
Heather Andersen
Clinical Counsellor
BA Psych, MA, CCC
Heather, a former educator, made a mid-life career switch to get her master’s in counselling psychology and work in the mental health field as a clinical counsellor. She works with an integrated approach but leans heavily into Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) - with the cheer of Solution Focused Therapy.
These approaches focus a lot on understanding biological factors of mental well-being, acceptance, and the strengths of the client as they work towards change. The process with these approaches can sometimes be more directive, have more psychoeducation, and personal work between sessions.
The client’s goal is reached with dedication, growth and maybe some tears, laughter, and salty language.
Treatment Specialties:
ADHD / Executive Function
Anxiety / Depression
Personality Disorders
Substance use issues
Emotional Regulation &Interpersonal Skills
Types of Therapy:
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Strength-based
Positive Psychology
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Treatment Modality - Individual
Adults 18+
Comfortable with ages 6 – 18
Diverse Abilities
Heather has also managed to combine her love of education, passion for mental health and removing stigma at a community level by becoming a Mental Health First Aid Facilitator, licensed through Mental Health Commission of Canada to provide Standard MHFA training (Virtual and Face-to-face).
Office:
Nanaimo and Virtual
Areas of Service:
Nanaimo, Vancouver Island and area, and VIRTUAL
Recent Professional Development:
2023 Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional
2022 Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certification
2022 Mental Health First Aid Facilitator Certifications Training
2018 End-of-Life Doula Certificate – Douglas College
2022 ADHD Certified Clinical Service Provider (ADHD – CCSP)
2022 Certified in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (C-DBT)
2022 Mental Health First Aid Facilitator – Mental Health Commission of Canada
Coming soon:
2022 Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional