about us

Our Mission

At Rites of Passage Counselling we provide private counselling services to individuals, couples, children, youth and families in the Nanaimo area and beyond. We provide best-practice and evidence-based approaches to our clients.

We value privacy, professionalism and creativity in care. No two people have the same journey or the same relationships and therefore no two people will have the same treatment experience. We believe that it is the counsellors role to find an approach that works best for the client as opposed to the client fitting into the counsellors approach.

At Rites of Passage Counselling we aim to go beyond words. During your initial session we will co-create an individually tailored plan of care. Throughout your treament we will provide ongoing resources and appropriate referrals as new ideas emerge. We are passinate about connecting people with all the resources they are eligible for and entitled to locally, provincially and federally.

Professional Bio

Gillian Sutherland, MSW, RSW, RCC

Gillian earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a specialization in Clinical Counselling from Florida Atlantic University in 2004. She has been providing clinical counselling for the last 15 years in various settings including school-based, at risk populations, inpatient treatment centres, outpatient clinics and in the accute care setting.

Gillian has expertise in treatment posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). She has treated memebers of the Canadian Forces, Residentail School Survivors, First Responders, Veterans and Youth with early childhood trauma.

Gillian has experience providing counselling in the school settings with high risk youth. She uses primarily Attachement based theory with a Bowen Family Systems and Narrative Therapy approach. Gillian is know for connecting with youth in a creative way and will meet a youth in a setting of their choice.

Gillian has spent a significant portion of her career suppoting youth and adults with mental health and substance use concerns. Gillian uses a client-centered and holistc perspective to understand the client’s relationship with a substance and/or behaviour to develop a plan of care. Gillian has experience working with problematic relationships with food….

Gillian also works with couples using the highly recognized Gottman Couples Counselling approach. Additionally she is training in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy.

Gillian has experience providing assessment and expertise in supporting clients with complex medical conditions and disability management. She is knowledgeable about local, provincal and federal programs. She is able to support clients to navigate our complex medical system.

As a result of this belief, Gillian engages in ongoing education and supervision to furhter develop and maintain her skills. It is Gillian’s hope to prove the highest standard of private conselling to her clients.

Also include: education, registrations, certifications, trainings, specializations, work experience

Frequently asked questions

What will the first session consist of?

During your initial session we will discuss your hopes and goals and the jounry that brought you to this moment in time. We will discuss a plan of care and what additional resources you may qualify for based on your unique situation. Whenever possible we believe in supporting people to connect with all available resources.

contact us

Call: (250) 222-2222

email: gillian@ritesofpassagecounselling.com

111 Awesome Street
Nanaimo, BC V9T0C3
(250) 222-2222

Monday – Friday: 9am-2pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Email

General Inquiries
gillian@ritesofpassagecounselling.com

couples

approach

At Rites of Passage Counselling we believe each couple has a unique journey. We aim to assist each couple to identify their shared values may forge a way forward. To do this we use two best practice and evidence- based approaches, the Gottman Couples Counselling approach and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy. We find it is helpful to describe the approaches to our couples and let them decide which would be a better fit based on their relationship needs.

training and experience

• Gottman Couples Counselling

• Emotion-Focused Family Therapy

disability support

approach

At Rites of Passage Counselling we assist clients with complex medial conditions to access all the supports that they are entitled to. In our current social system many clients are not told of the many resources they are eligible for. We aim to remedy this gap in service.

training and experience

• Extensive knowledge of Community, Provincial and Federal Programs.

• Experience navigating extended medical providers and external funding sources such as EFAP, ICBC, Veterans Affairs, WorkSafe BC, Victim Servicee, BC Ambulance, First Nations Health Authority, Ministry of Children and Family Development, Ministry of Social development and Poverty Reduction, etc.

First Responders initiative

Many active and retired first responders suffer everyday with symptoms of PTSD due to the cumulative effects of repeated exposure to trauma and the sub sequential lack of psychological services provided. Many are unable to qualify for services under WBC or their employers benefit programs. At Central Island Clinical Counselling we wish to support those who laid their lives on the line for us. We offer a free full (8-10 sessions) treatment series for a Nanaimo first responder who is unable to access other covered counselling options. Ask us how to access this service.