Welcome! My name is Shannon and I help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassionate, evidence-based approaches.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, my practice integrates cognitive, behavioural and experiential strategies through a self-compassion lens. With a foundation in CBT and exposure-based therapies, I support children, youth and adults navigating anxiety/OCD and related disorders. Trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP) for OCD, I am additionally pursuing advanced certification in this area through the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. As part of this process, I am working in consultation with a clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric and adult OCD. I similarly support individuals struggling with insomnia and panic and use Habit Reversal Training/the Comprehensive Behavioral model for body focussed repetitive behaviours (BFRBs).

I am also trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help families navigate childhood anxiety disorders and OCD by increasing supportive communication and reducing accommodations. Parenting children with anxiety/OCD can be physiologically activating. SPACE addresses this and other concerns to help both parents and children improve functioning.

I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma and as an adjunct therapy for panic and anxiety. For this method I employ visual or tactile bilateral stimulation to engage dual attention in reprocessing traumatic memories. Depending on the level and type of trauma, I can draw on parts work and somatic tools for safety and resourcing.

With a background working with Indigenous communities and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, I strive to bring creativity, cultural competence and humility to all our sessions.

I can direct bill to a variety of insurers, including: Greenshield, Sunlife, Pacific Blue Cross, Blue Cross/Medavie, and insurers falling under Telus e-claims (e.g., Manulife, Group Health, etc.).

Areas of focus:

● Anxiety & panic ● Phobias ● Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) ● Ruminations/intrusive thoughts ● Parenting through childhood anxiety and OCD ● Body-focussed Repetitive Behaviours (Dermatillomania and Trichotillomania) ● Insomnia ● Depression ● Stress management ● Trauma ● Mood and Emotional Regulation

Education and training: I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology along with a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts.

● Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD (ExRP for OCD) ● Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders ● SPACE Parent-Based Training for Childhood Anxiety and OCD ● Treatment for BFRBs ● Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) ● Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) ● CBT for Insomnia ● Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed Therapy Age ranges served: 10 +

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

Email: shannon.cowan@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 152 Text: (250) 410-0911 Pronouns: She/Her Fees: $150.00-165.00 per session Registration: BCACC RCC 27390

Location: Shannon works in Parksville on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Welcome! My name is Shannon and I help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with c... Read More

I am honoured to be offering services as a student practitioner while completing the final stages of a master’s degree in counselling. I believe in the inherent dignity and worth of all people, and that every individual deserves to be listened to with empathy and respect. I am committed to providing a safe, warm, and non-judgmental space where you can experience being seen and heard. My approach to therapy is collaborative and adaptable, recognising that you have strengths, values, abilities, insights and preferences that should shape the direction of counselling. Therapy is not “one size fits all”, and I hope to develop a therapeutic relationship founded on authenticity, where you are comfortable sharing what is and is not working, and we can adjust accordingly. If this sounds like a good fit, it would be an honour to meet you and hear your story.

Some areas of interest:

Grief & Loss Perinatal Mental Health Maternal Mental Health Emotional Regulation Spirituality and Faith Anxiety Depression

Additional training:

Infant and Pregnancy Loss Support Person Certification (Doula Canada) Post-Partum Depression and Related Mood Disorders Narrative Therapy Grief Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Expressive Arts Therapy

Age ranges served: All

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

Email: info@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. TBD Pronouns: She/Her Fees: $70 with sliding scale using the Pay What You Can Program

Location: Sabrina works in Parksville on Mondays and Thursdays.  She works in Downtown Nanaimo on Fridays.  

