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Expert Mindfulness-Based Therapy Services in Canada

Melissa Davies brings eight years of specialized mindfulness training to her practice as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and certified Reiki Master Teacher. Her Master of Counselling degree from Athabasca University combines with extensive certification in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction to offer you proven techniques that reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and build lasting resilience. Unlike general counselling approaches, her mindfulness-based therapy integrates somatic energy work and breathwork practices that address both mind and body healing. You get evidence-based CBT and DBT techniques enhanced with mindfulness meditation, guided visualization, and present-moment awareness training that creates measurable improvements in stress management and emotional stability.

Choose Bee Here Counselling for mindfulness-based therapy because you receive flexible scheduling with 50 or 90-minute sessions available in-person in Nanaimo, online, or by phone across British Columbia. Melissa’s experience with diverse populations, including Indigenous communities and LGBTQ+ clients, ensures culturally responsive care that honours your background and healing preferences. Direct billing with most extended health plans removes financial barriers to consistent treatment. Her trauma informed approach means mindfulness techniques are adapted safely for clients with PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and grief, while her holistic background allows integration of complementary practices like Reiki when appropriate for your healing goals.

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Finding Peace Through Present-Moment Awareness

When anxiety overwhelms your thoughts and stress controls your days, mindfulness offers a proven path back to calm. At Bee Here Counselling and Therapy, we understand that racing minds and emotional turbulence can make even simple tasks feel impossible. Our mindfulness-based therapy approach teaches you practical skills to observe your thoughts without judgment, regulate intense emotions, and reconnect with the present moment where healing happens.

Melissa Davies brings over 15 years of experience integrating mindfulness practices with evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and somatic therapy. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and certified Reiki Master, she combines traditional mindfulness techniques with body-based healing methods. This unique combination helps clients break free from cycles of worry and reactivity. You’ll learn breathing techniques that actually work in crisis moments, meditation practices that fit your lifestyle, and awareness skills that transform how you respond to life’s challenges.

Our mindfulness sessions address anxiety, chronic stress, and trauma responses through gentle, accessible practices. We welcome clients from all cultural backgrounds and provide specialized support for Indigenous families through our First Nations Health Authority provider status. Available in 50 or 90-minute sessions through in-person, online, or phone formats, our flexible approach meets you where you are in your healing process.

What Is Mindfulness-Based Therapy?

Individual counselling is a confidential, one-on-one therapeutic relationship between you and a trained counsellor designed to address personal mental health challenges, emotional difficulties, and life transitions. At Bee Here Counselling and Therapy, our Mindfulness-Based Therapy approach combines present-moment awareness with evidence-based techniques to help you develop emotional regulation skills, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, and build resilience. This personalized form of therapy creates a safe space where you can process trauma, manage grief and loss, work through relationship problems, or navigate major life changes at your own pace. Individual sessions typically last 50-60 minutes and focus on your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with panic attacks, substance use concerns, anger management, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily stress, individual counselling provides you with practical tools and coping strategies tailored specifically to your situation. Our mindfulness-based approach teaches you to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment while developing healthier responses to challenging emotions. Sessions are available in-person at our Nanaimo clinic or through secure online platforms, making support accessible across British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.

Ready to take the first step toward healing and personal growth? Contact Bee Here Counselling and Therapy today to schedule your individual counselling session and discover how mindfulness-based techniques can support your mental health and well-being.

Watercolor illustration of bumblebee visiting colorful wildflowers in pink, blue and purple representing therapeutic growth and natural healing through Bee Here Counselling RCC services on Vancouver Island

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Benefits of Our Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Looking for support with our Mindfulness-Based Therapy?

Let’s have a caring conversation.

Like bees that find their way home, we all seek a place of comfort and belonging. At Bee Here Counselling and Therapy, we create that safe space where you can simply ‘Be’ – authentically yourself. Together, we’ll explore your path to healing, pollinating your life with new perspectives and nurturing growth one step at a time. We serve Mindfulness-Based Therapy to anyone within the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan or Ontario with multiple types of insurances accepted and covered.

