Cognitive Processing (CPT) Therapists in Victoria, BC
I have been working in the mental health field for most of my adult life. I have worked alongside those with depression, anxiety, street-entrenched youth, veterans suffering from trauma, victims of sexual assault, and people struggling from addiction in all its forms. I have seen how the pain from the past can rob us from that which we hold most dear: our connection with our loved ones, pursuing a meaningful life, and finding a sense of peace, happiness, and fulfillment. Be it finding a place to grieve, mourning the past, challenging our beliefs and deeply held patterns, or meeting parts of oneself with compassion, I can help.
I have been working in the mental health field for most of my adult life. I have worked alongside those with depression, anxiety, street-entrenched youth, veterans suffering from trauma, victims of sexual assault, and people struggling from addiction in all its forms. I have seen how the pain from the past can rob us from that which we hold most dear: our connection with our loved ones, pursuing a meaningful life, and finding a sense of peace, happiness, and fulfillment. Be it finding a place to grieve, mourning the past, challenging our beliefs and deeply held patterns, or meeting parts of oneself with compassion, I can help.
I bring more than 15 years experience helping clients navigate some of life's most difficult journeys such as anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, sexual assault and abuse, infertility, pregnancy loss, perinatal depression and anxiety, chronic illness, grief and loss, facing the end of a relationship and other painful life transitions. I also specialize in seeing health care providers and educators who are experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue. I'm warm-hearted, open-minded, and strongly believe in an inclusive and anti-discriminatory approach to care. I see adults, teens, and couples in my practice.
I bring more than 15 years experience helping clients navigate some of life's most difficult journeys such as anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, sexual assault and abuse, infertility, pregnancy loss, perinatal depression and anxiety, chronic illness, grief and loss, facing the end of a relationship and other painful life transitions. I also specialize in seeing health care providers and educators who are experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue. I'm warm-hearted, open-minded, and strongly believe in an inclusive and anti-discriminatory approach to care. I see adults, teens, and couples in my practice.
Stuck. Alone. Overwhelmed. Those are the words clients often connect with. Perhaps you have tried everything you can think of to change things. Maybe you've tried everything your friends and family can think of too. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, meaninglessness, or something unique to you, I look forward to being with you in the healing process.
Stuck. Alone. Overwhelmed. Those are the words clients often connect with. Perhaps you have tried everything you can think of to change things. Maybe you've tried everything your friends and family can think of too. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, meaninglessness, or something unique to you, I look forward to being with you in the healing process.
Fairfield Mental Health and Oak Bay Mental Health
Psychologist, MC, RPsych
2 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8S
Welcome to Fairfield Mental Health and Oak Bay Mental Health, in partnership with NuVista Mental Health (formerly Fairfield and Oak Bay Psychology).
We offer counselling and assessments for Veterans, RCMP, adults, parents/caregivers, families, couples and youth 16+. Our collaborative team includes Registered Psychologists, Registered Clinical Counsellors, Registered Social Workers, and Registered Psychiatric Nursing.
Contact our office about Veterans Affairs (VAC), Psychoeducational, and Adult ADHD Assessments. Direct billing for counselling is available with Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife, Pacific Blue Cross and more.
Welcome to Fairfield Mental Health and Oak Bay Mental Health, in partnership with NuVista Mental Health (formerly Fairfield and Oak Bay Psychology).
We offer counselling and assessments for Veterans, RCMP, adults, parents/caregivers, families, couples and youth 16+. Our collaborative team includes Registered Psychologists, Registered Clinical Counsellors, Registered Social Workers, and Registered Psychiatric Nursing.
Contact our office about Veterans Affairs (VAC), Psychoeducational, and Adult ADHD Assessments. Direct billing for counselling is available with Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife, Pacific Blue Cross and more.
Is your life cloudy lately? Are you feeling uncomfortable or irritable? Is life losing the meaning it once had? Feeling like a stranger to yourself? In psychological counselling with me, you can turn losses into gains. I can help you get a clearer picture of the patterns which get you stuck - as a spouse, parent, worker, friend - on the course of your unique personal journey. I can teach you some keys to help you get unstuck. Once you've worked with me, you'll have a choice among coping strategies to shift your life in the direction you want, in your relationships, your work, or your personal healing.
