“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where you start.” – Nido Quebin
I am both honoured and thrilled to be working as part of the Island Clinical Counselling team. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I specialize in working with couples using the Gottman approach. I have the level three certification for Gottman therapists. A Gottman-trained couples counsellor is defined as: Gottman-trained therapists aim to help couples build stronger relationships overall and healthier ways to cope with issues as they arise in the future.
I am also skilled in working with individuals, who have anxiety, phobias, body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs), stress management, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I offer support to adults and young people with confirmed or possible autism. I find it a privilege to work with neurodiverse populations. I have experience providing support to individuals with traumatic histories and work with clients of all abilities. I also have training and am equipped to support individuals and couples impacted by acute and complex grief and bereavement.
I am deeply passionate about promoting mental health and empowering individuals to attain positive and meaningful change in their lives…. for change IS possible! My approach to counselling draws upon a strength-based framework that focuses on cultivating individual strengths, abilities, and internal resources. Although, I am largely guided by the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) I am committed to tailoring my approach to honour the unique needs, interests, and resources of every client so I routinely incorporate a variety of therapeutic tools and counselling approaches.
Therapeutic Modalities:
Gottman Couples Therapy Training Levels 1, 2, and 3 Certification
Gottman Couples Therapy Treating Affairs and Trauma Certificate
Gottman Couples Therapy Couples and Addiction Recovery Certificate
Prolonged Grief Disorder Training through Columbia University Certificate
Gottman Couples Therapy for Partner Aggression and Abuse
Certified Informed Grief Training
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Exposure Response Prevention (ERPs) for OCD
Person-Centered Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Counselling
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Strength Based Therapy
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
The Dos and Don'ts of Counselling Neurodivergent Clients: A Trauma Informed Somatic Approach to Autism and ADH
Polyvagal Therapy (in progress)
Senior's Mental Health
Education and Training:
I hold a post graduate diploma in General Psychology from Roehampton University and a Masters in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University.
Direct Billing: 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. If your benefits plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellors then these appointments should be covered. If your plan allows it, I can direct bill to some insurance plans (through Telus eclaims, Blue Cross, Canada Life), see them here. I am a service provider for Heritage Christian School.
Age ranges: 16+
Session Types: Individual adults, Seniors, and young adults 16+. Couples Counselling. In Person or Virtual.
Email: lisa.passarelli@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 104
Text: 778-313-0803
Pronouns: She/Her
Fees: $150-165 per session (Registered Clinician Rates)
Registration: BCACC RCC 21291
Location: You will find Lisa working Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in our North Nanaimo location. Lisa works out of our downtown clinic once a month on Saturdays. Book in the North office by selecting the button below. To book Downtown, please email Lisa.