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Our Process for Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Step 1

Initial Contact and Consultation

Begin with a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and determine if Mindfulness-Based Therapy at Bee Here Counselling feels like the right fit for you—no pressure, just connection
Choose your preferred meeting format during this initial call: in-person at our welcoming Nanaimo location, secure online video session, or comfortable phone conversation
Share as much or as little as feels comfortable about what brings you to therapy. This conversation helps us understand how mindfulness practices might support your unique journey
Ask any questions about the therapeutic process, our approach to mindfulness-based healing, or practical details like scheduling and insurance coverage
Experience our trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach from the very first moment. You'll feel heard, respected, and valued exactly as you are
Receive clear information about next steps if you decide to move forward, including booking your comprehensive intake session and what to expect
Leave this consultation feeling informed and empowered about your healing journey, with no obligation to continue unless it truly resonates with you
Know that this initial contact sets the foundation for a collaborative therapeutic relationship built on trust, safety, and your individual goals for growth

Step 2

Step 2: Comprehensive Assessment and Collaborative Planning

Complete a thorough mindfulness-focused assessment using gentle questionnaires about your current stress levels, emotional patterns, and relationship with present-moment awareness
Explore your unique mindfulness goals together, whether that's reducing anxiety, improving focus, managing chronic pain, or developing emotional regulation skills
Discuss your previous experience with meditation, breathing exercises, or other mindfulness practices to build upon your existing strengths
Review any cultural or spiritual practices that are meaningful to you, ensuring our mindfulness approach honours and integrates your personal beliefs
Identify specific life situations where you'd like to apply mindfulness skills, such as work stress, parenting challenges, or relationship difficulties
Create a personalized treatment plan that combines mindfulness techniques with other therapeutic approaches that best support your healing journey
Establish realistic expectations and timelines for your mindfulness practice development, recognizing that this is a gradual and deeply personal process
Set up a collaborative framework where you remain the expert on your own experience while we guide you through evidence-based mindfulness interventions

Step 3

Step 3: Active Treatment Phase

Weekly mindfulness sessions incorporating guided meditation, breathwork exercises, and body awareness practices tailored to your unique needs and comfort level
Structured session format beginning with a brief check-in about your current state, followed by therapeutic mindfulness work, and concluding with reflection and take-home practices
Progressive skill building where you'll learn foundational techniques like present-moment awareness, then advance to more complex practices such as mindful emotion regulation and stress response management
Between-session practice assignments including daily meditation exercises, mindful movement activities, and awareness journaling to reinforce your growing mindfulness abilities in real-world situations
Regular progress monitoring through collaborative discussions about your experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs, allowing us to adjust techniques and pacing to match your evolving needs
Integration of complementary approaches such as somatic awareness exercises, creative expression through art therapy, or cognitive techniques when they enhance your mindfulness practice and overall healing journey
Flexible session frequency typically starting with weekly appointments and adjusting to bi-weekly or monthly sessions as you develop confidence and independence in your mindfulness practice
Empowerment focus emphasizing your growing ability to use mindfulness tools independently, building resilience and self-compassion while maintaining our therapeutic relationship as supportive guidance

Step 4

Step 4: Progress & Completion

Regular progress reviews using standardized questionnaires that measure anxiety levels, mood changes, and daily functioning to track your mindfulness journey objectively
Assessment of your ability to independently apply mindfulness techniques during stressful situations, demonstrating sustainable coping skills
Evaluation of improved emotional regulation through self-reporting tools that capture your enhanced awareness and response patterns
Flexible completion timeline based on your individual progress, with some clients achieving their goals in 10-15 sessions while others benefit from extended support
Transition planning that includes personalized mindfulness maintenance strategies, recommended apps, and community resources across British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan
Optional follow-up sessions scheduled at 3, 6, and 12-month intervals to reinforce your progress and address any emerging challenges
Access to ongoing support through our online platform, ensuring you maintain connection to your mindfulness practice and therapeutic gains
Celebration of your growth milestones, acknowledging the courage it took to begin this journey and the resilience you've developed along the way

Welcome to Your Mindfulness Journey

Taking the first step toward mindfulness based therapy is brave. You're here. That matters.

