Trauma Focused Therapists in Nanaimo, BC

I have had the honour throughout the past 20 years of my career to witness the power of individuals and families to make positive changes in their lives. My past experience includes work within counselling agencies, health centres, and with the government, supporting children, youth, and adults. My primary areas of therapy include anxiety, depression, stress, self esteem and interpersonal issues. I have specific training in cognitive-behavioural therapy and trauma focused CBT. I believe the relationship between myself and those I work with is integral, where your preferences inform our time together.

Hello, my name is Monique Hendricks, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in B.C. I help people of all ages who are dealing with anxiety, depression, overthinking, self-confidence, grief and loss, and relationship/family challenges. My practice is guided through a trauma-focused lens, and I integrate a variety of counselling approaches depending on your therapy needs. With your consent, I will incorporate aspects of mindfulness and somatic-sensory (physical) awareness into the space of wellness that we create together.

Why hello! If you're here, you might be seeking therapy feeling a strange mixture of despair and hope. Maybe you're struggling with repeating patterns of behaviour, past traumas, a diminished sense of self, difficult relationships, or painful emotions, but you also sense that change is possible and you're willing to try something new. Together we can establish safety, understand and shift your presenting symptoms, and harness your inherent capacity to heal and evolve. I aim to be a compassionate partner in your journey. I am also a fierce advocate for the self inside you that longs to emerge and thrive.

I offer person-centered, strength-based services to support clients with anxiety, low mood, OCD, trauma healing, addiction, relationships, and sexuality. My areas of focus include: LGBTQIA2+ Affirming Counselling: I offer a safe space to explore sexuality, gender identity, and the umbrella of diverse expressions within the community.

Breaking Chains Counselling provides counselling, hypnotherapy, recovery coaching, continuing care and trauma therapy in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island and online. All counselling services are offered face to face or online through e-counselling anywhere in the world you have internet access.

Currently not accepting new clients. I am a trauma-specific therapist and offer support to children, adolescents and adults who are 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.

I am a registered Social Worker with the BCCSW and BCASW with a Master's of Social Work. I have completed a post-graduate Certificate in Complex Trauma. In my practice, I utilize CBT, Solution Focused, Person-Centered and Motivational Interviewing techniques to support and inform change. I have extensive experience working with children and youth and I incorporate play, activity, art, nature, movement and activities into my sessions. Other areas of focus are working with men around communication skills, relationships and regulation of emotions as well as couples and individual counselling.

I work with people who are feeling stuck on something in life and would like to move through it. Whether it's anxiety, low mood, challenging circumstances or anything else life has thrown at you, together we can work on it. Along with offering support and a safe space to speak, we can come up with a plan that uses your individual strengths to create and sustain positive change.

I have had the honour to work with children, youth and adults in various capacities for 15 years.   During this time I have gained experience working in mental health, addictions, employment and trauma.   I have learnt that each client has the capacity to find the answers within themselves, and it is my role to walk beside them as this process unfolds.  I know what it is like to struggle to try do the right thing for yourself, your child or your family, and to not be sure whether you are over or under reacting.  Some things just don't go away- and that's when it might be time to reach out for help.

Simplicity, gratitude, love and service are my guiding principles. I utilize the Satir Model (Virginia Satir et al) to help clients cultivate personal awareness, internal resources, change and healthy relationship with self and others. I promote and model balanced lifestyle including; contemplation, exercise, solitude, ceremony and connection. I have demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for helping people heal for over 35 years as a youth worker, addictions counsellor and social worker.

Counselling can help individuals, couples and families in times of challenge by offering a judgement free space to be heard, explore solutions, expand perspectives and create the space for healing to occur. Clients seek counselling when they are struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, relationship challenges, issues with trust and communication, infidelity and or conflict management. I believe effective therapy is relationship-driven. I invite you to start on a journey where together we face the challenges or struggles you experience.

Let’s work together to explore the challenges creating uneasiness, confusion and pain in your life. We will work in a comfortable, accepting space to create a meaningful, grounding experience to help you gain new awareness, explore choices and promote positive and rewarding change and self-care. Traditional talk therapies are not the only way to explore your story, and I often use sand play, art, storytelling, journaling, metaphor and imagery to reach a deeper understanding.

