When familiar destructive patterns keep repeating, it can feel like a ride you can’t get off, aware of what is happening yet remaining unable to change it. These ways you have learned to survive might have served you once, but cause chaos in your life now. Breaking these cycles rarely happens alone. Change happens in relationship. Having someone alongside you—attuned, steady, and experienced—can make it possible to slow these cycles down, understand what they’re protecting, and begin responding in new ways rather than repeating what no longer fits.

The work we do together focuses on slowing these patterns down in the present moment so they can be understood and changed. Rather than getting caught in the details of what happened, we pay attention to how your body, nervous system, and attachment needs are responding right now. This creates the conditions for insight, emotional relief, and new choices—so that instead of being pulled back into familiar reactions, you can respond with more flexibility, self-trust, and connection.

I see adult individuals for anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal struggles, childhood abuse and intimate partner violence.

I utilize EFT, IFS, Narrative Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Somatic

Contact me at aida@comoxvalleycounselling.ca

When familiar destructive patterns keep repeating, it can feel like a ride you can’t get off, awa... Read More

Carenda Hadaller, MA MFT, RCC

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” ~Brené Brown.

Inspired by Dr. Brené Brown in my own healing journey, my heart’s desire is to create a safe place for you to recognize and transform the life patterns of overwhelming anxiety, persistent stress from life changes and events, distress from trauma, and pain and grief from broken, disconnected, or lost relationships.

I believe as we progress through life we encounter people and events that are too much to process or beyond our skills to emotionally regulate. When events happen outside our window of tolerance the survival part of us reacts to protect us by developing a temporary protective strategy for dealing with distressing experiences, big emotions, and confusing thoughts. However, these temporary protective strategies that help us survive in the moment and, over time, become a stuck pattern for dealing with all emotions and life events. Once they develop into life patterns they can prevent us from fully processing events which hinders our ability to grow and heal, making new experiences increasingly difficult to deal with. As a way to keep going in life with all the unprocessed events we start disowning parts of ourselves and our story, along with the deep vulnerability these parts of ourselves hold. By using both traditional and holistic healing methods, together we will nurture your emotional health, cultivate inner strength and confidence, connect to love, increase compassion, and step into your healing by accepting all parts of yourself and your story.

The primary therapy models I utilize are based in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT & EFIT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Hypnotherapy. I am also passionate about teaching clients how to use mindfulness practices and somatic grounding techniques to strengthen self-awareness, compassion, and attunement to the body’s sensations (somatic).

I am registered in BC with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and have been working with adult individuals to create spaces of growth and healing for over 7 years in the following areas:

Anxiety Burnout Recovery Coping Skills Depression Emotional Regulation Family of Origin Influences & Generational Trauma Identity & Self Esteem/Confidence Lifespan Shifts & Life Transitions Loneliness & Isolation Loss & Grief Past Abuse: emotional, mental, physical, sexual, neglect & bullying Relationship Attachment Wounds Spirituality & Purpose Stress Management Trauma & Critical Incidents, PTSD Unhelpful Life Patterns: shame, perfectionism, people pleasing, weak boundaries, avoidance, codependency (etc.)

I was born and raised in sunny California. Throughout my life, I’ve pursued healing professions to help adults connect with who they are and overcome patterns that hinder them from experiencing connection, love, well-being, freedom, fulfilment, and heart-centred living. In my mid-30’s I decided to go back to school where I completed a Masters in Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) through Alliant International University in San Diego. This is where I met my loving Canadian husband and after we completed our MFT program we got married and moved to Canada.

When I am not helping others heal, I’m hanging with my husband and our 2 fur babies and/or family and friends. I also enjoy crocheting (a newly learned skill from covid-19 isolation), yoga, reading fiction and non-fiction, walking in nature, rock climbing, swimming and tubing down the river, trying new culinary adventures, and watching a good documentary or mystery movies.

Carenda Hadaller, MA MFT, RCC “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the... Read More

Carly Wintschel (she/her) is accepting NEW and RETURNING people.

MSc, MACP

I am a compassionate, curious, and community-minded person who is passionate about coming alongside others in support and connection. My approach is grounded in creating a caring, and non-judgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. I draw from several frameworks, including person-centered, strength-based, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioural, and emotionally focused therapies, adapting my approach to meet clients where they are and to support their unique pace, needs, and goals.

Before beginning my counselling training, I completed a Bachelor of Education and spent five years teaching elementary school in Singapore and Canada. I later followed my love of creativity and entrepreneurship, training in pastry arts in France and owning and operating a wholesale bakery for over ten years. I am a wife and mother to two boys—a journey that has included both adoption and in vitro fertilization. These experiences have deepened my understanding of balance, stress, resilience, and the many transitions that shape our lives.

