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, as well as a Professional Art Therapist, and have worked in the field of mental health for over 10 years. My career in art and healing began as a Registered Massage Therapist, with a BA in Fine Art. Years of experience as a massage therapist, artist, meditator, children’s textile designer and instructor for developmentally disabled adults inform my integrated therapeutic approach, and have greatly supported my work as a trauma informed therapist, helping clients with varied traumatic experiences.

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, couples 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

Therapeutic Approaches & Modalities: art therapy, expressive art therapy, person-centred approach, compassion-focused therapy, cultural sensitivity, eco-art therapy and land art therapy, play therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, attachment, non-violent communication, polyvagal approach

Funding/EFAP Programs: ICBC Blue Cross Sunlife Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) Walmsley Humanacare First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) MCFD’s Autism Funding Program Self Design

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

Certification/Training: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) Professional Art Therapist Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing 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, as well as a ... Read More

Hi, I am Mehrnaz and I am looking forward to supporting you. Here’s some information about me. I live in the Comox Valley with my family. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and am a Registered Professional Counsellor – Candidate. I refer to myself as “a student of life”. I have a passion for self-discovery.

in my work, I encourage and invite individuals to a journey of self-exploration, empowerment, and well-being. I create a safe space for inner reflection, and how thought can affect our behavior. I provide support through life’s transitions, collaborating with individuals through challenges like immigration, career changes, and changes in relationships. I offer encouragement and practical tools for resilience, empowerment, and to find real solutions.

Acknowledging the shadows of anxiety and depression on personal development, my counseling approach incorporates evidence-based techniques, including coping mechanisms, mindfulness, and personalized strategies to overcome obstacles hindering mental well-being. I am passionate about helping individuals tap into their inner strength for positive change. I provide a supportive space for growth, healing, renewed self-discovery, and empowerment. The aim is to navigate life’s transitions towards a more fulfilling and authentic existence.

Works with: Individual adults and groups Areas/Issues: Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Personal growth Therapeutic Approaches & Modalities: Person-Centered, IFS Informed, Cognitive Behavioral approach, Narrative Therapy, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy (BPT) Funding/EFAP Programs: ComPsych, Empire Life, Green shield, Optima Global Health, Pacific Blue Cross, Pacific Life, Sunlife, TELUS Health *Note: please check with your benefits provider to ensure you are covered under your plan for an RPC-C

Hi, I am Mehrnaz and I am looking forward to supporting you. Here’s some information about me. I... Read More

I am currently a student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy where I am working towards a Diploma in Art Psychotherapy.

Art has always been woven into both my personal and professional life because I have experienced for myself the nurturing and restorative nature of engaging in the arts. I believe art-making is a powerful tool to express oneself, connect with others, and increase overall well-being. Inspired by Narrative Therapy and the Internal Family Systems Framework, I am passionate about supporting individuals in re-imagining and re-defining their stories. I hope to help shift the shame, frustration, or sense of overwhelm you may have towards parts of your life or your story into curiosity and compassion through creative expression and exploration. My hope for our time together is to increase a sense of clarity, calm, and self-kindness through art-making.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling and Human Services and ten years of experience as a youth support worker, primarily with neuro-divergent young people. I also have experience working with individuals in crisis including those fleeing domestic violence, navigating unplanned pregnancies, addictions, and homelessness.

In all of this, I am passionate about providing those I connect with a place to be seen, heard, and cared. Wherever you might find yourself today, I look forward to connecting and creating with you.”

I am currently a student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy where I am workin... Read More

Hello, I am a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology student offering client-centered therapy for those experiencing difficulties in life. I have a Bachelor of Commerce in Business and am an Early Childhood Educator.

No matter what age or stage you are in life I am happy to work with you to achieve attainable goals. I believe that strong self-esteem is a key factor to happiness, I use a variety of therapy styles including IFS, somatic, solution-focused, and narrative among other cognitive-based theories.

Through empathy along with my lived and studied experiences, I look forward to guiding you to a more peaceful life full of enjoyment and gratitude. I am here for anyone wishing support with, but not specific to, anxiety, self-care, and relationship difficulties, including family, partnerships, work and community.

As a childhood educator I am able to work with children ages 7 and up.

I look forward to working with you!

Hello, I am a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology student offering client-centered therapy for ... Read More

I am passionate about working with children, youth, and their families, a privilege I’ve had for the past 18 years within the public school system. Over time, I’ve learned that supporting and advocating for the diverse learning and social needs of individuals is just one part of a holistic approach. My desire to understand and work with the various systems that influence our lives has led me to focus on emotional well-being and mental health. Currently, I’m in my second year of a master’s in counseling, with one year of experience as a student school counselor.

In both my counseling practice and within the school system, my aim is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood. I believe that working with individuals as well as groups enhances learning and provides richer support through community connections. Using a Person-Centered approach, I focus on amplifying each client’s voice and strengths, which I see as essential elements in any healing or transformative process. With a strong background in trauma-informed practices, I am deeply attuned to the complexities that trauma can bring to everyday life. My experience as a case manager and program provider for diverse learning needs enables me to help families and their children build the skills necessary to navigate the emotions and social challenges of daily life, school, and relationships.

