Find Your Best Fit
Choosing a therapist can be hard; finding a match is not easy. We hear a lot of stories about difficult or challenging therapy experiences. It takes courage to try again or to get started for the first time. The Registered Clinical Counsellors at Island Clinical Counselling have significant experience in the field. You can trust their expertise, education, and passion for the job. Discover your best match with a free consultation today.
Note: for sliding scale services please book with a clinical intern or one of our coaches.
Please click “more details” to read more about each counsellor.
Kathryn Atkinson
I have been working in the field since 2010 providing clinical counselling to those impacted by mental health concerns. I work with children, youth, individual adults, couples, families, and groups in my practice with an emphasis on providing services to those with Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy methods. I have specialized training to work with Autistic individuals and their families as well as other diverse abilities. I have specialized training for sleep disorders. My background is also in working with individuals with anxiety, phobias, tics, low mood, trauma, hoarding, impulse disorders, addictions, and life transitions. I also work part-time as an instructor at the post-secondary level. In addition to individual services, I provide professional consultation and clinical supervision to other registered counsellors. I am an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I also hold a Clinical Supervision Certificate from the University of Ottawa. I offer group therapy and workshops on many topics related to mental health.
Areas of Focus:
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorders, Phobias
- Sleep Issues, with a focus on Insomnia
- Depression and Depressive Disorders
- Trichotillomania; Picking and Pulling Disorders (Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours-BFRBs)
- Tics and Tourette’s Syndrome
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Trauma Therapy
- Couples Counselling/Relationship Issues
- Support for major life transitions, such as support to post-secondary students
- Stress Management
- Support for caregivers of and for individuals with diverse abilities
- Spiritual Support
- Family Counselling
- Autism
- Intellectual Disability
Education, Certification, and Specialized Training:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Counselling Psychology
- Certificates in:
- Clinical Supervision from the University of Ottawa
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and Obsessive-
Compulsive Disorder (OCD) from the International OCD Foundation - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Habit Reversal Treatment (HRT)
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
- Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics and Tourette’s (CBIT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Informed Approaches
- Interpersonal Therapy for Depression for Adolescents (IPT-A)
- Inference Based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (I-CBT)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP)
- Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Adlerian Family Therapy
I can direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit, First Nations Health Authority, and Game Plan for athletes mental health for services.
Please note, I am the clinic director at Island Clinical Counselling and have limited availability to take on new clients given this demanding role. Â
Age ranges served: All
Email: kathryn@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 101
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Kathryn works most days out of our downtown clinic and several days per month in our North Nanaimo location.
Ashleigh Martinflatt
One of the first steps in your journey of wellness is connecting with a counsellor who is the right fit for you. It is important that you and your counsellor have a relational connection and I strive for that to be the foundation of my work. I have been providing counselling and Social Work support for over 20 years to children, youth, adults and families and I am committed to providing a safe space to explore past hurts, co-create plans of change and engage in a therapeutic process that is specific to your needs, wants and strengths. And even though we are doing some heavy work together, I believe humour is an important part of our time together, so kleenex and laughs are part of the process.
I am originally from Ontario, (don’t hold that against me) but the West Coast specifically on the traditional unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw people’s land has been my home for many years. I would describe myself as passionate, and energetic with a healthy dose of optimism. I enjoy running, spending time with family and friends and being active in social justice movements. I am a partner and mother, and my family was created through adoption. I am also a professor at a post-secondary university teaching in the area of trauma.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Child & Youth Care from the University of Victoria
- Master of Social Work, with a specialization in children and families from The University of Toronto
I am a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and I am a Registered Social Worker with BCCSW and BCASW. I am currently an approved counsellor with The First Nations Health Authority.
Areas of Specialty:
Children/Youth: Kids and youth are awesome! I love working with them and walking alongside them in their growing and sometimes their healing journey. I utilize play, art, and activities in my sessions with kids and youth. Our office is filled with” fun stuff” and I create sessions geared toward the child/youth’s interest. Areas of focus are anxiety, depression, self-harm, trauma experiences, abuse and neglect, school-related issues, challenging behaviours, identity, grief and loss, foster care experiences and adoption-related topics.
Parenting: Have kids they said, it would be fun they said….. Parenting can be very rewarding AND it can also be super hard. Sometimes having an outside perspective and a plan for moving forward can help you in your parenting journey. The goal of my parenting counselling support is for you to gain tools and strategies that help you feel empowered within your role as a parent and focus on relationship building and attachment to strengthen your bond and connection.  I have experience in working with all family types, single parents, blended, foster, and adoption, grandparents raising grandchildren and LGTBQ+ 2 spirited parents.
