Photo of John Woychuk - J. Woychuk Counselling and Psychotherapy, MA, CCC, Counsellor
J. Woychuk Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9V
Whether you are struggling with ADHD, anxiety or trauma, I am here to help you understand what is happening in your inner world and make deep and lasting changes. When we understand the symptoms as ways we learned to cope with our challenges, the symptoms become helpful communicators of underlying emotional wounds and fears that drive these patterns.
Whether you are struggling with ADHD, anxiety or trauma, I am here to help you understand what is happening in your inner world and make deep and lasting changes. When we understand the symptoms as ways we learned to cope with our challenges, the symptoms become helpful communicators of underlying emotional wounds and fears that drive these patterns.
(249) 503-3853 View (249) 503-3853
Photo of Sharon Lindsay, MSc, RCC, CCC, C-IAYT, Counsellor
Sharon Lindsay
Counsellor, MSc, RCC, CCC, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9V
I love to work with clients who want a partner in their healing. They know that the understanding and answers they are seeking are within themselves. Often my clients express a kind of anxiety - generalized to many aspects of their lives or about a specific aspect, but just as often they come to me with a more vague sense of wanting to enjoy life more or move past a feeling of dissatisfaction or apprehension that seems to "follow them" in their lives. Together, we delve into deeply exploring what that is, using body, mind and spirit as tools. My clients are motivated to experiment, explore, and reflect to find what matters most.
I love to work with clients who want a partner in their healing. They know that the understanding and answers they are seeking are within themselves. Often my clients express a kind of anxiety - generalized to many aspects of their lives or about a specific aspect, but just as often they come to me with a more vague sense of wanting to enjoy life more or move past a feeling of dissatisfaction or apprehension that seems to "follow them" in their lives. Together, we delve into deeply exploring what that is, using body, mind and spirit as tools. My clients are motivated to experiment, explore, and reflect to find what matters most.
(343) 338-4689 View (343) 338-4689
Photo of Todd McFarlane, MA , RCC
Todd McFarlane
MA , RCC
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9V
Not accepting new clients
People are my passion. I am honoured to work with you on your journey to find healing, resolution, and strength in those places we get stuck sometimes. I specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families with past trauma (abuse, PTSD), relationship issues (couples, parenting), mental health (stress, anxiety, panic, etc), and life transitions (men's issues, work, etc). I specialize in tailoring counselling to meet you where you're at.
People are my passion. I am honoured to work with you on your journey to find healing, resolution, and strength in those places we get stuck sometimes. I specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families with past trauma (abuse, PTSD), relationship issues (couples, parenting), mental health (stress, anxiety, panic, etc), and life transitions (men's issues, work, etc). I specialize in tailoring counselling to meet you where you're at.
(778) 767-2356 View (778) 767-2356
Photo of Faye Shedletzky, CCC, Counsellor
Faye Shedletzky
Counsellor, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9V
Are you a highly sensitive person or empath struggling with anxiety, overwhelm or unexplained sadness as you navigate your days? Do you feel that so much is going right in your life that it's confusing why you feel so badly inside? It is possible to find calm and confidence within the storm. I can help you find space within yourself so that you can listen to and understand all of you and figure out what you are needing. When the parts of you that have suffered are seen, heard and understood and when you cultivate your own self energy, you will transform and change.
Are you a highly sensitive person or empath struggling with anxiety, overwhelm or unexplained sadness as you navigate your days? Do you feel that so much is going right in your life that it's confusing why you feel so badly inside? It is possible to find calm and confidence within the storm. I can help you find space within yourself so that you can listen to and understand all of you and figure out what you are needing. When the parts of you that have suffered are seen, heard and understood and when you cultivate your own self energy, you will transform and change.
(778) 732-5039 View (778) 732-5039
Photo of Gillian Sutherland, MSW, RCSW, RCC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gillian Sutherland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9V
Waitlist for new clients
At Central Island Counselling, our clients will immediately find an advocate with compassion, acceptance and expertise. We provide the highest standard of private clinical counselling services to adults, youth, children and families in the Nanaimo area and beyond. We value privacy, professionalism and creativity in care. Our mission is to safely guide each client while they rediscover their internal resources. You are not alone and there is a path forward to healing.
At Central Island Counselling, our clients will immediately find an advocate with compassion, acceptance and expertise. We provide the highest standard of private clinical counselling services to adults, youth, children and families in the Nanaimo area and beyond. We value privacy, professionalism and creativity in care. Our mission is to safely guide each client while they rediscover their internal resources. You are not alone and there is a path forward to healing.
(226) 799-0835 View (226) 799-0835
Photo of Kristen Vandekerckhove, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristen Vandekerckhove
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9V  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a Registered Social Worker experienced in providing counselling to people of all ages. I work with clients who are looking for support with life's challenges and feeling ready to make a transformation in their life. My areas of specialty include relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, stress management, and life transitions. I integrate a variety of approaches into my practice including Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. With additional certifications in Yoga and Health Coaching, I focus on a holistic approach toward overall health and wellbeing.
I am a Registered Social Worker experienced in providing counselling to people of all ages. I work with clients who are looking for support with life's challenges and feeling ready to make a transformation in their life. My areas of specialty include relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, stress management, and life transitions. I integrate a variety of approaches into my practice including Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. With additional certifications in Yoga and Health Coaching, I focus on a holistic approach toward overall health and wellbeing.
(778) 400-1964 View (778) 400-1964
Photo of Kathryn Joy Atkinson, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Kathryn Joy Atkinson
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9V
To all of you who feel weary, frightened, overwhelmed, alone: take refuge here. You are not alone. There is hope. Although the waves seem too rough, they can be calmed. Let’s navigate these storms together. I am Kathryn Atkinson and I want to provide you with a safe space to share your struggles, be truly heard, and understood. Together we will find ways to increase your resilience and climb those mountains that seem insurmountable or traverse those dark storms that seem unending.
To all of you who feel weary, frightened, overwhelmed, alone: take refuge here. You are not alone. There is hope. Although the waves seem too rough, they can be calmed. Let’s navigate these storms together. I am Kathryn Atkinson and I want to provide you with a safe space to share your struggles, be truly heard, and understood. Together we will find ways to increase your resilience and climb those mountains that seem insurmountable or traverse those dark storms that seem unending.
(778) 718-5446 View (778) 718-5446
Photo of Lisa Hostman, RPC, CPI, BGS, Counsellor
Lisa Hostman
Counsellor, RPC, CPI, BGS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9V
Are you feeling stuck, unhappy or unheard? Has your relationship ended or hit a roadblock? Are you managing a chronic illness or pain, or experiencing a sense of numbness, anger, grief or trouble with 'dating in the modern age'? I can help. I work with both individuals & couples to resolve challenges within their important relationships (work, friends, family, significant other/s) including the one with themselves. Because we are each a mix of past experiences and current circumstances, it can be difficult to really know our own voice; harder still to stand forward for that in ways that preserve what's most important to us.
Are you feeling stuck, unhappy or unheard? Has your relationship ended or hit a roadblock? Are you managing a chronic illness or pain, or experiencing a sense of numbness, anger, grief or trouble with 'dating in the modern age'? I can help. I work with both individuals & couples to resolve challenges within their important relationships (work, friends, family, significant other/s) including the one with themselves. Because we are each a mix of past experiences and current circumstances, it can be difficult to really know our own voice; harder still to stand forward for that in ways that preserve what's most important to us.
(249) 492-9805 View (249) 492-9805
Photo of David Ausher, RTC, Counsellor
David Ausher
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9V
David Ausher (he/him) is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) 2957 with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada. I am a therapist who has dedicated my life to assisting individuals with their life struggles. I understand what it is like to feel lost and like your life is in turmoil. Many years ago I set out to better understand who I was and why I felt the way I did. My own personal journey of self-discovery yielded some new truths for me: I am not alone. The more I understand about myself, the more alive I feel.
David Ausher (he/him) is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) 2957 with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada. I am a therapist who has dedicated my life to assisting individuals with their life struggles. I understand what it is like to feel lost and like your life is in turmoil. Many years ago I set out to better understand who I was and why I felt the way I did. My own personal journey of self-discovery yielded some new truths for me: I am not alone. The more I understand about myself, the more alive I feel.
(226) 408-8073 View (226) 408-8073
Photo of Mia Maarika - Mia Maarika, RPC, Counsellor
Mia Maarika
Counsellor, RPC
Verified Verified
Nanaimo, BC V9V
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
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
(866) 948-9177 View (866) 948-9177

