EMDR Therapy in Victoria, BC & Online in French & English
Chantell Mckay,
Student Counsellor &
EMDR Therapist
Chantell McKay, Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Student Counsellor & EMDR Therapist
Virtual Telehealth sessions available
Welcome! As an intern, I have completed my Master's Degree of Psychiatric Nursing requirements at Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba. I am currently in the process of completing my intern counselling hours in order to receive my professional designation and practice as a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
I have been practicing as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse since 2011, offering counselling from the perspective of holistic mental health and wellness. I have experience treating trauma, addictions and complex mental health concerns with youth, adults and couples.
My approach is non-judgemental, trauma-informed and client led as I focus on building coping strategies and supporting holistic wellness collaboratively in my client's life. I believe that each of my clients are unique and that their needs vary. I strive to work together in order to facilitate success as my clients achieve their goals successfully in a way that meets their needs.
I welcome you to email me below or book a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs and whether my services are a good fit. The rate for a 60 minute session is currently $50.
My Specialties
Anxiety & Depression
Providing support, guidance, and interventions to clients experiencing excessive worry, fear, sadness and apprehension. Through a collaborative and empathetic therapeutic relationship, clients learn to identify triggers, manage symptoms, and develop coping strategies to navigate daily stressors more effectively. Counselling sessions may incorporate cognitive-behavioural techniques, relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, and psychoeducation to help clients gain insight into their anxiety symptoms and build resilience. The goal is to empower clients to regain a sense of control, reduce anxiety levels, and improve overall well-being. This may entail inner child work or looking at the limitations of the automatic brain.
Chronic Illness & Pain
Offering support and coping strategies to individuals navigating the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges associated with long-term health conditions. Through compassionate and personalized counseling sessions, clients explore their experiences, emotions, and concerns related to chronic illness and pain. Therapeutic interventions may include cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, relaxation exercises, and psychoeducation to help clients manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and enhance resilience. The counselling process aims to empower clients to develop adaptive coping strategies, foster self-compassion, and cultivate a sense of empowerment in managing their health journey.
Family Conflict
Counselling for family conflict provides a supportive and structured environment for families to address and resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. Through collaborative sessions, family members explore underlying issues, express their perspectives, and work towards finding mutually beneficial solutions. Counselling may involve identifying communication patterns, setting boundaries, and learning effective problem-solving strategies. The goal is to promote understanding, empathy, and cooperation among family members, leading to healthier dynamics and improved family functioning.
Grief & Loss
Counselling for grief and loss offers compassionate support and guidance to individuals navigating the emotional challenges associated with losing a loved one or experiencing significant life changes. Through empathetic and nonjudgmental counselling sessions, clients are encouraged to express their feelings, memories, and struggles related to the loss. Therapeutic interventions may include validating emotions, exploring coping mechanisms, and integrating the loss into one's life story. The counselling process aims to provide a safe space for healing, facilitate adjustment to life after loss, and promote resilience in the face of grief.
Life Transitions
Counselling for life transitions offers support and guidance to individuals navigating significant changes or transitions in their lives, such as career changes, relocation, retirement, or relationship transitions. Through personalized counselling sessions, clients explore their emotions, concerns, and goals related to the transition. Therapeutic interventions may include exploring values and priorities, developing coping strategies, and creating action plans to navigate the transition successfully. The counseling process aims to provide a supportive and empowering space for clients to embrace change, adapt to new circumstances, and move forward with confidence and resilience.
Perfectionism
Counselling for perfectionism offers support and strategies to individuals struggling with high standards, self-criticism, and the relentless pursuit of flawlessness. Through empathetic and nonjudgmental counselling sessions, clients explore the underlying causes and consequences of perfectionism. Therapeutic interventions may include cognitive-behavioural techniques, mindfulness practices, and self-compassion exercises to challenge perfectionistic thinking patterns and promote self-acceptance. The counselling process aims to help clients develop healthier perspectives on achievement, manage expectations, and cultivate resilience in the face of imperfection.
Self-Esteem & Worth
Counselling for self-esteem and self-worth provides a supportive and empowering space for individuals to explore and enhance their feelings of self-worth and confidence. Through compassionate and personalized counseling sessions, clients examine the beliefs, experiences, and behaviors that contribute to their self-esteem. Therapeutic interventions may include cognitive restructuring, positive affirmations, and experiential exercises aimed at challenging negative self-talk and promoting self-compassion. The counselling process focuses on fostering a deeper understanding of one's value, strengths, and inherent worth, leading to increased self-confidence and resilience.
Stress & Burnout
Counselling for stress and burnout offers support and strategies to individuals experiencing overwhelming levels of stress and emotional exhaustion, often due to prolonged periods of work-related pressure or life demands. Through empathetic counselling sessions, clients explore the sources of their stress and burnout, as well as the physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms they may be experiencing. Therapeutic interventions may include stress management techniques, boundary setting, time management strategies, and self-care practices aimed at restoring balance and resilience. The counseling process aims to help clients regain a sense of control, prioritize their well-being, and develop sustainable coping strategies to prevent future burnout.
Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Counselling for trauma and PTSD provides compassionate support and evidence-based interventions to individuals who have experienced distressing or traumatic events. Through specialized counselling sessions, clients explore their trauma history, emotions, and symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hyper vigilance. Therapeutic techniques such as trauma-focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches are utilized to help clients process and integrate their traumatic experiences. The counselling process aims to promote healing, resilience, and a sense of empowerment, enabling clients to reclaim their lives and move forward with greater stability and well-being.
About Me
Born and raised in British Columbia, moving closer and closer to the ocean as I age, I am currently located on the unceded and traditional lands of both the shíshálh Nation and the Skwxwu7mesh uxwumixw, presently known as the Sunshine Coast.
I joke about having an internal magnet as my love for the polar regions has me travelling to these snow and ice covered lands as much as possible. I have been as far north as Resolute Bay, NU and as far south as the Antarctic Peninsula. When home in BC I find myself trying to get access to snow as much as possible.
Be in Touch
I welcome you to reach out by submitting your information below. Please do not include any confidential or private information in this form as it is for general inquiries or messages to me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Chantell
