Cortex Clinical Counselling - Nanaimo, British Columbia

Karena D.

During my time working with Renée I have come to experience her as a both a compassionate and highly skilled professional. It has truly been a privilege and a blessing in so many ways working with Renée as my therapist, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Over the course of our sessions, she has always had a dedication to continued learning and education which she would often share with me. This always made her feel like a truly invested partner in my journey, bringing fresh perspectives into our work together.
Renée tailors each session to address my specific needs, drawing from a range of techniques. This flexibility allows her to adapt to my evolving goals, making me feel supported throughout my journey. Whether we are tackling specific issues such as anxiety or navigating deeper emotional challenges, Renée’s ability to integrate various approaches ensures that I am getting the most well-rounded treatment possible. She has always been able to change and adapt and challenge me as needed. And listen… she always knows when and how to listen…. always also in tune to my non verbal cues as well which has been so helpful.
Her expertise in emotional regulation has been especially impactful in helping me manage moments of distress both during sessions and in my daily life. Our work with trauma has been life changing. Renée consistently offers practical, actionable strategies that I can apply in my everyday life. I particularly appreciate her ability to help me reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. This has made a significant difference in how I approach the many challenges I have faced.
What truly sets Renée apart is her genuine compassion and warmth. She has a unique ability to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where I feel comfortable sharing even the most difficult aspects of my life. From the very first session, Renée’s empathetic demeanor put me at ease, helping me to open up and trust the process. She listens with intent and never rushes to offer advice or solutions, instead validating my feelings and helping me arrive at insights at my own pace.
She maintains clear and respectful boundaries while also offering a personal touch that makes me feel cared for and understood. She has an exceptional ability to balance empathy with constructive feedback, helping me feel encouraged without ever feeling pressured. Her approach has empowered me to take ownership of my healing and growth, fostering a sense of self-efficacy that has been crucial to my progress.
Throughout our time together, Renée’s guidance has been instrumental in helping me make meaningful progress in my journey. She has not only helped me address specific concerns, but also facilitated broader personal growth by encouraging me to explore past experiences and uncover how they shape my present life.
If you are seeking a skilled therapist to work with you for post concussion, CPTSD, PTSD, and Trauma…. You have found her.
Renée is a deeply skilled and compassionate therapist who offers a thoughtful, individualized approach to treatment. Her extensive knowledge, warm presence, and unwavering support have made a profound difference in my life. Whether you are struggling with mental health challenges, seeking personal growth, or simply looking for a therapist who genuinely cares about your well-being, Renée is an exceptional choice. Her ability to create a trusting and effective therapeutic relationship is unparalleled, and I am incredibly grateful for the positive impact she has had on my life.

Amy T.

I cannot recommend Renée enough. Her kindness, compassion, ability to relate and validate, and also inspire reflection is a super power. She understands the demands of this busy, working mom, while also having an in-depth understanding of the science of the brain, injury, processes of the body, mind/body connection, etc. I was wary of doing counselling online, but it’s been the best experience (and I may even prefer it now!)

Jessie S.

I have been Renee’s client since April 2023 biweekly, weekly and now monthly remote/online sessions.

During our time together we have worked on a variety of major life events. Without question, she is the most genuinely caring and effective RCC I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

When we first met, immediately, I felt an instant ease and trust when communicating with her. Through this trust and mutual respect, we have dealt with many painful experiences including childhood/familial trauma, trauma relating to raising my very high needs autistic/ADHD son, physical health related issues and marital issues.

Some of my biggest revelations and breakthroughs have come from our sessions where she guides me through EMDR exercises as my symptoms largely relate to PTSD.

Through out the years, she has helped me understand: How to set and maintain healthy boundaries, recognize my own ineffective patterns, beliefs and trends as it relates to healthy (and unhealthy) relationships, perspectives, goals and how to recreate these patterns to more effective ones.

She has helped me restore my personal integrity annd self-esteem and given me many practical tools I can implement so I can manage the intensive stress that I deal with daily.

She expertly listens, guides, supports, and inspires me to take a look behind the curtain and clean out the cobwebs of my life so that the tail isn’t wagging the dog as much.

Moreover, part of our experience relates to her liaising with my family physician and other professionals regarding my leave of absence from work and she has always completely and thoroughly completed necessary paperwork in a timely fashion.

In a crazy world, where you may not know who to turn to or trust, you can trust Renée through Cortex Clinical Counselling! I truly could not say enough about Renée and if anyone is reading this, know you will be in very safe and effective hands with her.

She is literally the BEST!

Recommendation of services received: Family trauma, marital relationships, special needs children, personal physical health, EMDR for adverse childhood experiences/PTSD/anxiety/panic attacks, sexual assault, boundaries and setting personal and work related goals.

MS M.

Renee is the BEST counselor you can get - I would say anywhere, not only in Nanaimo. She works on your brain like no other person - getting fantastic results. No pressure with talking if you don't want to - she has plans and great techniques up her sleave so that EVERY session is useful, no matter what. She specializes in trauma, but I would not hesitate to go to her for any issues. She is calming, reassuring and so understanding of your situation and needs. She goes over and beyond for your health. I am SO grateful to have her as my therapist.