Expert Positive Psychology Therapy Services in Canada

Taking Your First Step

Starting therapy takes courage. You've already shown incredible strength by considering this journey toward healing and growth. At Bee Here Counselling, we understand that reaching out can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time seeking support.

Your initial contact is simple. It's gentle. And it's completely at your own pace.

What to Expect

Every journey begins with a single conversation. We start with a free 15-minute consultation where you can meet Melissa Davies, our registered clinical counsellor, without any pressure or commitment. This brief chat helps you feel comfortable and allows us to understand how we might support you.

During this consultation, you can:

• Share what brings you to counselling today
• Ask questions about our approach and services
• Learn about session options that work for your lifestyle
• Discuss any concerns about starting therapy
• Determine if we're the right fit for your needs

This conversation can happen in person at our Nanaimo office, online through secure video, or by phone. Whatever feels most comfortable for you. We believe healing happens best when you feel safe and supported from the very beginning.

Your Comfort Comes First

Many people worry about what to say or whether they're "ready" for counselling. Here's the truth: there's no perfect time, no perfect words, and no perfect way to start. You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

Our approach is rooted in compassion and understanding. We create space for all parts of your experience. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, you deserve support that honours your unique story.

Multiple Ways to Connect

Choose the contact method that feels right for you:

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm not sure counselling is right for me?That's exactly why we offer the free consultation. This no-pressure conversation helps you explore whether our services align with what you're looking for. There's no obligation to continue beyond this initial chat.

Do I need to prepare anything for the consultation?Simply come as you are. You might want to think about what's prompting you to seek support, but there's no homework or preparation required. We'll guide the conversation gently.

What happens after the consultation?If we both feel it's a good fit, we'll schedule your first full session. If not, that's perfectly okay too. We can discuss other resources or approaches that might better serve your needs.

Can I choose how I attend sessions?Absolutely. We offer in-person sessions at our Nanaimo office, secure online video sessions, and phone sessions. You can even switch between formats as your needs change.

What if I live outside Nanaimo?Our online and phone services are available throughout British Columbia. Many clients across Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and other BC communities access our support remotely.

Is my information kept private?Yes, completely. All communications and sessions are confidential, following professional counselling standards and privacy regulations in British Columbia.

Your Next Step

Ready to take this step? Reach out today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation. Whether you send an email, book online, or call, you're moving toward the support you deserve.

Remember: seeking help isn't a sign of weakness. It's an act of self-care and courage. You don't have to navigate life's challenges alone, and you don't have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out.

We're here when you're ready. Your healing journey can begin with one simple conversation.

Step 2: Assessment & Goal Setting

Your journey begins here. This is where we listen deeply and understand your unique story.

The assessment process creates our foundation together. We explore what brought you here, what you're hoping to achieve, and how we can best support your healing journey. This isn't about judgment or diagnosis. It's about understanding you as a whole person.

What to Expect During Your Assessment

Your intake session lasts 50 minutes. We can meet in person at our Nanaimo location, online, or by phone. Whatever feels most comfortable for you.

During this time, we'll complete a comprehensive but gentle evaluation. I use questionnaires that help us understand your emotional well-being. These might include tools that assess feelings of sadness or low mood, and others that explore anxiety or worry patterns. Think of these as conversation starters rather than tests.

We'll also discuss your cultural background and how it shapes your experience. Your identity matters. Your story matters. And we honour that throughout our work together.

Collaborative Goal Setting

Goals give us direction. But they're your goals, not mine.

Together, we'll identify what you want to achieve through counselling. Maybe you want to feel less overwhelmed by daily stress. Perhaps you're seeking to heal from past experiences. Or you might want to build stronger relationships with the people you care about.

We use a goal achievement approach that breaks larger hopes into manageable steps. This helps us track your progress and celebrate your victories along the way. Small wins matter just as much as big breakthroughs.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

• Government-issued photo identification
• Extended health insurance information if you plan to use benefits
• Any relevant medical or mental health records you'd like to share
• A list of current medications or supplements
• Your thoughts about what you hope to gain from counselling
• Any questions or concerns you have about the process

Take some time before our session to reflect on your goals. What would your life look like if counselling helped you feel better? What specific changes would you notice? These reflections help us create a treatment plan that truly fits your needs.

Understanding Our Assessment Tools

We use evidence-based questionnaires to better understand your experience. These tools help us measure things like mood patterns, anxiety levels, and overall well-being. They're not meant to label you or put you in a box.

