Anxiety Therapists in Courtenay, BC
Alicia Buck
Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling- Provisional (MPCC-p), LPC
I believe that clients are the true experts of their own lives. My role is not to tell my clients who to be or how to heal, but to walk alongside them as they rediscover their own strength and resilience. I provide a warm, person-centered environment where everyone can feel safe, heard, and truly seen. I support all cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.
Renata Roma
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I offer support for individuals dealing with anxiety, including high-functioning anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts, and phobias, including animal-related fears. Many of my clients come in with relationship struggles. I also specialize in pet loss, and anxiety related to pets.
Emma Hartley
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, BA (she, her)
Are you looking for a therapist that knows what it's like to feel lost or overwhelmed and how to find your footing again? Noticing yourself feeling more anxious, "just tired", and craving a space to slow down and reconnect with a sense of meaning or purpose? Trying to make sense of shifts in mood, questioning careers, exploring relationships, parenting and identity, or a major life transition?
Tyler Fong
Canadian Certified Counsellor
I hope to help facilitate your next steps of understanding and growth; we will work to reduce negative symptoms, process difficult experiences, and move toward your goals. I offer short-term and longer-term counselling through a variety of evidence-based approaches. We will collaborate on the style that best suites you. I offer Individual and couples counselling for adults or youth aged 12+.
Mackenzie Howard
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I provide psychotherapy to adults across Ontario who are navigating concerns such as anxiety, stress, burnout, perfectionism, relationship concerns, self-esteem, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative and individualized, with sessions focused on understanding your experiences and working toward goals that are meaningful to you.
Michelle Keough
Master of Clinical Social Work, Registered Social Worker
Feeling disconnected from your partner has got you feeling discouraged and frustrated in your relationship. You're tired of having the same arguments continue to happen in your relationship with no understanding. Being stuck in conflict has lead to you feeling disconnected from your partner and is holding you back from creating a secure loving bond. You no longer need to feel alone in your rela...
Mandeep Lalli
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stuck? Maybe something feels wrong? I help people navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and relationship struggles, with culturally sensitive care that honours your full background, including pressures others may miss. As a South Asian therapist who spent 15 years in the corporate world, I bring lived experience and real-world context to therapy.
Sandra Daoust
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) and Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling (MPCC-P)
You're not broken, and you don’t need fixing. At your core, you're whole. But life, trauma, loss, stress, and relationships can make you feel fragmented/out of alignment. My work is about helping you remember who you are beneath the layers: sovereign and capable of living an authentic life. My approach is collaborative to your unique lived experience. Healing is not linear, but it is possible.
Ed Chen M.Ed, RCC-ACS, CCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Clinical Supervisor, Canadian Certified Counsellor
Ed is a BCACC registered, CCPA certified clinical counsellor, and a BCACC Approved Clinical Supervisor. Ed has extensive experience in delivering Dialectical Behavior Therapy to high-risk adults, youths and families experiencing concerns such as suicidality, self-harm, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, trauma, and addictions.
Emma Laughlan
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I work with children (10+), teens, and adults who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or exhausted by the pressure to get everything “right.” You may be stuck in overthinking, people‑pleasing, panic symptoms, health anxiety, or relationship patterns that leave you doubting yourself. On the outside, you might appear high‑achieving and capable. Inside, you feel tense, self‑critical, or never quite enough.
Lisa Demmer
Registered Psychotherapist, HBA, ADHD-CP, EMDR
Accepting NEW Clients – Is it hard to find motivation or let go of anxious thoughts? Do you feel stuck in low mood, the past, or like you’re going through the motions but nothing changes? Have you lost sight of yourself, or feel held back by experiences that continue to echo into the present? Maybe you’re wanting support with emotions, communication, relationships, identity, or finding meaning in…
Chantelle Vaz
Registered Psychotherapist
I offer a warm and collaborative space where you can explore your experiences with curiosity and care. My approach is rooted in empathy and authenticity, supporting you in understanding your story, building self-compassion, and creating meaningful change. I draw from narrative, attachment, and emotion-focused therapies to meet your unique needs.
