I am excited to be able to collaborate with the experience counsellors at Seahorse Counselling. I have a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree and am a Certified Clinical Counsellor. I approach wellness with a holistic perspective recognizing the benefits of many modalities, both traditional and modern.

I am pleased to be able to offer online as well as in-person appointments. I also believe in the benefits of movement and offer walk and talk sessions. I have experience working with all ages, from children to seniors.

I enjoy working with: adults, teens, children, seniors, couples, and athletes. My practice focusses on life transitions, depression, anxiety, grief & loss, self esteem, body image and management, motivation and mindset (including competitive athletes).

Therapeutic Modalities/ Approaches: While I resonate with the concreteness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), I recognize that marrying strengths from CBT, Solution Focused, Narrative therapies and Internal Family Systems allows for a greater perspective.

Certification/ Training includes: Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Bachelor of Education Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Positive Psychology Specialization IFS Informed

I am excited to be able to collaborate with the experience counsellors at Seahorse Counselling. I... Read More

Hi there, I’m Carissa,

Are you looking for support or someone to talk to in a time of stress or transition? Do you have life goals that seem unattainable or are feeling overwhelmed? I am here to listen and to provide you with a compassionate, safe, non-judgmental space as you process and work through the things that may be bogging you down or holding you back.

I began my helping journey as a Naturopath in Australia. Through my training and practice, the wholistic approach to treating the whole person included one’s mental health, which is an important piece of our whole health puzzle. Feeling that I lacked training in this area of support, I decided to further my studies to provide greater support for my clients and I quickly found my new calling, counselling.

My approach is warm, wholistic, client-centered, and culturally sensitive; working with your needs and understanding to help you navigate you. With therapeutic approach styles encompassing elements of Person-Centered therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Play therapy, Expressive therapy, Experiential therapy, and Somatic therapy; we have many ways we can navigate your healing journey together.

I work with adults, youth, couples, families, and seniors, with focus areas of past trauma, stress management, life transitions, loss, depression, anxiety, burnout, and goal achievement.

I am accepting in-person and online sessions currently and “walk and talk” sessions in the summer months.

Educational History:

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Practicum Student Student Member of the BCACC and CCPA 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 looking for support or someone to talk to in a time of stress or ... 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 want to help you feel less alone in this messy thing called life. As a queer therapist, I understand the value of safe spaces. I strive to create a space where you can explore your identities without judgment. Therapy can provide secure ground to land on when you find a therapist that you click with.

I am curious about how your life experiences have shaped you, what strategies have helped you survive, and how you make meaning of it all. Therapy has helped many of my clients find a more secure sense of self that comes with building self-compassion and self-trust. Growth and healing are possible when we feel fully seen and accepted in our raw humanness.

Through my experience of working as a registered nurse for the past decade, I have come to deeply understand the frustration, pain, grief, and burnout associated with working in the system. If you are a healthcare worker or first responder who is seeking a therapist that can relate, I would love the opportunity to meet with you. I proudly affirm LGBTQIA2S+ identities, kink, and consensual non-monogamy/open/poly relationship structures. Whether you are an adult, youth, couple, triad, or polycule, I’m here to provide support and understanding so that you do not have to navigate the hard stuff alone.

My approach is integrative and allows for flexibility to fit your unique needs and goals for therapy. Here are a few modalities that I often use:

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Attachment Theory, Emotionally-Focused therapy, Existential Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Person-Centred Therapy

I want to help you feel less alone in this messy thing called life. As a queer therapist, I under... 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

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 centred, 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, Life Transitions, Loss, Anxiety

Approach to Treatment:

-Client-Centred Approach

-Mindfulness Therapy

-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

-Somatic Therapy

Education/Training:

-Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

-Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Member

-Craniosacral Therapist

-C-IAYT, Yoga Therapist

-BA in Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism

-BSc in Natural Science

-Primary Care Paramedic

-Firefighter (Structural and Wildland)

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