Counselling in Courtenay BC for Women, Caregivers & LGBTQ+ Clients

Compassionate, trauma-informed therapy supporting you through burnout, anxiety, grief, and life transitions.

“I finally felt heard and understood.”

Therapy in Courtenay Rooted in Respect, Reflection & Real Change

Are you a professional woman, a caregiver, or someone struggling with emotional burnout? I’m here to help. As a therapist in Courtenay, I offer a compassionate and grounded space for healing, self-reflection, and personal growth. My work is deeply feminist-informed, queer-affirming, and trauma-aware, designed to honour your lived experience without judgment.

Whether you are facing grief, anxiety, life transitions, or burnout, my goal is to provide individual therapy in Courtenay that truly meets you where you are. Many people in our community seek mental health support in Courtenay BC to regain clarity, rebuild resilience, and reconnect with their sense of self. If you're ready to explore change in a respectful and affirming environment, you’re in the right place.

Therapeutic Services Available In-Person in Courtenay

I offer a range of in-person therapeutic services at my Courtenay office, all grounded in a trauma-aware, feminist-informed, and queer-affirming approach. Whether you're navigating long-standing pain or recent challenges, these therapies are designed to support real, lasting change.

Trauma Counselling

Gently process traumatic experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for your nervous system.

  • This space honours your unique healing journey—there’s no pressure to rush or revisit anything before you’re ready. Whether you're navigating past abuse, medical trauma, loss, or emotional overwhelm, you're not alone here. We'll focus on building trust, emotional safety, and grounding techniques to support your nervous system as we move forward. This work is collaborative, embodied, and deeply respectful of your boundaries. Healing doesn't have to be forced—it can be supported, one step at a time.

Grief & Loss Support

Whether you're mourning a loved one, a life transition, or something less visible, this space honours your grief and helps you move through it with care.

  • Grief can take many forms—sadness, anger, numbness, even relief—and all of them are valid. There's no “right” way to grieve, and no timeline you’re expected to follow. In our work together, you’ll be met with deep compassion and steady presence, not forced positivity or quick fixes. This space allows you to speak freely, feel fully, and be witnessed without judgement. We’ll gently explore the layers of your loss and what it means for your identity and future. Whether your grief is fresh or long-held, it deserves attention and tenderness. Together, we’ll find ways to honour what was lost while nurturing what remains.

EMDR Therapy

Evidence-based treatment to help you reprocess trauma and reduce distress, using Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) in a compassionate setting.

  • EMDR is especially helpful for those experiencing PTSD, chronic stress, or long-standing emotional pain. By gently accessing and reprocessing difficult memories, EMDR helps your brain move past “stuck” trauma responses. You don’t need to relive the experience in full detail for healing to occur. Sessions are always grounded in your consent and readiness. EMDR can be deeply empowering—offering emotional relief and greater self-understanding. If you’ve tried traditional talk therapy but still feel weighed down, this may be a transformative next step. Together, we’ll assess if EMDR is the right fit and ensure you have the tools to feel safe throughout the process. Healing doesn't have to be rushed—your pace is always honoured. Many clients leave EMDR sessions with a new sense of emotional clarity and internal peace.

Anxiety & Depression Counselling

Explore the roots of anxiety and depression while learning strategies for managing symptoms and reconnecting with meaning in your life.

  • These experiences aren’t just in your head—they live in your body, habits, and relationships. In therapy, we’ll look beneath the surface to understand what’s really driving the inner unrest. You may be overwhelmed by expectations, emotionally numb, or stuck in thought loops that feel impossible to break. Our work will help you gain insight while building emotional tools for resilience and self-regulation. You don’t need to have all the answers—just a willingness to be curious. I offer a non-judgmental, calm space where your challenges are seen and met with care. We’ll honour your lived experience while working toward small, meaningful shifts in how you feel. With the right support, it’s possible to rediscover energy, ease, and connection. You deserve support that sees the full picture of your emotional life. You're not alone, and change is within reach.

Somatic Therapy

Integrating body-based awareness into talk therapy, somatic work helps release stored tension and supports nervous system regulation.

  • Often, trauma and stress aren’t just mental—they live in our bodies as chronic tightness, disconnection, or restlessness. Somatic therapy invites you to listen inward with gentleness and curiosity. You’ll learn to notice body cues, build safety in the present moment, and reconnect with your physical self. This approach is particularly supportive if you’ve felt overwhelmed by talk therapy or find it hard to name your emotions. Sessions may include breath work, grounding exercises, or mindful movement—always guided by your comfort and consent. You’re not expected to “do” anything right; the goal is to restore balance and trust in your body. Somatic work can help with anxiety, dissociation, trauma, and emotional regulation. It also strengthens your capacity for self-awareness and presence. In this work, your body becomes an ally, not a burden. Healing starts from where you are.

Clinical Supervision

Available to registered clinical counsellors and therapists seeking reflective, supportive supervision in the Courtenay area.

