Frances Ardron, Certified Canadian Counsellor

Hi! I’m Frances. I have recently moved to the Comox Valley, and am happy to be offering both online and in-person therapy at Seahorse Counselling. I have a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto, and 14 years of counselling experience as a registered CCC.

I really enjoy working with pre-teens, teens and young adults, but welcome clients of all ages.

I spent most of my counselling career in a more clinical setting, as the “Adolescent Specialist Counsellor” in a hospital, working with skilled psychiatrists treating a wide variety of mental health challenges facing teens and young adults. I found myself veering away from the hospital setting and into the schools, to meet youth where they were more comfortable, and did mental health & addictions counselling in several high schools and for the Restorative Justice Program, before opening a private practice.

I specialize in working with anxiety, including OCD, panic disorders and phobias. I also help clients struggling with emotional regulation, anger, and substance misuse or addiction (including behavioural addictions- gambling, gaming etc.). I am an avid equestrian and another niche of mine is anxiety management & sports psychology for equestrians. I have done presentations for Pony Clubs and other equestrian groups with great feedback. Along with addressing life's challenges, I enjoy helping clients connect with their passions, sense of purpose, maintain healthy relationships, and get tools for life to help maintain mental and emotional wellness.

I believe that a comfortable and trusting therapeutic relationship is important to any counselling work, and I offer a friendly, non-judgemental approach. We'll go at your pace, and work through life’s challenges and towards your goals in a collaborative way. I use a multi-modality approach, tailoring therapy to each client’s preferences.