Hello! My name is Ellen.

I offer a supportive and empathetic space to share your experiences and current challenges. Together, we can navigate what you are looking for out of counselling, your goals, and the best way to get you there.

I am a master’s candidate from Yorkville University’s Master of Arts and Counselling Psychology program. I am also a Registered Social Worker with a graduate certificate in complex trauma from the Justice Institute. I have experience working with youth, concurrent disorders, and trauma, but welcome anyone looking for support. I have an extensive understanding of the child protection system and mandated psychiatric services.

I understand that counselling can be a scary and vulnerable process, and I want it to be as safe, productive, and healing as possible. I am genuinely curious about your unique worldview and excited to work with people from diverse backgrounds. I view problems holistically with a focus on an individual’s search for meaning, purpose, and authentic self-expression. I use a variety of frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Narrative therapy.

On a personal front, I am a cisgender female born in the prairies, but have lived in Vancouver and Vancouver Island for the past 20 years. I have a one-year-old son and love eating pasta, going for walks, and watching TV!

Areas of Focus: Anxiety Disorders Depression Relationship issues Trauma Concurrent Disorders Transitions Family Conflict Suicidality/Self-harm Education, Certification, and Specialized Training: Bachelor of Social Work from Vancouver Island University Graduate Certificate in Complex Trauma from the Justice Institute of British Columbia San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety

Age ranges served: All

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

Email: info@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. TBD Pronouns: She/Her Registration: BC College of Social Workers 16539. Please note that if your benefits cover Registered Social Workers, these appointments may be covered. Fees: $70 with sliding scale using the Pay What You Can Program

Location: Ellen works in Duncan on Fridays and Saturdays.

Hello! My name is Ellen. I offer a supportive and empathetic space to share your experiences and... Read More

I am a Senior Clinician at ICC with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in the treatment of complex traumatic stress and related concerns, including C-PTSD, OCD, ADHD, PMDD, borderline traits, complex family dynamics and co-dependency, disordered eating, workplace burnout, and major life transitions.

My approach is warm (but not too gooey!): I am grounded and supportive, but also clear and direct when it matters. Together, we’ll co-construct a safe, values-aligned treatment plan that supports meaningful and sustainable change. 

Our therapeutic relationship matters to me, and I will check in regularly to see how you are doing.  Research continues to show that the strength and safety of this relationship is the most reliable predictor of successful client outcomes in therapy, and I take that seriously.  In practice, this means creating a space where you feel safe enough to: admit you didn’t try any of the strategies we discussed (and thought about cancelling the session), let me know when I’ve missed the mark, or share a small win (knowing that I’m genuinely invested).  It also means making room for humour, humanity, and the reality that growth is rarely linear.

A few extra tidbits:  before moving into full-time private practice, I spent nearly two decades in BC public education as a counsellor and district mental health lead.  I am also a neurodivergent practitioner and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community – I bring a lived understanding of the complexity, nuance, and resilience that often accompany these identities.

Education and Training: I completed my Master’s in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia in 2014, including extensive supervised clinical training.  I have been working in private practice since 2016.

My clinical work is informed by ongoing post-graduate training, with a primary focus on: Internal Family Systems (IFS) – primary modality Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) Additional training in attachment trauma, high-conflict divorce, and parent/caregiver burnout I am also a Certified Trainer in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) through the Crisis Prevention Institute, as well as Advanced Psychological First Aid.

Who I Work With: Individuals, age 10 and up* Parent(s) of children under 10 *Quick note for parents/caregivers of children over 10: A free virtual consultation with the parent/caregiver is required prior to booking a first session for children or youth Parent intake sessions are strongly recommended before starting direct work with children/youth, especially for children ages 10-15 and/or youth who are hesitant to engage in treatment.   Session Details Individual sessions (in-person or virtual) Standard sessions are 50 minutes in length 30- and 80-minute sessions are also available I am currently working toward the Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) designation with the BCACC and offer virtual supervision sessions at a reduced rate.

Fees 50-minute session: $165 Direct billing available with many providers (as of April 2026) A credit card on file is required for any remaining balance

Email: carolyn.broadhurst@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 110 Pronouns: She/Her Registration: BCACC RCC 12886

Locations:  Downtown Nanaimo, Duncan, or Virtual.

