Farnaz is taking new clients in our Duncan office as of May 1st. She is offering lower cost services while she awaits registration. These services are not yet covered under benefit plans.

Pronouns: She/Her

Farnaz Farrokhi is a counsellor at our Duncan clinic who takes a biopsychosocial approach, integrating mind, body, and lived experiences to support healing. She draws from a range of modalities, including somatic approaches, Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Informed Care, to create tailored, person-centred treatments. With a directive and collaborative style, Farnaz ensures each client receives a unique therapeutic experience that meets their individual needs.

Having grown up in a war-torn country and on air force bases as well as working in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, Farnaz understands the effects of high-stress environments, especially for those in demanding careers. Her leadership roles and secondments to Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) during crises gave her firsthand experience of the emotional toll these careers take, strengthening her ability to support military personnel, veterans, first responders, politicians, and their families as they manage stress, trauma, and life transitions.

With a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Communications, Farnaz offers a holistic, trauma-informed approach. She focuses on helping clients rebuild resilience and rediscover hope. She is committed to helping her clients rebuild resilience and manage life’s challenges.

Areas of Focus:

· Anxiety, Burnout, and Stress Management · Development of Self-Confidence for Adults with ADHD & Neurodiversity · Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) · Grief and Loss · Inner Child Work · Child and youth counselling · Couples Counselling · Family Counselling · Life Transitions & Identity Exploration · Mental Health Support for Military, Veterans, Professional Helpers, First Responders, Their Spouses, and Families · Nervous System Regulation · PTSD & Trauma Recovery · Self-Esteem, Imposter Syndrome, and Boundary Setting · Spiritual Support · Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse and Antagonistic Relationships · Workplace Mental Health Support and Management (including for Executives, Senior Leadership Teams, and politicians.)

Therapeutic Modalities: · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) · Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) · Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) · Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) · Experiential Therapy · Gestalt Therapy · Narrative Therapy · Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) · Somatic Therapy · Trauma-Informed Care

Education: · Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology · Master’s Degree in Communications

Session Types: Individual adults, children, and youth. Couples and Family Counselling. In Person or Virtual.

Contact & Hours of Operation: Duncan - Island Clinical Counselling (ICC) Tuesdays and Thursdays

Farnaz.Farrokhi@islandclinicalcounselling.ca 778-762-3750 www.islandclinicalcounselling.com

Fees: From May to June 2025, take advantage of a special rate of $70. After this period, the price will increase. Secure your special rate today!

Farnaz is taking new clients in our Duncan office as of May 1st. She is offering lower cost serv... Read More

I feel my role as a counsellor is helping people explore whatever they feel might be holding them back from living in the way they want.

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be, and embracing who we are.” -Brené Brown

I believe that everyone has the potential to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life, regardless of their history. I aim to promote clients finding their own way through the challenges that come with existence and encourage them to connect with their strengths. Stripping away old narratives to embrace their true selves, in alignment with their core values. My approach is rooted in empowerment and collaboration. I welcome folks of all orientations and genders, and work to be inclusive and affirming. I take a whole-person approach - always. I work with a variety of presenting concerns, however I am passionate about working with adults who are late discovered with ADHD or autism, as I find there is a re-working of identity that comes with learning you’ve been living life on ‘hard mode.’  Moving towards self-acceptance and learning about the differences in how a neurodiverse brain works, and the impact on relationships, are large parts of my practice.

My early career in healthcare focused on helping people to accommodate limitation from injury, and that still informs my work to find ways for people to find satisfaction regardless on the constraints they work with in their current situation. Personally, I don’t really subscribe to the idea of finding your one true path in life, I believe that we find meaning each day wherever we currently are.

Areas of Focus:

Neurodivergence (ADHD and Autism) Couples Counselling Anxiety Trauma Chronic conditions or pain Borderline personality disorder, bipolar, and other mood disorders Self-Compassion Perfectionism Support for caregivers, counsellors and other helpers Stress management, life transitions LGBTQ+ Affirming

Education and Training:

My Master of Counselling Psychology is through Yorkville university, and my undergrad is in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. This blend of mind and body is my lens for holistic wellness, and integrative healthcare. My counselling practicum in private practice, with a focus on autism and neurodivergent affirming care.

I am a registered provider in the Crime Victim’s Assistance Program (CVAP). 

I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and you should be able to submit receipts to most benefit plans.  I am able to work with clients in British Columbia and the unregulated provinces.

