Black Therapists in Victoria, BC
Are you a parent or caregiver noticing your child is struggling with big emotions, attention, or social challenges? Perhaps they’ve been diagnosed autistic, ADHD or identify as neurodiverse. Maybe your family is navigating issues of identity, culture, or belonging, and your child needs a safe place to express themselves. They might feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or just need extra support. Together, you want a secure environment where your child’s voice is honoured, their strengths shine, and they can grow with confidence.
Are you a parent or caregiver noticing your child is struggling with big emotions, attention, or social challenges? Perhaps they’ve been diagnosed autistic, ADHD or identify as neurodiverse. Maybe your family is navigating issues of identity, culture, or belonging, and your child needs a safe place to express themselves. They might feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or just need extra support. Together, you want a secure environment where your child’s voice is honoured, their strengths shine, and they can grow with confidence.
Life is stressful and at times feel difficult to manage. Having someone to talk to who is non-judgmental, validating, empathetic, as well as skilled with evidence-based strategies to assist you can be beneficial. During our first few visits my priority will be listening to your story to understand who you are and learn how you see and experience the world. Then, through inquiry, exploration, and observation we collaborate to view your challenges from various angles. Finally, we co-create a suitable path forward while ensuring you feel safe, heard, seen, and valued throughout the entire process.
Life is stressful and at times feel difficult to manage. Having someone to talk to who is non-judgmental, validating, empathetic, as well as skilled with evidence-based strategies to assist you can be beneficial. During our first few visits my priority will be listening to your story to understand who you are and learn how you see and experience the world. Then, through inquiry, exploration, and observation we collaborate to view your challenges from various angles. Finally, we co-create a suitable path forward while ensuring you feel safe, heard, seen, and valued throughout the entire process.
Racialized adults, trauma-exposed professionals, couples in crisis, neurodiverse people, and others. I've noticed a trend... Some people wait as long as they can before getting support, others reach out early, but no one is better off alone. Trauma holds us back. Neurodiversity complicates things (like navigating a society not designed with you in mind!). Grief, Loss, and other Life Transitions pile on extra stress during trying times. With support, I'm confident you'll find your way forward.
Racialized adults, trauma-exposed professionals, couples in crisis, neurodiverse people, and others. I've noticed a trend... Some people wait as long as they can before getting support, others reach out early, but no one is better off alone. Trauma holds us back. Neurodiversity complicates things (like navigating a society not designed with you in mind!). Grief, Loss, and other Life Transitions pile on extra stress during trying times. With support, I'm confident you'll find your way forward.
Are you a teen, adult, or parent struggling with stress and anxiety, low mood or depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief or loss, change and transitions, overwhelming emotions, or other difficulties that feel hard to manage on your own? Are you hoping for support that is genuine, non-judgmental, effective, and rooted in both a clinical and social justice background? Are you looking for someone who values diversity and has lived experience as a member of a historically marginalized group? Do you want to feel more grounded and more aligned so that you can better handle the challenges you face and begin to thrive?
Are you a teen, adult, or parent struggling with stress and anxiety, low mood or depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief or loss, change and transitions, overwhelming emotions, or other difficulties that feel hard to manage on your own? Are you hoping for support that is genuine, non-judgmental, effective, and rooted in both a clinical and social justice background? Are you looking for someone who values diversity and has lived experience as a member of a historically marginalized group? Do you want to feel more grounded and more aligned so that you can better handle the challenges you face and begin to thrive?
Carmel Bennett
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8W
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! As a trauma therapist, I work with complex and developmental trauma, dissociation, sexual abuse/assault, and attachment wounding. I also work with couples and relationships ready to develop kinder communication and deepen their felt sense of love and intimacy.
Much of my work centres racial and cultural identity, queerness, and neurodivergence, though all are welcome who feel a resonance with my approach.
Welcome! As a trauma therapist, I work with complex and developmental trauma, dissociation, sexual abuse/assault, and attachment wounding. I also work with couples and relationships ready to develop kinder communication and deepen their felt sense of love and intimacy.
Much of my work centres racial and cultural identity, queerness, and neurodivergence, though all are welcome who feel a resonance with my approach.
Now accepting new clients for money counselling and HRT Readiness Assessments.
"Money isn't the currency of happiness, but perhaps the currency of freedom."
Ready to change your relationship with money?
We explore, and aim to resolve, unhelpful emotional, cognitive, and psychological patterns that are impacting your financial well-being. Whether you're an entrepreneur ready for your next edge, afraid to look at your bank account, or unsure why you are repeating the same patterns, we will work to create lasting, sustainable change, to bridge the gap between where you are, and want to be. Together, we define what this means for you.
