% | SunLife |
| 55% | Green Shield Canada |
How Counsellors in V9T see their clients
| 77% | In Person and Online | |
| 23% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 72% | Female | |
| 26% | Male | |
| 2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in V9T?
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.
