Counselling Nanaimo - Addictions - Including Substances Counsellors, Psychologists, Therapists in Nanaimo

Nanaimo

Counselling Nanaimo contains information about counsellors, psychologists, and therapists in the Nanaimo area. These counsellors, psychologists, and therapists may assist individuals, couples and/or families. As is typical with trained counselling professionals they may vary in their areas of expertise. Many will be able to provide anger management counselling, depression counselling, anxiety counselling, marriage counselling, and trauma counselling.

These Nanaimo counselling professionals have designations from the following list:

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Registered Psychologist (R Psych), Registered Social Worker (RSW), Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC), American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), Registered Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), and Registered Art Therapist (BCATR).

Nanaimo consists of the following neighbourhoods:

Brechin Hill, Chase River, Cinnabar Valley, College Heights, Departure Bay, Diver's Lake, Dover Bay, Hammond Bay, Harewood, Hospital, Jingle Pot, North Nanaimo, Old City, Uplands

Explore the information within the counselling listings for Nanaimo to get a better sense of which counselling professional might be a match for you.

If you want to search a nearby city then click on the check mark for Nanaimo to unselect it and choose another city.

Addictions - Including Substances

While some people can use prescription or recreational drugs with no negative effects, many others become addicted and face dramatic health and lifestyle problems as a result. Substance addictions negatively affect relationships, home, school or work, leaving the person feeling ashamed, helpless and isolated.

Physical symptoms of substance abuse and addiction are varied depending on the drug of choice, but the symptoms of the addiction itself are similar. People who are addicted to substances may neglect their responsibilities, take potentially dangerous risks and get into trouble with the law. As their drug use spirals out of control, they will lose interest in activities that used to be enjoyable and continue to take drugs despite knowing the harm it causes.

Substance addicts tend to build up a tolerance to their drug of choice, and get angry when they can't get more of it. Withdrawal symptoms are highly probable when an addict goes without it for too long. Depression, nausea, insomnia, sweating, restlessness, anxiety and shaking are all common withdrawal symptoms.

Psychotherapy can help you to overcome substance addiction by focusing on correcting maladaptive behaviors. Substance abuse is usually a coping mechanism against emotionally overwhelming past events or memories. Substances are often used to provide instant gratification instead of facing certain issues.

Therapists are equipped to help clients deal with addiction recovery through empowerment and helping them set simple short term targets. The first target is sobriety, followed by empowering the client with adaptive skills and finding new coping strategies that deal with the issues that caused the addiction. Substance addiction can be ended, allowing the person to live a healthy, productive life.

If you need a counsellor or psychologist to help you address the effects of substance addiction, you can search the directory below to find a professional with the approach best suited to your situation.

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Gretal Montgomery

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Gretal provides phone and video/virtual counselling to clients across British Columbia. She offers individual counselling to youth (12+) and adults. She identifies as a culturally responsive counsellor for BIPOC... Read more

Jennifer Trew

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Jennifer Trew is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC #2224) specializing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and mood difficulties in adults. She has training and expertise in assessing and treating depression,... Read more

Janice Bell

M.S.W., RCC
Janice has had a private practice for 25 years, twenty of those in Nanaimo.Her office location provides comfort, confidentiality and convenience. Herschedule is structured to meet the needs of clients.Janice... Read more

Kathryn Atkinson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
To all of you who feel weary, frightened, overwhelmed, alone: take refuge here. You are not alone. There is hope. Although the waves seem too rough, they can be calmed. Let’s navigate these storms together. I am... Read more

Lisa Bylsma

M.Ed., RCC
Currently accepting new clients. Available for in-person sessions in Nanaimo or virtual sessions anywhere in BC. After over 12 years working as a counsellor within government and non-profit organizations, I have... Read more

Sarah Becker

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
I believe that my role as a therapist involves walking alongside my clients while offering an objective and informed perspective. Because I often see people who are seeking change, my goal is to help my clients identify... Read more

Leslie Sanderson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Cygnus Counselling is a boutique counselling practice offering in-person and online counselling services. I take on a limited number of clients so I can devote time and space to your healing journey. I tailor my... Read more

Ann Downie

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Ann meets people from a position of warmth, compassion, openness and curiosity. She has a deep commitment to connect and work alongside individuals and families to develop an authentic, trusting relationship, and offers... Read more

