Aleya Nailor

What is your name/nicknames?

Aleya Nailor

What do you do at Shift?

I offer individual therapy sessions for adults and adolescents. In therapy, my goal is to help clients identify opportunities for growth from change and life events. We will identify any negative thought patterns and behaviors that inhibit growth so that you can develop the tools to cope with change and feel empowered in navigating significant life events.

What are your academic credentials?

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, specializing in Vocational Rehabilitation Counselling, from the University of British Columbia. I also hold a B.A. in Psychology and a Certificate in Community Counselling skills. I bring along a diverse background with experience in counselling, disability case management, consulting, support group facilitation, and employment services.

Why did you decide to become a therapist?

I became a therapist because I have always experienced a natural drive to support others in some way -- many of my earliest memories are of helping someone who was feeling low or struggling to cope with change, grief or loss. My education, training and experience allows me to use evidence-based practices like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), person-centered interventions, and family systems theory to bring the knowledge, skills, and tools you need to feel supported and empowered in our work together.

What do you bring to your therapy sessions, and what are some goals?

I take a client-focused and collaborative approach to counselling and want you to feel understood, validated, and supported in our work together. I am passionate about helping others find their way through when it seems there is no way out -- we take it one step at a time and work together to show you what you are capable of. I strive to practice with compassion, openness and respect for all people - one of my goals during our time together is that you should feel safe, positive, and welcome to be yourself.

Who do you work with?

Individual adults and adolescents, ages 16+

Why are you passionate about what you do?

In addition to the professional experience I hold, my lived experiences as a BIPOC, first-generation Canadian, mother of two after traumatic birth, and someone who has lived with chronic pain for many years lends further knowledge to my practice and motivates my commitment to helping others gain accessible and experienced mental health supports. Many of these life experiences challenged me to face my own mental health and seek counselling to guide my way through change when I wasn't sure I could see a way out. This only strengthened my drive to establish myself as a relatable therapist who could listen, validate, and support others in their self-advocacy and growth from life events.

What do you do in your spare time?

As a working mom of two littles, I don't get a lot of spare time during the week with our busy family schedule so weekends are pretty special to me. I love to spend time exploring the beauty of Vancouver Island and its vibrant community events. If I can bring my dog along and do all of this with a hot coffee, it's a great day! Any other time I can carve out is spent catching up with good friends, good food, or jumping into a group fitness class. I am in the season of life where there isn't much time or space for other hobbies, but I'm enjoying where I am and will look forward to the next stage when it comes around.

What is a skill that you are currently working on?

I am currently exploring other areas of interest to specialize in my counselling practice. In addition to growing my skillset as a couples and family therapist, my recent experiences and connections have ignited a passion for perinatal counselling and the importance of making maternal mental health care more accessible. I am keen to participate in ongoing professional development to hone my skills in these areas and keep growing as a therapist.

What motivates or inspires you?

I am motivated by my love for genuine connection and the growth I get to witness in all my relationships, professional and personal. Whether it's the "a-ha!" moment when my daughter realizes she is capable of doing something hard, or the individual sitting across from me in session who has just realized how to let go of a limiting belief that no longer serves them, I am so inspired by the resilience of individuals when they are faced with hardship. As long as I can continue to learn, grow, and facilitate a safe space for this kind of connection, I know I will continue to be inspired by each unique person who crosses my path.

Available for:

Anxiety-related symptoms (GAD, Phobia, Panic, Social, etc.) | Perinatal/Maternal mental health - planning, conception, pregnancy, birth, parenting | Depression | Exposure Therapy | Life Transitions | Chronic Pain, Illness, and Women's Health | Coping Skills | Interpersonal relationships | PTSD | Self Esteem | Stress and Burnout | Boundary Adherence | Cultural Identity | Grief | Stress & Burnout | and much more...