Adoption/Permanency Planning Counselling
Building your family through adoption/permanency is unique and exciting, it also means navigating situations and experiences that biological families may not.  I have worked in the permanency planning field for 20 years supporting children youth and families as they grieve attach, bond and connect. I am also a mother through adoption and this experience has provided an in-depth understanding of the process and the highs and lows of family formation through adoption/permanency. I work from a trauma-informed lens using a child-centred, solution-focused approach. This service can also include consultations for:
- Proposal Package Consultation
- Transition Plan Consultation
- Openness Plans & Mediation
- Cultural Plans
Individuals: Over the years I have worked with so many amazing and resilient people. People who have experienced grief and loss, trauma and violence, inter-generational trauma and many other inner wounds inflicted by others or a system.  Safety is key when working through past traumas and it is foundational to our time together. Although trauma is heavy, I utilize a strength-based approach that focuses on trust, collaboration, empowerment and choice. I have seen healing in action, it is possible, and it can happen. Â
Therapeutic Modalities:
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Solution Focussed Therapy
- Family Systems Theory
- Narrative Therapy
- Activity and play-based modalities
- Strength-based or Asset-based model
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
I am currently an approved counsellor with The First Nations Health Authority, Crime Victims Assistance (CVAP), and can direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit.
Age ranges served: All
Email: ashleigh@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 102Â
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Ashleigh works out of our downtown clinic. Â
Joel Martinflatt
I am humbled to have been working in the helping field since 2003. During this time, I have walked alongside many people as they navigate life, deal with hardships, and persevere. I see my role in supporting you as holding space for your hurt and distress while also assisting you in finding the change you hope to see within yourself and the relationships around you. I strive to create a partnership of trust and support and to shine a light on your strength and capacity. Typically, people come to see me because life is hard, but counselling does not need to be. I infuse our time together with hope, and laughter. A little bit about me is that I am a partner, father, weekend athlete and outdoor enthusiast who is grateful to reside on the traditional unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw people.Â
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care with a specialization in Child Protection- The University of Victoria
- Masters in Social Work- York University
- Post Graduate Certificate in Complex Trauma-Justice Institute of British Columbia
I am a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and a registered Social Worker with the BCCSW and BCASW. Â Â I am an approved counsellor with the First Nation Health Authority, Autism Funding Unit, Jordans Principle and Crime Victims Assistance Program.
Areas of Specialty:
Children/Youth: When working with children and youth they can require a slightly different approach than sit-down talk counselling. I incorporate play, activity, art and nature into my sessions as movement and activities assist children/youth in working through emotions and the “the tough stuff”. Kids are not mini-adults, their brains are still under construction and counselling needs to be geared towards their stage of development. I also engage young people by incorporating their interests into the sessions, so we have fun while working! I have experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety depression, acting out behaviours, grief and loss, self-esteem, school issues, foster care and adoption experiences and other experiences of trauma.
Men: Depression, burnout, stress, anger, low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, grief, guilt, depression, and suicidal thoughts are a range of emotions that many men feel. By working together on identifying your feelings and strengthening communication skills we can help you work towards being a more confident person, dad, and or partner. It can sometimes be hard for men to reach out…. I get that. I can provide a safe, honest, and real environment where we can tackle the hard stuff.
Couples & Relationship Issues: Relationships can be hard work. However, establishing healthy communication to better understand your patterns, what past wounds you bring and how to move forward in a positive direction is the goal of our time together. My sessions are a safe place for LGBTQ+ 2 spirit folks as well as a diverse range of relationship types.
For those couples who are navigating separation and divorce, I can assist with creating parenting and communication plans and navigating through this next stage in your journey in a calm and purposeful way.
Individuals: When working with you I want you to know that I see your strength and resilience. I have a holistic approach which means I see the whole person and we can work together to create a plan based on dignity, compassion and respect. Areas that I can assist you in are depression, anxiety, loss, childhood trauma, relating to others or the stress of life.  I also have training in supporting individuals with body-focused repetitive behaviours.
Therapeutic Modalities:
- Activity and play-based modalities
- Strength-based or Asset-based model
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Attachment Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Person-Centered
- Complex Trauma Interventions
- Psychodynamic approaches
- Mediation approaches
I am able to direct bill to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Crime Victims Assistance (CVAP), and also the Autism Funding Unit for services.
