About Fiona Abram, MSW RSW (she/her)
I am a Registered Social Worker, passionate about the power of counselling, human connection, and support. Personally, I have found counselling to be profoundly helpful in my own healing journey, and I wish to offer this support to others. I am a lifelong learner and always integrating new approaches into my counselling practice.
I was born in England and moved to Canada in 2011 (after falling in love with a Canadian); while my English roots run deep, Canada is now home for me. I have fifteen years experience working in healthcare in a variety of settings including hospital, hospice, people's homes, and community mental health.
I work with adults (age 19 +), in person in my Nanaimo office, or for Walk and Talk sessions on local trails, as well as virtually throughout BC. Keep reading below to learn more about my approach and areas of specialty.
In my spare time you will find me playing with my children, tending to my chickens, walking my dog on local trails, looking for mushrooms, going to concerts with friends, and learning something new.
I would be honoured to support you on your healing journey.
My Approach
I have a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work.
I am trained in the below counselling modalities:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Somatic Therapy
Mindfulness
I am a lifelong learner and always exploring new trainings and modalities. For a full list of trainings and certifications I have taken to date please see the bottom of this page.
I draw from this breadth of training to support you in a trauma informed and strengths based way. My holistic focus facilitates meaningful change and growth by attending to the mind, body, emotions and spirit.
Who I Work With
I work with adults aged 19 + who want to feel better and live a life that aligns with their goals and values. I work with anxiety, depression, PMDD, body image concerns, stress and overwhelm. I specialize in providing support navigating life transitions such as pregnancy, parenting, grief and loss, including loss of a loved one to suicide. I also specialize in supporting adults with binge eating, working from a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective.
I help you access your own inner healer, to move towards your authentic self, peeling away trauma, life experiences, and false beliefs that are holding you back. I support you to move forward in a way that is meaningful to you.
"My life experiences and personal work has deepened my understanding of myself and the benefits of therapy. I am compassionate, curious, and here to facilitate your growth and empowerment."
Fiona Abram, Registered Social Worker
Please see below for a list of trainings and certifications I have taken to date.
Masters in Social Work, Leeds Metropolitan University, England, UK 2011
Bachelor of Science Psychology Degree (Honours), Sheffield Hallam University, England, UK 2007
Somatic Experiencing Beginning I, II, & II, Intermediate I & II, 2025-2026
Treat Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Premenstrual Syndrome & Emotional Dysregulation with DBT & CBT, PESI 2026
EMBARK for Major Depression, Cybin, 2024
Not Just The Blues: Perinatal Depression and Anxiety, UBC 2024
San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Learning Programs 2024
What Lies Beneath: Navigating the Hidden Depths of Complex Trauma, Learning Hub 2024
Introduction to Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, DBT Centre of Vancouver, 2023
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders, Levels 1 & 2 Adults, SickKids CCMH Learning Institute 2023
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Training, Island Health 2022
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Enhanced for Eating Disorders, University of Oxford, 2022
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Disorders, Wilfred Laurier University, 2022
Serious Illness Care: More, earlier, Better Conversations, BC Centre for Palliative Care, 2021
Psychosocial Care of the Dying and Bereaved, Victoria Hospice, 2019
Addiction Medicine Diploma, British Columbia Centre on Substance Abuse, 2018
Mindfulness Meditation: In Clinical Practice and Personal Life, Mindfulness Institute, 2014
Certificate in Bereavement Counseling, Cruse Bereavement Care, England, UK 2008