See more therapy options for V9V

How does your Counsellor compare?

Number of Counsellors in V9V

10+

Average cost per session

$137

Counsellors in V9V who prioritize treating:

90% Depression
90% Anxiety
90% Trauma and PTSD
90% Coping Skills
80% Relationship Issues
80% Self Esteem
70% Family Conflict

Average years in practice

14 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

80% First Nations Health Authority
60% Green Shield Canada
60% Pacific Blue Cross

How Counsellors in V9V see their clients

90% In Person and Online
10% Online Only

Gender breakdown

70% Female
30% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling

How can I find a therapist in V9V?

Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postal code, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postal code into the search bar.

Learn more about how to find a therapist

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?

Most Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are certified by one of the main professional associations, mainly the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and will have a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) designation with their name. Social Workers listed in the directory must be registered members of the college specific to their province. To be listed in the directory, Psychologists must be registered with the psychological college specific to their province or territory.

Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given the considerable variation in professional regulation and prerequisites across Canadian provinces, some providers may possess significant professional qualifications without necessarily holding professional memberships or being obliged to acquire them. As a result, they may be selectively included without the "Verified" seal.

What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?

Psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and social workers can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and supervised, practical experience that enable them to do so in Canada.

Psychologists have a master's and/or doctoral degree and have passed both written and oral exams. Psychologists are able to complete mental health assessments and provide diagnostic information to clients as well as provide counselling therapy or psychotherapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are expected to have a master's or doctoral degree in counselling psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline and certification by a professional association, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registered Social Workers possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work and where possible must be licensed or certified by the provincial government and/or regulatory college.

What type of therapy is right for me?

The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in Canada could be between $100 and $200. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.

What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?

Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.

If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. Some types of outpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare, provided these are performed by a licensed mental health professional in the provinces or territory you reside in and who accepts the assignment.

Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.

Is online therapy a good option?

Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postal code.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Professionals licensed by regulatory colleges and those certified by associations such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association are obligated to uphold client confidentiality unless there is a legal reason that requires them to disclose information. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others, or a court order, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.