Who We Are
YCHA GIL
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Approved Mental Health Provider for First Nations Health Authority and the Crime Victim Assistance Program.
Let’s work together to explore the challenges creating uneasiness, confusion and pain in your life. We will work in a comfortable, accepting space to create a meaningful, grounding experience to help you gain new awareness, explore choices and promote positive and rewarding change and self-care. Traditional talk therapies are not the only way to explore your story, and I often use sand play, art, storytelling, journaling, metaphor and imagery to reach a deeper understanding.
DIANE KLAWS
Registered Social Worker
Approved Mental Health Provider for First Nations Health Authority and the Crime Victim Assistance Program.
My name is Diane Klaws and I am a member of Lytton First Nation and have been blessed to have lived, played and worked here on Snu ney muxw territory.
I have extensive experience and passion working with people who have experienced intergenerational abuses and who struggle with a variety of addiction. Compassionate and understanding, I walk with people who struggle with anger, depression, coping, parenting styles, communication, and organization of daily tasks, while they find themselves and peace.
My approach to life and life situations is that of strengths based. Some of my wisdom comes from lived knowledge, working as a child safety social worker for 15 years, and as Satir Trained therapist. I have a calm, respectful, and non judgemental way of being and am known as having a unique way of being safe and grounding while also able to be direct when needed. It is my absolute honour to walk beside you on your healing path.
JIM EDWARDS
Registered Social Worker
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Certified Canadian Addictions Counsellor
Simplicity, gratitude, love and service are my guiding principles. I utilize the Satir Model (Virginia Satir et al) to help clients cultivate personal awareness, internal resources, change and healthy relationships with self and others.
I promote and model balanced lifestyles including; contemplation, exercise, solitude, ceremony and connection. I have demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for helping people heal for over 35 years as a youth worker, addictions counsellor and social worker.
ANNA BRUNS
Certified Canadian Counsellor
Approved Mental Health Provider for the Crime Victim Assistance Program
My approach includes body-mind-spirit and is based in attachment theory and trauma research. It is my job to guide you to places where you have become blocked so you can let go of unwanted conditioning, and be the whole and healthy person you are, underneath your wounds.
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I specialize in DBT, CBT and Somatic Therapy - all effective for a wide range of issues. I am an advocate of alternative therapies, incorporating movement, music, breath work, Reiki and Chi Gong into my practice.
NEOTA TINKLER
Clinical Hypnotherapist
While I was actively in therapy, learning tools and strategies to heal my life, I had the opportunity to see a stage hypnotistand was astounded by the undeniable power of accessing the subconscious mind. This led me to attend the Coastal Academy of Hypnotic Arts and Sciences in 2015.
Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses a trance-like state (altered state of awareness, perception or consciousness) to access the subconscious mind and effectively heal the things that are inside of us, but outside of our control.
Everything from Anxiety to OCD, IBS to Fibromyalgia, Chronic Illness to Chronic Pain, Trauma recovery, Physical Health Issues, Habit Changes, etc.
In addition to Hypnotherapy, I am also trained in Past Life Regression Therapy, Handwriting Analysis, Tapping and Earthing.
I am happy to have a brief consultation with you over the phone in order to clarify any questions you may have regarding this process.
REBECCA LAFUR
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Rebecca has been working with individuals and families for over 15 years in a variety of capacities. She began her work as an outreach counsellor, working with high risk adolescents and their families. She then moved into the child and youth mental health stream. After completing her MA in 2010, Rebecca moved into work with adults and families.
Her work began to include addictions and the many ways that individuals can find freedom from it. Her approach is eclectic and is based on what the client needs in the moment. She strives to provide a safe, supportive environment in which her clients feel they can explore whatever they feel needs attention. Rebecca offers a variety of therapeutic approaches including EMDR. Additionally, Rebecca provides assessments for individuals to best support their addiction recovery needs. Rebecca believes that a counselling relationship needs to be one built on trust and respect and that it is her role to help a person realize the resources they have within themselves.
GILLIAN GOERZEN
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Are you looking to move from surviving to thriving? I believe we are all born to thrive, but sometimes life happens. We pick up unhelpful narratives from our culture that impact our self-worth, we experience traumatic events without the support to process them, or we simply aren’t presented with the tools, information, and resources we need to navigate the world. This isn’t a matter of blame, but rather an opportunity to heal old wounds, learn some new skills, develop deeply personal insights, and develop a new way of relating to and being in your life so those old wounds no longer impact your present day.
