Relationship Issues Therapists in Nanaimo, BC

Stacy Kirkbride

Stacy Kirkbride

Registered Psychotherapist, Recreation Therapist

Virtual

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.

Annie Szalkai

Annie Szalkai

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

I work with adults from diverse backgrounds, supporting those navigating anxiety, stress, and self-esteem challenges. My approach is client-centred and integrative, drawing from CBT, ACT, EFIT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and more to meet each person’s unique needs.

Maya Awad

Maya Awad

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, ADHD-SP, HBSc (she, her)

Virtual

Accepting NEW clients - Are you feeling overwhelmed or like you’re carrying a lot on your own? Feel like you're doing everything you’re “supposed to do,” but something still doesn’t feel right? Have a desire to better understand your thoughts, emotions, or patterns, work on building confidence or self-esteem, or find support for your relationship?

Mara Behan

Mara Behan

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I help couples and individuals find growth, healing, and stronger connections. Using evidence-based and individualized approaches, I support those struggling with women's health concerns (e.g., pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause), relationship concerns (e.g., resentment, infidelity), and life transitions (e.g., separation/divorce, parenting). I offer a free 15-minute consultation!

Bonnie Koehn

Bonnie Koehn

Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Canadian Counsellor

Virtual

My practice is grounded in a holistic and non-pathologizing approach that is client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I offer authentically compassionate and accepting therapy so you can feel free to be yourself. My clients attend virtual therapy from their preferred location- whether that’s the comfort of home, a walk in the park, or over lunch break at work.

Amelia Traer

Amelia Traer

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, PsiChi

Virtual

My work is shaped by CBT, ACT, DBT, ERP, and trauma-informed, mindfulness-based approaches. I support clients with anxiety, burnout, OCD and phobias, ADHD, grief, life transitions, women's health, and chronic health concerns. Our therapy space adapts, with a focus on connection, emotional regulation, and practical strategies that fit your life.

Deanna Smith

Deanna Smith

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor

Virtual In-Person

I help people who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or lost in their own life. Maybe you’re tired of holding it all together, reacting in ways you don’t like, or putting everyone else first and losing yourself in the process. I also support couples stuck in the same fight, feeling more like roommates, or scared to be honest.

Hazim Al-Faouri

Hazim Al-Faouri

Registered Psychotherapist, CCC, MA, EMDR

Virtual

Overwhelmed by life's pressures, past traumas, or relationship challenges? Want to understand how your thoughts and feelings connect to your overall sense of self? Seeking a therapist who gets your values and background, connecting you to your past, present, and future experiences? Let's work to explore your struggles or dive into understanding yourself better.

Aaron Chin

Aaron Chin

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Virtual

Hi, I’m Aaron, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC# 21391) practicing online, and in person for clients in Surrey, BC. I strongly believe in the power of therapy to facilitate personal growth, healing, and empowerment. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their concerns.

Stacey Sanderson

Stacey Sanderson

Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, Subject Matter Expert

Virtual Not accepting new clients

I am Subject Matter Expert in complex, relational trauma, narcissism and high conflict divorce. If you are in a toxic relationship, I can help you navigate the process while learning the powerful boundaries and strategy you need to get to the next chapter in your life feeling confident and empowered. I will help you understand the attachment patterns that are keeping you stuck.

Renata Roma

Renata Roma

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

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.

Tasleem Suleman

Tasleem Suleman

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor Candidate RTCc

Virtual

I provide counselling for adults and adolescents navigating relational stress, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions. My approach is calm and regulation-based, focusing on building emotional steadiness, understanding patterns, and restoring clarity and confidence in decision-making. Online sessions available across British Columbia.

Li Li

Li Li

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Li offers relational psychoanalytic and trauma-informed somatic/EMDR/IFS/EFT therapy, to support individual, couples and families in communities such as immigrants, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent (ADHD), and professionals, whose experiences resonate with her own life journey the most. She holds a compassionate, culturally attuned space where clients can express freely and rediscover their authentic self.

Nita Agustin

Nita Agustin

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)

Virtual

Alo, my name is Nita Agustin, and I go by she/they pronoun. I’m your friendly neighbourhood LGBTQ therapist based in Burnaby, BC, ready to help you find yourself on this journey called life. If you’re expecting a typical, “professional” looking counsellor, I will warn you, that’s not me. I show up the way I want my clients to show up - as my whole self. I laugh loudly. I speak openly and I e...