Therapeutic Modalities:

My style is dependent on the client I am working with and the topics we are engaging about, but I use methods influenced by:

Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioural therapy (DBT) Internal Family Systems (parts work) Somatic Experiencing Strengths-based and Person-Centered Counselling Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) Non-Violent Communication Behavioural Activation

Age ranges served: Adult 18+

Session Types: Individual adults and couples Counselling. In Person or Virtual.

Pronouns: She/Her Fees: $150-165 per session Registration: CCPA CCC 11247230

Location:  Kate provides counselling in our Duncan location on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

I feel my role as a counsellor is helping people explore whatever they feel might be holding them... Read More

I consider it an honor to be invited into people’s lives through the counselling relationship. Working alongside clients as they strive for the relationships they desire and the personal growth important to them is such an inspiring journey to be on. Life gets difficult for us all at times and I love helping people find the direction and perspective they are looking for. I work to create a genuine and empathic connection with each person I see in therapy. Sharing our struggles can be difficult and that’s why it’s important to me that you feel seen and deeply respected in our time together. Feedback is important to me. I always welcome your thoughts about how our approach is working for you or needs to be adjusted. I tend to be a fairly direct counsellor. It’s important that you feel clear about where we are in the process toward our goals together.

I am new to the Cowichan Valley and am excited to explore all the natural beauty of the area. In my free time, I enjoy a lot of nerdy things such as comic books and getting recommendations for the next great sci-fi tv show to watch. I also love being active with my husband and our daughter, going on a hike or doing a workout. Our golden lab, Epic, is our daughter’s constant companion and is happy to join us in every adventure. I hope we get to connect soon. Please reach out!

Education and Training:

Bachelor of Science in Psychology & a Minor in Sociology from Union University Masters in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship – Couples Sexually Competent Therapist Training Transgender & Gender Diverse Competency Training San’yas – Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behahviour Therapy (DBT) Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) Emotionally Focuses Family Therapy (EFFT)

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) since 2012.

Areas of Specialty:

Couples Counselling:  I love working with couples. There may be hard things going on, but when two people show up to couple’s counselling, it’s overwhelmingly because the relationship is still important to them and they want to make it better. My work with couples relies on Emotionally Focused Therapy. This helps couples identify the negative cycles they get caught in and then we work to out-smart that cycle together. Helping the couple feel cared for and connected to their partner, even within differences, is vital to helping the relationship thrive.

LGBTQ+ Concerns: As a part of the queer community myself, it’s so important that the diversity in gender, sexuality, identity, and all its intersections have their place within our work together. I strive to create a space where each of these parts experiences welcome. Helping individuals manage gender dysphoria and couples managing the impact of transitioning on their relationship is such important work. I love helping people grow into fuller acceptance of themselves and reject any shame about being different.

Ethical Non-monogamy: Many couples find themselves isolated and disoriented when beginning to explore opening up their relationship. They are looking for more flexibility in their relationship but don’t want the changes to threaten the security and happiness they also enjoy. I’ve found couples greatly benefit from counselling support when navigating relational and/or sexual openness, especially at the beginning. They avoid unnecessary pain and pitfalls when they ensure they are on the same page and agreements are clear. Whether its polyamory, swinging, “friends with benefits” or any other type of openness…. Let’s talk about it together.

Sex/Sexuality Counselling: Talking about sex can be so tricky. It’s easy to joke about, but what about when things go wrong? Finding a trusted professional can feel scary and very vulnerable. I’ve worked extensively with individuals and couples looking to improve their sexual dynamic or change unhelpful patterns. Couples can often struggle when there is a discrepancy in sexual desire, one partner wanting more sex than the other. I love helping them better navigate this difference, reducing tension and sexual frustration, and finding the fun in sex again. Many men also work with me to improve their sexual difficulties such as performance anxiety erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation, and unwanted sexually compulsive behaviour. Growing up in Purity Culture has had very real and damaging impacts on how so many people relate to their sexuality and their bodies. It is such important work to get rid of the shame around sexual desire so that you can enjoy the sexual experiences you desire. We can unpack that together.

Therapeutic Modalities:

Emotionally Focused Therapy - Couples

Strength-based & Person Centered

Attachment-based

Sex Therapy

Gottman Method

Narrative

Exposure Response Prevention – for OCD

Age ranges served: Adults Email: david.carlson@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 124 Pronouns: He/Him Location: David works Fridays in the Duncan office.

