Therapists in Victoria, BC

For over 20 years I have worked to help people to manage and transform anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, loss and grief, change and transitions, relationships and divorce, self-esteem, sleep problems, and stress management. I believe that each person possesses inherent basic health, goodness and capacities for self-healing.

Sometimes we all feel stuck. Our go-to methods of coping aren't working anymore, or we aren't getting what we need from those we usually turn to. Sometimes we need a space to be heard and other times we want someone to help us set some goals and take those first steps. In working with youth, individuals and families I bring curiosity, gentleness, humour and compassion along with knowledge of many therapeutic modalities which allows me to be flexible and tailor our work together to your specific needs.

With a focus on anxiety, I employ somatic techniques using mindful awareness to help individuals identify and release the physical symptoms of anxiety and stress. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore the connections between their emotional well-being, bodily sensations in order to live life with less fear and anxiety. I hold a Master’s degree in clinical counselling and is trained in Somatic Experiencing.

I provide virtual and in-person counselling at my Fairfield home office in Victoria, BC. I work with individuals (18+) and couples seeking support with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual issues, preparing for and adjusting to parenthood, parenting and navigating grief and loss. My goal is to empower individuals to find deeper meaning and contentment in life, and for couples at any stage of their togetherness to develop greater intimacy and connection in all dimensions of their relationship.

I’m a European settler, an explorer of nature, a knitter, and a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has supported youth and adults and their mental health for over a decade. I’m a calm, curious, relaxed person who has been asking the big existential questions of who we are and why we’re here and what to do about that my whole life. I love bringing this curiosity into the counselling space and supporting you to identify how those questions are impacting you. You may be feeling depressed, full of anxiety, working through past and current traumas, or grappling with the difficulties that being alive inevitably brings.

My clients are people suffering from addictions, anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders and are also the families of those affected by substance-use issues. The goal of my clients is to find more freedom and joy in their lives.

Thank you for being here and showing an interest in Narrative Therapy. It is quite possible that you are wondering, "What exactly is Narrative Therapy?" Narrative practice is a respectful, non-blaming approach to therapy and community work. It is dedicated to rich questions and generous listening. Narrative therapy explores the many skills, values, beliefs, abilities and commitments people have and is curious about the dominant discourses a person may find themselves up against in their lives.

I have 25 years of experience and I can help you achieve your goals. I am knowledgeable and skilled in a variety of effective counseling practices including psycho-dynamic, solution- focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I will work with you to find the most effective approach that is best suited to your situation. I am compassionate, non-judgmental and will provide you with a safe place to explore your issues. My focus is on you the whole person. My approach is active, goal-directed and collaborative. I can help you feel better and gain a new perspective.

You were born as a perfect being and unfortunately, you may have had unpredictable, painful experiences that changed you. Who you were and how you perceive the world aren't the same anymore. You may feel lost, anxious, sad, alone, ashamed, guilty, afraid or always on alert. These life changing experiences could have included childhood bullying, seeing your caregivers argue, a health scare, seeing something terrifying or perhaps losing something you loved. You know your friends and family care, but they may not be able to offer the guidance that you need.

Does it seem like even though you try so hard, you just can't feel confident and happy? You're exhausted. You overthink. You criticize yourself. You should have figured things out by now, but you feel stuck and it's not for lack of trying. In your life this can look like anxiety, lack of motivation, procrastinating, impostor syndrome, over-eating, low self-esteem, unsatisfying relationships, a discouraging job or even depression, and feeling like you’re not enjoying life and don’t know what to do anymore. I know these feelings too and how exhausting it feels and I want to let you in on a little secret. This is not your fault.

I invite you to book your free 20 minute consultation now if you're yearning to heal from painful emotions that have caused deep suffering in your life. My mission is to help you discover joy in living. I do this by helping you recognize and overcome what's standing in the way of living the life you deserve. I am dedicated to helping my clients deal with their difficult experiences and struggles in life. I compassionately support and guide my clients to discover their untapped strengths and resources so they can attain their greatest potential and find deeper meaning in life.

In conjunction with colleagues at our office I intend to offer interpersonal group therapy providing an insight oriented group experience. There is also a codependency group option led by Valerie MacNeil, M.Ed.,RCC in which I will be involved.

I work with folks who are experiencing post-traumatic stress responses, anxiety, depression, the effects of abuse and early attachment wounds. Through a relational, attachment-based somatic approach to counselling, I can help clients develop a stronger sense of self, increase their capacity to tolerate emotions, learn to self-regulate the nervous system, repair relational injuries, get "unstuck", and heal from the effects of trauma in an embodied way.

Updated April '24: I am accepting clients with daytime availability and work with couples and individuals in my practice. Using a collaborative, supportive, and non-judgemental approach, I empower clients to work towards their goals, overcome obstacles, and create new, healthier patterns in their lives. I help a wide variety of clients with anxiety, depression, body image issues, life transitions, trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, and other challenges. Please feel free to book yourself into my schedule via emmadonaldcounselling.janeapp.com or reach out to me to ask any questions and learn more about my approach!

Psychotherapy is the confidential process where you can get insight from an experienced registered Psychologist in understanding how life-stressors can interfere with your thinking patterns, feelings, beliefs, needs, behaviour and relationships. Prolonged exposure to stress, unhappiness, conflict, trauma, abuse or problematic relationships can lead to anxiety, depression, grief, anger or other behavioural problems. Brain research clearly indicated that early psychological intervention can prevent mental and physical illnesses. Clients now have the opportunity to be proactive and learn the skills on how to protect their mental health, restore their competence and happiness and develop a strong sense of well-being and resiliency.

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, addictions, mental health crises, and/or suicidal ideation/self-harm, and you're looking for support navigating these challenges, but you're afraid of regular talk therapy or had negative experiences in the past, I can promise you, I take a unique, person centered approach and prioritize client needs and wants from therapy. I want you to feel in charge of your counselling! I work with both adults, and children and youth and can help the family work together to meet you or your child's needs!

Life can be really hard sometimes, for lots of different reasons and sometimes what makes it feel even harder, is feeling like we are alone in it. This can make us feel confused, hurt, angry, anxious, depressed, isolated, overwhelmed and stressed out. But just because life is hard, doesn’t mean we are doing it wrong! I work with many young adults (age 19-40) who are looking for a safe place to process emotions, explore new ways of being in the world, and let your defenses down, while being seen, understood, and fully accepted. Having support can make us feel less alone and can help life become more manageable.

Welcome to The Budding Elm: Counselling & Consultation Services. As a collaborative team of passionate clinicians dedicated to supporting families, adults and youth, we invite you to join us in partnership as we partner together to strengthen client resilience, relationships and mental health. The Budding Elm offers individual, family and group counselling while our consultation services include clinical-focused programs for family, schools, and local organizations. An outline of our targeted services include: Child Therapy • Teen Therapy • Adult Therapy • Family Therapy & Parent Support • Group & Couples Therapy

Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, disordered eating, or intense and distressing emotions? With curiosity and warmth, we will explore your experiences, develop insight and awareness of the various parts of yourself, and find a path toward healing and recovery. Through therapy, you may notice more self-confidence and trust, a greater sense of safety and security, and a robust set of coping strategies that serve you well.