Eleni Anagnosti
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), ADHD-CCSP, MS, HBA, BA
My approach is compassionate, culturally attuned, and collaborative. I draw from CBT, strengths-based, solution-focused, and trauma-informed approaches to support ADHD, anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, life transitions, and relationship patterns. Together, we focus on building practical tools, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of self-trust.
Yuka Oshimi
MC, RCC, ADHD-CCSP, DCP(c)
AuDHD Registered Clinical Counsellor and doctoral candidate offering neurodivergent-affirming, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed counselling for adults across BC and Canada. POC-founded practice with lived Third Culture Kid experience. Areas include but are not limited to ADHD, autism, AuDHD, anxiety, depression, and workplace and school challenges.
Jessica Kurucz
Registered Social Worker
I provide support to adults and couples. I have experience working with individuals experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, gender issues, substance use, low self-esteem, stress-related issues, and chronic illness. I recognize that it takes a great deal of courage to make the decision to start counselling. I consider it a privilege to be invited into your life
Carole Boivin M.Ed, RCC, CCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor & Certified EMDR Therapist
Hi, as an experienced Registered Counsellor (24 years) and as a Certified EMDR Therapist, I am passionate about helping others find resolution, healing & happiness in their lives. Working in both English and French, I offer individual counselling & expertise in EMDR Therapy to provide support to overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and self-esteem issues, & more. My approach has bee…
Therapy Collective
Registered Psychologist/Counselling Therapist/Certified Counsellor
We are a group practice with psychologists, CCC's, CT's, and a therapy dog who offer counselling and formal psycho-educational assessments. We cover a broad range of presenting concerns for children, youth, families, couples, and individuals. We offer a variety of approaches as well: EMDR, Cognitive-Hypnotherapy, Art Therapy, Play-Based Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Attachment-Based, Somatic.
Mikyla Bergman
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Let's talk ADHD and Anxiety! Are you newly diagnosed ADHD? or an experienced hyperactive/ inattentive brain? I focus on working with and understanding the ADHD brain and anxiety, looking at the challenges, strategies and differences of living with ADHD in a neurotypical world- let's get into it! I believe in a person-centred approach that provides unique, tailored support for each individual. …
Stacy Kirkbride
Registered Psychotherapist, Recreation Therapist
I offer compassionate support for those living with chronic illness, pain, and post-injury life challenges. I specialize in helping you navigate the emotional and mental hurdles these bring. My goal is to help you reclaim your sense of self, cope with grief and loss, and rebuild your life with resilience and purpose. You're not alone--I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff - Forward Thinking Psychological Services
Registered Clinical Psychologist
At Forward Thinking Psychological Services (FTPS), we provide you with warmth, compassion and tools you need to move ahead in your life and achieve your goals. Our work is evidence-based, collaborative and values-based – ensuring that every individual is a participant in their treatment and is able to become their own therapist over time. We provide treatment to individuals, couples, and families.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety
What is an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive fear or worry that is disproportionate to the situation and significantly interferes with daily life. They are the most common mental health condition in Canada, affecting approximately 1 in 4 Canadians at some point in their lives. Unlike ordinary nervousness, anxiety disorders do not resolve on their own without support.
What types of anxiety disorders does therapy treat?
Therapists treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia, health anxiety, and separation anxiety. Each has distinct features — for example, GAD involves pervasive worry across many areas, while panic disorder centres on recurring unexpected panic attacks. A therapist will assess your specific presentation before recommending a treatment approach.
Which therapy approaches are most effective for anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence base for anxiety disorders and is widely considered the gold-standard treatment. Other effective approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), exposure-based therapies, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and EMDR for anxiety rooted in past trauma. Your therapist will tailor the approach to your specific presentation.
Do I need medication to treat anxiety?
Therapy alone — particularly CBT — is highly effective for most anxiety disorders and produces lasting change by addressing underlying thought and behaviour patterns. Some people benefit from combining therapy with medication such as SSRIs or SNRIs, especially when symptoms are severe. This decision is best made in consultation with your therapist and a physician or psychiatrist.
How long does therapy for anxiety typically take?
Most people with anxiety disorders see meaningful improvement within 12–20 weekly sessions of CBT. Specific phobias and panic disorder often respond faster, sometimes within 6–12 sessions. The timeline depends on the severity of your anxiety, any co-occurring conditions, and how consistently you practise skills between sessions.
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