Now accepting new clients for money counselling and HRT Readiness Assessments.
"Money isn't the currency of happiness, but perhaps the currency of freedom."
Ready to change your relationship with money?
We explore, and aim to resolve, unhelpful emotional, cognitive, and psychological patterns that are impacting your financial well-being. Whether you're an entrepreneur ready for your next edge, afraid to look at your bank account, or unsure why you are repeating the same patterns, we will work to create lasting, sustainable change, to bridge the gap between where you are, and want to be. Together, we define what this means for you.
At different points in our lives, we may be faced with trials and tribulations that can be difficult, leave us uneasy, unhappy, anxious, depressed, or unsatisfied. As a developing psychotherapist, I aim to use my growing knowledge to aid those in the community combat these trying times. So, congratulations on taking the first step towards change. I work with individuals, families, teens (12+), and athletes dealing with trauma, reduction of stress, anxiety and accomplishing various life goals. I help clients reach a state of happiness, balance, and better health through a healthy therapeutic relationship and an integrative approach.
At different points in our lives, we may be faced with trials and tribulations that can be difficult, leave us uneasy, unhappy, anxious, depressed, or unsatisfied. As a developing psychotherapist, I aim to use my growing knowledge to aid those in the community combat these trying times. So, congratulations on taking the first step towards change. I work with individuals, families, teens (12+), and athletes dealing with trauma, reduction of stress, anxiety and accomplishing various life goals. I help clients reach a state of happiness, balance, and better health through a healthy therapeutic relationship and an integrative approach.
Feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in old patterns? You might be dealing with anxiety, burnout, identity conflicts, people-pleasing, boundary struggles, relationship anxiety or limerence, cultural pressures, or big life changes. Many of my clients feel exhausted from trying to hold everything together and want clarity, understanding, and a space where they don’t have to explain or minimize their experiences. I offer a warm, grounded, culturally aware environment where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface. This is a place where all parts of you are seen and respected.
Feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in old patterns? You might be dealing with anxiety, burnout, identity conflicts, people-pleasing, boundary struggles, relationship anxiety or limerence, cultural pressures, or big life changes. Many of my clients feel exhausted from trying to hold everything together and want clarity, understanding, and a space where they don’t have to explain or minimize their experiences. I offer a warm, grounded, culturally aware environment where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface. This is a place where all parts of you are seen and respected.
Shayla S Dube
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RCSW, RSW, MSW, BSW
9 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
While my focus is on supporting racialized as Black, Indigenous and other racial equity-seeking peoples navigating identity-based, intergenerational, cultural and racial traumas, I welcome anyone aligned with my values.
Even though I’ve successfully worked with children, youth, families, and adults navigating multifaceted mental health challenges, my focus is now on communal healing and collective liberation. I offer wellness and resilience-informed workshops and am accepting social workers and psychotherapists for inclusive, and equity- responsive clinical supervision.
While my focus is on supporting racialized as Black, Indigenous and other racial equity-seeking peoples navigating identity-based, intergenerational, cultural and racial traumas, I welcome anyone aligned with my values.
Even though I’ve successfully worked with children, youth, families, and adults navigating multifaceted mental health challenges, my focus is now on communal healing and collective liberation. I offer wellness and resilience-informed workshops and am accepting social workers and psychotherapists for inclusive, and equity- responsive clinical supervision.
You are someone who handles things. You always have. But lately, handling things has started to feel like surviving them and you are tired of surviving.
The stress has become structural. The anxiety lives in your body now, not just your mind. You push through because stopping feels impossible. You push through because everything you have built depends on you continuing to function. You are not broken. You are a high-performing person carrying more than high performance was designed to hold.
I am Iffy Nwankwo, Registered Counselor (CCC) and founder of Hartwell Counselling Therapy Group-offering virtual therapy in BC.
You are someone who handles things. You always have. But lately, handling things has started to feel like surviving them and you are tired of surviving.
The stress has become structural. The anxiety lives in your body now, not just your mind. You push through because stopping feels impossible. You push through because everything you have built depends on you continuing to function. You are not broken. You are a high-performing person carrying more than high performance was designed to hold.
I am Iffy Nwankwo, Registered Counselor (CCC) and founder of Hartwell Counselling Therapy Group-offering virtual therapy in BC.
You might be in the in-between, that uncertain space where something has shifted but nothing has settled yet. If that's where you are, you've found the right place.