I am a Senior Clinician at ICC with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, speci... Read More

Lorri Simpson

My Story: 

I have worked as a psychotherapist for the past 30 years; throughout this time, I have had the privilege to witness profound changes and healing in people. For this reason, I am passionate about this work. I trust implicitly in each person’s ability to heal and to thrive. 

I was inspired to help others following several years of doing my own healing work with a gifted clinical social worker/family therapist. The therapeutic relationship provides the basis for helping people to reconnect, in a deeply meaningful way, to themselves and to others. Over the course of the past 30 years, I have enjoyed ongoing training and learning; I have worked with people of all life stages from a wide variety of backgrounds. As a result, I am very comfortable working with many concerns. Work experience has included: private practice with individuals, couples, groups, as well as working within family service agencies, child and adult mental health services, trauma recovery services, employee and family assistance services, and addictions recovery services. 

My approach is holistic and collaborative. We may explore a variety of therapeutic modalities such as: cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, trauma therapy (if appropriate), grief therapy, body-based healing approaches, and energy practices from energy psychology, yoga, etc. The approach will be decided by us together following a comprehensive assessment to determine underlying causes. If other agencies and community services are involved in your care, a team approach will be taken.  Most people do experience some degree of healing, and, with treatment, effort, and time, improvements will occur. 

My specializations are:  

trauma therapy for post-traumatic stress  therapy for healing depression and anxiety  relationship therapy including Integrative Sex and Couples therapy  consultations for spiritual growth and evolution 

I work extensively with individuals who are coping with symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and post-traumatic stress. In addition, many of the people I see are struggling to create meaningful change in their relationships. I work with couples and families to help them to learn to better manage conflict, to achieve greater understanding and stronger connection – physical and emotional. Many people also come to therapy to grow through life transitions and to evolve spiritually. My approach is to emphasize each person’s, couple’s, and families’ strengths and to work with them in a collaborative manner. We work together to co-create their vision of a fulfilling relationship and life. Each person possesses the capacity to heal. Therapy is a vehicle to help tap into that intuitive guidance and wealth of inner resources. 

Areas of Practice 

Transforming trauma – healing post-traumatic stress from accidents, witnessing violence, abuse (emotional, physical, and sexual), separations and losses, bullying, childhood wounding, workplace stress and trauma, illness.  Healing depression, anxiety, and grief  Strengthening relationships – couples and families.  Overcoming addictions  Attention Deficit Disorder assessment and therapy  Evolving spiritually through life transitions. 

Therapeutic Modalities 

Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR)  Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)  Somatic Experiencing (SE)  Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) including Mindfulness Approaches and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)  Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, and Integrative Sex and Couples Therapy  Solution-oriented therapy  Compassionate Inquiry  Yoga  Narratives Therapy  Dialectical Behaviour Therapy  Energy Psychology 

Education and Training 

Bachelor of Psychology (B.A. Honours)  Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)  Master of Social Work (MSW) 

Professional Memberships and Affiliations 

BCASW #1000951 BC Association of Social Workers  BCCSW #04070 BC College of Social Workers, Registered Clinical Social Worker  EMDR Canada  Fees 50-minute individual session: $165  50-minute couples/family session: $180   Populations Served: Individual adults, couples, and families. In Person or Virtual. Email: lorri.simpson@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 

Locations:  Duncan, or Virtual, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Lorri Simpson My Story:  I have worked as a psychotherapist for the past 30 years; throughout t... Read More

I understand the vulnerability and courage involved in reaching out for support, and I am so glad you are here.

I am a graduate student completing my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Trinity Western University. I practice from an attachment-based, emotion-focused, trauma-informed, wholistic, and non-pathologizing perspective. I am excited to be an intern with Island Clinical Counselling, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families of all ages facing various challenges.

I prioritize compassion and emotional attunement when walking alongside clients as they pursue healing and growth in a safe, nonjudgmental space. I desire to witness people experience restoration, hope, and flourishing in their lives here and now, believing people have the capability to experience change and thrive in their lives and relationships. Throughout my studies, I have particularly enjoyed studying Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, Satir Family Therapy, and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and draw from these modalities in my practice. I have also gained hands-on experience and training in sand tray therapy with adults, adolescents, and children. I have personally experienced the power of having an attuned other walk alongside me in therapy and feel it is the greatest honour to be invited to journey alongside others.