I am honoured to be offering services as a student practitioner while completing the final stages... Read More

Hi there, I’m Jill. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and am currently completing supervised hours toward registration as a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC. Before sharing a bit of my professional journey, I want to begin with how I approach counselling. “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” ~ Victor Frankl My invitation in counselling is to help you create and stay with that space. It’s a pause where you can notice what is present, make choices that are meaningful, and practise new ways of responding to life’s challenges. In that space, you can access your own inner wisdom, resilience, and capacity for growth. Together, we will use your personal stories and meaningful history to guide the counselling process. We will use narrative and mindfulness based approaches to support your experience. Since 1993, I have been honoured to walk alongside people as they navigate life transitions, living with illness, grief, loss, identity shifts, and times of deep change. Earlier in my career, I worked directly as a counsellor with children, youth, adults, and families, offering both individual and group support across hospice, hospital, outdoor camp, and school-based settings, including work with pregnant and parenting adolescents. In more recent years, I provided leadership within Island Health’s Palliative & End-of-Life Care program, while remaining closely connected to clinical practice through mentorship and consultation. Following a significant loss in the summer of 2024, I became clear in my desire to return to counselling work that focuses on deep, meaningful client relationships. When I am not working, I can often be found on the trails with family and my two young golden retrievers, Maui and Sunday, or enjoying the sunrise at one of the many beautiful beaches in central Vancouver Island.

Clinical Experience and Areas of Focus • Grief and bereavement across the lifespan, including perinatal and child loss • Living with chronic illness and life-limiting conditions (children, youth, and adults) • Caregiver support and wellness • Health-care navigation and advocacy • Maternal mental health and parenting transitions • Pre- and post-natal mental health • Life transitions across the lifespan • Stress management • Health-care provider support and wellness • Compassion fatigue, burnout, and moral distress • Anxiety and mood changes • Resilience and post-traumatic growth • Spiritual care

Education & Training • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology — Yorkville University • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — University of Calgary • Advanced Studies in Mental Health — Mount Royal College • Psychosocial Care of the Dying – Victoria Hospice • Training in cognitive, somatic, narrative, and mindfulness-based approaches • Play and Sand Therapy — Alberta Play Therapy Association • Suicide Intervention Training (Basic and Adolescent Levels) — SIEC • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing — Level 1 • Childbirth Education — Level 1 • San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training • Nature-Based Therapy — Introductory Workshop • Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Populations & Session Types • Ages: Children, youth, young adults, adults • Sessions: Individual, family, and couples counselling Availability • In-person sessions at the Parksville Clinic • Virtual sessions from the comfort of your own space • Nature-based sessions (where appropriate)

Age ranges served: all Session types: Individuals, couples, families, online and in person

Email: jill.gerke@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 116 Fees: $70, offering the Pay What You Can Program for those in need

Location: She works out of our Parksville office on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Hi there, I’m Jill. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and am currently completing... Read More

Thank you for taking the first step toward creating a brighter future for yourself! I believe that you are the expert in your own life and healing journey.

Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, or body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRB)? Or perhaps you’re simply looking for support as you navigate life’s ups and downs? I’m here to help. Together, we’ll explore your thoughts and behaviours, unpack unhelpful patterns, and work toward developing healthier ways of thinking and living—guiding you toward a stronger, more balanced version of yourself.

My primary therapeutic approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), complemented by elements of Narrative Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Through these approaches, we’ll examine how your thoughts and actions influence your mental well-being.

As a former elementary school teacher with 18 years of experience, as well as a youth soccer and basketball coach, I also bring extensive experience working with children, youth, and their families. I work with adults of all ages as well.

I also have experience working with autistic children and adults. If your family is eligible, I can direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit, and I am an approved practitioner.

Areas of Focus:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Athletes Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorders, Phobias Depression and depressive disorders Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours: picking and pulling disorders (BFRBs), such as Dermatillomania and Trichotillomania Tics and Tourette’s Syndrome Body Dysmorphic Disorder Neurodiversity Support for major life transitions, such as support to post-secondary students Stress Management Support for caregivers of and individuals with diverse abilities Education and Training: I have completed my Masters in Counselling and a supervised practicum. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Exposure Response Prevention (ERPs) Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for OCD Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT) Tics and Tourette’s Syndrome Treatment: Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) in Youth and Adults Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) for OCD specific to Autism and ADHD SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (learn more in our blog post) Direct Billing: 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 can bill Game Plan for athletes mental health. I direct bill to Saje Funding through the BC Government. If your benefits plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellors then these appointments should be covered. I currently do not direct bill to private insurance, please submit your receipts to your benefit plans.