Age ranges served: All
Email: joel@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 103
Pronouns: He/Him
Location: Joel works out of our downtown clinic.Â
Brittany Hesketh
I have over 15 years of experience working with adults, children, teens, and families. I am passionate about providing creative and safe mental health supports that are encompassed within an honest, respectful, and attuned presence for my clients. Clients find my nurturing approach alongside them to be supportive, while they create meaningful change by connecting to themselves and others. I understand that human beings are complex with many layers that influence their beliefs, values and behavioural patterns – for example, family systems, culture and society all contribute to shaping our views of self and others. My job is to be curious with clients, help them gain insights into their problems by understanding what contributes to them, and then learn how to take the necessary steps to make meaningful shifts toward positive changes. Whether you are seeking counselling to work through past experiences or dealing with current circumstances, I can support you in helping you reach your goals.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards your healing process. I understand the courage it takes to reach out to someone and open up about the challenges you are facing, and I would be honoured to be a part of your journey. I will go at whatever pace is most comfortable for you, while coming from a non-judgmental place of support and collaboration.
In addition to individual and couples/family sessions, I offer several virtual support groups for ADHD, Autism, and Caregiver Support.
Areas of Focus:
- ADHD
- Substance Use
- Eating Disorders
- Couples Counselling/Relationship Issues
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Parenting Support
- Trauma Therapy for intergenerational trauma, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Physical and Cognitive Disabilities
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
- Grief and loss
- Self Esteem
- Stress Management
- Family Counselling
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression and depressive disorders
Autism - Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs)
Education and Training:
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care from Malaspina University College and a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT)
- Exposure Response Prevention (ERPs)
- Emotional and Disordered Eating Trauma Informed Treatment
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Strength-Based Therapy
- Somatic Experiencing
- Family Systems Theory
- Polyvagal Theory
I am able to direct bill to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and also the Autism Funding Unit for services.
Age ranges served: All
Email: brittany@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 107
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Brittany works out of our downtown clinic.Â
Lisa Marie Passarelli
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where you start.” – Nido Quebin
I am both honoured and thrilled to be working as part of the Island Clinical Counselling team. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I specialize in working with individuals and couples. I am skilled in working with anxiety, phobias, body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs), stress management, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I provide support to children, adolescents, individual adults, couples, and families and offer support to adults and young people with confirmed or possible autism spectrum disorder. I am a Gottman-trained couples counsellor: Gottman–trained therapists aim to help couples build stronger relationships overall and healthier ways to cope with issues as they arise in the future. I also find it a privilege to work with neurodiverse populations.  I have experience providing support to individuals with traumatic histories and work with clients of all ages and abilities. I also have training and am equipped to support individuals, couples, and families impacted by acute and complex grief and bereavement.Â
I am deeply passionate about promoting mental health and empowering individuals to attain positive and meaningful change in their lives…. for change IS possible! My approach to counselling draws upon a strength-based framework that focuses on cultivating individual strengths, abilities, and internal resources. Although, I am largely guided by the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) I am committed to tailoring my approach to honour the unique needs, interests, and resources of every client so I routinely incorporate a variety of therapeutic tools and counselling approaches.
Therapeutic Modalities:
- Gottman Couples Therapy Training Levels 1 and 2
- Prolonged Grief Disorder Training through Columbia University (certificate)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure Response Prevention (ERPs) for OCD
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Counselling
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Strength Based Therapy
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Narrative Therapy
Education and Training:
I hold a post graduate diploma in General Psychology from Roehampton University and a Masters in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. I am also in the process of becoming skilled in Animal Assisted Therapy.
I can direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit (AFU) and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).
Age ranges: All
Email: lisa@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 104
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: You will find Lisa working Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday in our North Nanaimo location. Lisa works out of our downtown clinic on some Saturdays. Â
Carolyn Broadhurst
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in good standing with the BCACC. I work with individual clients on a variety of presenting concerns with a trauma-sensitive and attachment-focused lens. I offer a warm (but not too gooey!) presence while creating a clear, co-constructed treatment plan that feels safe and supportive. My approach to treating trauma and related mental health concerns is grounded in the development of a strong therapeutic relationship.
Areas of Focus:
- Parenting Support
- Trauma Therapy
- Support for major life transitions, such as support to post-secondary students
- Stress Management
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression and Depressive Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Education and Training:
I have completed my Masters in Counselling Psychology and supervised clinical training at the University of British Columbia in 2014.