Is your life cloudy lately? Are you feeling uncomfortable or irritable? Is life losing the meaning it once had? Feeling like a stranger to yourself? In psychological counselling with me, you can turn losses into gains. I can help you get a clearer picture of the patterns which get you stuck - as a spouse, parent, worker, friend - on the course of your unique personal journey. I can teach you some keys to help you get unstuck. Once you've worked with me, you'll have a choice among coping strategies to shift your life in the direction you want, in your relationships, your work, or your personal healing.
I warmly welcome individuals and youth who are navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, perinatal loss, and experiences of domestic or sexual violence. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, or simply in need of a space where you can be met with understanding, care, and compassion.
Reaching out for support can feel difficult, especially if you are unsure where to begin. Whether you are carrying the weight of past experiences or facing something in the present, you do not have to navigate it alone.
I offer a trauma-informed, client-centred approach, creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative space.
I warmly welcome individuals and youth who are navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, perinatal loss, and experiences of domestic or sexual violence. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, or simply in need of a space where you can be met with understanding, care, and compassion.
Reaching out for support can feel difficult, especially if you are unsure where to begin. Whether you are carrying the weight of past experiences or facing something in the present, you do not have to navigate it alone.
I offer a trauma-informed, client-centred approach, creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative space.
I’m Xela Rysstad (she/her), a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Victoria, BC, on the unceded lands of the Lekwungen peoples. I offer compassionate, trauma-informed counselling for individuals and couples seeking healing, growth, and connection. My approach is grounded in anti-oppression, anti-racism, and feminist values, creating a safe and inclusive space for you to explore life’s challenges. Whether you’re navigating relationships, identity, or mental health concerns, I’m here to support your journey toward clarity, resilience, and meaningful change.
I’m Xela Rysstad (she/her), a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Victoria, BC, on the unceded lands of the Lekwungen peoples. I offer compassionate, trauma-informed counselling for individuals and couples seeking healing, growth, and connection. My approach is grounded in anti-oppression, anti-racism, and feminist values, creating a safe and inclusive space for you to explore life’s challenges. Whether you’re navigating relationships, identity, or mental health concerns, I’m here to support your journey toward clarity, resilience, and meaningful change.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who takes a strength-based, collaborative approach to supporting individuals in creating meaningful change in their lives. I enjoy working with people with disabilities, job seekers and employers, men’s mental health, individuals navigating addiction and recovery, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, burnout, and questions related to identity and sexual orientation.
My approach focuses on meeting people where they are at, building on existing strengths, and creating a supportive, non-judgmental space for growth, healing, and self-understanding.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who takes a strength-based, collaborative approach to supporting individuals in creating meaningful change in their lives. I enjoy working with people with disabilities, job seekers and employers, men’s mental health, individuals navigating addiction and recovery, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, burnout, and questions related to identity and sexual orientation.
My approach focuses on meeting people where they are at, building on existing strengths, and creating a supportive, non-judgmental space for growth, healing, and self-understanding.
Feeling overwhelmed by frustrated needs, responsibilities, being overlooked in love or work, losing someone important, health concerns, or a relentless inner critic? Does this lead to sadness, despair, rage, dread, or shame that feels too heavy to bear? Do you cope by numbing, lashing out at loved ones, engaging in addictive behaviours, socially isolating, or avoiding what matters? We can grow weary managing life's challenges alone, yet asking for help is hard. I can lend a hand supporting you to face pain and find meaning in troubled times, lightening the load so you can spread your wings to find more room for joy in your life.
Feeling overwhelmed by frustrated needs, responsibilities, being overlooked in love or work, losing someone important, health concerns, or a relentless inner critic? Does this lead to sadness, despair, rage, dread, or shame that feels too heavy to bear? Do you cope by numbing, lashing out at loved ones, engaging in addictive behaviours, socially isolating, or avoiding what matters? We can grow weary managing life's challenges alone, yet asking for help is hard. I can lend a hand supporting you to face pain and find meaning in troubled times, lightening the load so you can spread your wings to find more room for joy in your life.
Do you feel you’re not living the life that you want for yourself and are repeating patterns of behaviour that are keeping you from meaningful connections? I can support you with substance and behavioural addictions (compulsive sexual behaviours, problematic pornography use, intimacy disorders, internet gaming), childhood, attachment, and/or family of origin wounds, unhealthy financial behaviours, and mental health (depression, anxiety, etc.). I work with those who have experienced trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, sexual trauma, and First Responders. I am a Somatic Sexuality Healing Practitioner who works with gender and sexual identity.