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

Email: bree.stutt@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 105 Text: 778-313-0804 Pronouns: She/Her Fees: $150-165 per session (Registered Clinician Rates) Registration: BCACC RCC 19810

Location: Bree works in Parksville Tuesday through Friday.

Thank you for taking the first step toward creating a brighter future for yourself! I believe tha... Read More

Click on all three of my locations to see my full availability

I am honoured to be part of the skilled and compassionate team at Island Clinical Counselling, providing support for adults, youth, children, couples, and families. I believe in working collaboratively and meeting you where you are, every step of the way. I am committed to using evidence-based therapies, delivered in a person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally inclusive way.

I aim to provide affirming care that supports 2SLGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse identities. I work with individuals with confirmed or suspected neurodiversity and those navigating later in life discovery.

I specialize in cognitive, behavioural, and mindfulness-based treatments for anxiety-related concerns, mood and emotion regulation, panic, obsessive-compulsive behaviours (OCD), hoarding, phobias, BFRBs, tics, chronic health issues, tinnitus, body image, eating concerns, and trauma. My background is in exposure and response prevention (ERP) and I also offer virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET). If you are curious about how VR therapy might support you or your child in managing fear or anxiety, please book a free consult to explore this option.

I incorporate leading trauma therapies including cognitive processing therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and EMDR, which uses visual, auditory, or tactile dual attention stimulation to support trauma processing.

I have a special interest in supporting individuals and couples through fertility challenges, pregnancy, postpartum mental health, and parenthood. My graduate research focused on the impact of fertility-related stress on individuals and couples.

I work with both monogamous and consensual non-monogamous relationships, using emotion focused therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method to support communication and connection.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety, Panic, Phobias Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviours (OCD) Depression and Mood Concerns PTSD and Trauma Processing Attention-Deficit/hyperactivity (ADH) and Autism Support (Confirmed and Unconfirmed), Late Discovery Tics and Tourette’s Misophonia Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (picking, pulling, nail biting) Fertility Challenges, Secondary Infertility Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health Parenting Support, Parent-Child Relationships Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Body Image, Eating Concerns, Self-esteem, Health-At-Every-Size (HAES) Chronic Health Issues, Chronic Pain Tinnitus Sleep Issues, Insomnia Relationship Counselling Family Relationships Narcissistic Trauma Identity and Career Exploration Child and Youth Counselling Education and Training:

Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, Athabasca University Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Thompson Rivers University CBT-Insomnia Inference based CBT (I-CBT) for OCD with Neurodivergent Populations San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Tics and Tourette’s (CBIT) Habit Reversal Therapy for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs) EMDR (EMDRIA Approved basic training) Narcissistic Abuse Trauma Care for Survivors Virtual Reality for Anxiety and Phobia Treatment (VRET) Parent-child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and Families The Gottman Method for Couples, Level 1 & 2 Managing chronic pain SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (learn more in our blog post) Group Therapy:

Chill League, ages 9-13 in person in Parksville (ages flexible) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group for Teens (13-17) – on Zoom

Direct Billing: 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. If your plan allows it, I can direct bill to some insurance plans (Greenshield, Sun Life, Canada Life, Blue Cross, Telus eclaims), see them here.

Age ranges served: All children, youth and adults Session Types: Couples, individual adults, individual children and youth, families, in person sessions or virtual.

Email: sondra.petrus@islandclinicalcounselling.ca Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 121 Text: 778-410-5510 Pronouns: She/Her Fees: 150-175 dollars. (Registered Clinician Rates) CCPA CCC 11248969 BCACC RCC 21942

Location: I work out of the downtown Nanaimo office on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. I am in North Nanaimo on Wednesdays. I work in Parksville Tuesdays.

Click on all three of my locations to see my full availability I am honoured to be part of the s... Read More