Outside my work and pursuing studies, I love being outdoors (especially in the sunshine or by a body of water), buying flowers from local farm stands, travelling, spending time with my husband, family, and friends, and going for walks with my dog.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety Depression Relationships Couples/Families Individuals Self-Esteem Life Transitions Stress Women’s Issues Emotional Disturbance Peer Relationships Children & Adolescents Family-of-origin challenges Faith Based Support

Education:

Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, Trinity Western University (in progress) Bachelor of Arts: Psychology Major with Art: Studio Orientation Minor, Trinity Western University

Additional Training:

Introduction to Sand Tray Therapy Certificate (2025) Grief Group Facilitation Workshop (2025) Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Training (2024) Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples Therapy (2026)

I can direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit if I am approved as a service provider for your family. Contact Autism Funding for more information.

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

Email: larrissa.fowler@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 132 Pronouns: She/her Professional Affiliation: The Canadian Association for Couples and Family Therapy – Student Member Fees: $70.00-85 per session

Location: I work in Duncan on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I understand the vulnerability and courage involved in reaching out for support, and I am so glad... Read More

Welcome — and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. Finding the right counsellor is crucial, and I’m honoured you’re considering inviting me into your journey.

I live, work, and play alongside the Halalt and Cowichan Tribes communities in what is also known as the Cowichan Valley. Alongside my work as a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I bring over 10 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families across a variety of settings.

My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and collaboration. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I believe meaningful healing begins with a genuine human connection where one feels heard and understood. Rather than using a structured approach with every client, I tailor my therapeutic approach to each individual’s unique needs and goals.

Whether you’re navigating difficult emotions, processing challenging experiences, strengthening communication, or building deeper 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

Infertility, Pregnancy Loss & Reproductive Trauma

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety

Depression

Life Transitions

Grief and Loss

Stress and Burnout

Children and Youth

Self-Esteem, Imposter Syndrome

Autism

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADH)

Intellectual Disability

Spiritual Support

Pregnancy & Post Partum

Infertility, Pregnancy Loss & Reproductive Trauma

Therapeutic Modalities:

Person-Centred Therapy

Strength-Based

Solution Focused

Narrative

Activity and Play-Based modalities

Art Therapy

Somatic and Mindfulness

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

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

I can direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit if I am approved as a service provider for your family. Contact Autism Funding for more information.

I am in the process of registering with Insurance companies for direct billing. Reach out for clarification on which ones are available.

Age Ranges served: 7+

Individual adults, children, and youth. Family Counselling. In Person or Virtual.

Email: melissa.laird@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750  Pronouns: She/Her Fees: $150.00-165.00 per session Registration: BCACC RCC 21568

Location: Melissa works as a counsellor in the Duncan clinic on Mondays, Fridays, and some Saturdays.

Welcome — and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. Finding the right counsellor ... Read More

Life can be overwhelming at the best of times, and I would be honoured to support you in your path forward. Hi, I’m David Alder (he/him), a counselling intern with Island Clinical Counselling. I support clients at our Duncan location by helping navigate life’s challenges and complexities. Originally from Squamish, I moved to Victoria to study psychology at UVic and quickly realized that Vancouver Island was where I wanted to plant my roots. Before transitioning into counselling, I spent nearly a decade working on the front lines of community housing support in Victoria. This enriching experience taught me that people of all backgrounds possess an incredible capacity for resilience and growth with the necessary support. I believe therapy can be most effective when it is grounded in your unique strengths. My approach is client-centered and goal-oriented; we will work together to highlight your successes and find practical, evidence-based ways to overcome your challenges. Having lived experience with invisible disabilities, I bring a personal understanding of what it means to move through a world that isn’t always built for us. I am passionate about creating a safe, inclusive space for people of all backgrounds, orientations, and abilities. Whether navigating neurodiversity, managing a major life change, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to bring empathy and evidence-based tools to our sessions. Living with ADH and Mild Tourette syndrome inform my practice and help me recognize what it’s like to live with an invisible disability or identity. As a 2SLGBTQIA+ ally, I aim to offer the support many feel they have had to work extra hard for. Outside of therapy, I recharge through home cooking, gaming, paddleboarding, and exploring the great outdoors. I view wellness as holistic, and I look forward to helping you build a life that feels authentic, enjoyable, and sustainable.