Do you feel you’re not living the life that you want for yourself and are repeating patterns of behaviour that are keeping you from meaningful connections? I can support you with substance and behavioural addictions (compulsive sexual behaviours, problematic pornography use, intimacy disorders, internet gaming), childhood, attachment, and/or family of origin wounds, unhealthy financial behaviours, and mental health (depression, anxiety, etc.). I work with those who have experienced trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, sexual trauma, and First Responders. I am a Somatic Sexuality Healing Practitioner who works with gender and sexual identity.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages – children, teens, and adults – helping them navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My approach is informed by attachment theory and focuses on helping clients develop skills that foster strong, healthy relationships in every area of their lives. My areas of expertise include complex relationship dynamics, grief, anxiety and depression, marriage counselling, and parenting challenges – including the unique situations faced by foster and adoptive families. I also have extensive experience supporting military and RCMP members and veterans.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages – children, teens, and adults – helping them navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My approach is informed by attachment theory and focuses on helping clients develop skills that foster strong, healthy relationships in every area of their lives. My areas of expertise include complex relationship dynamics, grief, anxiety and depression, marriage counselling, and parenting challenges – including the unique situations faced by foster and adoptive families. I also have extensive experience supporting military and RCMP members and veterans.
We can help children, youth and adults with assessment and treatment/counselling services for most mental health concerns. We have therapy available at a variety of cost options as we have psychologists, counsellors, social workers, doctors under supervision, and practicum student practitioners. We address issues including but not limited to trauma, mood issues, anxiety, worry, chronic pain, attentional issues, eating issues, relationships, couples therapy, play therapy, elite sports performance, childhood concerns, peri-menopause and end of life counselling, among others.
We can help children, youth and adults with assessment and treatment/counselling services for most mental health concerns. We have therapy available at a variety of cost options as we have psychologists, counsellors, social workers, doctors under supervision, and practicum student practitioners. We address issues including but not limited to trauma, mood issues, anxiety, worry, chronic pain, attentional issues, eating issues, relationships, couples therapy, play therapy, elite sports performance, childhood concerns, peri-menopause and end of life counselling, among others.
I am humbled to work with adults experiencing trauma/PTSD, LGBTQ+ related challenges, shame, depression, anxiety, OCD, specific phobias, relationship challenges, and sexual health challenges, including compulsive sexual behaviours, sexual trauma, and erectile/ejaculation difficulties. I also specialize in working with First Responders. Regardless of what led you here, many of my clients seek counselling as a result of being fed up with the way things are. Together we will work to uncover why you feel the way you do, develop tangible skills and strategies, and spend time expressing them in ways that will work for you long term.
I am humbled to work with adults experiencing trauma/PTSD, LGBTQ+ related challenges, shame, depression, anxiety, OCD, specific phobias, relationship challenges, and sexual health challenges, including compulsive sexual behaviours, sexual trauma, and erectile/ejaculation difficulties. I also specialize in working with First Responders. Regardless of what led you here, many of my clients seek counselling as a result of being fed up with the way things are. Together we will work to uncover why you feel the way you do, develop tangible skills and strategies, and spend time expressing them in ways that will work for you long term.
Resilient Health is an integrated care management and treatment service for individuals and families struggling with mental health. The Resilient team is a group of caring, expert clinicians who provide treatment planning, family consultation and clinical services for people from all walks of life. Our model includes comprehensive assessment, and skillful care management, to help clients understand their diagnosis, formulate a clear & doable treatment plan that fits their needs, and navigate personal, professional, and relationship challenges.
Resilient Health is an integrated care management and treatment service for individuals and families struggling with mental health. The Resilient team is a group of caring, expert clinicians who provide treatment planning, family consultation and clinical services for people from all walks of life. Our model includes comprehensive assessment, and skillful care management, to help clients understand their diagnosis, formulate a clear & doable treatment plan that fits their needs, and navigate personal, professional, and relationship challenges.
Accepting New Clients - Are you an LGBTQ2SIA+ identifying person needing help with anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, addiction, or trauma? Are you trying to find your sexuality or gender identity? I am a disabled, polyamorous, transgender woman who understands the community and our experiences in the world. In my practice, I primarily support 2SLGBTQ+ people who are finding their path and resolving trauma. I consistently work at being aware of my bias and privilege in our current societal structure and work to understand my positionality. I am a grateful uninvited settler on these lands.
Accepting New Clients - Are you an LGBTQ2SIA+ identifying person needing help with anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, addiction, or trauma? Are you trying to find your sexuality or gender identity? I am a disabled, polyamorous, transgender woman who understands the community and our experiences in the world. In my practice, I primarily support 2SLGBTQ+ people who are finding their path and resolving trauma. I consistently work at being aware of my bias and privilege in our current societal structure and work to understand my positionality. I am a grateful uninvited settler on these lands.
