Practice information:

Jan is a registered clinical counsellor seeing people in the Central Island area, located in Nanaimo. Jan has been a counselling therapist for almost two decades and in the field of social services for longer than 30 years and I have seen all ranges of issues and concerns. My initial entry into this field was through grief and loss, working with special needs and culminating in work with addictions and chronic illness. Throughout my years I have had a strong interest in all forms of trauma and people’s ability to survive. I am constantly amazed at what clients have been through and marvel at their level of ability and capability. I have a strong interest in helping others heal from trauma and life issues that hold them back from being able to live life to their full potential.

Thinking of going for counselling can be a frightening or welcoming thought. If you at this stage you are probably feeling as though your life could be better, your quality of interactions with other people could improve and you want more out of life. Or you could be at your wits end in regards to some aspect of your life! Whatever the circumstance, my goal is to meet you where you are at and to work together towards healing and a better quality of life.

My approach to counselling comes from my varied background as a coach, athlete, parent, student, professor, survivor, client and counselling therapist! I have been fortunate to have been trained by many of the originators of several therapies such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and Self Regulation Therapy (SRT). I have also been trained in Adlerian therapy, Focussing, Rational Emotive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Focussing.

Over the years I have discovered that working only with the mind is not as effective as working with what is held in the body and so have sought out strategies to help with the healing process. 

My philosophy is to empower my clients with the ability to no longer need me because they have the tools to cope themselves. My belief is by having a warm, engaging therapist to listen and help shift one’s perspective one can generate healing. My goal is to meet you where you are at and to understand where you want you to go in your healing.