Dave Leitao, RCC

Associate Counsellor
He/Him/His

Dave Leitao is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Nanaimo and a PhD candidate in Psychology at Meridian University. He supports individuals who feel stuck in repeating patterns — including anxiety, trauma responses, identity struggles, addictions, and life transitions — especially when traditional “fix-it” approaches no longer feel sufficient.

Dave’s work is grounded in systems thinking and trauma-informed practice. Rather than viewing symptoms as signs of something broken, he helps clients explore how personal history, family dynamics, nervous system patterns, culture, and life context shape experience. This broader lens often opens new possibilities for change that feel more authentic and sustainable.

His approach blends integrative psychotherapy with creative inquiry. Sessions may include reflective dialogue, symbolic or imaginal exploration, and occasionally art or music as ways of accessing insight beyond words. Dave works collaboratively with clients to notice patterns, build awareness, and experiment with new ways of relating to themselves and others.

Drawing from integral, transpersonal, mindfulness-based, and developmental perspectives, Dave aims to create a space where curiosity, honesty, and even playfulness can coexist with depth and challenge. His focus is on supporting meaningful transformation rather than quick solutions — helping clients move toward greater resilience, coherence, and self-understanding.

Dave holds an MA in Psychology and a Diploma in Transpersonal Counselling. His doctoral research explores resistance to change and developmental thresholds, with a focus on how people grow through periods of uncertainty and reorganization.