Securely Thriving — Family Therapy | Nelson, BC
Family Therapy · Nelson, BC · Virtual anywhere in BC

Therapy for families
navigating autism,
ADHD, and big feelings.

We don't start with behaviour. We start with the relationship underneath it. Supporting neurodiverse families with the tools, understanding, and connection to actually thrive.

Ari Saunders
Less struggle,
more laughter.
💡
Did you know family therapy is covered by BC Autism Funding?

Not just for your child — parents, siblings, and caregivers all qualify. Many families don't know this.

Learn more →

This isn't just another place to talk.

If you're here, you're probably looking for more than someone to listen. You want to actually do things differently — and see it make a difference at home.

I work with the relationship underneath the behaviour. Because that's where lasting change happens.

  • Transform intergenerational patterns into relationships built on mutual respect
  • Build practical strategies that fit your real family — not a generic program
  • Address the underlying roots of behaviour so change actually sticks
  • Build a grounded foundation that can weather the inevitable storms of parenting
Book a free call

Simple to get started.

01

Free 30-minute call

We talk about what's going on, what you're looking for, and whether working together makes sense. No pressure.

02

Intake and planning

A thorough intake to get a clear picture of your family. From there we build a plan that fits — not a generic program.

03

Ongoing sessions

Family therapy, caregiver coaching, school consultation — wherever the work needs to happen, that's where we go.

Making therapy accessible for your family.

Many families are surprised to find that therapy is already covered — either through BC Autism Funding or their extended health benefits. Here's how it works.

01

Check your funding

If your child has an autism diagnosis, you likely have BC Autism Funding available. Log in to the BCAF portal to add Securely Thriving as a service provider.

02

Book your sessions

Family therapy, caregiver coaching, and school consultation are all eligible expenses. Book a free call to get started — we'll handle the paperwork together.

03

Submit your claim

Securely Thriving can bill BCAF directly for sessions or provide a receipt to be submitted to your benefits provider for reimbursement.

Extended health benefits

Many extended health plans also cover registered counselling services. Securely Thriving is recognized through ACCT — check if your plan includes any of the following providers:

Pacific Blue Cross Sun Life Green Shield Canada Equitable Life of Canada iA Financial Group ClaimSecure Victor Insurance

Coverage varies by plan. Check your policy for "counselling" or "psychotherapy" coverage, or contact your benefits provider directly. Not sure? Book a free call and we can help you figure it out.

Wondering about cost? Many families are surprised to learn that sessions may be fully covered — meaning little to no out-of-pocket cost. If you don't have coverage, private pay rates are available. Book a free call to discuss what works for your situation.

Real results for real families.

The ADHDifference Podcast

Ari was recently interviewed on the ADHDifference Podcast — Season 2, Episode 40 — on intergenerational ADHD patterns and what it really takes to support families from the inside out.

Book a free call
Ari Saunders
Ari Saunders
RTC · CYC · ECCE
Family Therapist & Waldorf Educator
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC)
Child & Youth Care Practitioner
Early Childhood Educator
Certified Waldorf Teacher
MSW Candidate, U of Calgary
20+ years with children & families

I founded Securely Thriving out of lived experience.

As a parent, educator, and somatic therapist, I understand the incredible importance of safety through secure attachment at every stage of the developmental journey.

I help families navigate the complexities of diverse needs, abilities, and challenges with relational sensitivity and presence. This isn't about perfection — it's about creating the conditions where adults and children feel safe enough to grow.

Based in Nelson, BC. Serving the Kootenays in person and virtually throughout BC.

Read more about me

FAQs

What makes your approach unique?

This is a bottom-up approach to fostering health in relationships at every level. Instead of behaviour management, we focus on secure attachment and nervous system awareness as the foundation for growth.

Who do you work with?

Families and individuals navigating ADHD, emotional regulation, diverse needs, and family dynamics. This includes parents, caregivers, educators, and helping professionals.

What's the first step?

Book a free, no-pressure 30-minute call. It's a chance to share a bit about your situation, ask questions, and see if this support feels like the right fit.

Less struggle,
more laughter.

Book a free 30-minute call. We'll talk about what's going on and whether working together makes sense.

Book Your Free Call

No pressure. No commitment. Just a conversation.

Less struggle,
more laughter.

Book a free 30-minute call. We'll talk about what's going on and whether working together makes sense.

Book Your Free Call

No pressure. No commitment. Just a conversation.