Mind-Body Well-Being in Nanaimo, BC. Professional Counselling, Yoga, and Massage—All Integrated Under One Roof.

Farnaz Farrokhi-Holmes, Clinical Counsellor, CCC & RCC., MA Comms, MACP

Pronouns: She/Her | Your Counsellor Near Me  

Hi, I’m Farnaz!

I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), and the founder of Soma House Counselling & Wellness—a warm, grounded space designed to feel more like home than a clinic.

I support clients with anxiety, burnout, grief and loss, ADHD and neurodiversity, trauma and PTSD, high-conflict divorce, co-parenting, and blended-family challenges. As part of a blended family myself—and through my experience with not being able to have children, step-parenting, and supporting my husband through parenting agreements and mediation—I bring a grounded, lived understanding of the emotions and complexity families face as children move between two homes. I also grew up in a war-torn country, lived on air force bases, and worked in high-stress political and crisis environments, including the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada. These experiences inform my work with military members, veterans, first responders, caregivers, and those in leadership roles (and their families) who navigate pressure, trauma, and demanding responsibilities.

My work is rooted in a biopsychosocial lens and my approach draws on somatic therapy, EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Play Therapy, ACT, and other evidence-based, relational modalities to help clients process change, strengthen connection, and find clarity, stability, and emotional well-being. Therapy with me is collaborative, directive when helpful, and tailored to your unique goals.

I hold a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, a Master’s in Communications, and am an EMDRIA-trained EMDR therapist. 

• Anxiety, Stress & Emotional Well-Being
  Anxiety • Burnout • Grief & Loss (including complex, anticipatory & non-death losses) • Depression • Emotional Regulation • Self-Esteem & Imposter Syndrome
   
• ADHD, Neurodiversity & Confidence
  ADHD • Executive Functioning • Neurodiversity-Affirming Care • Identity & Inner Child Work
   
• Trauma, PTSD & Complex Relationships
  Trauma • PTSD • Nervous System Regulation • Narcissistic Abuse Recovery • High-Conflict Divorce
   
• Family, Relationships & Life Transitions
  Co-parenting • Blended Families • Families of Military & First Responders • Separation/Divorce • Relationship Patterns • Spiritual Growth • Major Life Changes
   
• Work, Leadership & Women’s Health
  Workplace Stress • Leadership Support • Peri/Menopause • Reproductive Challenges • Caregiver Stress • Support for High-Stress Professions

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Experiential Therapy
• Gestalt Therapy
• Inner Child Work
• Narrative Therapy
• Play and Art Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
• Somatic Therapy
• Trauma-Informed Care

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology
• Master’s Degree in Communications

Session Types: Individual adults, children, youth, couples, and family counselling. In-person or online.

Contact & Hours of Operation:

<<Soma House Counselling & Wellness>>

• Location: In-person and virtual in Nanaimo; virtual across British Columbia and unregulated provinces 
• Practice Days: Tuesday Nights, Fridays, and some Saturdays
• Contact: Farnaz@somahouse.ca | 250-228-7662 (SOMA) 
• Website: www.somahouse.ca 

<<Island Clinical Counselling (ICC)>>

• Location & Practice Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays (online only), and Thursdays, in Duncan; (in-person & virtual sessions offered in both locations.) 
• Contact: Farnaz.Farrokhi@islandclinicalcounselling.ca 
• Website: https://islandclinicalcounselling.ca/about-us/#farnaz

Fees for Session Lengths:

50-minute sessions:

This is my most popular session length, and it is a standard session for those seeking a focused therapy appointment. It allows time to address your concerns.

• Youth/Individuals/EMDR: $150  
• Couples/Families:  $185

80-minute sessions:

• $ 190 - 80 Minute Extended Therapy
•  $200 - 80-minute EMDR Therapy Session

This session length is ideal for those needing more time to share their concerns without feeling rushed. It provides an opportunity to cover more ground, whether it's for goal setting, planning, or addressing urgent issues. 

Billing & Benefit Plan Coverage |  Registration:  CCC 11260860 | RCC 22653 

I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) through the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).   

Most extended health benefit plans accept receipts from RCCs and CCCs, so please check to confirm if your sessions are eligible for reimbursement. I work with clients across British Columbia and in unregulated provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut) in Canada.

Direct billing is available for:
 

• Pacific Blue Cross
   
• Medavie Blue Cross (for Veterans Affairs Canada members)
   
• Autism Funding Unit (AFU) — if I am approved as a service provider for your family (please confirm details with AFU directly)
   

For other insurance providers, direct billing may be possible if your plan allows. Otherwise, you can submit your receipts for reimbursement.

Jacqueline Guerrier, Certified Massage Professional

Hello, I’m Jacqueline! I graduated from Vancouver Island University’s Esthetics and Spa Therapy Certificate Program and have experience providing both relaxation and deep tissue massage.

Massage can support physical ease, stress reduction, and nervous-system regulation—helping to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and create a sense of grounding and calm in the body. Many people come to massage as a way to disconnect from the demands of daily life and reconnect with themselves.

Because of this, I welcome silence throughout a session and will always respect your need for quiet, checking in periodically to ensure your comfort and safety.

My goal is to create a warm, client-centred, and restorative space where each session is thoughtfully tailored to support your overall well-being—whether you’re seeking deep relaxation, relief from tension, or simply time to rest and reset.

Contact: Info@westwoodmasseuse.ca | 250-619-4103

Fees for Session Lengths: 

• 50-Minute Massage Sessions $85 
• 70-Minute Massage Sessions $100

Sir. Courtland: The Regal Ruler of Comfort & Ruler

Therapeutic Support Animal 

Sir Courtland isn’t just any cat—he’s a dapper, treat-loving, therapy superstar! This charming gentleman started life on a bit of a rough road, growing up in an abandoned property with cerebellar hypoplasia, a condition where a kitten’s brain doesn’t fully develop before birth, making them wobbly and uncoordinated, but they can still live happy lives with extra care! Luckily, his amazing Foster Momma Amber nursed him back to health, and he became the beloved therapy cat at the Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA).

But fate had grander plans! During her clinical counselling practicum at NFLA, Farnaz and Sir Courtland formed an unbreakable bond. Now, this distinguished feline has upgraded his royal quarters to Soma House, where he “works” hard—mostly for Temptations treats, warm cuddles, and the occasional noble nap. With his gentle soul and regal presence, Sir Courtland continues to bring comfort, joy, and just the right amount of purr-fection to everyone he meets.  

Miss Braya Bear: A Golden Heart with a Playful Spirit 

Therapeutic Support Animal   

Braya Bear isn’t just an adorable Goldendoodle—she’s a therapeutic animal support dog with a gift for bringing comfort and joy to those around her. With her boundless energy and expressive personality, she knows exactly how to brighten someone’s day. One scritch behind the ears, and—just like that—you’ve got a loyal friend for life.

But like everyone, Braya sometimes feels overwhelmed, too. She has a sensitive heart and needs to be approached with gentleness and understanding. The best way to say hello? Offer your hand for a sniff, and let her come to you when she’s ready.

Whether she’s offering a calming presence, bringing a smile with her joyful spirit, or simply curling up beside someone in need of comfort, Braya Bear’s golden heart shines brightest when she’s helping others. With her love, warmth, and intuitive nature, she’s more than a companion—she’s a source of healing and happiness.