Do you find yourself repeating a cycle over and over again? Have you been reacting and feeling triggered? Or noticing blocks in the way of the life you want? Researching about what help is available is your first step. My psychotherapy work is not informed by a diagnostic lens with labels; rather, it references the client as a "whole" being on their own unique human journey. I feel privileged to be able to accompany my clients to witness what is in the "here and now," to help with the healing and unfolding process, and to deepen their awareness and consciousness. First Nations clients who qualify for FNHA services attend for free.

Brain injuries or adverse life events can significantly impact the brain's ability to self-regulate and this gives rise to difficult mental states such as anxiety, depression, rage, irritability, difficulties with attention and mental focus, etc. Patients who seek treatment from me often carry labels such as bipolar disorder, personality disorder, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, etc. Regardless of labels, the core symptom that majority struggle with is extreme level of emotional arousal that the nervous system has difficulty inhibiting. They feel either "jacked" (or hijacked) or energetically/emotionally collapsed.

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.

I work with humans around issues such as anxiety, relational trauma, self-criticism, low self-worth, and struggles navigating connection and conflict, as well as the tension between self-protection and growth. Common concerns that bring people to me include social and other forms of anxiety, low mood, eating and body image concerns, parenting challenges, and communication/relationship issues. I see teens, adults, and couples in my practice.

I am a Registered Social Worker specializing in online counselling for individual men, women, couples and families. I am dedicated to providing high-quality therapeutic care to my clients utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities including talk therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and other evidence-based approaches. I am passionate about helping people and have dedicated my career to improve client mental health and overall well-being.

What ever you may be going through, you deserve to be heard and seen. Art therapy is an invitation to use the arts to reflect, gain perspective and understand ourselves better. It is a way of being curious, empathetic, aware of ourselves and the world we live in. It can be both a place of validation and a place to challenge the ways we make sense of the world. Engaging in art in such a way allows us to grow, integrate, let go and and transform.

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!

Life is hard to enjoy when you're not getting through to your kids, spouse or family. Maybe you miss being carefree and less snappy. The family is disconnected and everyone is doing their own thing. It's difficult to get motivated to come together and when you do, it doesn't go well. Handling typical life challenges is difficult and no one is listening. No wonder your fuse is short and the kids are quick to yell or cry. It's like there's a pattern that can't be stopped. Feeling overwhelmed is normal in this situation. This is hard and we can start to make sense of things so you can feel better!

Many clients I work with feel burnt out, overwhelmed, and stressed. They can be self-critical, struggling in their relationships, and may have a history of trauma. If this feels like you, you're in the right place. I provide a safe, supportive, and compassionate space for you to unpack life’s challenges and integrate new strategies and ways of coping. I offer individual counselling for adults using an integrative and holistic approach to wellness. I draw upon my education and trainings which include EMDR, Emotion Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and yoga. Together, we will take a collaborative approach to attend to your unique needs.

Perhaps you are wondering how to feel more present, engaged, connected & happy in your day to day life. You may be noticing a lack of fulfillment, autopilot survival mode, lack of presence, anxiety about the future, difficulty with rest/slowing down & motivation/energy, uncertainty, challenging emotions, isolation/hyper independence, uncomfortable sensations, worry & rumination, low self confidence/self esteem & disruptive/confusing symptoms. All of these symptoms are understandable & make sense in the context of life events. It is possible to reconnect with your empowered self, respond to life challenges & enjoy simple presence.

Thinking of going for counselling can be a frightening thought. If you are at this stage you probably feel like your life could be better, your quality of interactions with other people could improve; you want more out of the life you have or are at your wits end in regards to some aspect of your life. Whatever the circumstance my goal is to meet you where you are at and to work together to work towards healing or a better quality of life.

Life can present us with many challenges and it can be difficult to figure out where to go next. These experiences can feel isolating, but you do not have to face this alone. If you are experiencing low mood, decreased motivation, difficulties within your relationships or are feeling overwhelmed, we can work together to find a path forward.