Family Therapy in Nanaimo, BC
The process of choosing a counsellor begins long-before you arrive at the first session. Often there is a feeling within ourselves that something is just not right. It may be a time marked by a great deal of personal introspection or it could be an intervention from an external source -school, family, friends, your doctor - that motivates contact with a therapist. As a person-centred therapist, I will work with you to establish a meaningful relationship where you feel safe to explore and resolve issues that fit your unique needs at this moment in time.
The process of choosing a counsellor begins long-before you arrive at the first session. Often there is a feeling within ourselves that something is just not right. It may be a time marked by a great deal of personal introspection or it could be an intervention from an external source -school, family, friends, your doctor - that motivates contact with a therapist. As a person-centred therapist, I will work with you to establish a meaningful relationship where you feel safe to explore and resolve issues that fit your unique needs at this moment in time.
I use a trauma informed integrative approach, incorporating attachment theory, internal family systems, emotion focused therapy, CBT, DBT, and somatic practices.
The individuals and families I see feel stuck and unsure of their capacity to manage life struggles independently. Providing a safe space in which to process these challenges nurtures hope and offers a sense of clarity. I intend for you to leave sessions feeling empowered to make decisions that bring you closer to living authentically. I know that when you enter the room, you bring a wealth of experience that is unique to you. Therefore, consideration will be given to your individual characteristics, preferences, needs, beliefs, and abilities as we take steps that enable you to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
I use a trauma informed integrative approach, incorporating attachment theory, internal family systems, emotion focused therapy, CBT, DBT, and somatic practices.
The individuals and families I see feel stuck and unsure of their capacity to manage life struggles independently. Providing a safe space in which to process these challenges nurtures hope and offers a sense of clarity. I intend for you to leave sessions feeling empowered to make decisions that bring you closer to living authentically. I know that when you enter the room, you bring a wealth of experience that is unique to you. Therefore, consideration will be given to your individual characteristics, preferences, needs, beliefs, and abilities as we take steps that enable you to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
SPECIALIZED AREAS OF PRACTICE: Trauma (including developmental, relational, and intergenerational), EMDR, OEI, Substance Abuse & Problematic Coping Behaviours, Couples Therapy (Gottman & EFT trained), Strengthening Family Systems, Shame Resiliency/Processing Internalized Shame, Existential needs (finding meaning) Self-Compassion Facilitator.
NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. I embrace a holistic and collaborative approach to working with others, respecting that successful therapy honours the values and beliefs of each client. I believe that one's trauma history, distress, and pain are often the foundations that strength, meaningfulness, and wisdom are built upon. I offer personalized short or long-term therapy individuals, couples, adolescents, or families. Resiliency need not be something one is born with, it can be cultivated. ~Christine
SPECIALIZED AREAS OF PRACTICE: Trauma (including developmental, relational, and intergenerational), EMDR, OEI, Substance Abuse & Problematic Coping Behaviours, Couples Therapy (Gottman & EFT trained), Strengthening Family Systems, Shame Resiliency/Processing Internalized Shame, Existential needs (finding meaning) Self-Compassion Facilitator.
NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. I embrace a holistic and collaborative approach to working with others, respecting that successful therapy honours the values and beliefs of each client. I believe that one's trauma history, distress, and pain are often the foundations that strength, meaningfulness, and wisdom are built upon. I offer personalized short or long-term therapy individuals, couples, adolescents, or families. Resiliency need not be something one is born with, it can be cultivated. ~Christine
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.
My passion involves supporting family members and carers affected by substance use who may be seeking a safe a space to share their experience.
Hello, my name is Stephanie and I am grateful to have been working in the field of health and human services for 23 years. I am humbled to provide clinical counselling services to children, youth, adults, couples, and families. In my interactions I strive to meet people where they are at while centring safety, collaboration, trauma informed practice, cultural humility, compassion. I hold a Bachelor Degree in Social Work, Masters in Counselling Psychology and a PhD with a specialization in the field of substance use and addiction. I am a professor at a post- secondary university and teach in the areas of substance use, mental health.
My passion involves supporting family members and carers affected by substance use who may be seeking a safe a space to share their experience.
Hello, my name is Stephanie and I am grateful to have been working in the field of health and human services for 23 years. I am humbled to provide clinical counselling services to children, youth, adults, couples, and families. In my interactions I strive to meet people where they are at while centring safety, collaboration, trauma informed practice, cultural humility, compassion. I hold a Bachelor Degree in Social Work, Masters in Counselling Psychology and a PhD with a specialization in the field of substance use and addiction. I am a professor at a post- secondary university and teach in the areas of substance use, mental health.
Being in relationship is work and there are many factors that add stress to family life.
Relationships troubles affect us all and I am here to help guide you through the tough issues and get you back on track. Whether you have a past trauma re surfacing, sexual desire problems or intimacy issues, I am here to talk with you and give you some exercises to get you back to satisfying sex. I am an accredited sex therapist and I have 10 years of experience working with people in relationships. I also work with individuals on a host of other issues such as social anxiety or sexual preference, and gender variance. I enjoy working with an inclusive range of clients.