Your initial contact with Bee Here Counselling begins with connection, not paperwork. We start with understanding, not assumptions. This is where your healing journey takes root.

What to Expect During Initial Contact

First, we talk. A free 15-minute consultation lets you meet Melissa Davies and share what brings you here. No pressure. No commitment. Just conversation.

This consultation happens however you feel most comfortable:

Phone call from the comfort of your own space
Video chat if you prefer to see a friendly face
In-person meeting at our Nanaimo location

During this brief conversation, you'll discover how mindfulness based therapy might support your unique situation. Melissa will listen to your concerns and explain how her approach integrates mindfulness with other therapeutic methods. You'll learn about session options, scheduling flexibility, and what your personalized treatment might look like.

Your Questions Answered

Do I need to prepare anything special?	Just bring yourself and any questions you have. No preparation needed for the consultation.
What if I've never tried mindfulness before?	Perfect. Melissa specializes in introducing mindfulness gently, meeting you exactly where you are in your journey.
How quickly can I start sessions?	After your consultation, we work together to find appointment times that fit your schedule, often within the same week.
What if I'm not sure mindfulness is right for me?	The consultation helps determine the best approach for your needs. Melissa combines mindfulness with other methods like cognitive behavioural therapy and somatic approaches.
Is my information kept private?	Absolutely. All conversations are confidential and protected by professional counselling standards in British Columbia.

Ready to Connect?

Choose the contact method that feels right for you:

Email: [email protected]Send a message anytime. Melissa typically responds within 24 hours on business days.

Online Booking: Visit our websiteSchedule your free consultation directly through our secure booking system.

Phone Consultation: Request a callbackEmail your preferred times and Melissa will call you for your free 15-minute consultation.

What Happens Next

After your consultation, the path forward becomes clear. If mindfulness based therapy feels like a good fit, you'll schedule your first full session. These sessions last 50 or 90 minutes, depending on your preference and needs.

Your first session focuses on understanding your story. Melissa will complete a gentle assessment that explores your current challenges, your goals, and how mindfulness practices might support your wellbeing. Together, you'll create a treatment plan that honors your pace and preferences.

Remember, this is your journey. You set the pace. You choose the direction. Melissa provides the guidance, support, and mindfulness tools to help you find greater peace and resilience.

Every healing journey begins with a single step. Today, that step is reaching out. Tomorrow, it might be your first mindful breath in session. You don't have to walk this path alone.

Step 2: Assessment & Goal Setting

Your journey begins here. This is where we listen deeply and understand your unique story. Together, we'll create a clear picture of where you are now and where you want to go.

What Happens During Your Assessment

Think of this as a conversation, not an interrogation. We'll spend time getting to know you as a whole person. Your assessment includes a gentle exploration of your current concerns, your personal history, and what brings you hope. This collaborative process helps us understand not just your challenges, but also your incredible strengths and resilience.

During our time together, you might complete some brief questionnaires about mood, anxiety, or stress levels. These aren't tests you can pass or fail. They're simply tools that help us understand how you're feeling right now. Think of them as snapshots that capture your current emotional landscape. We use these insights to tailor our approach specifically for you.

Setting Your Personal Goals

Here's where the magic happens. We'll work together to identify what you truly want to achieve. Your goals might be big or small. They could focus on feeling less anxious in social situations. Perhaps you want to sleep better. Maybe you're seeking to heal from past experiences or build stronger relationships.

We believe you are the expert on your own life. Our role is to listen carefully and help you clarify what success looks like for you. These goals will guide our work together and can evolve as you grow and change.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Essential Items	Helpful Preparation
Government-issued photo ID Extended health insurance information (if applicable) Any relevant medical information or current medications Notebook or device for taking notes	Reflect on what brought you to seek counselling Consider what you hope to achieve Think about your support systems Prepare any questions you'd like to ask

Session Details

Duration: Your assessment session lasts approximately 50 minutes, giving us plenty of time to connect without feeling rushed.

Format Options: Choose what feels most comfortable for you:

In-person at our welcoming Nanaimo clinic
Secure video sessions from the comfort of your own space
Phone sessions for maximum convenience

Common Concerns Addressed

"What if I don't know how to explain what's wrong?"Many people feel this way. You don't need to have all the answers or use perfect words. We'll help you explore and articulate your experiences at your own pace.

