Port Alberni Counsellors | Island Clinical Counselling
Therapy in Port Alberni
Looking for counselling in Port Alberni, BC? Accessing mental health support in smaller communities can sometimes feel challenging—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Island Clinical Counselling, we offer compassionate, professional counselling services for children, adults, couples, and families in Port Alberni, with options for both in-person and virtual care across British Columbia.
We’re committed to making quality counselling more accessible in communities where services can be limited, providing support for concerns such as anxiety, trauma, stress, and relationship challenges.
Port Alberni Accessible Counselling & Sliding Scale Options
We are committed to making counselling more accessible, especially when community services are limited. Lower-cost therapy options are available through our student counsellors. These services offer high-quality, supervised, low-cost counselling in Port Alberni.
Port Alberni Counselling Team
Use the filter below to find the right Port Alberni counsellor for you.
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Narrow down our Port Alberni counsellors by who they see, what they specialize in, when they're available, and more.
Our Port Alberni Therapists
Cat Zydyk
I truly believe treatment is a collaborative partnership between counsellor and client. Together, we will design an effective plan that recognizes your personal strengths, challenges, and goals. I use warmth, humour, and authenticity in my approach to make each client feel comfortable and to build a strong, positive therapeutic connection.
I am especially passionate about supporting clients living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs), chronic pain, or those navigating life after a traumatic brain injury. I also enjoy working with clients to strengthen self-esteem and challenge negative self-talk that may be getting in the way of living life to the fullest.
For younger clients, I incorporate creative approaches-such as games and movement-based activities- to foster engagement and connection. I’ve received training in Expressive Play Therapy and use these methods to help children feel safe, seen, and involved in the counselling process.
Having lived and worked in diverse communities across Canada and internationally, I have developed a deep respect for culturally sensitive and unbiased mental health care. 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.
Areas of Focus:
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety
- Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs) such as skin picking, nail biting, and Trichotillomania (hair pulling)
- Chronic Pain
- Child and Youth Counselling
- Expressive Play Therapy
- Recovery from antagonistic relationships
- Self-Esteem
- Life transitions
- Stress and Burnout
- Depression
- Trauma
- ADHD
- Women’s issues
- Tics and Tourette’s
- Cancer support
- Sleep disorders
- Nature Therapy
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 a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for OCD
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
- Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
- Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Nature-based Therapy
- Informed Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics and Tourette’s (CBIT)
- Support for Traumatic Brain Injury
- Expressive Play Therapy
- SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (learn more in our blog post)
- ICBC Counselling
- CVAP Counselling
Direct Billing: If your benefits plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellors then these appointments should be covered.
I am direct billing to multiple insurance companies, ICBC, Crime Victim’s Assistance, Autism Funding (if selected as a service provider for your family), Game Plan, WorkSafe, Work BC, and Metis Nation.
Age ranges served: All
Session Types: Individuals and families in-person or virtual
Email: cat@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 111
Pronouns: She/Her
Fees: $150-165 per session (Registered Clinician Rates)
Registration:
BCACC RCC 20683
Location: Cat works out of our Port Alberni clinic Tuesdays to Fridays.
Stephanie Robertson
I work through a strengths-based lens, and practice with authenticity and compassion that allows me to support flexible, personalized, and evidence-based treatments. I work to create a safe and trusting environment that welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds. This coincides with my natural ability to listen with empathy.
Areas of Focus:
- Self-identity and Esteem
- Stress Management
- First Responders, Military Personnel/ Active Duty, and Veterans
- Managing Relationships
- Behavioural Change
- Reproductive Health
- Controlling behaviours (includes disordered eating, compulsions and habitual patterns)
- PTSD, traumatic stress
- Medical diagnosis* ( includes cancer treatment and care, Neurological disorders, and diabetes)
- Anxiety
- Depression
*Specific registration to medical diagnosis such as a Mental Health provider through Breakthrough T1D for diabetes.
Education and Training:
Through the University of Victoria, I completed my undergrad in Child and Youth Care and was involved in individual and family services in various communities in BC. Through the completion of my master’s in counselling psychology through Yorkville University, I completed my registration as both a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor.
Additional Training:
- Emotion-Focused therapy for Individuals (EFFT)
- Certified Cognitive Processing
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Currently completing a Two Year Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy Training
If your benefits plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellors then these appointments should be covered. I am not offering direct billing, please submit your receipts to your insurance provider.
Age ranges served: Ages 18+
Session Types: Individuals. In Person or Virtual.
