Hi! I’m Frances. I have recently moved to the Comox Valley, and am happy to be offering both online and in-person therapy at Seahorse Counselling. I have a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto, and 14 years of counselling experience as a registered CCC.

I really enjoy working with pre-teens, teens and young adults, but welcome clients of all ages.

I spent most of my counselling career in a more clinical setting, as the “Adolescent Specialist Counsellor” in a hospital, working with skilled psychiatrists treating a wide variety of mental health challenges facing teens and young adults. I found myself veering away from the hospital setting and into the schools, to meet youth where they were more comfortable, and did mental health & addictions counselling in several high schools and for the Restorative Justice Program, before opening a private practice.

I specialize in working with anxiety, including OCD, panic disorders and phobias. I also help clients struggling with emotional regulation, anger, and substance misuse or addiction (including behavioural addictions- gambling, gaming etc.). I am an avid equestrian and another niche of mine is anxiety management & sports psychology for equestrians. I have done presentations for Pony Clubs and other equestrian groups with great feedback. Along with addressing life’s challenges, I enjoy helping clients connect with their passions, sense of purpose, maintain healthy relationships, and get tools for life to help maintain mental and emotional wellness.

I believe that a comfortable and trusting therapeutic relationship is important to any counselling work, and I offer a friendly, non-judgemental approach. We’ll go at your pace, and work through life’s challenges and towards your goals in a collaborative way. I use a multi-modality approach, tailoring therapy to each client’s preferences. Please see modalities I am trained in below:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Levels 1 & 2

• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

• Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

• Motivational Interviewing

• Mindfulness & Guided Meditation

• Addictions Counselling & Harm Reduction

I look forward to meeting you!

Hi! I’m Frances. I have recently moved to the Comox Valley, and am happy to be offering both onli... Read More

Hi and welcome!

My name is Olivia, and I am currently a second-year student counsellor pursuing a Masters of Arts Degree in Counselling. My journey to become a counsellor is rooted in a deep appreciation for connection and listening to the stories that make individuals so unique.

I am passionate about working with young adults, adults, and couples struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, loss, life transitions, low self-esteem, and relationship challenges.

I strive to create a safe, accepting, supportive, collaborative, and culturally-sensitive environment to explore all of life’s complexities together. My theoretical approach is grounded in Psychodynamic Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). I believe exploring early life experiences and unprocessed emotions is essential to understanding current behaviours, attachment patterns, and defence mechanisms. In working together, I want to help cultivate greater emotional awareness, improve communication skills, and develop stronger and more authentic connections with others and the self. I like to draw upon strength-based and solution-focused interventions as I believe clients are the experts in their own lives and I want to empower clients to recognize their own inherent power, resilience, worth, and potential for growth.

I graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, where I grew passionate about relationships, love, and the power of human connection in healing.

It takes courage to confront your emotions and pain; you do not have to do it alone. I look forward to walking alongside you in your journey towards self-discovery and emotional and psychological well-being! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or think we would work well together!

Hi and welcome! My name is Olivia, and I am currently a second-year student counsellor pursuing ... Read More

Are you looking for ways to build resilience and live more fully? As someone with family experience of mental health challenges, I understand the impact that these struggles can have on our lives and on our loved ones.

I recognize that it takes courage to address what’s causing your pain and find new ways of adapting. I will support you when overwhelm tests your resilience, helping you build new resources and uncover intrinsic strengths.

My approach combines cognitive and experiential theories with self-compassion and mindfulness. I’m a proponent of the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) approach to addressing childhood anxiety. I also find drama therapy, art, play and other evidence-based, creative tools helpful where appropriate.

Before embarking on my Master’s of Clinical Counselling, I received my Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from UBC and spent over ten years working for Indigenous communities. While helping youth and adults work towards career and life goals, I witnessed the importance of addressing internal struggles to better unlock potential. I am keen to work with youth, adults, parents, and families struggling with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, insomnia, grief, life transitions, and anyone seeking help as they explore living their best life.

I look forward to supporting you wherever you find yourself.