  • My approach is relational, strengths-based, and informed by feminist and trauma-sensitive perspectives. Whether you're in private practice, community work, or still collecting hours, supervision can offer grounding, insight, and emotional nourishment. Together, we’ll create space to explore countertransference, ethical challenges, professional growth, and self-care. I provide a non-hierarchical, collaborative space where you can reflect deeply and show up authentically. We’ll consider your unique values, therapeutic style, and identity in your work. Supervision isn’t just about staying compliant—it’s about staying connected to your “why.” I support therapists navigating burnout, vicarious trauma, or evolving practice goals. With clinical rigour and relational depth, we’ll hold both the technical and human sides of the work. If you’re seeking a supervisor who values reflection and restorative dialogue, I welcome you to reach out. Let’s grow your practice with intention and integrity.

What to Expect From Therapy Sessions in Courtenay

Every therapeutic journey is unique, but you can expect a grounded, compassionate space where your voice is heard and honoured. Sessions are shaped around your pace, needs, and goals.

Session Length

Each counselling session runs for 50 minutes, giving us enough time to explore what’s showing up for you while allowing for a gentle beginning and end. This duration supports focused, consistent progress at a sustainable pace.

In-Person Location in Courtenay

Sessions take place in a private, calming office located in central Courtenay, offering easy access and a welcoming environment. Located conveniently in Courtenay BC, I offer flexible in-person therapy options for individuals throughout the Comox Valley, including Comox, Cumberland, and surrounding areas.

A Safe and Collaborative Space

Therapy is built on trust and mutual respect. You’ll find a non-judgmental, compassionate environment where you’re free to express yourself fully. Sessions are collaborative, client-led, and tailored to your unique pace and needs.

Short- and Long-Term Support Options

Whether you're navigating a specific life event or seeking deeper, ongoing work, both short-term and long-term counselling options are available. We'll work together to determine what feels most helpful and supportive for you.

What Clients Are Saying

The therapeutic space we create together is meant to honour your lived experience with compassion, safety, and care. Here’s what a few clients have shared about their time in session.

I felt genuinely safe and supported from the very first session. She listened without judgement and held space for everything I brought. Therapy here has been deeply grounding.

Client, Courtenay

Being heard in this way was new for me. She helped me explore my anxiety with kindness and clarity. I’m finally learning how to breathe again.

Client, Comox Valley

Our sessions gave me the strength to face the trauma I had buried for years. She made it feel possible to heal. I’m no longer carrying it alone.

Client, Cumberland

Meet Your Counsellor – Elisabeth van Assum

I’m Elisabeth van Assum, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with over 10 years of experience in mental health support. I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and maintain membership with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. My ongoing commitment to professional development ensures I offer evidence-informed, compassionate care.

A Feminist, Intersectional, and Somatic Approach

My therapeutic style is rooted in feminist and intersectional values, meaning I recognise how social, cultural, and systemic factors shape your lived experience. I also practise somatic therapy, which acknowledges the body’s role in healing and helps clients reconnect with themselves gently and safely. You are the expert of your own story—my role is to walk alongside you with curiosity and respect.

Serving the Comox Valley with Care

Conveniently located in Courtenay, BC, I provide in-person therapy to individuals from across the Comox Valley, including Cumberland, Comox, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re seeking short-term support or a long-term space for growth, you are welcome here.

Why I Do This Work

I believe healing happens in relationship—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. It is a deep honour to hold space for people as they rediscover trust, strength, and meaning in their lives. My work is guided by the belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and safe in therapy.

Serving Courtenay and the Comox Valley Region

Your Local Counselling Option in Courtenay, BC

My practice is based in Courtenay, offering in-person therapy near Courtenay BC in a calm and welcoming space. Whether you live in the heart of Courtenay or nearby, you’ll find the office easily accessible and designed to support emotional safety and comfort.

Conveniently Located for the Comox Valley

I regularly welcome clients from Comox, Cumberland, Campbell River, and surrounding communities. If you’re looking for counselling in Courtenay and the Comox Valley, I’m here to support you with a grounded, trauma-informed approach.

Online Therapy Across British Columbia

If you prefer or require remote access, I offer secure online counselling sessions across British Columbia. You can receive the same quality of care from the comfort of your home—ideal for those outside the Comox Valley or with mobility or scheduling needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling in Courtenay

et answers to common questions about counselling in Courtenay, including session options, availability, and insurance coverage.

  • Yes. I provide in-person therapy in Courtenay in a private, safe, and welcoming office space. Clients from Comox, Cumberland, and Campbell River regularly attend sessions here. You’ll find the location accessible, discreet, and designed to support a calm therapeutic experience.

  • Yes, I am accepting new clients for both in-person counselling in Courtenay and online sessions throughout British Columbia. Please feel welcome to reach out via email or the contact form to discuss availability or ask any questions.

  • My standard session fee is $140 per 50-minute session. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), my services are covered by many extended health benefit plans. I encourage you to check with your provider directly regarding coverage for counselling in Courtenay and Comox Valley.

  • Absolutely. I offer online counselling in British Columbia, including for residents in Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, and nearby areas. Sessions are conducted via a secure, confidential video platform, allowing for flexibility and continuity of care.

Start Your Therapy Journey in Courtenay Today

If you're navigating stress, grief, burnout, or a major life change — you’re not alone. Reach out to begin working together in a safe, supportive environment.

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“My actions are my only true belongings.”

~ Thich Nhat Hanh