Marla Kjernisted
SaveI believe meaningful change begins when people feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. For more than 15 years, I've walked alongside children, youth, and families with compassion, curiosity, and hope, supporting them as they reconnect with their strengths and move toward healing.
Welcome. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and I want you to know you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. My role is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and accepted. I work from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive lens, believing that healing happens through authentic connection and collaboration. Together, we'll explore your experiences with curiosity and compassion, building on your unique strengths while working toward the goals that matter most to you, at a pace that feels right for you.
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For more than 15 years, I've supported children, youth, adults, and families across schools, community agencies, and Indigenous communities. My experience includes working with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, family violence, life transitions, and emotional regulation. As a third-generation settler, I live and work on the traditional territories of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, and I am committed to ongoing learning, cultural humility, and providing care that honours the unique experiences, strengths, and identities of each person I work with.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, facing a life transition, or simply looking for a space to better understand yourself, we'll work together at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we'll build a relationship based on trust, curiosity, and collaboration, creating space to explore challenges, celebrate progress, and navigate setbacks with compassion. I'll tailor our work to your unique needs, drawing from a range of evidence-based approaches while staying responsive to what feels most helpful for you. My hope is that you'll leave each session feeling heard, supported, and better equipped with the insight and practical tools to move forward with greater confidence, resilience, and self-compassion.
Area of Focus:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Grief and loss
Life Transitions
Self-Esteem
Emotional Regulation
Child and Youth Counselling
Parenting Support
Women's Mental Health
Family Conflict
Substance Use
School Related Challenges
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care
Currently completing my master’s degree in counselling psychology at Yorkville University (in progress)
Student member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
Session Types: One-on-one adults, all ages, couples and families. In-person or virtual.
Email: marla.k@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 171
Pronouns: She/Her
Fees: $70 with sliding scale or apply for the Pay What You Can program. (not covered by benefit plans)
Marla works on Monday evenings, Thursdays all day, and Saturday mornings.
Services & prices
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A longer session to explore therapeutic topics more in depth.
A longer session to explore therapeutic topics more in depth.
A longer session to explore therapeutic topics more in depth.
A longer session to explore therapeutic topics more in depth.
This session allows couples/families the time for a more detailed assessment of their relationship and goals for therapy.
A longer session to explore therapeutic topics more in depth.
A longer session to explore therapeutic topics more in depth.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADH) Kidz *Ages 7-10* (developmental age) Learn, share, and grow with friends as we support one another in learning new coping tools and realizing our infinite strengths and abilities. Develop an understanding of emotions, and their connection to thoughts and behaviours. Learn new ways to engage in more flexible thinking and communicate with others in a positive way. Neurodivergent and Diverse Ability Friendly.
Online support group for youth with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder symptoms. **Please book in the Downtown Nanaimo calendar or contact sondra@islandclinicalcounselling.ca to book**
Services provided by a clinician with more years of experience and training.
*Ages 11-14* (developmental age) Description: Join our safe, neurodivergent-affirming environment where members connect with likeminded peers who share similar interests and experiences. Learn new skills and let your creativity shine as we learn and grow together. Key areas of focus include anxiety, peer relationships, positive self talk, self compassion, time, and stress management. Build friendships, experiences, and an appreciation of your unique gifts in this gender inclusive space. Neurodivergent and Diverse Ability Friendly.
Join our safe, neurodivergent-affirming environment where we build friendships, experiences, and an appreciation of your unique gifts! Key areas of focus include anxiety, friendship tools, positive self talk, self compassion, and emotional regulation. Learn new skills and let your creativity shine as we learn and grow together.
Specific coaching support to help you better understand your symptoms and improve functioning. This appointment is for children, youth, caregivers, and individual adults.
