Pauline Goh, MA, RCC, FOT

Awakening Essence – Counsellor in Nanaimo, BC 

Body-based psychotherapy • Somatic therapy • Focusing-oriented therapy 

Music-integrated therapy • PTSD, Complex Trauma, Inner Child Healing 

• Relationship, Marriage & Couples Therapy • Indigenous Healing 

Pauline Goh, MA, RCC, FOT, Nanaimo-based counsellor — specializing in somatic/body-based psychotherapy, music-integrated therapy, and marriage/relationship/couples counselling.  In-person and virtual (zoom) counselling appointments are available, out of a homey heritage office location in the Old City Quarter in downtown Nanaimo — on the traditional, unceded, ancestral territories of the Snuneymuxw.  Regular clients may also opt for outdoor/ walk-and-talk therapy to practice mindfulness and presence, and to connect with Self and nature.

I have been privileged to witness the healing journey of many clients in the last 17+ years, challenged with depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship and self esteem issues, inner child wounding, PTSD, and complex trauma. As a certified focusing-oriented therapist, I tap into our implicit body-mind knowing and what is present in the body to deepen our awareness and consciousness — whole-brain approaches in clinical practice that use empathy, emotion, attachment theory and relational aspects in psychotherapy.  I work gently with clients to cultivate self observation and embodiment, and the trust of the unfolding process anchored in the “here and the now.”

An expansive container for the work allows for the search for higher meanings and experiences in life. As a music integrated therapist, I can also support clients to engage in musicking (listening, playing, composing) as part of their self discovery and healing journey.

Trained in Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy, I facilitate the practice of deep listening, conflict management, and effective communication tools in marriage and couples therapy. As a BIPOC counsellor, I have been an active provider through FNHA, and the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS), and am able to hold space for multicultural, cross-cultural, indigenous healing, and racial issues, as well as immigration and adaptation challenges.

Even the darkest and sometimes disowned parts of ourselves can guide us towards healing and transformation. From core wounding in early development to trauma in adult life, our past experiences can imprint on us in ways that make it difficult to be fully present in our lives.

The search for wholeness arises out of a hunger that is inherent in all human beings, regardless of cultural, sexual or spiritual orientation. As we acknowledge and make room for parts of ourselves which may have been buried, disallowed, or unprocessed, we can experience a shifting and a flowing. As we unpack all these parts, new meaning arrives.  We are not reacting so much anymore.  External chaos can be there, but we can be rooted in our embodied being. No longer identified and governed by our pain bodies, we can begin to accept ourselves fully, and become empowered to make choices and decisions that work towards our best interests.  We can connect to our essence — and love, joy, and peace.

To wake up in the morning alive with presence and possibility, to have authentic and fulfilling relationships, to be able to communicate and to express ourselves in creative and imaginative ways – these are the things that can be manifested in our lives.

For a free 15 minute phone intake/consultation regarding individual and couples counselling, please leave a voice message on Pauline Goh’s Nanaimo office landline 778 441-5150 or connect via email (providing windows of days/times when you can be reached) through this Contact page.