Hayley Porteous, BA, MA

Hayley is a seasoned senior clinician with over three decades of invaluable experience in the field of mental health counseling. Currently serving as a cornerstone of the outpatient mental health clinic affiliated with Island Health, she brings a wealth of expertise to her therapeutic practice.

Specializing in supporting clients with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and neurodiversity, Hayley offers comprehensive therapeutic services with a compassionate touch. Her commitment to individualized care ensures that each client receives tailored support designed to foster growth and healing within a safe and nurturing environment.

In addition to her individual therapy work, Hayley is highly proficient in group facilitation, having developed and led groups focused on Group readiness, life skills, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness strategies. She excels in working with neurodivergent clients, providing a supportive approach that embraces their unique needs and experiences.

Specialized area: Social or Generalized Anxiety | ADHD therapy | Trauma | Substance use recovery | Late diagnosed ADHD | Post-Secondary Transitions | ADHD +/- Autism | Depression | Anxiety ADHD individual therapy | Couple therapy | ADHD specialized-couple therapy | Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | childhood trauma | PTSD | Eating disorders | Fitness | Nutrition 

Education and Credentials: Hayley holds a Master's degree in Adult Education and has completed extensive training in CBT and other evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Her dedication to ongoing professional development ensures that she stays at the forefront of mental health counselling practices, delivering the highest standard of care to her clients.

Professional Experience: Throughout her career, Hayley has successfully assisted numerous clients in overcoming a variety of challenges, including ADHD/Neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. Her compassionate and empathetic approach fosters understanding and healing, creating a foundation for positive change in her clients' lives.

Areas of Expertise: Hayley's practice encompasses a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, Narrative and Trauma-Informed Practice. Her holistic approach considers the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that treatment plans are comprehensive and personalized.

Philosophy and Approach: Hayley's therapeutic philosophy is grounded in compassion, understanding, and non-judgment. She empowers clients to embrace their thoughts and feelings, guiding them towards living more meaningful lives by clarifying their values and taking committed action. Her warm and empathetic demeanor creates a supportive space for clients to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings, facilitating growth, healing, and self-discovery.

Hayley is deeply committed to supporting clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. Through her extensive experience, dedication to ongoing growth, and focus on neurodiversity, she serves as a compassionate guide for those seeking transformation and emotional wellness.