Connect with peers who can relate to the shared experience of having separated parents. Together we can share our experiences, support one another, and learn coping tools to support ourselves with family changes. Join us as we learn and grow together. Ages 9+
Learn skills for calming your mind and body in a neurodivergent-affirming and gender-inclusive space. You will engage with peers through art, games, and activities while you learn ways to use mindfulness to find calm in your daily life.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder impacts the entire family system. Family accommodation, burn out, and frustration with limited services are the typical experiences family's report when they have a child with OCD. Join us in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for a time of sharing and listening as parents come together to encourage and problem solve together. Facilitated by a clinical counsellor, this group is for individuals who have children of any age with OCD like tendencies. It is an opportunity caregivers to come together and realize that they are not alone.
Caring for a child, teen, or loved one can be deeply meaningful—and at times, incredibly demanding. This in-person caregiver support and coaching appointment is designed to provide you with a space to feel heard, supported, and equipped with practical tools. In these sessions, we focus on your unique situation. Whether you are navigating anxiety, behavioural challenges, neurodivergence, family transitions, or feeling overwhelmed in your caregiving role, we work collaboratively to build strategies that feel realistic and sustainable in your day-to-day life. You can expect a supportive, non-judgmental environment where we explore: Practical parenting and caregiving strategies Emotional support and validation Understanding your loved one’s needs and behaviours Communication and boundary-setting tools Ways to care for yourself while caring for others These sessions are tailored to you—blending evidence-based approaches with compassionate, real-world guidance to help you feel more confident and supported in your role.
Caring for a child, teen, or loved one can be deeply meaningful—and at times, incredibly demanding. This in-person caregiver support and coaching appointment is designed to provide you with a space to feel heard, supported, and equipped with practical tools. In these sessions, we focus on your unique situation. Whether you are navigating anxiety, behavioural challenges, neurodivergence, family transitions, or feeling overwhelmed in your caregiving role, we work collaboratively to build strategies that feel realistic and sustainable in your day-to-day life. You can expect a supportive, non-judgmental environment where we explore: Practical parenting and caregiving strategies Emotional support and validation Understanding your loved one’s needs and behaviours Communication and boundary-setting tools Ways to care for yourself while caring for others These sessions are tailored to you—blending evidence-based approaches with compassionate, real-world guidance to help you feel more confident and supported in your role.
Learn skills for stress and anxiety management in a neurodivergent-affirming and gender inclusive space. You will engage with peers through art, games, and activities, while learning skills for calming your mind. Gain understanding about how stress and anxiety work and learn ways to feel more chill in your daily life using cognitive strategies and mindfulness.
Services provided by a clinician with more years of experience and training.
Online couples/family sessions with an advanced practitioner.
Can be billed toRCMP / Canadian Forces
Join us on exciting adventures set in the fantastical world of Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) and work on key skills such as: · Communication skills · Problem-solving skills · Cognitive flexibility & perspective taking · Regulation Skills · Self-efficacy and social confidence Key themes to expect from the group include: · A Neurodiversity-affirming and welcoming group · Collaborative narrative-driven experiences where youth have the opportunity to help develop and actively shape their world – sometimes literally! · Lego enhanced: modular-based dynamic game-board topography including elements of verticality! · Everyone heard - it takes team work to make the dream work! · An emphasis on providing a safe and developmentally informed experience for everyone. Please join us to learn and grow together as a group in a dynamic environment that promotes practical real-life social experiences and skills while keeping things fun! No previous DnD experience is required, but is certainly welcome!
A small, therapist-facilitated D&D group where clients build social confidence, resilience, and connection through collaborative gameplay. In a supportive 4-person setting, members practise communication, emotional regulation, perspective-taking, and social problem-solving while exploring identity and learning to navigate real-time interpersonal challenges.
Neurodivergent Life Skills Counselling: Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADH) and autism face distinctive challenges when it comes to everyday tasks. This series of workshops delves into topics that are particularly relevant to these experiences. It has been developed by a neurodivergent counsellor who aims to create a supportive space for the broader community, especially for those late discovered or questioning their ADH or autism. This program assists adults with ADH and autism to understand how these conditions can impact their lives. Everyone is welcome: diagnosed, questioning, or folks who want to support others who are neurodiverse. This is a neurodiverse affirming workshop series that aims to increase self-acceptance and coping skills in a world not designed for neurodivergent brains. Upcoming Schedule: Jan 20: Managing Chores and Shame Feb 17: All about energy balance March 17: Effective communication April 14: Food and sleep differences May 12: financial planning and impulsivity
Family and Couples Counselling with an advanced practitioner
First session with guardian in order to learn the history and make a counselling plan.