Are you looking for ways to build resilience and live more fully? As someone with family experien... Read More

For many people, life feels particularly hard right now. Life transitions, such as grief and loss, relationship changes, or career shifts can send a happy life into a tailspin. At times, all these challenges can feel unbearable. Perhaps you struggle with anxiety, depression, or feelings of being stuck. You need a supportive and compassionate space to process your experiences, build resilience, and discover practical coping strategies. If you want to find meaning in your experiences, enhance your emotional intelligence, and foster healthier relationships, then you have come to the right place. I bring a unique perspective to my counselling practice, drawing on my two master’s degrees: one in Counselling Psychology and another in Organizational Systems. My holistic approach integrates mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive-behavioural strategies and somatic awareness techniques to address the inter-connectedness of mind and body. Ultimately, you want to feel more grounded, connected, and empowered in your life, and are driven by a desire to cultivate inner peace and authenticity. Together, we’ll work to uncover your strengths, build healthier coping strategies, and help you reconnect with your true self. Let’s collaborate on a path to healing and growth that feels authentic to you.

For many people, life feels particularly hard right now. Life transitions, such as grief and loss... Read More

Hi, I’m Carla and I am so glad you’re here.

I have been passionate about mental health from a young age and am a strong advocate for removing the stigma often associated with seeking support and treatment. I am excited to be using my own lived experiences in combination with my professional skills to support and encourage others on their path to well-being.

I have a passion for working with children and youth, which has led me to pursue additional training in play therapy, sand tray therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and other techniques shown to be highly effective for children and adults alike. I also work with adults, couples, and families and am dedicated to creating a safe and collaborative space to explore goals, gain new skills, and improve an overall sense of well-being.

I use an integrated counselling approach which is trauma-informed and incorporates several counselling modalities based on client needs. I also work from a Culturally Responsive and Socially Just (CRSJ) lens and welcome LGBTQ2S+ clients and clients from diverse backgrounds.

I believe that you are in the driver’s seat of your own life, and that can be scary and overwhelming at times. Using a client-centred approach means that you take the wheel, but I am right there next to you when you need some support and guidance.

As a Crisis Responder for the Vancouver Island Crisis Line and also 9-8-8 Canada (previously Talk Suicide), I am supportive of the needs of clients who may be struggling with trauma, grief, and other heavy topics. I hold a certificate in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) as well as a post-graduate certificate in Addiction Care and Treatment from the University of British Columbia.

I am also available for supervised visits, providing a comfortable and judgement-free space and am also trained in Voice of the Child reports.

I offer in-person appointments at our 19th Street location, and also offer on-line appointments.

Hi, I’m Carla and I am so glad you’re here. I have been passionate about mental health from a yo... Read More

Hello, I’m glad you’re here! My name is Jessica (she/her) and I’m a practicum student in the final year of my Master of Counselling program.

My path to becoming a counsellor is rooted in a deep appreciation for human connection and the unique stories that shape our lives. In previous roles, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside newcomers to Canada, leading children in nature-based programs, and supporting people navigating life-altering physical and mental health conditions. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of life’s unpredictable and often contradictory nature – how it can be both beautiful and painful, sometimes all at once. If you’re finding things hard right now, I want you to know you’re not alone, and reaching out for support is one of the most natural and deeply human things we can do.

In our work together, my intention is to create a safe, accepting, collaborative space where you can explore your experiences with honesty, curiosity, and compassion. As you reconnect with your core values, sense of purpose, and authentic self, my hope is that you’ll uncover strengths, insights, and resources that may have been overlooked or forgotten in the face of life’s challenges – tools that can help you navigate life’s complexity with greater clarity and resilience.

My approach is grounded in person-centred values and supported by a systems and trauma-informed lens that honours the many contexts and experiences that shape who we are. I work one-on-one with adults, youth, and children who are navigating stress, anxiety, depression, grief, identity shifts, and the lingering effects of past experiences. If this resonates with you, please reach out. I look forward to meeting you.

Hello, I’m glad you’re here! My name is Jessica (she/her) and I’m a practicum student in the fina... Read More

Julie Mills, RPC

Hello! Finding the right counsellor for you can take time. Here is some information about the work I do with clients to help you find the right fit.

My approach to counselling is to first build a trusting and collaborative, client-focused relationship in order to help my clients with their mental health and well-being. In session, I try to meet clients where they are at and support challenging issues that are impacting their thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors.

I also try to help people build their “mental health tool box” by providing takeaway tools and resources.

I study modalities that focus on emotional self-awareness, mindfulness, breathing techniques and guided visualizations. I am Internal Family Systems informed and this means that I can help with parts in your system that are affecting how connected and successful you feel in life.

The easiest way to find out more is to schedule a free 30-minute consultation, where I can help answer your questions.

Clients: I offer in-person or online trauma-informed counselling to individuals of all ages. If you need to get up and move to work through issues, I also offer walk and talk sessions.