Areas of experience and interest include:

• Reproductive mental health (including fertility, surrogacy, miscarriage, perimenopause, menopause)

• Adoption and transracial adoption

• Caregivers and supporters of neurodiverse children (including ADHD and ASD)

• Women in business and work-life balance

• Anti-racism and equity advocacy

• Mind-body connection

• Navigating relationship challenges and family functioning

• Anxiety, stress, and burnout

• Depression, low mood, and motivation

• Caregiver support and self-compassion

I am a Master’s of Counselling Psychology student under supervision during my practicum. I am available to see clients in person at the Courtenay office, as well as virtually or by phone.

Carly works with children 10+ and individual adults.

Carly Wintschel (she/her) is accepting NEW and RETURNING people. MSc, MACP I am a compassionate... Read More

Rebekah Johnson (she, her) is accepting NEW and RETURNING people.

I’m a practicum student currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Prior to this journey, I spent over a decade as a registered nurse, working alongside individuals and families across the lifespan in diverse healthcare settings. That experience deeply shaped my understanding of human resilience, and continues to inform my counselling practice today. I bring a warm, empathetic presence and a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to therapy. I believe in meeting each person where they are, and creating a safe, inclusive space where healing can unfold at whatever pace feels right. I’m passionate about supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. If you’re seeking support, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and curiosity. I offer a space where your story is honored, and your strengths are recognized.

Outside of counselling, I find joy in nature and spending time with my two children. I also love baking and cookie decorating, which gives me a creative outlet and a chance to slow down.

Rebekah works with individuals and children and youth over the age of 12.

Rebekah Johnson (she, her) is accepting NEW and RETURNING people. I’m a practicum student curren... Read More

Rebecca Da Silva Clark (she. her) is accepting NEW and RETURNING people.

RCC #22997, MSc, MACP

I definitely took the scenic route on my path to becoming a registered counsellor. I completed my BSc and MSc in the health sciences over 20 years ago at the University of Idaho, where I was a Division 1 scholarship track athlete, focusing on hurdles. I had many wonderful experiences hurdling, both in Canada, the US and internationally, representing Canada. After finishing university, I transitioned to working in pharmaceutical sales for a number of years and then transitioned again to staying home full-time with my four children. I have learned so much from all of these different phases of my life, which I now am able to use professionally, as I recently earned my MA in Counselling Psychology.

Life has been both full of deep joy and pain, connection and isolation. I am grateful to now be in a profession where I have the privilege of being with others as they navigate the many emotions and feelings of grief, pain, hurt, anger, and the challenges and change that we all experience throughout life.

I believe in the strength of connection and paying attention to our “full selves” within the counselling context. What comes up emotionally, cognitively and physically can help us authentically explore our perspectives, experiences, needs, and values. My approach to counselling incorporates examining the many different aspects that intersect to make you who you are, having a posture of curiosity and nonjudgment, and working with you to find a way towards growth.

I truly love being with people and learning and listening to who you are. I am interested in all facets of counselling individuals and welcome everyone, as well – due to my own experience – have a special interest in grief, working with adolescents, and sports performance.

Rebecca works with individuals, both adults and youth.

Rebecca Da Silva Clark (she. her) is accepting NEW and RETURNING people. RCC #22997, MSc, MACP ... Read More

Chad Yurich (He/Him/His) is accepting NEW and RETURNING people.

RTC #2402 with Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT)

Greetings. My name is Chad Yurich, I’m trained as a Relational Somatic Therapist and am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor. My practice is grounded in a psycho-biological approach to counselling. Somatic Therapy emphasizes the significance of the body, mind and our nervous system as repositories of our life experiences, both past and present. Somatic Therapeutic approach encourages a mindful and compassionate observation of our inner landscape. By intentionally slowing down and attuning to our bodies, we can gain insights into how both our bodies and minds seek to address and resolve patterns and traumas.

My goal is to help clients regain trust in themselves. Really trust themselves. Love themselves. Working together we can create a healing container where all parts of the client are welcome. Healing can happen there, old stories can be transmuted, and new life can emerge. This is my passion, let’s work together.

I work with individuals.

I’m passionate about supporting people with addiction (I worked 4 years at an addiction centre), trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression and growth/mentorship. I have had the pleasure of supporting many veterans, active military, fire and police officers and other first responders. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Client health and safety are my priority. Through working at the clients speed and readiness, I support the clients exploration of themselves to bring more ease, peace and joy to their everyday life.

Chad Yurich (He/Him/His) is accepting NEW and RETURNING people. RTC #2402 with Association of Co... Read More

CCC # 25878, RCC # 11243578, BBS, MC

The first thing you’ll notice about sitting with Greg is his kindness. Greg immediately makes you feel cared for - that you’re heard and seen and valued. From this lens, work with Greg will be collaborative, supporting you to look at the challenges you’re facing and make the changes you need to move forward in your life. You’ll find his approach respects your values, preferences, culture and needs, in a non-pathologizing, non-blaming environment.