Information gathering session for clinician and parents of a child under 12.
The focus of this session is to provide parenting support to caregivers and gather history of child's concerns.
A shorter session for follow up visits.
A shorter session for follow up visits.
Shorter session for follow-up visits
A lower cost option for couples and families. Please ask if you require the Pay What You Can Program for this booking.
A longer EMDR Session. EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD, trauma (including developmental trauma), anxiety (including phobias, panic attacks and performance anxiety) as well as depression. EMDR does not require talking about the distressing memory in detail. EMDR helps clear away limiting beliefs by processing distressing memories. EMDR tends to be a quicker treatment than other methods of therapy.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence based form of psychotherapy that utilizes back and forth eye movements that are combined with a technique called voluntary memory/image replacement. This is used to help clients address anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, addiction and many other mental and physical conditions. Together they work to re-program the way in which the destressing images and memories are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions in your body.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence based form of psychotherapy that utilizes back and forth eye movements that are combined with a technique called voluntary memory/image replacement. This is used to help clients address anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, addiction and many other mental and physical conditions. Together they work to re-program the way in which the destressing images and memories are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions in your body.
This is an intake appointment to see if this is the right therapy for you. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence based form of psychotherapy that utilizes back and forth eye movements that are combined with a technique called voluntary memory/image replacement. This is used to help clients address anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, addiction and many other mental and physical conditions. Together they work to re-program the way in which the destressing images and memories are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions in your body.
This is an intake appointment to see if this is the right therapy for you. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence based form of psychotherapy that utilizes back and forth eye movements that are combined with a technique called voluntary memory/image replacement. This is used to help clients address anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, addiction and many other mental and physical conditions. Together they work to re-program the way in which the destressing images and memories are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions in your body.
A child and youth appointment with a clinical counsellor. This is an individual counselling appointment. Play therapy and activity-based therapy tools will be implemented as appropriate in session.
Services provided by a clinician with more years of experience and training.
In person session for a couple
This is a longer, 80 minute, in person session for couples and families. Please ask if you require the Pay What You Can Program for this booking.
A longer option for couples/family therapy in person
Can be billed toCrime Victim Assistance
A more experienced clinician will provide EMDR therapy for children, youth, and adults.
All ages. EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD, trauma (including developmental trauma), anxiety (including phobias, panic attacks and performance anxiety) as well as depression. EMDR does not require talking about the distressing memory in detail. EMDR helps clear away limiting beliefs by processing distressing memories. EMDR tends to be a quicker treatment than other methods of therapy.
Family counselling session that is longer.
An appointment for families of all shapes and sizes.
Can be billed toFNHA · NIHB
Counselling is a tool for individuals experiencing a difficult situation to resolve their emotional distress and enjoy greater wellness. Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to administer the Mental Wellness and Counselling (MWC) Benefit to First Nations in BC.
Can be billed toFNHA · NIHB
Counselling is a tool for individuals experiencing a difficult situation to resolve their emotional distress and enjoy greater wellness. Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to administer the Mental Wellness and Counselling (MWC) Benefit to First Nations in BC.
Can be billed toFNHA · NIHB
Counselling is a tool for individuals experiencing a difficult situation to resolve their emotional distress and enjoy greater wellness. Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to administer the Mental Wellness and Counselling (MWC) Benefit to First Nations in BC.
History gathering and information about counselling services discussed with parent before meeting the child under 12.
For shorter follow-up visits.
Can be billed toICBC
An individual counselling appointment that is direct billed to ICBC coverage.
A lower cost option for those looking for counselling services for all ages. Request the Pay What You Can Program if needed.
In person counselling for those ages 16 and up.
This appointment is for counsellors that provide clinical supervision to other counsellors. Supervision of Supervision is an opportunity to discuss supervision cases in a highly confidential way. Supervision allows supervisors an opportunity to understand factors that are impacting their work (personality clashes, values clashes, transference/countertransference, difficult cases) and learn new skills and intervention strategies for their work.