- Interpersonal Neurobiology
- Internal Family Systems Therapy
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Age ranges served: 18+
Email: carolyn@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 110
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Carolyn works out of our downtown clinic.Â
Bree Stutt
Areas of Focus:
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Sports Psychology, focus on support for athletes
- Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorders, Phobias
- Depression and depressive disorders
- Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours: picking and pulling disorders (BFRBs), such as Dermatillomania and TrichotillomaniaÂ
- Tics and Tourette’s Syndrome
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Trauma Therapy
- Support for major life transitions, such as support to post-secondary students
- Stress Management
- Support for caregivers of and individuals with diverse abilities
- Family Counselling
Education and Training:
I have completed my Masters in Counselling and a supervised practicum. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Exposure Response Prevention (ERPs)
- Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT)
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Informed Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics and Tourette’s (CBIT)
I am able to direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit for services as well as Game Plan for athletes mental health.
Age ranges served: All
Email: bree@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 105
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Bree works out of our North Nanaimo clinic on Tuesdays, virtually on Wednesdays, and in our Downtown clinic on Thursdays.Â
Shante van Horlick
Hello! I am very excited to be joining Island Clinical Counselling and being a part of such an amazing group of people who are dedicated and helping others along the healing journey.
My approach to therapy is integrative. I work with Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IPB), Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). It is so important to recognize the part our bodies play in our trauma and emotion. I am also a couples counsellor; I focus on providing therapy to those with attachment injuries. My approach is strength-based, person-centered and holistic. I feel it is important to work with a person on multiple levels so that deep healing can take place. I offer a warm and empathetic presence to my clients.
I found my passion for counselling and helping others through my journey in music. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, specializing in Opera. I am a professional singer, as well as a voice and music teacher. It was through this path that I discovered the healing qualities of music and voice. This inspired me to become a counsellor, and now I am able to work from both my musical and healing practices. I also can offer my clients voice-integrated therapy and music-integrated therapy if they desire.
Areas of Focus:
- Depression
- Stress-Management
- Substance Use
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Performance Anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Â
- Children and Youth
- Individual Adults
- Couples
- Diverse Abilities, such as Autism and ADHD
Education and Training:
I have graduated with my M.A. in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). During my training I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of age groups and cultures. My therapeutic modalities include:
- Somatic Therapy
- Psychodynamic Individual Therapy
- Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Voice-Integrated Therapy
- Music-Integrated TherapyÂ
I am able to direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit and First Nations Health Authority for services. Â
Age ranges served: 7 and up.
Email: shante@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 108
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Shante works out of our Downtown clinic.
Catherine Moore
I feel profoundly honoured to support people in their journey toward wellness. My approach is nurturing, respect-based, collaborative, strength-based, and trauma-informed. I specialize in working with trauma and PTSD. I am abele to provide EMDR trauma therapy to children and youth as well as adults and couples. I love the richness of working with all people. Populations of specialty include: couples, men, middle agers, and elders. I am also passionate about working with people experiencing diverse challenges such as life transitions and aging, anxiety and depression, grief, relationship conflicts or issues, stress management and burnout, neurodiversity (adults and youth), and identity, sex and sexuality.
So often, people who have experienced one or many traumas also experience anxiety or depression, intrusive or overwhelming memories, sleep disturbances, hopelessness, and a deep loss of trust and confidence in themselves and others. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where people can be vulnerable and express themselves authentically. Together, we can rebuild a sense of safety and stability so people can manage their symptoms and heal their traumas.
I utilize a variety of modalities depending on the diverse needs of each individual, couple, or family; however, I am most proficient with Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am an ally to and for LGBTQ2+ and sex-positive communities and alternative life styles, highly respectful of all people from all cultures, religious beliefs, and walks of life, and I strive to apply a culturally responsive and socially just lens to all that I do. I am passionate about working with diverse couples and families.
Education and Training:
I am so excited and grateful to be a Pre-Licensed Professional with the amazing Island Clinical Counselling team. I am an EMDR Therapist for all ages and have a Working with EMDR with Children Certificate. I have my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree through Yorkville University. I also hold a Master of Vocational/Technical Education (Adult Education) degree from the University of Regina and received my Coaching Out of the Box certification as part of the SLP (Saskatchewan Leadership Program) training through the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Therapeutic Modalities:
- EMDR Therapist, Basic Training, EMDRIA Approved
- Working with EMDR with Children CertificateÂ
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Person-Centered Therapy
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
- Strength Based Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
I am able to direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit for services.
