Substance Use Therapists in Nanaimo, BC

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.

Do you feel bogged down by intense anxiety or stress? Do you feel hopeless or depressed about your life? Are the relationships in your life toxic or filled with tension? Does addiction have a tight grip on your life? Do you feel chained to the past and due to trauma? If you relate to any of those questions and would like help navigating difficult emotions, thoughts, behaviours, relationships, or trauma, come talk to me. I have been trained by some of the leading experts in the field of psychotherapy such as Dr Gabor Mate and Dr Patrick Carnes, and I would be honoured to be a part of your journey to help you achieve your goals.

Hello, I’m Rachael, a registered clinical counsellor in British Columbia, based in Nanaimo BC and accepting online clients throughout BC. I offer both individual and relationship counselling.

Welcome! We all love what we do and are here to help you find health, balance and peace. 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. Diverse, professional and experienced, our practitioners bring a broad range of experience into their practice with clients. We are here to help emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Each of us has decades of experience, a unique approach

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.

Breath Control Therapy offers breathwork techniques and breathing exercises critical for rehabilitation from both physical and psychological injury and illness but also to maintaining conditioning and improve sports performance.

Are you struggling in your relationship? Do you get frustrated at your partner, your mother, your co-workers or your boss? Have you thought that if you moved jobs, or countries, or changed your relationship that life would change; only to realize that you are having the same experience all over again? Sometimes we wish that people would just do what we want them to or be a certain way so that we can feel better. Often we think our relationships need to change when change must really begin within ourselves. If you are ready to look at who you are in your relationships, I'm here to help you discover who that is and why!

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.

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.

Today as a society there are so many stressors that we have to deal with on an individual basis such as mental illness, trauma, struggles with addiction, work and relationship stress that can impact our overall ability to function and succeed. Going through any of these struggles alone is a near impossible task and I am happy that you are looking for someone to walk along with you through life's challenges.

We're a group of experienced, trained, and professional counsellors who serve the mid-island area and beyond. We also provide online services for those who prefer it or for those who live outside of the geographic area. Are you dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship turmoil? We can help!

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

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 offer personalized therapy that is grounded in research and relationship; in-person & online; child, teen, & individual adult counselling. I want to connect you back to you. You may have experienced trauma in your life such as: unsettling events or experiences, to challenging or abusive relationships that left you feeling wounded, and alone. You may feel blocked or triggered. This may manifest as: anxiety, depression, numbness, flashbacks, trouble sleeping, addictions, or even the need to be perfect. You may find it hard to connect with others, or navigate certain situations. You just want to feel calmer and happier.

Everyone has a unique approach to discovering wellness in their life. I believe we need balance between physical, mental, emotional, behavioral and spiritual health, and each of these areas requires care and attention to thrive. By reaching out to talk about stress, feelings, emotions, thoughts and other factors influencing our health, we give ourselves the ability to make necessary change, and to empower autonomous decision-making, creating happiness for ourselves. If you feel stuck, stressed, unfulfilled, or experience relationship difficulties or require support in finding happiness and health, begin your journey to health today.

Update: In-Person in Parksville on Mondays and Thursdays starting Aug. 1st. Though making change can be hard, it can be done - part of my role is to help you navigate a path forward that is in line with what's truly important to you. I have over a decade of experience in working in various roles in mental health and social justice, and as a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I am passionate about connecting with people and guiding them in living authentically. Some challenges that I have supported others with include trauma, anxiety, burnout, grief, depression, and interpersonal relationships.

People with ADHD are bright, empathetic, and creative. We often struggle with harnessing our uniquely wired brains to fit into a world built for neurotypicals. We know we are capable of so much more, but we're functioning well under that capacity. Examples of the issues we experience include time management, organization, remembering things and motivating ourselves to do things. Other forms of mental illness may accompany our ADHD. However, with some support, we can improve our systems for functioning in ways that are actually fun. We can also improve our intimate relationships, which makes life better all-round.

We all need help sometimes and it takes courage to reach out. Whether it's dealing with anxiety, or feeling that you're not engaged/ enjoying your life, Salish Sea Counselling can support you to refresh your energy, develop positivity and learn new skills. Salish Sea integrates conceptual knowledge, the body/ energetic patterns, mindfulness approaches, spirituality and medical model formulations to support your personal and professional discovery and growth. After a few sessions at Salish Sea, people find they're able to communicate more effectively, be more authentic and live increasingly satisfying lives and take responsibility for the quality of their relationships with others.

If you are struggling with stress of any kind ie. work stress, family stress, relationship or personal stress or simply trying to cope with the overwhelming demands of modern life, please feel free to give me a call. I have 20 years experience treating Depression, Anxiety, Burnout, Addictions and Trauma of all kinds. I also provide family and couples counselling. In addition to offering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused interventions, I teach Mindful Self Compassion and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction to all my clients, including older children and teens.