Addiction Therapists in Nanaimo, BC.

Counselling for addiction and codependency in Nanaimo, BC. Help for alcohol and substance abuse, pornography, sex and internet addiction, gambling, and compulsive spending.


Kathryn Atkinson, MA, RCC-ACS
Addiction Counsellor

Kathryn Atkinson, MA, RCC-ACS

Registered Clinical Counsellor

41 Chapel St, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5H3 | 778-762-3750

We work to tailor our services to fit the unique beliefs and knowledge that people hold about substance use. We recognize change is a process that can be both challenging and rewarding. With non-judgmental support, flexibility, compassion and creativity, we strive to assist people in setting and achieving meaningful goals. Island Clinical Counselling substance use services are customized for youth, adults, and older adults and include: Consultation Assessment Out-patient therapy Referral to withdrawal management (detox) programming Referral to in-patient residential and/or supportive recovery programming Relapse prevention planning and ongoing therapy Harm Reduction Family Members/Carers

Steve Rose, PhD
Addiction Counselor

Steve Rose, PhD

Addiction Counsellor

Available for Online Therapy

Many approaches to addiction emphasize willpower and deprivation, but this only works temporarily. Alcohol, substances, or other addictive behaviours like gambling and gaming offer short-term relief of underlying issues at a long-term cost to one's relationships and health. As an addiction counsellor, I can help you resolve underlying issues, regain control, and build a sense of meaning and purpose, so you can start living the life you want. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction recovery. I meet each client where they are at, tailoring my approach to each person's unique needs. Send me a message and we can connect for a quick call to discuss next steps.

Alain Langlais, MH, MTC, CHHt
Addiction Counselor

Alain Langlais, MH, MTC, CHHt

Counsellor

Available for Online Therapy

“It was a long and heavy day and I just need to break the edge.” “I communicate better after few drinks” “I can’t fall asleep if I don’t have my…” When a substance becomes a “priority”, or becomes overused, it begins to creep into and destroy an individual’s health, family, relationship and even work. The question becomes "Do I have control over it or does it have control over me?". Often substances are used as coping mechanism without realizing that it often creates even more anxiety and depression, leaving a person feeling more stress and low down the road. Feeling anxious without a "quick fix" or a “temporary Band-Aid” is a strong indicator that a person is or has lost control with the desired substance. In counselling, we work to support...(view profile to read more)

Byron Elton, MA RCC
Addiction Counselor

Byron Elton, MA RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Available for Online Therapy

Working through addiction can be a raw and difficult process, that often reveals the pain that the addiction was helping to disguise. My approach to treating addiction applies cognitive awareness and mindfulness strategies to managing and reducing addictive tendencies and impulses. Addiction tends to thrive in isolation, so having a guide to help anticipate the struggle of addiction, identify and exercise strategies that are clinically effective in relief of addiction, and trauma.

Philip Starkman, MSW, RSW
Addiction Counselor

Philip Starkman, MSW, RSW

Registered Psychotherapist

Available for Online Therapy

Addictions can appear in many forms including substance addictions, internet addiction, sex addiction, gambling addiction, shopping addiction, pornography, social media, excessive exercise, food, etc. Strong cravings with a loss of control can lead people to become addicted in spite of possible dire consequences. Counselling is one of several possible treatments available for addictions. Individual, group and family therapies have been found to be helpful in order to inform a client regarding the harmful effects the addiction may have on themselves, their friends, family and society. Promoting physical, emotional and spiritual well being is often critical for the rehabilitation process.

John Taylor, MA, RCC, CCC
Addiction Counsellor

John Taylor, MA, RCC, CCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Psychotherapist

2B-6135 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 2L7 | 250-618-0216

Addictive and compulsive behaviors can make you feel out of control and can affect your personal, professional, and family life. I can help you with evidence-based tools and strategies you can use right away. I can also help you resolve the underlying emotional patterns which create the need to compulsively gamble, drink, eat, or use substances. I specialize in assisting with pornography, cybersex, sex addiction, internet addiction, gaming, social media, and drugs and alcohol. My skills and training are based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness therapy, and other depth oriented approaches. Exploring your past patterns and where they come from can also be helpful.

Empowerment Counselling, BSW, MSW, RSW
Addiction Counselor

Empowerment Counselling, BSW, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Available for Online Therapy

Addictions counseling provides a supportive and nonjudgmental space to address the challenges of substance use or other addictive behaviors. My approach focuses on understanding the underlying causes of addiction, identifying triggers, and developing personalized strategies for recovery. Together, we’ll build healthier coping mechanisms, enhance self-awareness, and strengthen resilience. Clients benefit from a comprehensive and compassionate approach that empowers them to regain control of their lives, rebuild relationships, and create a fulfilling, substance-free future.

Tricia Toth, BSW, MSW, RSW, RCC
Addiction Counsellor

Tricia Toth, BSW, MSW, RSW, RCC

Professional Masters Level Registed Social Worker and Registered Clinical Counselor

Nanaimo, BC, British Columbia V9T 6L8 | 250-755-6331

Addiction is the symptom of others issues. People abuse substances for a variety of reasons such as: to supress pain, to feel more confident, and to deal with an unresolved trauma. Addiction often spirals out of control, results in feelings of guilt and despair; as well as alienates the user from her or his family and friends. However, addiction can be overcome. Relationships can be repaired. I offer professional support to both the person facing addiction and their family to learn strategies to deal with the underlying issues, set boundaries, and develop skills to address your own or your loved ones substance abuse.

Mark Giesbrecht, MA, RCC, CCC, CT
Addiction Counsellor

Mark Giesbrecht, MA, RCC, CCC, CT

Registered Clinical Counselor / Canadian Certified Counselor

Virtual Online Therapy, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 7C5 |

As a counsellor with years of experience working with addiction and its effects on the family, I have the skills to help you gain insights, change your behaviours, heal your pain and recover a sense of wholeness for life. My goal is to help you find a way out of the bondage of self hate, shame, and pain that is often caused by living with addiction. I believe that with hard work, you can regain the hope that this disease steals.

Sam Trivett, Sarah Trivett
Addiction Counsellor

Sam Trivett, Sarah Trivett

Registered Clinical Counsellor

119 W Pender, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 1S5 | 7788375896

Instead of viewing addiction as "bad" or something to get rid of, we'll look at the role addiction is playing in your life so that you can begin to develop a compassionate relationship with it. Addictions are very often protective mechanisms that help people numb, manage, and cope with overwhelming emotions, trauma, and stress. Understanding addiction in this light creates the conditions for healing the underlying traumas that are keeping us stuck in the addictive cycle. I'll help you develop new internal resources that will help you cope with cravings and triggers so you can make the shift from self-destructive behaviors to self-empowerment.


You have Found the Top Therapists for Addiction And Codependency in Nanaimo, BC.

Thank you for visiting our British Columbia page of therapists in Nanaimo who specialize in addictions in all forms- internet addiction, pornography and sex addictions, gambling, alcohol and drug abuse, shopping, and food addictions.  An addiction can destroy lives and relationships. Often times there is a codependent person somewhere in the sphere of an addict. Professional therapy from an addiction specialist in Nanaimo, BC is a vital part of recoverey and healing. We are ready to help, let's get started.

Nanaimo is located in British Columbia, Canada. It has a land area of 90.76 square kilometers.  The population of Nanaimo is 99,863 people with 39,165 households . The population ranking for Nanaimo is #62 nationally and #11 for the province of British Columbia with a density of 997.20 people per sq km. Nanaimo therapists serve postal code: V9R.