Being in relationship is work and there are many factors that add stress to family life.
Relationships troubles affect us all and I am here to help guide you through the tough issues and get you back on track. Whether you have a past trauma re surfacing, sexual desire problems or intimacy issues, I am here to talk with you and give you some exercises to get you back to satisfying sex. I am an accredited sex therapist and I have 10 years of experience working with people in relationships. I also work with individuals on a host of other issues such as social anxiety or sexual preference, and gender variance. I enjoy working with an inclusive range of clients.
Daniel Klco
Counsellor, BA, MACP, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9S
Waitlist for new clients
Have you been going to therapy for a while or are the doctors stumped with a mystery illness the medical system can't explain? Do you have complicated family dynamics, or require support in your relationship? My work focuses on treatment resistant disorders, personality disorders, sexual funciton/dysfuction and chronic pain. Additionally, working as an emergency first responder and having been deployed to theatres of conflict as a pilot has helped me to understand the complexity of trauma. I work with individuals, couples and families to help when others have not been able to. Currently with a significant wait list; call to be added
Have you been going to therapy for a while or are the doctors stumped with a mystery illness the medical system can't explain? Do you have complicated family dynamics, or require support in your relationship? My work focuses on treatment resistant disorders, personality disorders, sexual funciton/dysfuction and chronic pain. Additionally, working as an emergency first responder and having been deployed to theatres of conflict as a pilot has helped me to understand the complexity of trauma. I work with individuals, couples and families to help when others have not been able to. Currently with a significant wait list; call to be added
I offer holistic, trauma informed, person-centered counselling services to children, youth, young adults, adults, parents and expectant parents (pregnancy, postpartum). My approach considers the essential role of the nervous system and is grounded in attachment theory, neuroscience, mindfulness, narrative therapy, emotion focused therapy, CBT, DBT, expressive arts and play therapy. I have over 20 years experience working with individuals and families in community based child and family services programs and 12 years as a counsellor, where I have worked for Child and Youth Mental Health and in private practice.
I offer holistic, trauma informed, person-centered counselling services to children, youth, young adults, adults, parents and expectant parents (pregnancy, postpartum). My approach considers the essential role of the nervous system and is grounded in attachment theory, neuroscience, mindfulness, narrative therapy, emotion focused therapy, CBT, DBT, expressive arts and play therapy. I have over 20 years experience working with individuals and families in community based child and family services programs and 12 years as a counsellor, where I have worked for Child and Youth Mental Health and in private practice.
My approach is eclectic and holistic, using a wide variety of techniques such as Gestalt, Expressive Therapy, CBT, Solution Focus, Family Systems & others.
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.
My approach is eclectic and holistic, using a wide variety of techniques such as Gestalt, Expressive Therapy, CBT, Solution Focus, Family Systems & others.
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.
We often do not want to upset or burden our close family or friends.
My goal is to help clients understand what they need and to reduce the stress and anxiety in their lives so they can reach their potential and feel they can manage life in a way that brings them more happiness, awareness and self acceptance.
We often do not want to upset or burden our close family or friends.
My goal is to help clients understand what they need and to reduce the stress and anxiety in their lives so they can reach their potential and feel they can manage life in a way that brings them more happiness, awareness and self acceptance.
Stephanie Harris
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
Waitlist for new clients
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.
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.
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I specialize in the transition into motherhood, loss of identity/feeling unfamiliar with yourself, changes in your relationships, managing life stress and family dynamics, pregnancy and postpartum depression, anxiety, rage and mood changes, parental burnout, fatigue, depletion, and resentment.
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.
I specialize in the transition into motherhood, loss of identity/feeling unfamiliar with yourself, changes in your relationships, managing life stress and family dynamics, pregnancy and postpartum depression, anxiety, rage and mood changes, parental burnout, fatigue, depletion, and resentment.
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.
It involves strengthening our adult self to have healthier skills with things like boundary work, assertiveness work, developing healthy self-esteem and healthy anger, shadow work, re-parenting work, Internal Family System, somatic work.
My goal as a counselor is to create a safe environment and a trusting relationship so that you the client can explore and be curious about yourself even at those times when it is painful. When we grow we are going to be out of our comfort zone but when we feel safe and trusting we are more than capable to do the work to create a more fulfilling life. I use inner child work as the foundation for the work we do together.Instagram page: innerchildworkwithmia
It involves strengthening our adult self to have healthier skills with things like boundary work, assertiveness work, developing healthy self-esteem and healthy anger, shadow work, re-parenting work, Internal Family System, somatic work.
My goal as a counselor is to create a safe environment and a trusting relationship so that you the client can explore and be curious about yourself even at those times when it is painful. When we grow we are going to be out of our comfort zone but when we feel safe and trusting we are more than capable to do the work to create a more fulfilling life. I use inner child work as the foundation for the work we do together.Instagram page: innerchildworkwithmia
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, self-harming, relationship or family issues, or other life challenges, I am here to listen and walk with you through this time.
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.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, self-harming, relationship or family issues, or other life challenges, I am here to listen and walk with you through this time.