Age ranges served: children and youth (4 and up), adults, elders.
Email: catherine@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 114
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Catherine works out of our Downtown clinic.
Cat Zydyk
I truly believe treatment is a partnership between counsellor and client and will work with you to design an effective plan that recognizes your personal strengths and challenges. I use warmth, humour, and authenticity in my approach to make each client feel comfortable and to build a strong, positive therapeutic connection. I have experience using creative methods, such as games and movement activities, to connect with younger clients and spark their interest in the counselling process. I also support individuals with neurodiversity and their families.
I have been fortunate enough to live and work in communities both in Canada and around the world that have taught me the importance of culturally sensitive, un-biased mental health service. I aim to provide counselling that honours each client’s perspective on healing and recognizes all the elements that intersect to make each of us our own unique person. While I primarily base my approach on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, a wide variety of treatment methods and interventions may be used depending on your needs, personality, and preferences.
I work with adults, children, youth, couples, and families. Please reach out to book a free 15-minute consultation.
Areas of Focus:
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Autism
- Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs)
- Body image dissatisfaction
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Family Conflict
- Life transitions
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Relationship issues and Couples counselling
- Stress and Burnout
- Self-Esteem
- Trauma
- Women’s issues
Education and Training:
I have completed my Masters of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. I am currently in the process of becoming a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for OCD
- Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
- Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Nature-based Therapy
Age ranges served: all.
Email: cat@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 111
Pronouns: She/Her
Location:
Cat works out of our Port Alberni office Monday to Friday and out of our Downtown Nanaimo location on Saturdays.
Janay Foulkes
I first wish to express my appreciation to you for the opportunity to walk alongside your journey with healing and self-discovery. I am grateful for the gift of trust that you share for the reciprocal learning process. I am a student through Yorkville University in completing the Master of Arts Counselling and Psychology program and I look forward to learning through the multifaceted approach under the supervision of Kathryn Atkinson and Joel Martinflatt, while learning and interacting with the clinical team at Island Clinical Counselling.
I am also a social work professional in the traditional and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation communities. With a strengths-based approach and trauma-informed lens my focus is to develop strong therapeutic alliances with those in my care. I have over 12 years of experience working with children, youth, and young adults through therapeutic treatment programs and within various diverse communities and collaborative settings. A key consideration through my experiences is the value of integration of the family system and the importance of community connection. In my work with young people I value the critical importance of identity and belonging; key factors in the development of children, youth, and young adults.
I look forward to having the opportunity to work with you in your healing journey. Through the exchange of learning, healing, and self-discovery, my hope is that you will experience a respectful and authentic presence, with a person-centered, strengths-based approach. Using a holistic and balanced approach it is my belief that you are in the driver’s seat and are the expert of your story. Each time we meet it is my aim to ensure you leave with something new and beneficial. The use of a trauma-informed lens and culturally responsive practices are fundamental values throughout my practice. Openness, respect, and collaboration are values I will bring to the healing journey.
Areas of Training:
I hope to use humanistic approaches, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy. I would like to expand and grow further development of offerings with acceptance and commitment-based strategies, narrative therapy, and Adlerian therapies.
Ages ranges served: ages 7 and up, individuals and families
Email: janay@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 116
Pronouns: She/Her
Location:
Janay works out of our Downtown Nanaimo location on Fridays and Saturdays.
Hannah Christianson
I am an ADHD Coach and a Child and Youth Care Counsellor at Island Clinical Counselling. I have over three years experience working with children who are neurodiverse as well as their families. These children have a wide range of social and emotional concerns, mental health concerns, and trauma. I provide one-to-one and group support for children and youth. I have specialized experience with emotional regulation, social skills development, reducing anxiety, improving mood, and problem solving. CYC Counselling can be useful for improving skills in mindfulness, emotion identification, and coping. I offer a safe space for children and youth to work through big feelings, life changes, and other stressors.
I offer social groups for children that range from ages 3 to 16. These are offered throughout the year. I also offer a regular anxiety group for youth, a strength based group for youth with big emotions, and a Neurodivergent group for pre-teens.