We all need a little help sometimes. Because this “being a human” thing? It’s hard!
Prior to pursuing my Masters in Counselling psychology, I had a flourishing 24-year career as a body-positive coach and Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor. As a therapeutic counsellor, I integrate these bodies of knowledge and insight into my work. In addition to my graduate studies I am also trained in Satir (Level 1), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Embodiment in Psychotherapy. My practice is informed by Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Areas of focus:
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Disordered Eating
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Body Image
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Depression
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Anxiety
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ADHD
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Grief and loss
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Trauma
With the right support, resources, tools, and integration, I believe that thriving is possible for everyone. It would be my hounour to support you on your path.
JASMIN ATWAL
Registered Clinical Counsellor
I believe that individuals are resilient but at times need guidance and support. I take on a strength-based and culturally sensitive approach when working with individuals. I have extensive experience working with youth in the areas of emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I believe that the counselling relationship is one of the most important aspects of change.
I understand that it takes courage to walk into a therapist’s office and share what is personal, private, and often painful. However, when provided a safe, trusting, and non-judgemental environment one can feel open and comfortable.
Together we can work to build coping skills, make lifestyle changes, and understand behaviours. My goal is to meet you where you are at and to create goals that assist in your healing.
Jasmin is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a master’s degree. She can provide counselling services in English or Punjabi and is a certified EMDR therapist. Jasmin is an approved counsellor with First Nations Health Authority and the Crime Victim Assistance Program.
HANNAH GRABOWECKY
Registered Clinical Counsellor
As an art therapist and counsellor, I use creative tools to support children and adolescents through their journey of self-discovery. Art and play can help access feelings and stories that may be blocked by trauma responses and provide an individual alternate ways to communicate their experiences.
I am passionate about working with and advocating for autistic youth as well as those with ADHD, developmental disabilities, or kids displaying behaviour issues. Our work together centres on exploring anxiety, anger, and sadness in a safe space so youth can learn to manage these big emotions and express them effectively in other areas of their lives. I also love bringing families together in therapy to help parents understand their child’s inner worlds, strengthen attachment, and foster a collaborative approach to their child’s therapy.
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Hannah's personal website can be found at: https://www.nanaimoarttherapy.ca
SUSAN SCOTT
Registered Clinical Counsellor
My approach is rooted in compassion, understanding, and a deep respect for my clients’ unique experiences and perspectives. With a focus on strength-based and person-centered perspectives, I aim to cultivate resilience and promote positive change in our work together.
With 15 years of experience working with children, youth, and families, I offer personalized support to individuals of all ages as they navigate life’s transitions, develop effective coping mechanisms, and enhance emotional regulation. Together, we will explore which therapeutic methods best suit your particular needs and goals. I have specialized training in Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and am currently undergoing training in Somatic-Attachment Psychotherapy.
I am committed to helping clients develop coping skills and insights that they can use in their day-to-day lives, empowering them to overcome challenges and lead a fulfilling life. I hope to support your journey towards healing and personal growth.
ERIN MCPHERSON
Registered Clinical Counsellor
As a counsellor I show up just as I am and offer a genuine, heartfelt, relaxed environment with very little clinical feel. I intend to do this so that you will feel as comfortable walking into my office as you would walking into a friend’s living room. The relationship we will create together will be one of value, tailored to your individual needs and reasons for seeking therapy. I typically work with individuals ages 13 and over with various mental health concerns from struggling with day to day life from home, work, school, to relationships, high level athletes, to addiction and recovery. This is about you and your needs.
I also enjoy working with athletes of all levels, ages, and abilities. I recognize how psychological factors influence sports, performance, training, and physical activity for both the competitive and recreational athlete such as myself. Enough about me, I’m eager to hear from you and work together moving towards your goals to unleash your full potential!
In my clinical practice I pull from my experience and several counselling theories to offer an eclectic approach to suit your needs, values, and goals moving forward. I prioritize how you want to show up in the world through building awareness of your values system. So I ask you "if counselling is to work how would you know, what would be different?"