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.
I am very holistic in my approach, being trauma-informed, having used CBT and DBT techniques through Moving Forward Family Services with training offered to their interns.
My focus is strongly influenced by a person-centered therapy approach to wellness through different methods such as Eco-therapy or expressive art therapy techniques and using the natural elements available to us should the sessions call for such an approach. Reducing stress and anxiety to create a more peaceful person inside who can claim their meaning and be more joyful in life is a difficult path to walk alone. I am here to help and be part of the healing journey. I have completed my diploma in April of 2023 and plan to continue my education and training to better serve the clients I take on as I evolve as a counsellor.
I am very holistic in my approach, being trauma-informed, having used CBT and DBT techniques through Moving Forward Family Services with training offered to their interns.
My focus is strongly influenced by a person-centered therapy approach to wellness through different methods such as Eco-therapy or expressive art therapy techniques and using the natural elements available to us should the sessions call for such an approach. Reducing stress and anxiety to create a more peaceful person inside who can claim their meaning and be more joyful in life is a difficult path to walk alone. I am here to help and be part of the healing journey. I have completed my diploma in April of 2023 and plan to continue my education and training to better serve the clients I take on as I evolve as a counsellor.
In a world where people are experiencing increased anxiety and isolation it is important to find a place of safety and belonging. I believe people have the resources within themselves to thrive in this ever changing and complex society and it is my responsibility to guide you through the process of finding your own strengths. I have experience working with children and youth who struggle with anxiety issues stemming from family strife, school stress and self-esteem. I do family mediation and work with clients individually or as a couple. Without relationship human beings are lost, we crave connection.
In a world where people are experiencing increased anxiety and isolation it is important to find a place of safety and belonging. I believe people have the resources within themselves to thrive in this ever changing and complex society and it is my responsibility to guide you through the process of finding your own strengths. I have experience working with children and youth who struggle with anxiety issues stemming from family strife, school stress and self-esteem. I do family mediation and work with clients individually or as a couple. Without relationship human beings are lost, we crave connection.
Asking for help can feel scary and struggles such as depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, self esteem, family conflict, work conflict can feel overwhelming and lonely.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor working in Nanaimo and Duncan BC. I've worked as a counsellor for over 15 years in various settings including agencies providing family therapy and parent teen counselling. I am now in private practice and working with individuals and families. I offer a warm, welcoming, calm, non- judgemental, space for you to share your story, your hopes, your fears and struggles. I work with folks who are struggling for a variety of reasons and want to discuss, explore, find solutions for and feel better about their situation.
Asking for help can feel scary and struggles such as depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, self esteem, family conflict, work conflict can feel overwhelming and lonely.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor working in Nanaimo and Duncan BC. I've worked as a counsellor for over 15 years in various settings including agencies providing family therapy and parent teen counselling. I am now in private practice and working with individuals and families. I offer a warm, welcoming, calm, non- judgemental, space for you to share your story, your hopes, your fears and struggles. I work with folks who are struggling for a variety of reasons and want to discuss, explore, find solutions for and feel better about their situation.
The difficult child can shut down or blow up and it takes all the family focus.
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!
The difficult child can shut down or blow up and it takes all the family focus.
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!
You’re a new parent whose relationship before kids is a distant memory. You don’t know how the happy vision of starting a family together turned into arguing about packing diaper bags and lunches and silent evenings on opposite sides of the couch. You don’t have energy to go on a date let alone take care of yourself. In fact, I bet you’re reading this profile during the few moments that your tiny humans are asleep.You’re exhausted, and you don’t know how you will find time to dedicate towards therapy, but you know something has to change. If it doesn’t, you’re worried about the consequences for your relationship or your children.
You’re a new parent whose relationship before kids is a distant memory. You don’t know how the happy vision of starting a family together turned into arguing about packing diaper bags and lunches and silent evenings on opposite sides of the couch. You don’t have energy to go on a date let alone take care of yourself. In fact, I bet you’re reading this profile during the few moments that your tiny humans are asleep.You’re exhausted, and you don’t know how you will find time to dedicate towards therapy, but you know something has to change. If it doesn’t, you’re worried about the consequences for your relationship or your children.
Ever stop and wonder when simply living turned into a performance? It's like there's this invisible script we're all supposed to follow, this checklist of expectations that society has handed down to us, and if we deviate from it slightly, we're met with judgment, criticism, or a sense of failure. Nowadays, it’s all about optimizations. Curating idealized version of ourselves that are unattainable. It's become focused on external results and arbitrary standards, we've forgotten to listen to our bodies and honor our individual and family needs.
Ever stop and wonder when simply living turned into a performance? It's like there's this invisible script we're all supposed to follow, this checklist of expectations that society has handed down to us, and if we deviate from it slightly, we're met with judgment, criticism, or a sense of failure. Nowadays, it’s all about optimizations. Curating idealized version of ourselves that are unattainable. It's become focused on external results and arbitrary standards, we've forgotten to listen to our bodies and honor our individual and family needs.
See more therapy options for Nanaimo
Family Therapy Counsellors
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.