Life can feel heavy at times, from work stress to parenting challenges to personal transitions. At Sandstone Counselling, we help you pause, reflect, and regain control. Our counsellors provide evidence-based support for anxiety, burnout, and everyday overwhelm. Together, we explore what’s going on beneath the surface and build tools to navigate life more easily. Reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful step toward wellness. Reach out to us today. We are accepting new clients.

Michaela recently graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, BC. With a background in both massage therapy and accounting, she brings a unique combination of care, organization, and attention to detail to her practice. Michaela is passionate about wellness and is dedicated to helping others feel their best through intentional, client-centered care. During her clinical internship at WCCMT, Michaela developed strong hands-on skills in various massage techniques, including Swedish massage, myofascial release, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and sports massage. She has experience supporting clients with a wide range of conditions, such as chronic pain, stress, and musculoskeletal injuries.

So, you’ve decided to downsize. This is a big step for you, so it’s natural to feel a little anxious. This move may be different from others you made when you were younger. That’s because the real estate market is unique nowadays. You’re different, too. Help is available. The first step is to go to our website and download a free ebook that offers you five practical tips that will help you avoid potential downsizing slip-ups so that you can take your next steps with confidence. If you are a child helping your parents move, we have an ebook for you as well.

When recovering from an injury, it is important to stay mobile and strengthen your body safely to avoid causing further harm. Reformer Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that is gentle on the joints and minimizes stress on injured areas, making it ideal for individuals in recovery. Whether you’re healing from an injury and need to focus on a specific area, or you’re just starting your fitness journey, Pilates can help you move better and build strength without pain. It is especially beneficial for seniors and anyone dealing with injuries or mobility challenges.

Grief can arise from many experiences—losing a loved one, a relationship ending, changes in health, or life transitions. It’s not always linear, and it doesn’t always look the way we expect. At Sandstone Counselling in Nanaimo, our registered clinical counsellors provide a safe, supportive space to explore all forms of grief—whether it’s recent, long-held, traumatic, or anticipatory. Through compassionate, trauma-informed therapy, we help you process pain, find meaning, and move forward with care and clarity. You don’t have to face it alone.

When you think of weather-related trips or falls, you’re likely imagining a time when it’s cold and icy outside, but summer can be just as risky. When on unfamiliar terrain, seniors should still take caution. Outdoor rugs, pool decks, sandy shores, and uneven patio flooring can quickly become a safety hazard. Our tips for summer safety for seniors to avoid unnecessary slips and falls include: *Keep areas well-lit and clean. *Wear comfortable, well-fitting, non-slip footwear. *Make sure glasses and walking devices are in top shape

During the warm, sunny days of summer, older adults are at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. During extreme heat, stay indoors, stay as cool as possible, and drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol and wearing tight-fitting clothing. A symptom of too much heat is swollen feet and ankles. More serious symptoms are dizziness, fainting, a change in behaviour, dry, flushed skin, and a lack of perspiration. If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, call 911 and apply cold, wet cloths to the armpits, neck, and groin area. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Up to half of older adults are at risk for malnutrition, a condition that makes them vulnerable to increased risk of falling, slower recovery times, repeat hospitalizations, and possibly death. Thankfully, older adults, their caregivers, and loved ones can take several steps to better understand the factors that influence their nutritional needs and create a personalized plan for healthy eating: consulting a doctor or registered dietitian, focusing on nutrient-rich staples, staying hydrated, and addressing food insecurity. Comfort Keeper caregivers can help prepare nutritious, sustaining meals to help older adults maintain independence.