Email: stephanie.robertson@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 128
Pronouns: She/Her
Fees: $150 per session (Registered Clinician Rates)
Registration:
BCACC RCC 19498
CCPA CCC 10009516
Location: Stephanie works out of our Port Alberni clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Cat Zydyk
I specialize in helping individuals overcome OCD, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours, anxiety, and related challenges using evidence-based treatments that create lasting change.
I truly believe treatment is a collaborative partnership between counsellor and client. Together, we will design an effective plan that recognizes your personal strengths, challenges, and goals. I use warmth, humour, and authenticity in my approach to make each client feel comfortable and to build a strong, positive therapeutic connection.
I am especially passionate about supporting clients living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs), chronic pain, or those navigating life after a traumatic brain injury. I also enjoy working with clients to strengthen self-esteem and challenge negative self-talk that may be getting in the way of living life to the fullest.
For younger clients, I incorporate creative approaches-such as games and movement-based activities- to foster engagement and connection. I’ve received training in Expressive Play Therapy and use these methods to help children feel safe, seen, and involved in the counselling process.
Having lived and worked in diverse communities across Canada and internationally, I have developed a deep respect for culturally sensitive and unbiased mental health care. 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.
Areas of Focus:
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety
- Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs) such as skin picking, nail biting, and Trichotillomania (hair pulling)
- Chronic Pain
- Child and Youth Counselling
- Expressive Play Therapy
- Recovery from antagonistic relationships
- Self-Esteem
- Life transitions
- Stress and Burnout
- Depression
- Trauma
- ADHD
- Autism
- Women’s issues
- Tics and Tourette’s
- Cancer support
- Sleep disorders
- Nature Therapy
Education and Training:
I have completed my Master’s of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for OCD
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
- Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
- Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Nature-based Therapy
- Informed Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics and Tourette’s (CBIT)
- Support for Traumatic Brain Injury
- Expressive Play Therapy
- SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (learn more in our blog post)
- ICBC Counselling
- CVAP Counselling
Direct Billing: If your benefits plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellors then these appointments should be covered. I am direct billing to multiple insurance companies, ICBC, Crime Victim’s Assistance, Autism Funding (if selected as a service provider for your family), Game Plan, WorkSafe, Work BC, and Metis Nation.
Age ranges served: All
Session Types: Individuals and families in person or virtual
Email: cat.zydyk@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 111
Pronouns: She/Her
Fees: $150-165 per session (Registered Clinician Rates)
Registration:
BCACC RCC 20683
Check out her Psychology Today profile for even more information.
Location: Cat works out of our Port Alberni clinic Tuesdays to Fridays.
Patricia Mirth
Children and youth thrive when they feel safe, understood, and connected. My goal is to create a warm, supportive space where young people can explore their feelings, build resilience, and grow into their authentic selves.
Hello, I’m Patricia Mirth (she/her). I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor, meditation teacher, poet, and workshop facilitator. As a Filipina immigrant and settler, I bring a multicultural and anti-oppressive lens to my work – meaning I centre the ways culture, lived experience, and identity shape our unique stories of strength and struggle. I hope to create soft, brave spaces where people feel seen, understood and empowered. I am especially passionate about justice, equity and increasing culture-centred care for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), immigrant, and marginalized groups.
Areas of focus:
- Burnout/Stress Management
- Anxiety & Depression
- Identity Support (Racial, Cultural, Gender, & Sexual Identity)
- LGBTQ2IA+ Affirming
- Life Transitions
- Relationships (family, romantic, or platonic)
- Creative Blocks
- Intergenerational Trauma & Inner Child Healing
- Experiences of Racial Harm and Oppression
- Parenting support
- Child & Youth Counselling
- Poetry Therapy / Therapeutic Writing
- Mindfulness and Meditation
- Faith-Based Support
Education/Training:
I hold a Master’s of Clinical Counselling from the City University of Seattle’s Virtual program and have completed my Bachelor’s of Arts in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Counselling. I am registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC #23189). I am also a certified Meditation Teacher (Lab of Meditation 200-hour Teacher Training) and mental health workshop facilitator for 8+ years. I completed my Master’s Capstone Dissertation on Poetry Therapy and utilized my love for writing and connection in individual sessions and groups.
Direct Billing:
I am an RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) with the BCACC. If your benefits plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellors, then these appointments should be covered.
I can direct bill to Telus eClaims (many plans) and Pacific Blue Cross at this time. I can direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit if I am approved as a service provider for your family. Contact Autism Funding for more information.