"Will you judge me for my past or current struggles?"Absolutely not. Our practice is built on unconditional acceptance and respect. Your experiences, whatever they may be, are met with compassion and understanding.

"What if I get emotional during the session?"Emotions are welcome here. Crying, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing strong feelings is completely normal and often part of the healing process. We'll support you through whatever comes up.

"How do you keep my information private?"Your privacy is sacred to us. We follow strict confidentiality guidelines, and your personal information is protected with the highest level of security and discretion.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion

We honour and respect diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Our assessment process is designed to be culturally responsive and inclusive. We understand that mental health and wellness mean different things to different people, and we'll work within your cultural context and values.

If you have specific cultural, spiritual, or identity considerations that are important to your healing journey, please feel free to share these with us. This information helps us provide the most effective and respectful care possible.

Moving Forward Together

By the end of your assessment, you'll have a clear understanding of our collaborative approach and how we can support your goals. We'll discuss which therapeutic methods might be most helpful for you, whether that's mindfulness practices, cognitive techniques, creative approaches, or other evidence-based methods.

Remember, this is your journey. We're here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, support, and professional expertise while honouring your autonomy and wisdom. Your healing matters, and we're committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you can grow and thrive.

Step 3: Active Treatment & Skill Building

This is where the real work begins. Your mindfulness journey deepens through structured sessions that blend ancient wisdom with modern therapeutic techniques.

What Each Session Looks Like

Every 50-minute session follows a gentle rhythm designed to honour your pace. We start with a brief check-in. How are you feeling today? What's been happening since we last met? This isn't just small talk—it's your therapist tuning into your emotional landscape.

The heart of each session focuses on mindfulness practice and skill development. You might begin with guided meditation, learning to anchor your attention in the present moment. Sometimes we explore body awareness through gentle somatic exercises. Other sessions might involve creative expression through art therapy, helping you process emotions that words cannot capture.

We wrap up by reflecting on insights and planning your between-session practice. No session ends without ensuring you feel grounded and ready for the week ahead.

Core Therapeutic Techniques

Technique	Purpose	What to Expect
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction	Reduce anxiety and enhance emotional regulation	Guided meditations, breathing exercises, body scans
Cognitive Behavioural approaches	Identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns	Thought exploration, gentle challenging of beliefs
Somatic awareness work	Connect with body wisdom and release tension	Movement, breathwork, sensation awareness
Art and creative expression	Process emotions through non-verbal channels	Drawing, painting, creative writing exercises

Your Home Practice Journey

Between sessions, you'll engage in personalized practices that reinforce your therapeutic work. These aren't homework assignments in the traditional sense. Think of them as invitations to deepen your relationship with mindfulness.

You might practice daily meditation for just five minutes. Or keep a mindfulness journal, noting moments of awareness throughout your day. Some clients find walking meditation helpful, while others prefer mindful eating exercises. Your therapist will collaborate with you to find practices that feel sustainable and meaningful.

Common Between-Session Activities:

Daily mindfulness meditation (5-20 minutes based on your comfort level)
Gratitude journaling to cultivate positive awareness
Body scan practices for stress relief
Mindful movement like yoga or walking
Breathing exercises for emotional regulation
Creative expression through art or writing
Progressive muscle relaxation for better sleep

Tracking Your Progress

Growth in mindfulness isn't always linear. Some days you'll feel centred and aware. Others might feel challenging. This is completely normal and part of the process.

Your therapist will use gentle check-in conversations to understand how you're progressing. You might complete brief questionnaires about stress levels, sleep quality, or emotional well-being. These aren't tests—they're tools to help both of you see patterns and celebrate improvements.

Many clients notice changes in how they respond to stress. Perhaps you catch yourself before reacting angrily. Maybe you sleep better or feel more patient with family members. These small shifts often signal profound internal changes.

Support Between Sessions

You're not alone between appointments. While Bee Here Counselling maintains professional boundaries around communication, your therapist ensures you have resources for challenging moments.

