Hi there, I`m Carissa,

Are you seeking support during a time of stress, change, or emotional intensity? Perhaps you find yourself experiencing heightened emotions that feel overwhelming or difficult to understand. My expertise lies in supporting individuals who feel the weight of these intense feelings, often linked to past experiences. I am here to provide a compassionate, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can explore, process, and work through what may be holding you back.

I began my helping journey as a Naturopath in Australia, where I embraced a holistic approach to health. This focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—naturally includes mental health, a vital part of our well-being.

In our work together, I aim to empower adults and seniors, especially those managing challenges such as past trauma, stress, life transitions, loss, depression, anxiety, burnout, and goal setting. My approach is warm, holistic, and client-centered, adapting to your unique needs. Using a range of therapeutic styles—including Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Play Therapy, Expressive Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Somatic Therapy—we will explore the best path to support your healing. Recently, I have added Internal Family Systems (IFS) to my toolkit, a powerful approach that helps uncover and understand the protective parts of yourself that may be blocking your progress.

As a registered clinical counsellor, my services are covered by most benefit plans that include counseling. Please check with your provider to ensure coverage.

I am currently accepting both in-person and online clients and look forward to working with you on this journey.

I look forward to meeting you.

Educational History:

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Internal Family Systems (IFS) Basics Course Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) in Australia. Advanced Diploma of Aromatherapy in Australia. Certified Massage therapist In Australia.

Hi there, I`m Carissa, Are you seeking support during a time of stress, change, or emotional int... Read More

Hello! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Counselling and a diploma in Art Therapy. I have worked in the field of mental health for over 10 years now, when I first became aware of the profession called Art Therapy and began applying creative therapeutic and somatic approaches to traditional counselling therapy.

What is Art Therapy?

Although many have experienced the therapeutic nature of making art, the relationship between art and therapy may still seem mysterious. Many are familiar with the creative pleasure and satisfaction that expressing oneself through art can bring during everyday activities like taking photos, doodling, playing music, dancing, journaling and singing. Creativity is inherent in our humanity. It is a natural way of relieving stress, making sense of our lives, and bringing awareness to our subconscious and sensory experiences.

Making art during therapy is not product driven. You do not need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. It is process focused. The act of making art can bring a sense of well-being to the body and nervous system, as well as clarity to the mind. Many find art therapy to be intriguingly and surprisingly insightful in the way that it helps them to perceive their problems in a new light.

My past professional experience includes time spent wearing various creative and healing hats, including that of a ceramics teacher, working with adults who had developmental disabilities, a fiber arts artist and instructor, and a Certified Massage Therapist in California.

As a counsellor, I have led art therapy groups for the family and friends of people in hospice, children and youth in schools, and women healing from abusive relationships and occasionally offer these for those who are interested. I have also co-facilitated suicide prevention programs for youth in high schools.

I currently offer sessions in person, online, and by phone, as well as outdoor land art therapy for adults or children, and “walk and talk” sessions.

Works with: Individuals, families and group counselling for adults, youth and children

Areas/Issues: Anxiety, stress, depression, grief & loss, trauma, PTSD, identity, spirituality, gender & sexuality, anger, attachment issues, crime victims, separation & divorce, abusive relationships, communication skills, life transitions, creative blocks

Therapeutic Approaches & Modalities: Art therapy, expressive art therapy, person-centred approach, compassion-focused therapy, cultural sensitivity, eco-art therapy and land art therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, attachment focused, CBT and non-violent communication skills for relationships, Internal Family Systems/ parts-based approach, and polyvagal and sensori-somatic approaches

*Note to please check with your benefits provider to ensure you are covered under your plan for an RCC.

