
Deanna Smith, RTCshe/her
Counsellor
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Also available by telehealth: British Columbia
Real tools, real talk, and a space where all of you is welcome.
About
Hi! It's kind of overwhelming here, hey? So. Many. Therapists. You've got this, trust your gut. Since you're here, I'll share a little about me. 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 afraid to be honest with each other.
Whether you come on your own or with a partner, I'll help you understand what's underneath the anxiety, disconnection, or patterns that aren't working. We'll look at old beliefs and survival strategies, bring compassion to your story, and build real tools for boundaries, emotions, and communication. I draw on emotionally focused therapy, relational somatic therapy, parts work (IFS), and family systems approaches, tailoring everything to fit you specifically.
All parts of you are welcome here, even the ones that feel messy, angry, confused, or stuck. We'll work at your pace, with compassion and a willingness to slow down and get curious about what's really going on beneath the surface. This is a space for truth-telling, for remembering what matters, and for reclaiming the parts of yourself that are ready to be seen and lived.
I'm in Nanaimo, BC, and I offer sessions in-person or online, most weekdays and some evenings. Visit my website to learn more or reach out to book a free 15-minute consult. Let's see if we're a good fit to work on your next chapter.
Specialties
- Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Couples therapy
- Stress management
- Depression
- Grief & loss
- Self-esteem
- Life transitions
- Spirituality
- Parenting
- LGBTQ+ identity
- Trauma & PTSD
- Family conflict
- Burnout
Approaches
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Somatic / body-based
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Psychodynamic
- Narrative therapy
- Humanistic / person-centered
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Solution-focused
- Mindfulness-based
- Gottman method
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Works with
- Adults
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Couples
- Older adults
- LGBTQ+
- Families
- Students
- Working professionals
Sessions
Languages
- English
Logistics
- Fees
CA$165per session
Individual sessions $165, couple sessions $265. Limited sliding scale options available, please reach out to inquire.
- Insurance
Accepts: TELUS Health
I accept insurance through TELUS Health. You may be eligible for insurance coverage; please check with your provider.
- Office locations
- Nanaimo, BC V9T(709) 705-6231
Licensed or authorized in
Frequently asked questions
- Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
- Yes. Evening appointments are available Monday-Wednesday. Every other Saturday morning is also available.
Credentials
- Diploma, Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling, Clearmind International, 2023
- Certificate, Opening to Grace: Relational Somatic Therapy, Opening to Grace, 2024