As a trauma-informed and client-centered therapist, I bring years of experience supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges, addiction, life transitions, and cultural adjustment. My work is grounded in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and respect, with a special focus on supporting refugees, newcomers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. I integrate a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and the Gottman Method for relationship work. I also have training in sex therapy and support clients in exploring concerns related to intimacy, identity, and connection in a safe, open, and non-judgmental space. Whether you’re facing anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I’m here to support your journey with compassion and care As a therapist who is trauma-informed and client-centered, I have extensive experience assisting individuals dealing with mental health issues addiction, life changes, and cultural adaptation. My approach is rooted in empathy, cultural awareness, and respect, with a particular emphasis on aiding refugees, newcomers, and people from various backgrounds. I utilize a variety of evidence-based methods, as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and the Gottman Method for relationship counseling. Additionally, I am trained in sex therapy, providing a safe, open, and non-judgmental environment for clients to address intimacy, identity, and connection issues. If are experiencing anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, or are looking for deeper self-awareness, I am here to support your journey with compassion and understanding.

As a trauma-informed and client-centered therapist, I bring years of experience supporting indivi... Read More

Hi, I’m Matt Cowan, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC). I offer a diverse range of therapeutic modalities including solution-focused, person-centered, somatic, and accelerated resolution therapy. I work with individuals, children, and families, helping them navigate challenges in communication, relationships, and recovery from depression, anxiety, and trauma.

With over a decade of experience in leading treatment centers throughout Southern California and Canada, I’m deeply committed to walking alongside individuals and families on their path to healing. I understand that a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful change. I view my clients as the experts in their own lives, and I aim to provide thoughtful guidance and support as they explore both challenges and goals.

I strive to maintain a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space that encourages insight and growth. Outside of my professional life, I prioritize self-care through golf, yoga, and gardening—practices that ground me and enhance my capacity to support others.

Hi, I’m Matt Cowan, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC... Read More

I look forward to providing a space where I can offer you support, compassion, and a fresh perspective. Walking alongside you as you seek change, validating your feelings, listening to your burdens and helping ground you during difficult times. I use an eclectic approach and draw from Narrative Therapy, CBT, and mindfulness-based approaches in our work together. Come meet me in this space! Good things can happen in the areas of growth and freedom.

I look forward to providing a space where I can offer you support, compassion, and a fresh perspe... Read More

As Registered Clinical Counsellor, ​I understand the vulnerability of attending counselling and provide clients with time and space to share their thoughts and inner dialogue. I work with my clients on forming a sense of self and accepting their unique identity. I offer both individual and relationship counselling in a safe and supportive environment.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, loss and grief, life transitions, cultural exploration, family and social relationships, and self-identity.

I draw on aspects from different modalities including; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Adlerian, Strength-Based approach.

I am a person of color and work with clients in a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive lens and work collaboratively on gaining insights, healing, and creating a more fulfilling life.

Please note: If you plan to seek reimbursement through a benefits/insurance plan, please ensure that your plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellors as I (and the clinic) are not able to determine the eligibilities/coverage limits of potential clients and their specific insurance policies, and we cannot be held responsible for situations where clients have not verified their entitlements ahead of time. Thank you!

As Registered Clinical Counsellor, ​I understand the vulnerability of attending counselling and p... Read More

As a therapist, my goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where you feel heard and valued. I believe you are the expert of your own life, and I am honored to work alongside you in this meaningful journey.

My counseling approach integrates various evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs. I combine techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness practices. I also have experience supporting neurodivergent adults and their families in adjusting to new diagnoses and developing skills.

Prior to becoming a therapist, I was a Registered Dietitian specializing in eating disorders. While I’m not practicing as a dietitian at The Therapy Place, I continue to bring a non-judgmental, body-affirming perspective to my work, helping clients cultivate self-compassion, confidence, and body acceptance. I support individuals with disordered eating and certain eating disorders in my current practice.

Outside of my professional life, I have a variety of interests. I’m a proud former university volleyball athlete and the dedicated owner of my lab, Jinx. Staying active is important to me, whether it’s exploring new trails on Vancouver Island or participating in recreational sports leagues in Nanaimo.

As a therapist, my goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where you feel heard ... Read More

I have been a therapist for nearly 20 years, as well as a university professor and researcher specializing in family attachment and relationship dynamics. My primary clinical counseling principle is to let the client guide the therapy process according to their goals, meeting them wherever they are in their journey.

Clients seek my assistance for exploring significant family and romantic relationships, navigating life transitions, and addressing trauma, grief, loss, and abuse.

My specialization lies in interpersonal attachment issues, whether they stem from family history, current relationships, or changes due to separation or loss. I work with both individuals and couples. While I am empathetic and non-judgmental, I will also challenge your assumptions, asking questions that help you discover the answers within yourself.

Areas of Expertise:

Early family attachment relationships

Couples counseling

Grief and loss, particularly for those in middle or senior years facing life changes such as retirement, illness, or the death of a partner, as well as larger existential questions about the meaning of life, death, and dying

Trauma and abuse counseling

I look forward to connecting with you, helping you feel heard, and working together toward your counseling goals.

Please note that I am not accepting new clients at this time. If you are an existing client and can’t find an available slot, consider an online session as there may be other slots available of that type.

I have been a therapist for nearly 20 years, as well as a university professor and researcher spe... Read More

Hello. I’m a seasoned therapist specializing in marriage and family issues. With extensive experience and training in solution-focused and cognitive behavioral therapies, I help individuals, couples, and families overcome challenges. My approach focuses on setting clear goals and finding practical solutions to improve relationships.

I’m a firm believer that difficulties can be opportunities for grown, and I work closely with clients to identify their goals and create a supportive environment for personal development. With over a decade of experience addressing various issues such as relationship problems, family crises, parenting challenges, addictions, mental health concerns, and grief, I seek to provide compassionate and effective support.​

My ultimate aim is empower clients to build resilience and find strength in overcoming life’s obstacles.

Hello. I’m a seasoned therapist specializing in marriage and family issues. With extensive exper... Read More

Finding the right help and knowing where to begin can be tough. Over the past 20 years of working with clients, I’ve witnessed how life can become confusing and complicated. Often, we develop coping mechanisms that might help us get by but don’t lead us to where we want to be in the long run. Whether you’re grappling with overwhelming emotions, relationship issues, confidence, life stress, loss, or trauma, counseling provides a space to start making sense of it all and move toward lasting change.

I strive to create a welcoming, safe, and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your needs. Together, we’ll work to understand your struggles, be they past or present, and establish achievable goals that bring you the strength, hope, and healing you seek.

With a Master’s degree in social work and registration with the BC College of Social Work (RSW), I offer individual and couples therapy. My training spans various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness-based methods, and Trauma therapy. I believe that each person has their unique way of overcoming challenges, and I tailor my experience and skills to fit your specific needs. I look forward to connecting with you, helping you feel heard, and working together toward your counseling goals!

Finding the right help and knowing where to begin can be tough. Over the past 20 years of working... Read More

As a Master of Social Work (MSW) professional and counselor with over 30 years of experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge, skill, and compassion to support you through whatever challenges you’re facing. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in diverse roles including School Social Worker, Psychiatric Social Worker, College Counselor, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor.

👥 I work comfortably with older children, teens, and adults, offering individual, couples, and family therapy. My clinical background is strong, but my approach always emphasizes wellness, self-care, and practical solutions.

🧠 My therapeutic style is eclectic, solution-focused, and client-centered. I draw from a wide range of evidence-based models, including:

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
• Structural Family Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Trauma-Informed Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Group Therapy
• Harm Reduction & Relapse Prevention

Clients often describe me as warm, compassionate, and approachable. I bring a sense of humor to my work and avoid taking on an “expert” role—instead, I collaborate with you, offering insights and suggestions when invited, while always respecting your perspective. This down-to-earth style helps build strong, trusting relationships that foster real change.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For parents, I have a particular knack for connecting with adolescents—especially those who may be seen as oppositional, defiant, or hard to reach. I genuinely enjoy working with teens, especially those facing complex challenges. My experience includes supporting youth with depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma, and neurodevelopmental conditions such as Tourette’s Syndrome (which I understand both personally and professionally), ADHD, OCD, and PDD. My background in school-based clinical work also allows me to support families navigating the education system.

🧩 Common concerns I help clients with include:

• Marital and relationship issues
• Parent-teen conflict
• Depression and anxiety
• Trauma and self-harming behaviors
• Body image and self-regulation challenges
• Workplace stress and career transitions

As a Master of Social Work (MSW) professional and counselor with over 30 years of experience, I b... Read More

It takes a lot of courage to come to therapy and my desire is to honour that courage in each of my clients. I believe that we all have personal strengths and resiliency that can help us achieve change in our lives. At times we can become stuck and lose track of those resources. I believe the counselling relationship can be a safe and non-judgemental space for clients to rediscover those resources. Beyond your specific goals you bring to therapy, my hope is that you will also discover greater congruence, self-esteem, and the capacity to make healthier choices. Please note: If you plan to seek reimbursement through a benefits/insurance plan, please ensure that your plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellors as I (and the clinic) are not able to determine the eligibilities/coverage limits of potential clients and their specific insurance policies, and we cannot be held responsible for situations where clients have not verified their entitlements ahead of time. Thank you!

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It takes a lot of courage to come to therapy and my desire is to honour that courage in each of m... Read More

Ron is a skilled therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience. Originally from Edmonton, Ron is glad to now call Nanaimo home. He works with individuals, couples, and families. Please note that Ron is not currently accepting new clients.

Please note: If you plan to seek reimbursement through a benefits/insurance plan, please ensure that your plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellors as I (and the clinic) are not able to determine the eligibilities/coverage limits of potential clients and their specific insurance policies, and we cannot be held responsible for situations where clients have not verified their entitlements ahead of time. Thank you!

Ron is a skilled therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience. Originally from Edmonton, R... Read More