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) Master’s in Counselling: Art Therapy Professional Art Therapist Diploma Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing Certificate Sensorisomatic Institute – Transformation Journey Certificate The Art of Loss: Grief and Loss Through an Art Therapy Lens Power to Parent I, II, & III Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Internal Family Systems Informed Therapy Certificate San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

Hello! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Counselling and a diploma ... Read More

I’m Mehrnaz — it’s truly an honour to walk alongside you on your journey. I live with my family in the beautiful Comox Valley, and I bring both heart and life experience into the support I offer. I consider myself a lifelong seeker — always learning, growing, and exploring the deeper layers of what it means to live well and true to oneself. My passion lies in helping others reconnect with themselves. I offer a welcoming, safe space where you can pause, reflect, and begin to understand how your thoughts and emotions shape your experiences. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, coping with grief, dealing with difficulties, or feeling stuck — I’m here to support you with compassion, curiosity, and respect. Together, we’ll work with practical tools for resilience and inner clarity. My approach is rooted in healing through empathy and collaboration, with a holistic focus on your mental and emotional well-being. You’re not alone — and real, meaningful change is possible.

Works with: Individual adults, youth and groups.

Areas/Issues: Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Addiction and substance abuse, Immigration, Personal growth Therapeutic Approaches & Modalities: Person-Centered, IFS Informed, Cognitive Behavioral approach, Narrative Therapy, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy (BPT), Mindfulness

Funding/EFAP Programs: ComPsych, Empire Life, Green Shield, Optima Global Health, Pacific Blue Cross, Pacific Life, Sunlife *Note: please check with your benefit provider to ensure you are covered under your plan for an MPCC-Provisional CPCA

I’m Mehrnaz — it’s truly an honour to walk alongside you on your journey. I live with my family i... Read More

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to express yourself? Sometimes what we carry inside can feel too big, too tangled, or too quiet for words alone. Art therapy offers another language—a way of shaping feelings into colour, movement, and images so they can be seen, understood, and gently transformed.

With a background in youth work and a deep commitment to neurodiversity-affirming care, I welcome children, teens, and adults into a space where all ways of being are valued. In this, I believe that each person holds many ways of knowing, expressing, and healing.

In our sessions, we’ll explore a range of art materials, gentle movement, and reflective writing as gentle doorways into your inner world. Inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS), I will gently guide you to meet the many parts of yourself with curiosity and compassion through creative exploration. There is no art experience needed - only a willingness to explore as we lean into authentic express and the many therapeutic benefits of art-making.

If you have any question or want to hear more I invite you to email me at jillian@seahorsecounselling.ca or book a free 30 minute consultation. This will be a chance to connect, discuss your hopes for therapy, and see if this feels like the right fit. I look forward to hearing from you!

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to express yourself? Sometimes what we carry inside can... Read More

I am passionate about working with children as young as preschool age, and their families, through play and other hands-on activities. With my experience as an Early Childhood Educator combined with my Master degree in Counselling Psychology I weave play and creativity into building connection and trust, which are key for therapeutic success.

I have a client - centred approach. I use expressive arts such as play and crafting, along with, narrative therapy, internal family systems (IFS) and sand tray.

My passion to work with children ties into how I work with many adults. With a focus on childhood trauma, parenting and co-parenting, working with our inner child is often what our internal self needs.

If you have a child who may need some extra help, or you yourself are interested in understanding a deeper side of your Self, please book a free consultation with me to discover your healing journey.

I am passionate about working with children as young as preschool age, and their families, throug... Read More

Welcome! I’m so happy you’re here. My approach to counselling is deeply rooted in a client-centred philosophy, where I believe that you are the leader in your own journey. Together, we will explore your experiences, strengths, and aspirations in a safe and supportive environment. With a focus on mindfulness, I strive to create a calming space where you can feel comfortable expressing yourself.

My experience includes working with children and youth with special needs, including autism, ADHD, FASD, and PDA. As a mother of a special needs child, I am particularly passionate about supporting children, youth, and their families through the complexities of development and the unique challenges that arise along the way.

I am committed to working alongside my clients on equal ground, prioritizing your feelings of safety and trust in our sessions. I believe that everyone has the potential to grow and thrive, and I’m here to help you harness your own strengths to navigate your path forward.

When I’m not in the counselling room, you can find me with my family, typically outdoors. I enjoy practicing yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, and I find joy in gardening. My family and I are most relaxed when we’re camping or relaxing at the beach, connecting with nature and each other.

I look forward to the opportunity to work together and support you on your journey!

Welcome! I’m so happy you’re here. My approach to counselling is deeply rooted in a client-centre... Read More