About David
Life can be overwhelming at the best of times, and I would be honoured to support you in your path forward.
Hi, I’m David Alder (he/him), a counselling intern with Island Clinical Counselling. I support clients at our Duncan location by helping navigate life’s challenges and complexities.
Originally from Squamish, I moved to Victoria to study psychology at UVic and quickly realized that Vancouver Island was where I wanted to plant my roots. Before transitioning into counselling, I spent nearly a decade working on the front lines of community housing support in Victoria. This enriching experience taught me that people of all backgrounds possess an incredible capacity for resilience and growth with the necessary support.
I believe therapy can be most effective when it is grounded in your unique strengths. My approach is client-centered and goal-oriented; we will work together to highlight your successes and find practical, evidence-based ways to overcome your challenges. Having lived experience with invisible disabilities, I bring a personal understanding of what it means to move through a world that isn't always built for us. I am passionate about creating a safe, inclusive space for people of all backgrounds, orientations, and abilities.
Whether navigating neurodiversity, managing a major life change, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to bring empathy and evidence-based tools to our sessions. Living with ADH and Mild Tourette syndrome inform my practice and help me recognize what it’s like to live with an invisible disability or identity. As a 2SLGBTQIA+ ally, I aim to offer the support many feel they have had to work extra hard for.
Outside of therapy, I recharge through home cooking, gaming, paddleboarding, and exploring the great outdoors. I view wellness as holistic, and I look forward to helping you build a life that feels authentic, enjoyable, and sustainable.
Modalities and Certifications:
Certification in Foundational Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
Narrative Therapy
Feminist Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
The Dos and Don’ts of Counselling Neurodivergent Clients: A Trauma Informed Somatic Approach to Autism and ADH
Indigenous Approaches to Healing
SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (learn more in our blog post)
My areas of interest include:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADH)
Autism
Addictions
Anxiety
Burnout and self-care
Child, Youth, and Family support
Depression
Trauma
I can direct bill to the Autism Funding Unit if I am approved as a service provider for your family. Contact Autism Funding for more information.
Age ranges served: Children 7+, teens, and adults
Session Types: individual adults, individual children and youth, families, couples in-person sessions, or virtual.
Email: david.alder@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: (250) 410-0946
Text: (250) 410-0946
Fees: $70.00 per session (not covered by benefit plans)
Location: I will be working at the Duncan office Sunday 12:00-9:00PM, Monday 5:00-9:00PM, and Tuesday 12:00-9:00PM.
Choisissez un service, puis une durée et un mode — les heures à droite suivent votre choix.
