Amie Anderson

Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, irritable, easily triggered in relationships, or quick to shut down? Perhaps you struggle with a persistent sense of not being good enough, despite your successes and achievements. Or maybe you're constantly on guard, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Sometimes we recognize that something isn't working in our lives, but aren't sure why or how to change it. These patterns often develop in response to difficult life experiences, chronic stress, or relationships where our emotional needs weren't met. The good news is that change is possible, and you don't have to figure it all out on your own.

With over 20 years of experience in mental health and a Master's degree from UBC, I specialize in complex trauma, PTSD, and the lasting impacts of difficult childhood and relationship experiences. I also work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and relationship challenges. You don't need to have experienced a major trauma or have a specific diagnosis to benefit from therapy.

My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, but also active and practical. I believe therapy is about more than simply talking through problems. Together, we'll explore how past experiences have shaped the way you see yourself, relate to others, and respond to stress. I'll help you make sense of patterns that may once have helped you cope but are now getting in the way of the life and relationships you want.

I draw on extensive training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), attachment-based approaches, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I balance deeper exploration and insight with practical tools to help you regulate emotions, navigate relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.

My practice is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive. I recognize that our experiences are shaped not only by our personal histories and relationships, but also by broader social systems, power inequalities, and collective experiences of trauma. As a white settler of Irish and Scottish ancestry, I am committed to ongoing learning, reflection, and cultural humility.

Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you've spent much of your life managing things on your own. Whether you're looking to heal from the past, feel more grounded in the present, or create healthier relationships, I would welcome the opportunity to work with you.

I see clients in-person in Nanaimo and East Vancouver and online across BC.