Modalities and Certifications: Certification in Foundational Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) Narrative Therapy Feminist Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) The Dos and Don’ts of Counselling Neurodivergent Clients: A Trauma Informed Somatic Approach to Autism and ADH Indigenous Approaches to Healing SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (learn more in our blog post) My areas of interest include: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADH) Autism Addictions Anxiety Burnout and self-care Child, Youth, and Family support Depression Trauma

I can direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit if I am approved as a service provider for your family. Contact Autism Funding for more information.

Age ranges served: Children 7+, teens, and adults Session Types: individual adults, individual children and youth, families, couples in-person sessions, or virtual.

Email: david.alder@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: (250) 410-0946 Text: (250) 410-0946 Fees: $70.00 per session (not covered by benefit plans)

Location: I will be working at the Duncan office Sunday 12:00-9:00PM, Monday 5:00-9:00PM, and Tuesday 12:00-9:00PM.

Life can be overwhelming at the best of times, and I would be honoured to support you in your pat... 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 have completed my Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology program which lead me to want to deepen my skills through practicing alongside Island Clinical Counselling due to their reputation within the community.

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 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADH) Supports Neurodivergent Individuals Intellectual Disability Identity Support LGBTQ support and advocacy Habit Reversal CBT for Insomnia Career Counselling Sand and Play Therapy ARFID 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 Suicide Intervention Cultural Diversity Comprehensive Behavioural Interventions At risk youth Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry In Action Trauma Healing with Bessel van der Kolk Psychopharmacology: Essential Updates for Mental Health Professionals Rebuilding Trust in ADHD-Impacted Relationships How Attention Works, Why it Fails, & How to Train It Young Adults with ADHD: Navigating Academia and Adulting How Attachment, Trauma & Temperament Shape Personality: Applications from Interpersonal Neurobiology to Inspire Clinical Work with Dr. Dan Siegel Mindfulness and Interpersonal Neurobiology in Clinical Practice with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Dan Siegel ADHD Certification Course: What’s New & What’s Next in Supporting Neurodiverse Clients Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy Professional (C-DBT) Training: An Advanced Online Skills Training for Adapting Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Everyday Clinical Needs Complex Trauma Certification Training: Interventions from EMDR, Parts Work, CPT, and Polyvagal Theory Suicide and Self-Harm in Adolescents: Effective Assessment and Intervention Strategies for Young People in Crisis Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF – CBT) Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Core Clinician Training Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety and Depression Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A) Group Therapy CBT for ARFID 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 benefits cover Registered Clinical Counsellors, then my services should be covered. I am unable to direct bill to private insurance. Please submit your receipts to your benefits provider for reimbursement.

Age ranges served: all ages. Session Types: Individual adults, children, and youth. Families and Couples Counselling. In Person or Virtual.

Email: monica.dice@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 119 Pronouns: She/Her Fees: $150-165 per session (Registered Clinician Rates) Registration: BCACC RCC 22230

Location: Monica provides counselling in our Duncan location on Monday and Wednesday evenings. She offers consults on Wednesdays during the day, but has more availability upon request.

I feel grateful and privileged to be in a position to be able to build trust and safety with othe... 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 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADH) 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 (ADH 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.

Direct Billing: 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. If your plan allows it, I can direct bill to some insurance plans, see them here. If approved as a service provider, I can direct bill the Autism Funding Unit for adult and couples counselling. I also provide direct billing to Crime Victims Assistance (CVAP).

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 Group Therapy Group Therapy:

Embrace Your (Neurodivergent) Mind (Online) Age ranges served: Adult 18+ Session Types: Individual adults and couples Counselling. In Person or Virtual. Fees: $150-165 per session (Registered Clinician Rates) Registration: CCPA CCC 11247230

Email: kate.bonnell@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 130 Text: 250-410-1577 Pronouns: She/Her

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