Many Hats, One Calling: My Journey to Soma Clinical Counselling
By Nina Bell Peters
The Introverted Social Butterfly
Nina here!
I hadn’t known from a young age that I was going to be a counsellor or social worker. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure I even knew what either of those things were! But I had always loved connecting with others. When I was young, my mom would say I’d come home from preschool overwhelmed by all the social stimulation, but the next morning I’d be bustling with excitement to do it all over again. I guess I might be considered an extroverted introvert. I thrive off social engagement, but also deeply appreciate downtime.
The Pandemic
My care for connection became especially apparent to me during the fall of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing, we were in lockdown, and people were dying. They were dying from COVID-19, but also from opioids.
I had begun volunteering at a non-profit organization in downtown Victoria, serving people experiencing mental illness, substance use, and homelessness. We offered hot meals and showers, hygiene supplies and cultural support, computer access, and more. Clients were called “family members,” as everyone was welcome here, and for many, community truly meant family. After volunteering for a few months (and loving it), I was hired as an Addictions Outreach Worker. I supported people who wanted to begin recovery or move toward sobriety, which meant helping coordinate medical detox and substance use treatment.
“I am here, in it, with you”
I was also part of an outreach team, and the work was incredibly varied. At times, I would be administering naloxone to someone experiencing an overdose, or verbally de-escalating someone in psychosis. Other times, it was sitting down over a cup of coffee and listening to someone share how they got to where they were. I wore many hats you could say!
During this time, I witnessed it all. I witnessed deaths from toxic drug poisonings, violence, and mental health crises. I also witnessed incredible resilience, community, and compassion. It was here that I began to truly understand the essence of empathy—sitting with someone in their pain without judgment or the need to fix it. Simply: I am here, in it, with you.
It may sound cliché, but there were a few moments during my two years in this role where I had the opportunity to be with someone in their darkest moment, to witness the rawness of human connection through pain. After that, I knew this was the most important thing I could do with my life, whatever “this” ended up being.
Weaving Social Work & Counselling
So, fast forward to completing my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at UBCO, along with a practicum in counselling. Here I integrated the social worker part of me, who cared deeply about equity and addressing systemic issues and discrimination faced by vulnerable populations AND with the counsellor part of me, who loved accompanying people as they explored their emotions and vulnerability.
After moving back to the coast, I found a position in the emergency department at a hospital in Vancouver. In emergency work, I’m immersed in a fast-paced environment, never knowing what might walk through the door. This role is primarily crisis and grief work, supporting patients and families through medical emergencies, death, intimate partner violence, and more. It’s really about meeting people in chaotic and terrifying moments and offering a grounding presence as they navigate what might feel like an impossible day.
Still, I felt I was missing the one-on-one relational work of counselling.
This is when I found Soma Clinical Counselling. Right away, I felt aligned with what SOMA stands for—healing the whole person, both mind and body. I loved the emphasis on creating a space where people can show up as they are and be met with gentle curiosity, compassion and care. Hayley and I connected instantly—over our shared love for the wide range of emotional support work we’ve had the privilege to do and of course, dogs.
I’ve always been drawn to spaces where people can show up honestly; where there’s room for laughter, tenderness, movement, and creativity. That value has followed me through many seasons of my life and into the work I do now. Being a part of SOMA feels like a natural extension of both who I am and how I work, reflecting the values that have guided me throughout my life and career. I am truly so excited to be here.
How to Access Counselling in North Vancouver or Online Across BC With Nina
Whether you’re seeking in-person counselling in North Vancouver or remote counselling across British Columbia, my goal is to foster connection, compassion, and a little bit of humour into our work together!
At Soma, I currently provide:
Individual counselling for individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, addictions, relationship struggles and emotional exploration.
Remote counselling across BC, making mental health support accessible no matter where you live.
Fun Facts About Me
I love being surrounded by my friends and family, so I spend a lot of my spare time with them. Often going to new cafes or cool restaurants and trying good food!
You’ll catch me running the seawall. I love love love long distance running, keeps me grounded and challenged at the same time! I also hope to run my 5th half marathon this year.
I love pretty much anything that gets your heart rate up, from playing soccer or doing a boxing class!
I also enjoy travelling and exploring new places and cultures! I’ve been to over 20 countries and lived abroad in two, I lived in the south of France and in Australia!