Greg comes to counselling after a long history in the I.T. infrastructure world and he says he’s so happy to have found his home in this world. Greg now holds a Master’s degree in Counselling and is a Certified Canadian Counsellor and a Registered Clinical Counsellor. He has experience and training in substance use, trauma, developmental and childhood trauma & ACE’s. He uses an integrated approach which includes Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Practices, Psychodynamics, Family Systems Theory and has advanced training in Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness. Greg also comes from a background working with religion and spirituality.

Greg works with adults and teens, and provides individual, couple, and family therapy. All beliefs and orientations are welcome.

🌿 Stepping Stone: 16 week Comprehensive IFS course 🌿 IFSCA IFS Master Class Advanced Weekend 🌿 The Theory and Techniques of Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy 🌿 Dr. Sue Johnson’s Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy: Attachment-Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis 🌿 Traumatic Grief: Neuroscience-Based Therapy Tools for Transforming Loss into Meaningful Recovery 🌿 Motivational Interviewing 🌿 Hypnotherapy CSCH Level 1&2

CCC # 25878, RCC # 11243578, BBS, MC The first thing you’ll notice about sitting with Greg is hi... Read More

Janet Johnson is accepting NEW and RETURNING people.

RCC # 17326

I provide a warm and welcoming space and hold a client centered approach working with both youth and adults, couples and families.

I am certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Direct Neural Feedback (DNF), Trauma Therapy and in EMDR. I am also trained in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and in Bowen’s Family Systems and I find these modalities provide a pathway for people looking for emotional support, trauma processing, or are at a point in life that is unmanageable or wanting change.

Coming from a professional dance background I am a movement specialist and have a somatic understanding of emotions and trauma in the body with a focus on grounding techniques, processing trauma and exploring thoughts that keep us “stuck” in unhelpful behaviour and thinking patterns.

I understand that many of us suffer in many ways and that life can be overwhelming and look forward to working alongside you to find the strategies, thinking patterns and greater understanding of somatic responses to lead towards a more fruitful, peaceful and fulfilled life.

Janet works with individuals, relationships / couples and families.

Janet Johnson is accepting NEW and RETURNING people. RCC # 17326 I provide a warm and welcoming... Read More

Sue Lee, MEd Counselling, RCC #15110

Sue is currently accepting RETURNING people only. Please email info@comoxvalleycounselling.ca to be added to Sue’s waitlist.

I believe in hope.

Humans are dynamic, growing, transforming creatures, all of us. Over the years, I have had the privilege of sitting with many people, witnessing first-hand the power of their incredibly profound insights and deep feelings, where unmet needs get our attention and validation, creative options are explored and practiced, limiting beliefs challenged, and even concepts like love and acceptance may be embodied as people transform their stories.

The human spirit flourishes with a little encouragement and a felt sense of safety. Sometimes we need another person to remind us of our abundant possibilities.

I work with couples and individuals. Together we can address mood instability, interpersonal issues, life transitions, substance misuse, difficult relationships and ongoing stressors.

I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and/or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address your specific treatment goals, which we will discuss and plan together accordingly.

The human body has an inherent capacity to communicate its needs: to inform, cry out, adapt, combat, numb and/or restore itself. What might our emotional distress, physical symptoms or ingrained habits be showing us? What if we listened closely to what our body is currently expressing? What if we took the time to really hear and then feel-into our innate wisdom, to address pain, to courageously cultivate new ways of being and continually nourish that growth?

I believe in the therapy process; in discovering new ways to regulate our nervous system,in exploring and repairing stuck patterns. And especially in the transforming power of attending-to our feelings, thoughts, actions and values from a place of compassionate curiosity. This work requires courage and vulnerability. When we can be open, honest and kind to ourselves, hope abounds and we have unlimited access to our internal resourcing, influencing the rest of our days and impacting the world around us.

During your first intake appointment (90 minutes) we will take some time to consider what it is You would like to accomplish in our time together (are you seeking therapy with a particular goal in mind?). Our sessions (60 or 90 minutes) will be framed and held within a polyvagal-informed (think of the benefits of accessing “safe enough” awareness in your body), mindful and in the moment approaches. We will also hold a compassionate understanding of how our attachment experiences and connection with others profoundly affect us. Therapy starts with a recognition of our circumstances, often reflecting on the past ~ context which informs and offers up challenging thoughts, beliefs and feelings to interact with presently, transforming our current and future selves.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work in this vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty and awe-inspiring vistas. And I too seek to live, play and process this beautiful life in the good company of enquiring companions, preferably outside as much as possible, with integrity, curiosity, compassion and a shared sense of community.