Sheri Sadowick

Sheri Sadowick

Professional Counsellor - B.A., RTCc, CT

Virtual

West Kootenay based empathetic, trauma-informed counsellor and coach offering online Parent Support and Trauma Recovery Counselling, plus empowering 1-1 coaching. Founder of 'The Move Forward Method' 12-week online program for women healing. Travel the world with me... customized Adventure Travel Coaching! Sheri Lee Wellness: Healing with Intention ~ Growing with Purpose.

Emma Laughlan

Emma Laughlan

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

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.

Tracy Greenough

Tracy Greenough

MPCC (Provisional), RTC Candidate

Virtual

You don't have to keep carrying everything on your own. I help adults, teens, and couples overcome anxiety, trauma, overwhelm, and self-doubt through practical, evidence-informed counselling that helps you create lasting change-not just temporary relief.

Harleen Gill

Harleen Gill

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

As a woman of colour raised by two immigrants, I have extensive lived experience with the struggles that often come along with these identities and circumstances. I strive to create a safe space using a culturally-informed lens in which you feel comfortable enough to put down some of the weight of life that you have been carrying alone. Book a free consultation now and start your healing journey.

Grant McMahon

Grant McMahon

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC 11135)

Virtual

I offer virtual counselling to adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, relationship difficulties, grief, and major life transitions. For over 12 years, I've helped people understand the patterns that keep them stuck and build steadiness, clarity, and practical change in their lives.

Colombe Mazerolle

Colombe Mazerolle

Licensed Counselling Therapist - C

Virtual

Are you struggling with intense emotions that feel overwhelming, ongoing conflict or disconnection in relationships or feeling stuck in survival mode or repeating self-sabotaging patterns? I'm Colombe, therapist at Ember Counselling Therapy, and I help individuals and couples build emotional balance, heal from past pain, and create healthier relationships.

How do therapists in Nanaimo, BC compare?

Number of therapists listed

59

Average years in practice

6.4 Years

Currently accepting new clients

97 %

Therapists in Nanaimo, BC who prioritize treating:

100% Relationship Issues
76% Anxiety
53% Trauma and PTSD
49% Depression
34% Self Esteem
32% ADHD
24% Emotional Dysregulation
22% Stress

How therapists see their clients

2% In Person & Online
98% Online Only

Top therapy approaches used in Nanaimo, BC:

41% Trauma Focused
39% Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
36% Person-Centered
36% Internal Family Systems (IFS)
36% Couples Counselling
32% Attachment-based
32% Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
29% Strength-Based

Frequently Asked Questions About Relationship Issues

What kinds of relationship issues can therapy help with?

Therapy addresses a wide range of relationship concerns — not only romantic partnerships but also family relationships, friendships, and workplace dynamics. Common issues include communication breakdowns, conflict patterns, trust and jealousy, intimacy difficulties, attachment challenges, codependency, loneliness, setting boundaries, and recovering from betrayal or loss in a relationship. Both individuals and couples can benefit from relationship-focused therapy.

Can I work on relationship issues in individual therapy without my partner?

Yes — individual therapy is often very effective for relationship concerns. Working one-on-one with a therapist allows you to explore your own patterns, attachment style, communication habits, and emotional responses without the complexity of navigating the dynamic with your partner present. Many people find that individual therapy changes how they show up in relationships, which in turn shifts relationship dynamics even when only one person attends.

What is attachment theory and why does it matter for relationships?

Attachment theory describes the patterns of relating to others we develop in early childhood based on our caregiving experiences. These patterns — broadly categorized as secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized — shape how we connect, communicate, and respond to closeness or conflict as adults. Understanding your attachment style is often a foundation of relationship therapy, as it explains many recurring patterns that feel confusing or out of your control.

How long does relationship therapy typically take?

Timeline varies based on the nature and depth of the issues. Specific, recent concerns — such as navigating a difficult conversation or adjusting to a relationship change — may resolve within 6–12 sessions. Longer-standing patterns rooted in early experiences or repeated relationship cycles often benefit from longer-term work. Your therapist will set goals with you at the outset and review progress regularly.

What therapy approaches are used for relationship issues?

Attachment-based therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, and psychodynamic therapy are among the most commonly used approaches for relationship concerns. CBT-based communication skills training is also widely integrated. Many therapists draw on more than one approach, tailoring the work to whether the issue is primarily about communication, emotional regulation, past wounds, or changing ingrained relational patterns.