Some of the areas I work with include: life transitions, setting boundaries, nervous system regulation, building emotional awareness, grief and loss support, communication skills, self-esteem, chronic stress, workplace stress injuries, and climate change uncertainty.

Therapeutic Approaches & Modalities: Person-Centered, IFS Informed, and Emotionally Focussed techniques that can bring about psychological change and transformation.

Funding/EFAP Programs: Sunlife, Pacific Blue Cross *Note to please check with your benefits provider to ensure you are covered under your plan for an RPC. I am registered with Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (#4196). Certification/Training: Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC), Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, Bachelor of Environmental Sciences in Ecology, IFS Informed certification.

Meet with Julie If you are interested in receiving counselling from Julie, please click the button below or email Julie@seahorsecounselling.ca.

Julie Mills, RPC Hello! Finding the right counsellor for you can take time. Here is some informa... Read More

“There is a crack, a crack in everything, That’s how the light gets in.” -Leonard Cohen

It takes courage to ask for help. The desire for positive change in your life is a source of strength. You do not need to walk this path alone. A therapeutic relationship with a skilled and caring professional provides the safe, supportive environment needed for healing and growth to unfold.

Therapy is a collaborative journey. I take a strengths-based, client-centred approach, helping you access your natural potential for healing and growth. My approach is depth-oriented and experiential, incorporating elements of attachment work, emotion-focused therapy, inner-child work, body-based healing, self-compassion, and mindfulness. My practice is influenced by psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, somatic healing modalities, internal family systems, trauma-focused therapy, and contemplative traditions.

I began my education and professional journey with a passion for psychology and philosophy. I sought to understand human behaviour, suffering, wellness, and how I might contribute to positive change. After completing an associate of arts degree in psychology and philosophy, I obtained a BFA from Emily Carr University and a BEd from the University of British Columbia. During this time, I worked as a Community Leader at Lululemon Athletica, bringing wellness experiences and education to our community. I also became a certified yoga instructor, trained mindfulness facilitator, and elementary school teacher. I focused on social and emotional development, bringing mindfulness, self-regulation, and the arts into my work with children, youth, families, and older adults. I have worked with a variety of people including teens recovering from addiction, at-risk Indigenous youth, and families in inner-city schools.

I am particularly interested in working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, life changes, parenting challenges, relationship challenges, attachment insecurity, and complex trauma. My practice is inclusive, welcoming individuals with diverse cultural influences and values. Through empathic presence, insight, and a secure therapeutic relationship, we will seek to identify patterns of relating to self, others, and the world. Together we will work to adapt patterns that no longer serve you, deepening your capacity for intimacy, resilience, self-regulation, and awareness.

Beyond helping you adapt to, and grow through challenges, my goal is to help you live a life of authenticity and purpose. It would be a privilege to hold space for you, and to draw out the inner strength illuminated by the light shining through your cracks. I would be deeply honored to support you in your journey of healing and discovery.

“There is a crack, a crack in everything, That’s how the light gets in.” -Leonard Cohen It take... Read More

Are you struggling with overwhelm, stress, anxiety, organizational skills, or time management as an individual or parent? Or possibly facing a major life transition, loss, grief or depression? My strength is in supporting adults and children who face challenges like these.

I will support you to discover your inner resources, strengths and authenticity, helping you to cultivate a genuine sense of self and draw upon your innate resiliency. This will help you to forge meaningful connections and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.

My client-centered approach includes mindfulness, somatic work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, solution focused therapy, play, dance, art, and music therapy. Working collaboratively, we can help to cultivate self-compassion, foster healthy coping strategies, mindfulness, stress reduction techniques, develop clear communication skills, self-advocacy, and setting healthy boundaries.

After receiving a B.A. in Music Composition, I went on to complete a teaching degree. As an elementary music teacher, my interest in group dynamics and individual personalities grew, leading me to pursue a master’s degree in counselling psychology. I am interested in the effects of developmental trauma and attachment styles.

I have extensive experience leading groups of musicians (from novices to Grammy winners) and am particularly excited about offering group therapy work using music as the therapeutic process.