I hold a Fine Arts degree and maintain a personal art practice, alongside teaching art to foster self-expression and a sense of achievement. With a professional background in dance, and enriched by extensive coursework and practice in meditation, I am able to bring both creativity and mindfulness into my work. My approach helps nurture positive, meaningful experiences for families and children as they navigate challenging situations, promoting self-regulation and emotional well-being.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I offer services at a student rate and am open to discussing arrangements that suit your financial needs. I have office space on Mondays and Fridays and am available Tuesdays and Thursdays days on-line. nicole@seahorsecounseling.ca

I am passionate about working with children, youth, and their families, a privilege I’ve had for ... Read More

I am currently a student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy where are I am working towards an Art Psychotherapy Diploma.

For the past 20 plus years I have been working as an Employment Counsellor, counselling a diverse range of people from all ages and walks of life all who were in various stages of career and educational transition. During my career, I invited art therapists to guide various groups I worked with. It was through these experiences that I witnessed the amazing way art therapy can reestablish a person’s equilibrium and connect them to their own source of power. Experiencing art therapy and a lifelong love of art inspired my decision to become an art therapist.

My goal is to create a safe, empathetic space to guide you through your process of healing using art therapy as well as other approaches that may be helpful for you. I offer a client centred, holistic, trauma informed approach. My years of experience working with people in various life transitions has taught me to listen with compassion and understanding. I believe in a person’s innate ability to heal themselves with the proper guidance and tools. I hope that together we can create the time and space for you to find clarity and insight into yourself. I am keeping my scope of practice very open and welcome everyone.

Please let me know if you would like to try art therapy. If you are new to art therapy, I want you to know there is no need to be skilled at art to benefit from art therapy. Art is a tool art therapists use to help you express, explore, interpret, and resolve emotions and thoughts. Art therapy can help you see your way through life situations you may be struggling with, such as anxiety, grief, social stresses, feelings of loss, unhappiness, pain, unmet needs, fears, family dysfunction, or relationship issues. Creating art offers a way to delve into issues so together we can deepen your understanding, create solutions and build confidence. One of my favourite quotes is, “The present is our point of power,” so don’t hesitate. Now is great time and I would be honoured to share your journey with you.

I am currently a student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy where are I am wo... Read More

Are you feeling overwhelmed and unable to think clearly, or finding it difficult to complete tasks? Do you want to increase control over your life and take your power back? My strength is in supporting people just like this.

In many cases, my clients are unaware that their nervous system is overwhelmed and unregulated, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, hyper-vigilance, and anxiety. As a somatic (body-informed) therapist, I understand how the body can hold emotions, trauma or defensiveness which can change how an individual shows up in the world. They might present as angry, stressed out, distracted or numb and they want something different for themselves.

Much of my work focuses on helping people feel safe and at home in their bodies so they can manage whatever life throws at them. This includes teaching coping strategies and skills to help people process difficult emotions or to release any trauma held within the body. I use mindfulness practices as well as cognitive therapies to empower clients, allowing them to make choices from a more centered, powerful place. I listen with respect and compassion, and find ways forward that fit my clients as unique individuals.

In addition, my background as a paramedic and firefighter has informed my practice by allowing me to become skilled at managing crisis. If trauma or crises are affecting your life, I would be honoured to work with you to help find ways to make the improvements you want. I look forward to meeting you.

Clients: Adults, Youth, Couples, Families

Area of Focus: Crisis Management, Stress Management, Anxiety, Trauma, Addiction, ADHD, Chronic Illness, Life Transitions, Loss, Relationship challenges.

If you have other challenges and want to ensure we are the right fit, simply schedule a free 15 min consultation or email me.

Approach to Treatment:

-Client-Centered Approach

-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

-Mindfulness Therapy

-Safe and Sound Protocol by Dr. Stephen Porges

-Somatic Therapy

-Nervous System Regulation Strategies

-Internal Family Systems Informed Therapist

Education/Training:

-Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

-Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Member

-Craniosacral Therapist

-C-IAYT, Yoga Therapist

-Yoga Therapy for Addiction Recovery

-Primary Care Paramedic (PCP-IV)

-Firefighter (Structural and Wildland)

-BA in Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism

-BSc in Natural Science

Are you feeling overwhelmed and unable to think clearly, or finding it difficult to complete task... Read More

As a student counsellor with Seahorse Counselling, I bring a background as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse where I have spent several years immersed in the complexities of mental health and substance use disorders. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of the human psyche but also instilled in me a profound empathy and compassion for those facing life’s challenges.

My path to counselling was shaped by a passion for empowering others to overcome obstacles and find fulfillment in their lives. I am deeply committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their innermost thoughts and emotions with confidence.

In my counselling practice, I use an integrative approach, and I am drawn to modalities such as Internal Family Systems theory and parts language, which provide a transformative framework for exploring the various facets of our inner selves.

Outside of counselling, I am an avid learner, continually seeking to expand my knowledge and understanding of human nature and holistic wellness. These pursuits not only enrich my own personal journey but also inform and enhance my approach to counselling.

It would be an honor to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing and self-discovery. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a session or learn more about how counselling can support you on your path to wellness.

As a student counsellor with Seahorse Counselling, I bring a background as a Registered Psychiatr... Read More