I support people navigating anxiety, depression, rebuilding life after loss or transition, and more. I especially value working with people who feel caught between worlds—between cultures, identities, expectations, belief systems, or different versions of themselves.
You might be in the in-between, that uncertain space where something has shifted but nothing has settled yet. If that's where you are, you've found the right place.
I support people navigating anxiety, depression, rebuilding life after loss or transition, and more. I especially value working with people who feel caught between worlds—between cultures, identities, expectations, belief systems, or different versions of themselves.
You've been carrying something heavy for a while. Maybe it's grief, anxiety, a relationship breaking down, or a quiet sense that your life no longer fits. Whatever brought you here — reaching out takes courage.
I work with adults navigating trauma, loss, separation, anxiety, depression, caregiver burnout, life transitions, and intergenerational trauma including residential school legacy for Indigenous clients.
I accept FNHA, Telus Health, and private pay clients.
Sessions $185/hour.
You've been carrying something heavy for a while. Maybe it's grief, anxiety, a relationship breaking down, or a quiet sense that your life no longer fits. Whatever brought you here — reaching out takes courage.
I work with adults navigating trauma, loss, separation, anxiety, depression, caregiver burnout, life transitions, and intergenerational trauma including residential school legacy for Indigenous clients.
I accept FNHA, Telus Health, and private pay clients.
Sessions $185/hour.
I work with people who suspect, or have long wondered about, autism, ADHD, trauma or complex/PTSD, personality disorders, or other mental health concerns. I also specialize in complex assessments that involve a combination of these. Many come to me after years without answers, having masked, been dismissed, or received a diagnosis that didn't tell the whole story. As a Registered Psychologist, I provide comprehensive assessment for all ages through a collaborative, relational process, resulting in a clear report and personalized recommendations, in accessible language, that hold up for university, workplace, and funding purposes.
I work with people who suspect, or have long wondered about, autism, ADHD, trauma or complex/PTSD, personality disorders, or other mental health concerns. I also specialize in complex assessments that involve a combination of these. Many come to me after years without answers, having masked, been dismissed, or received a diagnosis that didn't tell the whole story. As a Registered Psychologist, I provide comprehensive assessment for all ages through a collaborative, relational process, resulting in a clear report and personalized recommendations, in accessible language, that hold up for university, workplace, and funding purposes.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual clinic specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach explores the root causes of symptoms by uncovering and understanding underlying emotions through evidence-based treatment. Through collaborative dialogue, we examine unconscious thoughts and emotions shaped from childhood to the present. We work to relieve symptoms by understanding how these patterns affect current experiences, and create targeted strategies for meaningful change long-term.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual clinic specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach explores the root causes of symptoms by uncovering and understanding underlying emotions through evidence-based treatment. Through collaborative dialogue, we examine unconscious thoughts and emotions shaped from childhood to the present. We work to relieve symptoms by understanding how these patterns affect current experiences, and create targeted strategies for meaningful change long-term.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual psychotherapy clinic specializing in Psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach focuses on revealing, understanding, and resolving underlying emotions and root causes of symptoms through evidence-based interventions and a comprehensive treatment plan. With an in-depth collaborative discussion and analysis of unconscious thoughts and emotions from childhood until the present day, we can explore how they inform us today to help relieve symptoms and develop targeted strategies to foster change.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual psychotherapy clinic specializing in Psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach focuses on revealing, understanding, and resolving underlying emotions and root causes of symptoms through evidence-based interventions and a comprehensive treatment plan. With an in-depth collaborative discussion and analysis of unconscious thoughts and emotions from childhood until the present day, we can explore how they inform us today to help relieve symptoms and develop targeted strategies to foster change.
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, or past experiences begin to impact how you see yourself and the world around you. Many clients come to therapy feeling stuck, exhausted from carrying too much, or wanting to better understand themselves and their patterns. I provide a compassionate and supportive space where we can explore your experiences, build self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and move toward meaningful healing while honoring your unique story.
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, or past experiences begin to impact how you see yourself and the world around you. Many clients come to therapy feeling stuck, exhausted from carrying too much, or wanting to better understand themselves and their patterns. I provide a compassionate and supportive space where we can explore your experiences, build self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and move toward meaningful healing while honoring your unique story.
Welcoming all first responders, veterans, military professionals, couples, and their families, Sol has been providing EMDR therapy for over 15 years. As a dedicated therapist, Sol strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for clients. His goal is to help individuals explore their traumas and leave with a renewed sense of empowerment and hope.
