PLEASE NOTE: Kate Pinsonneault is offering clinical supervision only.

Julie Mills, Shannon Cowan, and Natasha Rasmus are not currently accepting new clients. Returning clients only please.

Counselling

counsellor

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

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

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