Are you struggling with overwhelm, stress, anxiety, organizational skills, or time management as ... Read More

Hi! I’m glad you found me. When people have been hurt, or experienced relational trauma, or if they have attachment wounds from childhood that have not been healed, relationships can be challenging. We can do things to protect ourselves from being hurt again. Sometimes we can find it difficult to trust others. Other times we might lash out at those we care about or avoid them when disagreements arise. these are common ways that our protective system tries to keep us from being hurt, but the problem is, it also keeps us from maintaining healthy connections and the open honest communication we want in our relationships. When we focus on healing past wounds that are driving the protective behaviours, you will be able to be your more authentic Self, choosing what you want to do and deciding how you want to respond rather than reacting or acting impulsively.

My practice is caring, compassionate, and culturally sensitive . My areas of interest include relationships, attachment, anxiety, depression, children’s mental health, complex trauma, neurodiversity, PTSD, and relational and developmental trauma.

I am a client-centred counsellor with over 40 years experience working with individuals, children, families and couples. I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I am a certified as an IFS Therapist, Infant Mental Health Clinician and a Clinical Trauma Professional. I am also trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches including EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

In addition, I am also an Approved Clinical Supervisor with BCACC (RCC- ACS) and a Supervisor Mentor. I am certified in the Nuerosequencial model of Reflective Supervision offered by Bruce Perry..

As a Clinical Supervisor, I enjoy working with Master level students and experienced counsellors. I take an individual developmental approach to supervision and incorporate the Neurosequencial Model of Reflective Supervision. I offer individual supervision, small groups of 2-4 and larger groups of 5-8. I also provide an IFS consultation group for IFS therapists. In addition, I also provide Supervision Mentorship to clinical supervisors.

It truly is my honour to work with you, to see you move towards your goals, heal old wounds, and let your authentic Self shine.

I look forward to walking with you on your journey.

Hi! I’m glad you found me. When people have been hurt, or experienced relational trauma, or if ... Read More

I am a student counsellor completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University. My approach is person-centred at its core, drawing from Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and body-based practices to support clients in reconnecting with their own clarity, resilience, and inner leadership. I also lean toward existential perspectives, shaped by many years of cultural and spiritual work in diverse settings.

Before entering clinical training, I spent more than a decade learning within Indigenous communities in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and the Amazon, including a traditional apprenticeship in an Amazonian healing lineage. These relationships, along with my work running Danu Folk School, have grounded my understanding of healing, story, and the importance of belonging—to self, to land, and to community.

I bring a trauma-informed, culturally aware, and collaborative presence to therapy. My background includes navigating my own mixed-heritage identity, working across cultural difference, and engaging in ongoing conversations about privilege, safety, and responsibility. I particularly enjoy helping clients work with dreams to explore their inner life.

I welcome clients from all backgrounds and strive to create a space where your lived experience is honoured, your pace is respected, and your voice leads the way.

Certifications and Training:

MA Counselling Psychology (in progress), Yorkville University, NB

BSc Politics and Economics, University of Bristol, UK

Relational Trauma Resolution Training, Levels 1 and 2, The Sovereignty Method

Soulcentric Dreamwork Training, Animas Valley Institute

Soulcraft Yearlong Intensive, Animas Valley Institute

The Art of Mentoring, Wilderness Awareness School

I am a student counsellor completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Yorkville U... Read More

Hello and welcome! I’m Hayley (she/her), a counselling practicum student with a passion for walking alongside individuals through life’s transitions. I have a special focus on supporting parents during the perinatal period and beyond—a season that can be beautiful, disorienting, exhausting, and transformative all at once. I also work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief, perfectionism, relationship challenges, and self-esteem struggles. My journey into counselling is deeply personal. Before beginning my graduate training, I spent several years as a stay-at-home parent. That chapter gave me a deep understanding of the invisible emotional and mental load many parents carry and how isolating it can feel. It’s this lived experience that fuels my commitment to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel seen and supported. In my work, I take a gentle and collaborative approach, grounded in the belief that you are the expert in your own life. I draw from modalities such as Solution-Focused and Emotion-Focused Therapy, with my practice rooted in attachment-based, feminist, and trauma-informed perspectives. I also integrate strength-based, culturally attuned, and person-centered care into my work. I believe that growth comes through connection, not perfection. Whether you’re preparing for parenthood, in the midst of postpartum adjustments, or reflecting on how these experiences have shaped you, I’m here to offer a steady presence as you navigate the emotional complexities of this journey. I hold a degree in psychology and am currently completing my counselling practicum under the supervision of a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I offer low-cost sessions and would be honoured to support you as you find your way forward. If you’re curious to explore if we’d be a good fit, I welcome you to reach out.

Hello and welcome! I’m Hayley (she/her), a counselling practicum student with a passion for walki... Read More