Modalities:
- Somatic Therapy
- Mindfulness Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (M-CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Poetry Therapy
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Narrative Therapy
- Anti-oppressive / Feminist Therapy.
Age ranges served: All Ages
Session Types: Individual counselling, and family counselling.
Fees: $150-165 per session (Registered Clinician Rates)
Registration: BCACC RCC 23189
Email: patricia.mirth@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750, ext. 156
Text: (250) 412-3985
Pronouns: She/Her
Check out her Psychology Today profile for even more information.
Location: Patricia provides counselling in our Port Alberni location on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Jess McConnell
When you’ve spent years caring for others, it can be difficult to make space for your own healing.
I have been working in the counselling field for more than 25 years supporting people with a person centered and trauma informed and strengths based approach. Most of my experience is working in a rural health care setting as a clinician and leader and I have also worked for Indigenous and Not for Profit organizations. My focus in counselling is to support you to reach your goals in a way that works for you.
I’ve learned that healing often happens in phases and that if a person is curious about working with a counsellor, its likely time to move into that next phase. I also believe that everything is connected, and I appreciate the complex relationships between thoughts, feelings, behaviours, interpersonal relationships, family and social structures and the environment.
I draw from many counselling modalities to tailor the right approach to each person. These include CBT, Mindfulness, Person Centered, Humanistic, Solution focused, and Response Based approaches.
One of the critical ingredients in your success in counselling is finding a counsellor who is a good fit for you so take your time to find someone that you match with.
Jess is offering a small group supervision opportunity on the third Monday evening of the month. Book Now or email her for more information.
Areas of Focus
- Anxiety
- Burnout
- Depression
- Grief
- Life transitions
- Trauma
- Trauma exposed professionals
- Couples Counselling
- Clinical Supervision
- EMDR
Education
- Bachelors in Child and Youth Care – University of Victoria
- Masters of Counselling Psychology – City University
Direct Billing: If your benefits plan covers Registered and/or Certified Clinical Counsellors then these appointments should be covered. I can direct bill to Canada Life, Blue Cross, Medavie, Telus Eclaims, Green Shield, and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).
Age ranges served: Ages 18+
Session Types: Individual adults and Couples. Provides clinical supervision to other counselling professionals.
Email: jess.mcconnell@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 127
Pronouns: She/Her
Fees: $150-165 per session (I will be offering Senior Clinician Rates in January, 2026)
Registration:
BCACC RCC: 3108
Check out her Psychology Today profile for even more information.
Location: Jess works out of our Port Alberni clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Marla Kjernisted
I believe meaningful change begins when people feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. For more than 15 years, I’ve walked alongside children, youth, and families with compassion, curiosity, and hope, supporting them as they reconnect with their strengths and move toward healing.
Welcome. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and I want you to know you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. My role is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and accepted. I work from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive lens, believing that healing happens through authentic connection and collaboration. Together, we’ll explore your experiences with curiosity and compassion, building on your unique strengths while working toward the goals that matter most to you, at a pace that feels right for you.
For more than 15 years, I’ve supported children, youth, adults, and families across schools, community agencies, and Indigenous communities. My experience includes working with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, family violence, life transitions, and emotional regulation. As a third-generation settler, I live and work on the traditional territories of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, and I am committed to ongoing learning, cultural humility, and providing care that honours the unique experiences, strengths, and identities of each person I work with.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, facing a life transition, or simply looking for a space to better understand yourself, we’ll work together at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we’ll build a relationship based on trust, curiosity, and collaboration, creating space to explore challenges, celebrate progress, and navigate setbacks with compassion. I’ll tailor our work to your unique needs, drawing from a range of evidence-based approaches while staying responsive to what feels most helpful for you. My hope is that you’ll leave each session feeling heard, supported, and better equipped with the insight and practical tools to move forward with greater confidence, resilience, and self-compassion.
Area of Focus:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Grief and loss
- Life Transitions
- Self-Esteem
- Emotional Regulation
- Child and Youth Counselling
- Parenting Support
- Women’s Mental Health
- Family Conflict
- Substance Use
- School Related Challenges
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care
- Currently completing my master’s degree in counselling psychology at Yorkville University (in progress)
- Student member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
Session Types: One-on-one adults, all ages, couples and families. In-person or virtual.
Email: marla.k@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 171
Pronouns: She/Her
Fees: $70 with sliding scale or apply for the Pay What You Can program. (not covered by benefit plans)Marla works on Monday evenings, Thursdays all day, and Saturday mornings.