Find a Therapist in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

Sometimes just the idea of self-exploration in counselling can seem daunting. We can make this process more comfortable and accessible, not just through our compassion for others, but also by offering a variety of counselling strategies from traditional talk therapies to expressive and creative options. Having choices in therapy allows the safety and flexibility to learn about ourselves and others. Let us help to open the door to the real, practical and long term changes you are seeking. We encourage the intra-personal and interpersonal connections that bring greater harmony to the individuals and families we serve.

We all go through challenges in life, in our past, present, and thoughts for our future. Sometimes we experience, stress, have family struggles, go through loss, or experience mental health challenges. It is during these times that a Clinical Counsellor can provide support and tools to navigate these situations. Individual counselling begins with building a collaborative relationship between you and your counsellor. The relationship can develop in person or virtually. Some clients prefer to have their sessions outdoors or engage in walk and talk therapy. Whatever the setting, therapy is a non-judgmental and confidential space for you to share safely and receive feedback and support.

Patterns of self-sabotaging behavioural, disorganized thinking and overwhelming emotion make life very difficult. How can we move forward when our bodies seem to betray us and we just need a break from the buzzing anxiety or the numbing of depression? What you may not know is all these symptoms are the imprint of our unfinished business, stuck in the body and just begging to be seen, cared for and accepted. Working with me means looking with curiosity, compassion and an educated-eye at how old wounds of betrayal, abandonment and rejection show up to block living your best life. You are not alone and there is hope.

Psychotherapy is often used to treat a wide range of challenges, some of which include: poor self confidence, depression, anxiety, career problems, impaired relationships, addictions, etc. As your therapist I will assist you in identifying the key areas you would like to work on. Sometimes people feel so overwhelmed they do not know where to start. Together, we can determine which issues are of top priority. I will assist you in looking at the 'big picture', while initially setting small measurable goals. I will provide you with the support you need to tackle each obstacle head on. Small successes lead to great accomplishments.

I provide psychotherapy for children, youth and adults at The Centre For Expressive Therapy, a warm, nurturing atmosphere that reflects and supports healing. The therapeutic methods used during the course of psychotherapy are carefully chosen according to age, natural inclination and life circumstances to meet a client's unique needs. We will work together to explore and change the thought and behaviour patterns that are keeping you from being the best you can be. Building on your inner strengths, you will learn new skills to better cope with life's obstacles and challenges. Ongoing support is offered as suitable.

Struggling with anxiety, anger, addiction, or trauma? You’re not alone. Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or hopeless is tough, but it doesn't have to be permanent. I'm here to help. With specialized techniques and a compassionate approach, we can work together to find relief, gain control, and rediscover joy. Imagine a life where you feel calm, empowered, and in control. Book your free 15-minute consultation today to take the first step towards healing. Let’s turn your pain into strength and reclaim the life you deserve. Schedule now and start your journey to a better tomorrow.

In my practice as a psychotherapist I assist individuals to understand forces within that cause suffering & confusion. My approach is engaging, compassionate and expansive. I have over 25 years of experience with many types of people from different cultures & backgrounds. I believe most people have a mixture of complex emotions & complicated life experiences. But most everyone is trying to live a better life. People often have ‘scripts’ of who they are & why they came to be living the way they are. I help people develop ways of reflecting on what has been, what is, and what might be. This opens the possibilities for more choices in life. Your life can be different if you want it to be.

My approach is rooted in creating a collaborative and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I believe in the power of a therapeutic relationship built on trust and respect, serving as a foundation for the transformative process of self-discovery and healing. Drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approaches, I tailor my methods to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. By fostering a non-judgmental environment, I aim to empower clients to openly express themselves and work towards understanding the underlying factors influencing their behaviours.

I use a neurobiologically informed approach to treating trauma. That means I'll use the lenses of the nervous system and brain science to help make sense of how you're feeling stuck or repeating patterns you'd like to grow beyond. Most trauma experts agree that our body stores the residue of traumatic experiences and that it is necessary to include the body in the healing process to experience real and lasting change. I always bring the body into therapy by inviting you to become aware of your sensory experience and nervous system states.

In psychotherapy I can help you explore the deeper roots of issues--the hidden facets of yourself and how they play out in your life. This exploration includes insight-oriented work, reflection, and specific strategies to address issues. Psychotherapy is an evidence-based therapy approach, and research has shown it to be the most effective approach for long-term resolution of issues. In our lives there are underground streams of feeling and meaning. I can help you access these deeper currents, bringing hidden dreams, unexplored life meaning, and unresolved conflicts (which may be underscoring relationship issues) to the surface.

Psychotherapy involves several types of therapy some of which are Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Focused Integrative Short Term Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. All have positives and negatives as they have tiy work through isssues that have been burried due to emotional pain. The most important component of any therapy is the relationship developed with the therapist who provides a safe caring and nurturing environment in order for you to challenge your fears and work through you issues.

Psychotherapy is commonly used for both short-term and long-term therapy to help clients come to a harmonious state of being. Using many different types of psychotherapy techniques, as a therapist, we can target a clients thoughts, emotions and behaviours that are causing them problems. A focus of psychotherapy is to create positive change and a better quality of life for clients. This includes improved relationships, creating self-awareness and understanding of oneself, and overall better functioning in day-to-day life.

Psychotherapy and counselling are terms that are often used interchangeably. All of our therapists are trained in a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities and are equipped to modify their approach to meet the unique strengths and needs of our clients. This eclectic approach allows us to work with a broad range of clients with great diversity in presenting issues.