Instead, think of them as snapshots. They show us where you are today so we can track how you're feeling as we work together. Some people find it encouraging to see their progress reflected in these measures over time.

We also use behavioural checklists that help us notice positive changes in your daily life. And we'll regularly check in about how therapy is working for you. Your feedback shapes our approach every step of the way.

Addressing Common Concerns

Cultural Sensitivity in Assessment

Your cultural background influences how you experience and express distress. We recognize this. Our assessment process includes understanding your cultural identity and how it impacts your mental health and healing preferences.

Whether you're from an Indigenous community, a newcomer to Canada, or someone whose cultural identity shapes your worldview, we adapt our approach accordingly. Healing happens differently across cultures, and we respect those differences.

Moving Forward Together

By the end of your assessment, we'll have a clear picture of your strengths, challenges, and goals. We'll discuss which therapeutic approaches might work best for you. This could include mindfulness practices, cognitive behavioural techniques, somatic approaches, or creative therapies like art therapy.

Your treatment plan is flexible. It grows and changes as you do. And it's always based on what you want to achieve and what feels right for your healing journey.

Remember, this assessment is the beginning of our collaborative relationship. You're the expert on your own life. I'm here to provide support, tools, and a safe space for your growth and healing.

Step 3: Ongoing Sessions & Skill Building

Your therapeutic journey truly begins here. This is where transformation happens through consistent, collaborative work that honours your unique pace and needs.

What Your Sessions Look Like

Each session flows naturally through three phases. We start with a gentle check-in where you share what's present for you today. This might be a breakthrough from last week, a challenge you're facing, or simply how you're feeling in this moment. No pressure. Just presence.

The heart of our time together focuses on your therapeutic work. Here, we dive deep into positive psychology techniques designed to build your strengths and resilience. You might explore gratitude practices that shift your perspective. We could work with mindfulness exercises that ground you in the present moment. Sometimes we'll use creative expression through art therapy to unlock emotions that words can't reach.

Our sessions wrap up with reflection and planning. Together, we'll identify key insights from our work and create meaningful homework that supports your growth between visits.

Therapeutic Techniques We Use

Positive psychology forms the foundation of our work together. This approach focuses on what's working well in your life rather than just what needs fixing. We explore your character strengths. We build gratitude practices. We develop resilience skills that help you bounce back from life's challenges.

Mindfulness based stress reduction weaves through many of our sessions. You'll learn breathing techniques that calm your nervous system. We practice meditation exercises that create space between you and your thoughts. These tools become your allies in managing stress and anxiety.

When helpful, we incorporate cognitive behavioural therapy techniques to examine thought patterns that might be holding you back. We also draw from somatic approaches that honour the wisdom of your body. Art therapy offers another pathway for expression and healing.

Your Homework & Practice

Between sessions, you'll have opportunities to practice and integrate what we explore together. These aren't assignments in the traditional sense. They're invitations to deepen your healing.

Your homework grows from our conversations. If you're working on self-esteem, you might practice daily affirmations or keep a success journal. When anxiety is present, we might assign breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation. Everything connects to your specific goals and challenges.

Tracking Your Progress

Growth isn't always linear. We honour that truth while celebrating every step forward.

You'll complete brief wellbeing questionnaires that help us understand how you're feeling across different areas of your life. These aren't tests with right or wrong answers. They're simply tools that give us insight into your emotional landscape and help track positive changes over time.

We also use strength assessments that identify your natural talents and abilities. Discovering your top character strengths often brings profound shifts in self-understanding and confidence. When you know what you do well, you can leverage those strengths in challenging situations.

Regular check-ins during sessions allow us to adjust our approach based on what's working for you. Your feedback guides our work together. This collaborative approach ensures you remain the expert on your own experience while I provide professional support and guidance.

Between Session Support

You're not alone between our meetings. While I maintain professional boundaries around communication, you have access to crisis resources and emergency support when needed.

For residents of British Columbia, this includes local crisis lines and emergency services. If you're participating in online sessions from other provinces we serve, including Ontario and Saskatchewan, we'll connect you with appropriate regional resources.

Your homework materials include grounding techniques and coping strategies you can use anytime. These become your toolkit for managing difficult moments and celebrating victories, big and small.

Your Role in This Process

You are the author of your healing story. I'm here as your guide and witness, but you hold the pen.

Your willingness to be curious about yourself accelerates growth. Your commitment to practice between sessions deepens the work. Your honesty about what's helpful and what isn't ensures we stay on track.