Welcoming all first responders, veterans, military professionals, couples, and their families, Sol has been providing EMDR therapy for over 15 years. As a dedicated therapist, Sol strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for clients. His goal is to help individuals explore their traumas and leave with a renewed sense of empowerment and hope.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual clinic specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach explores the root causes of symptoms by uncovering and understanding underlying emotions through evidence-based treatment. Through collaborative dialogue, we examine unconscious thoughts and emotions shaped from childhood to the present. We work to relieve symptoms by understanding how these patterns affect current experiences, and create targeted strategies for meaningful change long-term.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual clinic specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach explores the root causes of symptoms by uncovering and understanding underlying emotions through evidence-based treatment. Through collaborative dialogue, we examine unconscious thoughts and emotions shaped from childhood to the present. We work to relieve symptoms by understanding how these patterns affect current experiences, and create targeted strategies for meaningful change long-term.
Working with me is a process of honestly confronting our internal world in a non-judgemental way. Together we can work towards authenticity and a genuine relationship with ourselves and others. Counselling entails finding ways to manage our experiences while changing the underlying issues that perpetuate them. Sometimes, growth means overcoming obstacles through practical work, and sometimes it making sense of our challenges within the broader unfolding of our lives. For affordable counselling options, I supervise Master-level counselling interns through yourpathcounselling.ca
Working with me is a process of honestly confronting our internal world in a non-judgemental way. Together we can work towards authenticity and a genuine relationship with ourselves and others. Counselling entails finding ways to manage our experiences while changing the underlying issues that perpetuate them. Sometimes, growth means overcoming obstacles through practical work, and sometimes it making sense of our challenges within the broader unfolding of our lives. For affordable counselling options, I supervise Master-level counselling interns through yourpathcounselling.ca
I've spent most of my career working in the school system as a counsellor, behaviour support specialist, teacher and administrator. I am now a BC registered clinical counsellor and am working at The Budding Elm in Oak Bay. I have a real interest in working with individuals, couples, with children & youth, and with families. Processing life changes, grief & loss, relationship issues, and the stress of everyday living are examples of what I hope to be able to help you with. I offer a free 15 minute consultation where you can determine if working with me might be a good fit for you.
I've spent most of my career working in the school system as a counsellor, behaviour support specialist, teacher and administrator. I am now a BC registered clinical counsellor and am working at The Budding Elm in Oak Bay. I have a real interest in working with individuals, couples, with children & youth, and with families. Processing life changes, grief & loss, relationship issues, and the stress of everyday living are examples of what I hope to be able to help you with. I offer a free 15 minute consultation where you can determine if working with me might be a good fit for you.
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See More Counsellors FAQ - Black Counselling
As a Black Canadian, why might I wish to see a therapist who is Black Canadian?
Having a therapist who shares your race or ethnicity is often valuable, especially if it fosters a strong therapeutic alliance. While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic effectiveness. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who has an understanding of your background and perhaps also shared life experiences. It should be noted, however, that a therapist who demonstrates cultural sensitivity can be highly effective even if they do not share a client's background or race.
Are there Black therapists who specialize in working with Black men or Black women?
Yes, many Black therapists have specific experience working with Black men or Black women. While therapists who work with Black clients broadly address concerns relevant to all genders, like anxiety or depression, those with a gender-specific focus are equipped to work with you on the particular ways that race and gender may intersect. For example, some therapists may specialize in working with Black women on topics like body image or maternal mental health, while other therapists may work with Black men on topics such as relationships or masculinity.
Do Black therapists offer marriage and couples counselling?
Yes, many Black therapists in Canada are trained in couples and marriage counselling and can work with partners navigating a wide range of relationship challenges. Therapists who identify as Black may have a better understanding of cultural dynamics surrounding marriage, family roles, or marital conflict and may better help you and your partner without making assumptions. For couples where one or both partners are of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage, working with a therapist who understands that cultural context can be particularly valuable.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with Black clients?
The initial consultation with a therapist, which is typically a phone call, is a good time to inquire about a therapist’s experience in working with Black clients. You can either ask directly (e.g., "Do you have experience working with Black clients?") or more broadly (e.g., "How do you approach cultural identity in your practice?"). You could also ask whether they have completed any training in cultural competence, and how they would handle a situation where a cultural misunderstanding arose in the therapeutic relationship. A therapist who is comfortable with these questions and responds thoughtfully is a good sign that they are equipped to work with you effectively.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Black therapists?
The directory of Black therapists includes therapists who have self-identified their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who understands their cultural identity. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profile, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. In situations where the number of therapists who have identified as Black is limited, the directory will also show therapists who have undergone specific multicultural training or have extensive experience working with clients from relevant cultural backgrounds.