I consider it an honor to be invited into people’s lives through the counselling relationship. Wo... Read More

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read through our bios and for choosing the counsellor who feels like a good fit for you or your family! If that is me, I am thrilled and honoured to meet and support you in your journey.

For the past 5 years, I have been living, working and playing alongside the Halalt and Cowichan Tribes communities in what is also known as the Cowichan Valley. In addition to becoming a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I also have 10 + years of experience working with children, youth, families, adults, as well as individuals who are neurodivergent or have a developmental disability. This experience has been gained through a diverse range of community, education, and therapeutic settings.

My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration and is structured around creating a safe space where my clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I believe in the power of human connection and tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. Whether you’re seeking support to navigate difficult feelings, improve communication in relationships, or cultivate a greater self-awareness - I’m here to walk alongside you.

Education and Training:

Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from University of the Fraser Valley Master of Counselling from City University

Certificates in:

Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST) Trauma-Focused - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Art Therapy: Creative Interventions for Kids with Trauma, Anxiety, ADHD and More

Areas of Focus:

• Anxiety
• OCD
• Depression
• Life Transitions
• Individual Counselling
• Grief and Loss
• Stress and Burnout
• Children and Youth
• Self-Esteem
• Women’s Issues
• Family and Relationship Conflict
• Autism
• ADHD
• Physical and Cognitive Disabilities
• Spiritual Support

Therapeutic Modalities:

• Solution Focused
• person-centred
• Narrative
• Activity and Play-Based modalities
• Strength-Based
• Art Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

If we sound like a good fit, feel free to book a free 15-minute consult where we can connect and discuss the next steps.

Age Ranges served: All Email: melissa.laird@islandclinicalcounselling.ca

Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 117

Pronouns: She/Her

Location: Melissa works out of the Duncan office on Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as some Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read through our bios and for choosing the counsellor w... Read More

I feel grateful and privileged to be in a position to be able to build trust and safety with others. It takes courage and strength to seek support and to share our stories and I do not take this honor lightly. I look forward to meeting new individuals who want a supportive person to walk alongside them as we share, learn and growth together within our journeys.

I also work within the helping field outside of Island Clinical Counselling as I serve the public. I have over thirty years’ experience within the helping profession field which has given me the privilege to live and learn daily from others as we share our experiences and continue to grow together. I have worked with children, youth, and families from a variety of programs such as outreach, schools, crisis intervention services and social services. I work from a strengths-based approach that is trauma-informed as I walk alongside my clients to achieve the goals they are seeking. I have a great appreciation and passion for Indigenous communities and their unique cultural identities and have been honored to walk alongside them in many capacities throughout my career. I understand the value of working with community support to assist community members and to bring these collective minds together to strengthen and support individuals. I am happy to work within family systems and with individuals including children and youth alike to support their diverse and individualized needs including that of respecting everyone’s identity.

I look forward to meeting with you and walking alongside you to support you in your healing journey as we share and learn together through this human experience. It is my goal and passion to bring to you a culturally sensitive, individualistic, and non-judgmental approach that is open, honest and client driven to support you in taking the steps you need to move forward within your journey. It is my goal to support you in driving the change you wish to achieve through my strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive practice.

Areas of Focus:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorders, Phobias Sleep Issues, with a focus on Insomnia Depression and Depressive Disorders Trauma Therapy Couples Counselling/Relationship Issues Support for major life transitions, such as support to post-secondary students Stress Management Support for caregivers of and for individuals with diverse abilities Spiritual Support Family Counselling Autism Dyslexia and other Learning Disabilities ADHD Supports Neurodivergent Individuals Intellectual Disability Identity Support

Education, Certification, and Specialized Training: Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University

Current Intern ​Certificates in: Suicide Intervention Cultural Diversity Comprehensive Behavioural Interventions At risk youth

I hope to enjoy using a multitude of therapeutic modalities and approaches such as solution-focused therapy, client centered, humanistic approaches, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapies.

If your plan covers Registered Clinical Counselling then these services should be covered. I can also direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit if approved as your service provider.

Age ranges served: all ages.

Email: monica.dice@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 119 Pronouns: She/Her

Location:  Monica works out of our downtown location on Mondays and Tuesdays.

I feel grateful and privileged to be in a position to be able to build trust and safety with othe... Read More