Nina Sloan

 

Hi, I'm Nina (she/her/any).

The journey of healing and growth can be messy, challenging, and heartbreaking, but at the same time beautiful, majestic, and worth every effort. I believe that counselling is a place where space is held for you to process deep emotions, overcome obstacles, increase self-awareness, feel vulnerable, be challenged, connect, grow and work towards a life that's more fulfilling.

Growth and healing flourish in a safe space, so that's what I work hard to create: an open-minded and judgment-free environment where you feel heard, validated, and respected. As a counsellor, I bring my authentic self into each session, led by knowledge and powered by intuition. This means that you will see me not only as a counsellor, but as human as you are. I will meet you where you are, help empower you and equip you with the tools to make lasting changes and become the best version of yourself.

My approach looks at the whole person, so we will dive into all aspects of you who are: physical, mental, social, and spiritual; past, present, and future. Collaboratively, we will navigate your struggles, challenges, and/or areas of your life that you would like to see transformed. Because every person’s story is unique and valuable I use an integrative style (drawing from various theories and approaches), which means that every therapeutic experience is as unique as you are.

My primary focus is working with members of the LGBTQ2IA+ and non-monogamous communities. Through lived experience as a queer and poly ciswoman, I understand many intersectional experiences of oppression and vulnerability. This provides me with deeper insight into how I can support my clients from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, sex-positive, and affirming framework. 

My areas of passion are:

  • LGBTQ2IA+ Individuals, Partners, Groups, and Families

  • Ethically Non-monogamous Relationships and Non-traditional Dynamics (polyamory, open relationships, swinging, kink, sex work, etc.)

  • Gender and Sexuality

  • Sex and Intimacy

  • Consent and Boundaries

  • Religious Trauma

  • Chronic Pain

  • Neurodiversity

  • Psychedelic Integration (coming soon!)

  • Women's* Issues 

(*I use a trans-affirming and inclusive feminist framework to allow all women* to be heard and understood within larger social constructs and interchangeable factors such as power dynamics between genders in the broader society that impact and challenge identity)

My overall vision is to empower you to utilize your personal strengths with increased self-awareness in order to create and sustain positive changes, and to have the confidence and internal motivation to live your best life.

I recognize my privilege as a white settler descendant and am grateful to live, work and play on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc, within the unceded traditional territory of the Secwépemc Nation. Kukwstsemc. As a settler descendant, I believe that it is my duty to be an Indigenous ally. This requires ongoing effort and learning of the cultures, languages, histories, intergenerational trauma, and oppression that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples face. This work is close to my heart, as well as other forms of human rights activism to fight various systems of oppression, racism, and hate.

I have a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology major), Bachelor of Education, and Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I also have post-graduate training in Emotion-Focused Therapy and the Developmental Model for Couples Therapy. I’m a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I have been the Clinical Director for Our Landing Place since 2024.

I grew up in Ontario, where I completed my BA and BEd and taught elementary school. I then travelled and lived abroad before setting my roots down in the west. In my free time I love adventuring, learning about different cultures and how people in other parts of the world live, think, eat, work, and play. I find that every time I travel I grow as an individual and person on this planet. I'm a very social person as well as a mother, so spend most of my free time with my family and close friends. I love to laugh, so joking around with others comes second nature to me and is always on the agenda. Hobbies of mine that keep my creative spirit alive include acrylic painting, costume design, face/body painting, and special effects makeup. While I thrive off of social interactions, I also cherish my alone time where I have the space to relax, reflect, and recharge. Often, I will find myself in nature for this serene escape from the rest of the world.

Session Fee: $200 (plus applicable tax) per 50-minute session.