You'll receive guidance on when to use specific techniques. Feeling anxious? Try the breathing exercise from session two. Overwhelmed at work? Remember the grounding technique you practiced. For crisis situations, you'll have clear protocols and emergency contact information.

Flexibility and Collaboration

Your treatment remains fluid and responsive to your needs. Some weeks you might focus more on stress reduction. Others might emphasize emotional processing or relationship challenges. Your therapist follows your lead while gently guiding you toward your goals.

This collaborative approach ensures that mindfulness-based therapy serves your unique life circumstances. Whether you're in Nanaimo for in-person sessions or connecting online from anywhere in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, or Ontario, your treatment adapts to support your healing journey.

Remember: you are the expert on your own experience. Your therapist provides tools and guidance, but you decide how to integrate mindfulness into your daily life in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.

Step 4: Celebrating Progress & Planning Your Mindful Future

You've reached a significant milestone. This final step celebrates your growth and ensures you have everything needed to maintain your mindfulness practice long after our sessions end.

Recognizing Your Transformation

Take a moment to acknowledge how far you've come. Your dedication to mindfulness based therapy has created lasting changes in how you respond to stress, connect with others, and navigate life's challenges. We'll review your progress using simple assessment tools that measure anxiety levels, mood patterns, and overall wellbeing.

These aren't complex medical tests. Think of them as friendly check-ins that help us see the concrete improvements in your daily life. We track things like how often you feel overwhelmed, how well you sleep, and how connected you feel to yourself and others.

Signs You're Ready for Completion

You'll know you're ready when mindfulness feels natural rather than forced. Here are key indicators:

You automatically use breathing techniques during stressful moments
You notice thoughts and emotions without being swept away by them
You feel more present in your relationships and daily activities
You can sit with difficult feelings without immediately trying to escape them
You've developed a personal mindfulness routine that fits your lifestyle

Your Personalized Maintenance Plan

Sustaining your progress requires intention. We'll create a maintenance plan tailored specifically for you.

Your plan might include daily five-minute breathing practices, weekly longer meditation sessions, or mindful walking in nature. Some clients prefer guided audio sessions, while others enjoy silent practice. We'll identify what resonates most with your personality and schedule.

Daily Practices	Weekly Practices	Monthly Check-ins
Morning breathing routineMindful transitionsEvening reflection	Longer meditation sessionsNature-based mindfulnessBody scan practice	Progress self-assessmentPractice adjustmentGoal refinement

Ongoing Support Options

Graduation doesn't mean goodbye. We offer several ways to stay connected:

Booster Sessions: Schedule occasional individual sessions to refresh your skills or work through new challenges. Many clients find quarterly check-ins helpful for maintaining momentum.

Group Mindfulness Programs: Join others on similar journeys through our ongoing mindfulness groups. These provide community support and fresh perspectives on practice.

Resource Library Access: Continue accessing guided meditations, reading materials, and practice videos that supported your journey.

Navigating Future Challenges

Life will present new stressors. That's normal. Your mindfulness skills are portable tools that travel with you wherever you go. We'll discuss how to adapt your practice during busy periods, major life transitions, or unexpected difficulties.

Remember that returning to old patterns occasionally doesn't mean failure. It means you're human. Your mindfulness practice gives you the awareness to notice when you've drifted and the skills to gently return to centre.

Celebrating Your Achievement

Completing mindfulness based therapy represents a significant investment in your wellbeing. You've learned to befriend your mind rather than battle it. You've discovered that peace isn't the absence of difficulty but the presence of skillful response.

This isn't an ending. It's a beginning. You now carry within you the capacity for presence, compassion, and clarity that will serve you for years to come.

Available Across British Columbia, Ontario & Saskatchewan

Whether you're in Nanaimo, Vancouver, Toronto, Regina, or anywhere else we serve, ongoing support remains available through secure online sessions or phone consultations. Distance doesn't diminish the quality of care or connection.

Your mindful journey continues. We're honoured to have been part of it and remain here whenever you need us.

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Expert Mindfulness-Based Therapy Services in Canada

Finding Peace Through Present-Moment Awareness