Some weeks you'll feel motivated and engaged. Other weeks might feel harder. Both experiences are normal and valuable parts of your journey. We work with whatever you bring, always moving at a pace that feels right for you.

This collaborative approach means you develop skills and insights that last long beyond our time together. You're not just receiving therapy. You're learning to be your own healer, equipped with tools and awareness that serve you for life.

Step 4: Celebrating Progress & Planning Your Path Forward

You've reached an incredible milestone. This moment marks not an ending, but a beautiful transformation into the next chapter of your journey. Together, we'll celebrate how far you've come and create a roadmap that honours your continued growth.

Recognizing Your Growth

Progress looks different for everyone. Some changes feel like gentle waves. Others arrive like powerful storms of insight. We'll take time to acknowledge both the obvious victories and the subtle shifts that have reshaped your inner landscape.

Your journey through positive psychology therapy has likely brought improvements in several key areas. Enhanced emotional resilience often emerges first, followed by stronger relationships and clearer communication patterns. Many clients discover renewed purpose and meaning in their daily experiences, while others find themselves naturally gravitating toward activities and people that truly nourish their wellbeing.

Measuring Your Transformation

We use thoughtful assessment tools to capture the full scope of your progress. These include questionnaires that measure mood improvements, anxiety reduction, and overall life satisfaction. We also explore changes in your relationships, work performance, and sense of personal fulfillment through structured conversations and reflection exercises.

Signs You're Ready to Transition

Readiness for completion isn't about perfection. It's about capability. You might notice that challenges feel more manageable now. Problems that once felt overwhelming become puzzles you can solve. Your toolkit of positive psychology strategies has become second nature, flowing naturally into your daily routine.

Other indicators include consistent mood stability over several weeks, improved relationships with key people in your life, and a genuine sense of optimism about your future. You're sleeping better, making decisions with greater confidence, and finding joy in simple moments. Most importantly, you feel equipped to handle whatever life brings your way.

Creating Your Maintenance Plan

Sustainable wellbeing requires ongoing attention. Think of it like tending a garden. We'll design a personalized maintenance plan that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle while protecting the growth you've achieved.

Your plan might include daily gratitude practices, weekly strength-spotting exercises, or monthly values check-ins. Some clients benefit from regular mindfulness sessions, while others prefer journaling or creative expression activities. The key is finding practices that feel nourishing rather than burdensome.

• Daily micro-practices that take just 2-3 minutes
• Weekly reflection rituals to maintain perspective
• Monthly goal review and adjustment sessions
• Seasonal life satisfaction assessments
• Emergency support strategies for challenging times

Ongoing Support Options

You're never truly alone on this journey. We offer several ways to stay connected and supported as you continue growing.

Monthly check-in sessions provide space to celebrate wins and troubleshoot challenges. These brief conversations help you stay on track while maintaining your independence. For clients across British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, we offer both virtual and in-person options depending on your location and preferences.

Seasonal tune-up sessions allow for deeper exploration during life transitions or when facing new challenges. These intensive sessions help you apply your positive psychology tools to evolving circumstances while building even greater resilience.

Our crisis support system ensures you have immediate access to guidance during difficult moments. Whether through phone consultations or emergency virtual sessions, we're here when you need us most.

Celebrating Your Courage

Take a moment to truly appreciate what you've accomplished. Choosing therapy requires tremendous courage. Staying committed to your growth, even when it felt difficult, demonstrates remarkable strength. You've not only transformed your own life but likely touched the lives of everyone around you through your positive changes.

Your journey through positive psychology therapy has equipped you with evidence-based tools that will serve you for years to come. You understand how to cultivate gratitude, leverage your character strengths, and build meaningful connections. These aren't temporary fixes but lifelong skills that will continue enriching your experience.

Looking Forward

The future holds infinite possibilities for continued growth and joy. You're now equipped to approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear, to seek opportunities for flourishing in unexpected places, and to contribute your unique gifts to the world around you.

Remember that growth isn't linear. There will be setbacks and plateaus, moments of doubt and periods of rapid expansion. All of this is normal and expected. What matters is that you now have the tools, insights, and support system to navigate whatever comes your way with grace and resilience.

Your transformation ripples outward, touching your family, friends, colleagues, and community in ways you may never fully realize. By choosing to invest in your wellbeing, you've become a beacon of hope and possibility for others who are still finding their way.

We're honoured to have been part of your journey and excited to witness the continued unfolding of your authentic, flourishing life.