Social anxiety therapy in Nanaimo

You rehearse a sentence before you say it. You skip the work lunch, or you leave a gathering early and replay it all night. Fear of being judged can shrink your world without anyone noticing.

Social anxiety therapy helps you understand that fear and change how you respond to it. At Covalent Counselling in Nanaimo, our Registered Clinical Counsellors work with adults, teens, and children, in person or by video.

This page explains how the therapy works, who it may help, and what happens when you book.

Social anxiety therapy may suit you if any of these sound familiar:

• You are a student or young adult who avoids class discussions or group work.
• You work in a role that asks you to speak up, and meetings leave you drained.
• You are a parent who worries about school pickups or other parents' opinions.
• You are a teen who dreads lunch, group chats, or being called on in class.
• You feel anxious in most settings and want help with more than one situation.

Counselling may not be the right first step if you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself. In that case, call or text 9-8-8 any time, or call 911 in an emergency. Counselling also does not replace a medical diagnosis. If you want one, your doctor or nurse practitioner can help.

Counselling gives you tools and a place to practise them. Many people find that the fear feels smaller once they understand how it works.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one evidence-informed approach we offer. It helps you spot the thoughts that fuel worry, such as "everyone will notice I'm nervous," and test whether they hold up. You also learn practical skills for calming your body in the moment.

Therapy may also help with self-criticism, confidence, and how you speak to yourself after a hard day. Results vary from person to person, and no outcome can be promised.

Our centre describes its work as holistic and client-centred. We meet you where you are and work toward goals you set, rather than handing you a script.

Our name comes from chemistry: covalent bonds share electrons to create stability. We see therapy the same way. A steady, trusting connection with your counsellor is where change begins.

We keep the space safe and non-judgmental. Our team has experience supporting LGBTQ2S+ clients, people on the autism spectrum, and young people managing learning differences, so you do not have to explain your whole story before you are understood.

• In person: 7-2150 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, at Bowen and Northfield. The location is wheelchair accessible.
• Online: video or phone sessions are available for people anywhere in BC.
• Session length: 50 minutes.
• Fees: $150 to $165 per session, depending on the clinician's experience. GST does not apply.
• Insurance: we direct bill some insurance providers. Ask and we will set it up. Some clinicians also accept coverage through the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP).
• Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, Friday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

See our fees page for the full details.

• Anxiety and depression counselling covers other forms of anxiety, including panic and worry.
• Teen therapy supports young people who find school and friendships hard.
• Child and youth counselling is for younger children and their families.
• Therapy in Nanaimo gives an overview of every kind of counselling we offer.