Island Clinical Counselling Opens July 1 If you have been looking for counselling in Campbell River, we have exciting news. Island Clinical Counselling is expanding to Campbell River on July 1, making it easier for individuals, couples, families, children, and youth to access professional mental health support close to home. Our new office is located
The Healing Journey & the Campfire Analogy
By Qualia Reed Don’t Rush In my journey, I often return to the analogy of caring for a campfire. Having grown up in the 80s and 90s, I remember the Smokey the Bear ad campaign and its message about preventing forest fires. As I got older, it continually surprised me how often people didn’t put
The Other Side of Resilience
A Blog Post for Island Clinical Counselling I’ve always considered resilience to be one of my defining qualities. The ability to adapt and “handle whatever comes” has long felt like a well-earned badge of honour. The internal narrative that I can overcome whatever is thrown my way has been something I’ve leaned on in both
The Truth about CBT and Positive Thinking
“Just be positive.” “It’s all about mindset.” “Try looking on the bright side.” Sound familiar? There is no shortage of advice when it comes to mental health and the power of our thoughts. These particular phrases, while usually well-intentioned, can actually do real harm. They suggest that if we simply replace negative thoughts with positive
How to Stop Overthinking at Night: Using CBT-I to Calm Your Mind for Sleep
You’ve finally crawled into bed, the lights are out, and the house is quiet, but your mind isn’t. Thoughts start racing: What if I can’t fall asleep? What if I’m exhausted tomorrow? Why can’t I just switch off like everyone else? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Overthinking at night is one of the
Workplace Wellness in the Autumn: Prioritizing Mental Health at Work
As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, many of us notice a shift, not just in the weather, but in our energy, mood, and work rhythms. Autumn brings a natural invitation to slow down and reflect. But for many professionals, it also brings increasing workplace demands, looming year-end deadlines, and less
The Art of Healthy Escapism: Taking a Break Without Losing Yourself
Have you ever had one of those days, or even weeks, when your brain feels like itwants to curl up under a blanket and hibernate until next spring? You’re not alone. Theurge to “check out” from daily stressors is entirely human. Whether it’s due to workoverload, emotional burnout, or just the noise of modern life,
Summer Slow-Down: How to Embrace a Slower Pace for Better Mental Health
Summer is often portrayed as a time for beach trips, BBQs, and packed calendars, but what if this season could also be your invitation to slow down? In a culture that glorifies hustle and productivity, choosing rest is a radical act of self-care. Slowing down isn’t lazy. It’s healing, restorative, and essential for mental health.
Meet David Alder: A Compassionate Counsellor Offering Pay What You Can Support
Finding the right counsellor can feel overwhelming, especially when finances are a concern. That’s why we’re excited to introduce David, a dedicated intern counsellor currently offering pay what you can sessions to help make mental health care more accessible for everyone. Guided by Curiosity and Compassion Originally from Squamish, BC, David grew up surrounded by
From Classrooms to Counselling: Meet Bree!
For Bree, the path to supporting others has always been clear. “I have always loved helping people!” she shares. From her earliest days leading kids at day camps to a long and fulfilling career in education, her passion for meaningful connection has only grown stronger with time. “I realized that my true passion lies in