Can be billed toVeterans Affairs
To qualify for the Mental Health Benefits initiative, you must be: A former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve), or A still-serving Reserve Force member Class A or Class B (less than 180 days) not covered by the CAF healthcare plan, and You have submitted a Disability Benefits application for one of the following mental health conditions: Anxiety disorders; Depressive disorders; Trauma-and-stressor-related disorders
A longer in person session for couples/families with experienced practitioner.
Please book a free consultation prior to booking your first VRET session. Exposure therapy for anxiety, phobias, and OCD using a virtual reality headset.
Individual session with a very experienced practitioner.
A telehealth appointment with an advanced practitioner
A low cost option for EMDR. Please note, individuals are currently training for EMDR and not certified with EMDRIA.
A lower cost option for couples and families.
A lower cost option for those looking for counselling services for all ages.
A lower cost option for online couples and family therapy.
A lower cost option for those looking for counselling services for those of all ages.
A lower cost option for online couples and family therapy. Please ask if you require the Pay What You Can Program for this booking.
A longer EMDR Session. EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD, trauma (including developmental trauma), anxiety (including phobias, panic attacks and performance anxiety) as well as depression. EMDR does not require talking about the distressing memory in detail. EMDR helps clear away limiting beliefs by processing distressing memories. EMDR tends to be a quicker treatment than other methods of therapy.
Services provided by a clinician with more years of experience and training.
Online support group for adults with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Caring for a child, teen, or loved one can be deeply meaningful—and at times, incredibly demanding. This in-person caregiver support and coaching appointment is designed to provide you with a space to feel heard, supported, and equipped with practical tools. In these sessions, we focus on your unique situation. Whether you are navigating anxiety, behavioural challenges, neurodivergence, family transitions, or feeling overwhelmed in your caregiving role, we work collaboratively to build strategies that feel realistic and sustainable in your day-to-day life. You can expect a supportive, non-judgmental environment where we explore: Practical parenting and caregiving strategies Emotional support and validation Understanding your loved one’s needs and behaviours Communication and boundary-setting tools Ways to care for yourself while caring for others These sessions are tailored to you—blending evidence-based approaches with compassionate, real-world guidance to help you feel more confident and supported in your role.
Caring for a child, teen, or loved one can be deeply meaningful—and at times, incredibly demanding. This in-person caregiver support and coaching appointment is designed to provide you with a space to feel heard, supported, and equipped with practical tools. In these sessions, we focus on your unique situation. Whether you are navigating anxiety, behavioural challenges, neurodivergence, family transitions, or feeling overwhelmed in your caregiving role, we work collaboratively to build strategies that feel realistic and sustainable in your day-to-day life. You can expect a supportive, non-judgmental environment where we explore: Practical parenting and caregiving strategies Emotional support and validation Understanding your loved one’s needs and behaviours Communication and boundary-setting tools Ways to care for yourself while caring for others These sessions are tailored to you—blending evidence-based approaches with compassionate, real-world guidance to help you feel more confident and supported in your role.
A child and youth appointment with a clinical counsellor. This is an individual counselling appointment. Play therapy and activity-based therapy tools will be implemented as appropriate in session. You may be asked to have items available during the session.
Services provided by a clinician with more years of experience and training.
You will be sent the online video link 30 minutes before this online appointment.
This is a longer, 80 min, virtual appointment for couples and families. Please ask if you require the Pay What You Can Program for this booking.
Services provided by a clinician with more years of experience and training.
Can be billed toCrime Victim Assistance
A more experienced practitioner providing EMDR therapy for children, youth, and adults.
All ages. EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD, trauma (including developmental trauma), anxiety (including phobias, panic attacks and performance anxiety) as well as depression. EMDR does not require talking about the distressing memory in detail. EMDR helps clear away limiting beliefs by processing distressing memories. EMDR tends to be a quicker treatment than other methods of therapy.
You will be sent a link before the appointment time.
