Keira McPhee
How can we heal ourselves and heal the world?
About Keira (she/they)
How can we heal ourselves and heal the world? This question resonates for me in my family life, in my career, in community and on the land. Our healing journeys are deeply personal. At the same time we are shaped by social systems. I love Sunflower’s focus on healing ourselves in relation to the world and times we live in.
I am guided in my practice by elders, teachers, mentors and healers. Guiding is a metaphor I often use to describe how I show up as a therapist and as a facilitator. The path you walk is yours; it’s not always easy or comfortable but I will walk at your side.
I am delighted to be back living in Sneneymeux territory (Nanaimo, BC) where the forest meets the sea. At home, I am an avid reader, grow unruly gardens, dream in sci-fi, swim and listen to weird (according to my son) and wonderful music of many genres.
My services
We heal and grow when we feel calm, safe and connected. This is a holistic process. It includes listening and learning from the wisdom of our stories and what our bodies, emotions and spirit are telling us. Our experiences of trauma, of loss, and the injuries from harmful systems of oppression do not define us. It’s our journey together to discover and grow the seeds of what helps us thrive.
My psychotherapy practice is grounded in experiencing and growing a sense of ourselves as an integral part of community and nature. I offer sessions outside in Sneneymeux territory, Nanaimo, BC. I also work with people online and on the phone, wherever you live.
Nature-based therapy
Available in person in Nanaimo, BC (60 mins)
Walks at pace that feels right for you in the moment
Experiencing rest in both movement and stillness to unwind our nervous systems
Mindful practices that awaken us to our senses
Online or phone therapy
Available wherever you are (60 mins)
Art and journaling experiences to bring us home to ourselves
Mindfulness and centring practices that reconnect us to ourselves as part of nature
Awareness of our body and sensations in relation to thinking patterns and emotions
Education and credentials
Canadian Clinical Counsellor (C.C.C.), registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
M.Ed Counselling, Acadia University. Focus on the impacts of colonization, white body supremacy, and trauma.
Compassionate Inquiry Professional Program based on Dr. Gabor Maté’s approach
Honour B.A. in Humanities & Psychoanalytic Thought and English Literature, University of Toronto. Focus on attachment theory in experiences of bereavement and adoption.
Other work
I also provide counselling services for Nanaimo Brain Injury Society.
I’m often in the garden. It’s where I recharge. I love to grow and forage food and medicine to enjoy and share. This led to organizing and facilitating with groups and organizations dedicated to growing a just food system.
Interested in working with us?
We look forward to meeting other counsellors and facilitators whose values align with our own. If you are interested in learning more about our workers’ co-operative please get in touch!