ADHD coaching helps educate clients about their symptoms. As a coach, I work collaboratively with you to help you develop stronger emotional regulation, create and meet academic/professional/personal goals, enhance self-acceptance and create practical solutions that help reduce symptoms. Coaches use basic counselling skills to support their clients. It is also a very practical appointment and clients find it useful to engage in concrete strategies and techniques.
Education and Training:
I have a bachelor degree in Child and Youth Care from Vancouver Island University and am currently working towards my Masters in Counselling. I am also attending play therapy training. I am also trained as an ADHD coach.
I can direct bill to autism funding for my services.
Age ranges served: all
Email: hannah@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 106
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Hannah works out of our Downtown clinic Tuesday to Saturday.Â
Jason Yu
Hello! I’m a BFRB and ADHD coach (Body focused repetitive behaviours, e.g. hair-pulling, skin-picking, and nail-biting). My approach emphasizes practical management tools and neurodivergence. I have found my way into counselling after leaving my civil engineering career and overcoming a decade of shame and anxiety with my own compulsive skin-picking. Together with the clinic director Kathryn Atkinson, I also offer virtual BFRB and ADHD workshops and support groups. To learn more, you can listen to Fidget, my podcast about my BFRB journey. I am currently completing my Master’s in Counselling Psychology.
I am able to direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit for services.
Age ranges served:Â 11 and up
Email: jason@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 113
Pronouns: He/Him
Location: Jason is works virtually out of Vancouver, BC.
Interns
Island Clinical Counselling Interns:
We have the privilege of providing Master’s level interns a space to complete their educational requirements at Island Clinical Counselling. Our interns receive several hours of supervision per week and are accepted after an interview process. Interns at Island Clinical Counselling are closely supervised by Kathryn Atkinson and Joel Martinflatt. Interns offer lower rate services to individuals and families but their service is the same as a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Services with our interns are most often covered by your health insurance because they are supervised by Registered Clinical Counsellors. Interns can also direct bill to autism funding.
Melissa Laird
I am currently in a Masters of Counseling program through City University and am joining the Island Clinical Counseling Team as part of my internship. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care and have been working in the helping field for the past 10 years. My internship is the last portion of my Master’s degree.
My background has consisted of a variety of different capacities supporting children, youth and their families as well as individuals with diverse abilities. For the past four years I’ve been working within the education system as a Child and Youth Care worker, supporting mostly Indigenous youth and families. I have experience working with issues such as grief and loss, anxiety, depression, self harm, suicidality and trauma.
I believe that your needs are to be at the center of our work together and that you are the expert of your lives and experiences. I use a holistic, person centered and strength based approach to support my clients.
I begin my practicum in September, 2023. I look forward to meeting you then!
Age ranges served: 5 and up.
Email: melissa@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 117
Pronouns: She/Her
Location:
Melissa works out of our downtown Nanaimo location on Tuesday and Wednesdays.
Cady Redford
Welcome! My name is Cady (she/her) and I am an intern with Island Clinical Counselling. I am a lifelong learner that lives, works, and plays among the elements of nature on Vancouver Island. My compassion and interest in working alongside individuals, couples, and families started at a young age. My passion for therapeutic work motivated me to complete my undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Care, gain experience as a Child Life Specialist and is now leading me to complete a Master in Counselling through Athabasca University. I have professional experience working with the LGBTQIA2S+ and Indigenous communities in addition to subject areas such as terminal illnesses, grief and loss (including sudden death due to suicide and fentanyl poisonings), diverse abilities, in addition to mental health and substance use.
As human beings, it is inevitable that we will be challenged to navigate our way through hardships and obstacles of life. The process of self-discovery and healing can feel complicated and overwhelming. Allow me to acknowledge your perspective and help you in identifying your needs, sense of direction, and steps toward self-empowerment. I believe that collaborating with individuals is the most effective way to promote healing, increased self-awareness, and emotional growth. Come into sessions with me as your authentic self, and trust that you will be welcomed with open arms.
I enjoy therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Expressive-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness and Somatic-based practices. Some of the theories I find myself particularly drawn to are Attachment Theory, Systems Theory, Feminist Theory, Solutions-Focused Theory, and Psychodynamic Theory.
I have experience with all ages and family dynamics!
If you are interested in connecting with me for session work, please email me or refer to my schedule. Sessions are available beginning on September of 2023.
Age ranges served: all ages.
Email: cady@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 109
Pronouns: She/Her
Location:Â Cady works out of our downtown location on Mondays and Fridays and out of our North Nanaimo location on Wednesday nights.