Can be billed toFNHA · NIHB
Counselling is a tool for individuals experiencing a difficult situation to resolve their emotional distress and enjoy greater wellness. Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to administer the Mental Wellness and Counselling (MWC) Benefit to First Nations in BC.
Can be billed toFNHA · NIHB
Counselling is a tool for individuals experiencing a difficult situation to resolve their emotional distress and enjoy greater wellness. Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to administer the Mental Wellness and Counselling (MWC) Benefit to First Nations in BC.
Can be billed toFNHA · NIHB
Counselling is a tool for individuals experiencing a difficult situation to resolve their emotional distress and enjoy greater wellness. Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to administer the Mental Wellness and Counselling (MWC) Benefit to First Nations in BC.
15 minute initial consultation for clients to enquire about potential services. You will receive a link in your email a few minutes prior to the start of your appointment.
Can be billed toICBC
This session is direct billed to ICBC for clients who have coverage through them.
A lower cost option for those looking for counselling services for those of all ages. Request the Pay What You Can Program if needed.
You will receive a link in your email prior to the session to begin your online appointment.
You will be sent a Microsoft Team's Invite for this meeting. We meet the third Monday of the month.
Can be billed toVeterans Affairs
To qualify for the Mental Health Benefits initiative, you must be: A former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve), or A still-serving Reserve Force member Class A or Class B (less than 180 days) not covered by the CAF healthcare plan, and You have submitted a Disability Benefits application for one of the following mental health conditions: Anxiety disorders; Depressive disorders; Trauma-and-stressor-related disorders
Island Clinical Counselling is offering monthly drop-in groups for autistic adults, those who are pursuing a diagnosis, or those who do not have a diagnosis but identify as being autistic. Support groups offer opportunities to come together in a safe and supportive environment under the guidance of a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is a parent-based treatment for childhood and adolescent OCD, anxiety, and related conditions. Parents play an active role in reducing accommodation behaviors without requiring the child to participate in therapy sessions. It is particularly helpful for children who are unable to engage in traditional treatments like exposure and response prevention (ERP). SPACE may also be a good option for families who have tried other therapies but are still dealing with significant symptoms. Although children are the “patients” in SPACE, only parents attend the treatment sessions — no demands at all are placed on the child. Treatment focuses on helping parents make two main changes in the way they respond to their child’s symptoms: (a) how to be more supportive and (b) how to be less accommodating (accommodation refers to the ways parents change their behavior to help their child avoid or alleviate the distress caused by their symptoms).
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is a parent-based treatment for childhood and adolescent OCD, anxiety, and related conditions. Parents play an active role in reducing accommodation behaviors without requiring the child to participate in therapy sessions. It is particularly helpful for children who are unable to engage in traditional treatments like exposure and response prevention (ERP). SPACE may also be a good option for families who have tried other therapies but are still dealing with significant symptoms. Although children are the “patients” in SPACE, only parents attend the treatment sessions — no demands at all are placed on the child. Treatment focuses on helping parents make two main changes in the way they respond to their child’s symptoms: (a) how to be more supportive and (b) how to be less accommodating (accommodation refers to the ways parents change their behavior to help their child avoid or alleviate the distress caused by their symptoms).
*Ages 8-11 years old* (Developmental Age) Description: Connect with likeminded peers who can relate to similar challenges as we learn about anxiety and stress management skills. Develop and trial practical tools and techniques through the use of art, games, and fun activities. Key areas of focus include understanding the effects of anxiety, everyday triggers, and coping strategies such as mindfulness, reframing, and cognitive restructuring. Join us as we learn and grow together. Neurodivergent and Diverse Ability Friendly
This appointment is for counsellors that provide clinical supervision to other counsellors. Supervision of Supervision is an opportunity to discuss supervision cases in a highly confidential way. Supervision allows supervisors an opportunity to understand factors that are impacting their work (personality clashes, values clashes, transference/countertransference, difficult cases) and learn new skills and intervention strategies for their work
15 minute initial consultation for clients to enquire about potential services. You will receive a phone call from your clinician.
Direct billing — not published
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