Faye Shedletzky

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
Are you a highly sensitive person or empath struggling with anxiety, overwhelm or grief as you navigate your days?  These are complicated times and you are not alone in this struggle.  It is possible to find... Read more

Chanelle Grewal

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Chanelle believes all individuals have the capability and resilience to face each challenge in life, no matter how intimidating it may seem. Sometimes, in the face of uncertainty or moments of distress, we need a... Read more

Eric Addleman

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
If you are feeling overwhelmed in your life or relationship, I am here to inspire hope and to help empower you to navigate life with calm confidence. It is normal to need support; sometimes help is required to... Read more

Emmalee Brunt

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Emmalee offers in person counselling in Victoria, BC, as well as phone and online video counselling sessions for clients across British Columbia. She works with individual clients and welcomes clients from all gender... Read more

Janet Walker

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Janet Walker, MA, RCC, ExAT, BCRPT, CPRT Level 1 Me as a Therapist The three foci of therapy, education, and the arts have been important for me throughout my life. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, a... Read more

Mark Giesbrecht

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Do you need professional help to make changes that will improve your life or relationships?  Mark Giesbrecht is currently offering online video therapy through a secure online portal made for... Read more

Ryan Boyer

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
I support those who are struggling with their connection to self, and others feeling lost, alone, and/or stuck in life. I support men to connect with healthy mascuinity. I am a transpersonal therapist who believes in... Read more

Brit Boyer

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
My Offerings:  I support those who identify as being "sensitive" or "highly sensitive" as well as those who find themselves caught in patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism,... Read more

Ann Holroyd

Ph.D., RCC
Introduction People seek counselling for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes a crisis has arisen in your life that feels unresolvable without professional help; Or it maybe a significant events that has long since... Read more

Marie Landry

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
In my perspective, counselling is like shedding light on your past, nurturing your resilience, and guiding you toward positive transformations. I believe in keeping it down-to-earth, tailoring my methods to fit your... Read more

Christina McGill

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Christina’s work with clients focuses on helping them connect with their innate capacity to heal, supporting them to learn to trust themselves, and developing their ability to reflect on their inner self.... Read more

Chris Walker

M.A., CCC
“At some time or other, we all find ourselves unable to cope with life’s difficulties. The aim of counseling is to help you deal with these or other issues, so that you can get on with a meaningful and... Read more

Bob Bircher

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Bob is a very experienced counsellor and has spent his working life helping people solve problems, make good decisions, set necessary boundaries, and improve communication. His counselling philosophy is very practical,... Read more

Toby Macklin

M.A., RCC
My primary focus is on helping men live more satisfying and meaningful lives, often in the face of trauma. We men often try to push problems aside, but some are hard to ignore. You may feel painfully anxious or... Read more

Mila Skeeles

M.A., CCC
Like many people, I grew up in an environment where we didn’t talk about our struggles and emotions. From an early age, I learned to keep the difficult things inside and deal with my emotions on my own. Although I... Read more
    • Online booking
My priorities as a therapist: Share my knowledge and insights gathered over my 30 years as a therapist, as well as recent training in Somatic Psychotherapy,  to enhance my client's experience in therapy... Read more
    • Online booking
Through an inclusive, collaborative and trauma-informed lens, Shauna has a vested interest in helping clients learn about stress and related disorders, trauma, and healthy sexuality during various adult life stages so... Read more

Yvette Macarthur

M.A., R.Psych
I have had the honour throughout the past 20 years of my career to witness the power of individuals and families to make positive changes in their lives. My past experience includes work within counselling agencies,... Read more

Katie Falck

M.S.W., RSW
I want to help you find the best way to connect with your surroundings and build on your strengths so you can face your fears and survive your struggles. This is called strengthening your resilience. We may not be able... Read more

Mark Ring

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology. With over fifteen years of experience and a commitment to ongoing education/training I can help you.  Whether you need a... Read more

Jennifer Mussell

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Jennifer is a compassionate and engaged therapist who will help clients imagine desired outcomes and create a roadmap to achieve their goals. She balances offering a safe space to process emotions, explore and... Read more

Kathryn McInroy

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Kathryn believes that counselling is a collaborative process between the client(s) and their counsellor, and treats the relationship as a partnership. She uses a strengths-based and solution-focused approach to help her... Read more