Sue Lee, MEd Counselling, RCC #15110 Sue is currently accepting RETURNING people only. Please em... Read More

Lisa Kenzie is accepting NEW and RETURNING people.

RCC # 23059, MSc, MACP

I believe in connection,

in the natural interrelatedness of all things

inviting our conscious attention.

Committed to the nurturance of sustainable relational landscapes, I work with those exploring intimacy, attachment, conflict, repair… all of the complexities of human connection. I believe in creating brave, collaborative spaces where you can deepen your Self-understanding and build more fulfilling relationships internally, alongside others, and with the natural world.

Our work together can take a few paths. We can lean into the many wisdoms of the senses, emotions, body, and spirit. You may also choose to weave your cultural, ancestral, or land-based practices into the process, as these can serve to resource you in times of turbulence. I will often invite you to slow down. I seek to offer counselling with warmth and reverence for your unique experience.

It’s an honour to work alongside young adults as well as community elders. A special welcome as well to all folks in the midst of identity exploration, an expanding sense of self-expression, or navigating ways of living that are anti-oppressive.

Lisa works with individuals and relationships/couples.

To find out if working together feels like a fit, you can contact me at lisak@comoxvalleycounselling.ca

Lisa Kenzie is accepting NEW and RETURNING people. RCC # 23059, MSc, MACP I believe in connecti... Read More

KELLY GRANT (she/her/hers) is accepting NEW and RETURNING people.

CCC #11248142, BSc MACP

Years of experience in inclusive care, street outreach, and community support work culminate to creating my non-judgmental and gently curious presence. I hold you as the expert of your own story and regularly check in to obtain consent as we navigate potentially tender places.

Oftentimes we have aptly learned to suppress emotional expression for fear that our authenticity, our true self, might be unacceptable by others. Together we might explore this learned behaviour from a biological, psychological, social and cultural lens. Pulling from emotion focused therapy, mindfulness and body-oriented approaches, I look to deepen awareness of emotional experience by tuning into the body’s innate and visceral wisdom. Together we will get curious about what comes up in the present moment, making space for what is there within our co-created safe container. We will work together to integrate what we notice, perhaps weaving this into an ongoing narrative.

I feel deeply honoured to engage in this work and have a special interest in helping the helpers; those who identify as a caretaker, people pleaser, empath or support-person. While nurturing this part of yourself through compassionate inquiry, we might work to cultivate non-violent communication skills, boundary setting and working to value oneself as equal to the other in a relationship.

I also work with couples to explore how individual stories and attachment patterns impact this most treasured relationship. Working together, we identify your negative cycle, create emotional safety and increase awareness of ways to break out and connect differently.

Kelly works with individuals and relationships/couples.

Accepting CVAP clients

To contact Kelly please email info@comoxvalleycounselling.ca or kelly@comoxvalleycounselling.ca

KELLY GRANT (she/her/hers) is accepting NEW and RETURNING people. CCC #11248142, BSc MACP Year... Read More

Caroline Bradfield (she/her) is not accepting new clients.

RCC # 11845, BA (Hons), MACP

It’s so painful to feel disconnected from your Most Important People, and the awful ripple of this pain extends out into every aspect in your life. It’s not only the conflict, there are the awful silences too, and to make it worse you’re endlessly pulled between the challenges of balancing career, kids, extended families, your own needs, plus the ever–shifting sands that life throws at us. It’s all incredibly difficult, never mind finding the time for relationship counselling…

I specialize in working with couples who know they have something that’s worth holding onto and a lot worth fighting for and yet find themselves stuck in the painful cycles of disconnect and conflict. I’ve got a passion to help people flourish in relationships and I want to help you put an end to the conflicts and long silences and start understanding what’s really at the heart of it all. I use a holistic approach that works to see both sides of the pain and struggle. Our work together is immersive and experiential and we’ll find ways to stop the struggle and start the new moves for a thriving relationship.

I work with Couples/ Relationships, Families, individuals. FNHA, CVAP, ICBC registered.

Owner and founder of Comox Valley Counselling and for the past 13 years. Registered Clinical Counsellor /Psychotherapist, Qualified Clinical Supervisor, and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Currently seeking certification working with ICEFFT as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, EFT Core Skills, Level 1 & 2 EFIT, San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS), Level 1 and 2 Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy, Gottman’s Method Level 1 Couples Clinical Training, IMAGO, and experience in Non-Violent Communication.

Anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, stress, anger, conflict, life transitions, and i specialize in working with couples and relationships.

“Fortunately, the human psyche, like human bones, is strongly inclined towards self-healing.” — John Bowlby

Caroline Bradfield (she/her) is not accepting new clients. RCC # 11845, BA (Hons), MACP It’s so... Read More