I help people recover from PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression and burnout. If you feel hyper-alert or on guarded, or numb and shutdown, or swamped in self-doubt and overwhelming emotions, you are not broken! Chances are you've been injured, and with care, you can heal.
I can help you understand what has happened to you, connect to your inner wisdom and find your way back to peace, balance and vitality.
I have experience working in Indigenous communities and offer services funded by First Nations Health Authority and Crime Victim Assistance.
I help people recover from PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression and burnout. If you feel hyper-alert or on guarded, or numb and shutdown, or swamped in self-doubt and overwhelming emotions, you are not broken! Chances are you've been injured, and with care, you can heal.
I can help you understand what has happened to you, connect to your inner wisdom and find your way back to peace, balance and vitality.
I have experience working in Indigenous communities and offer services funded by First Nations Health Authority and Crime Victim Assistance.
I view counselling as one way to care for our whole selves.
I view counselling as one way to care for our whole selves.
You’re successful in many areas of life, but inside, you feel stuck—unsure of your next steps, overwhelmed by decisions, or disconnected in your relationships. Maybe you're navigating a big life change, questioning your direction, or constantly battling anxiety. You’ve tried to push through, but the stress is catching up. You want clarity, confidence, and deeper connections, and I would love to help get you there. Together, we can work toward real, sustainable, and positive change by challenging current thought patterns and introducing healthy coping skills and techniques.
You’re successful in many areas of life, but inside, you feel stuck—unsure of your next steps, overwhelmed by decisions, or disconnected in your relationships. Maybe you're navigating a big life change, questioning your direction, or constantly battling anxiety. You’ve tried to push through, but the stress is catching up. You want clarity, confidence, and deeper connections, and I would love to help get you there. Together, we can work toward real, sustainable, and positive change by challenging current thought patterns and introducing healthy coping skills and techniques.
Thank you for visiting my profile. This shows both strength and courage. Struggling with anxiety, OCD, worry, or stress can be isolating, overwhelming, and exhausting. Whether you are experiencing uncontrollable anxiety, sadness, or obsessive thinking, you deserve a life that is worth living. I work collaboratively with clients to develop achievable therapy goals that produce sustainable, positive changes in behaviours, thinking patterns, and emotions. We will begin by identifying distressing symptoms and develop a tailored plan to treat your concerns. Note: I do not have evening or weekend availability.
Thank you for visiting my profile. This shows both strength and courage. Struggling with anxiety, OCD, worry, or stress can be isolating, overwhelming, and exhausting. Whether you are experiencing uncontrollable anxiety, sadness, or obsessive thinking, you deserve a life that is worth living. I work collaboratively with clients to develop achievable therapy goals that produce sustainable, positive changes in behaviours, thinking patterns, and emotions. We will begin by identifying distressing symptoms and develop a tailored plan to treat your concerns. Note: I do not have evening or weekend availability.
At Pinwheel Clinic, we are a team of psychologists, counsellors, teachers, and medical professionals delivering coordinated, evidence-based care for children, teens, and families as they navigate emotional, behavioural, and learning challenges. One of our core offerings is a structured child and youth Anxiety Program, which blends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Parent coaching, Psychoeducation, and Medical management (when appropriate). This team-based model ensures each child gets the right level of support where it's needed.
At Pinwheel Clinic, we are a team of psychologists, counsellors, teachers, and medical professionals delivering coordinated, evidence-based care for children, teens, and families as they navigate emotional, behavioural, and learning challenges. One of our core offerings is a structured child and youth Anxiety Program, which blends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Parent coaching, Psychoeducation, and Medical management (when appropriate). This team-based model ensures each child gets the right level of support where it's needed.
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Nearby Cognitive Processing (CPT) Counsellors Searches for Victoria
See More Cognitive Processing (CPT) CounsellorsNearby Searches for Victoria
See More Counsellors Cognitive Processing (CPT) Counsellors
How does cognitive processing therapy work?
A CPT therapist helps a client evaluate their thoughts about the trauma they experienced, focusing on maladaptive or self-blaming thoughts that can exacerbate symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression. The therapist will work with a client to help them learn to challenge such thoughts and consider different perspectives. The therapist is also likely to ask a client to work on these techniques at home between meetings, such as writing an account of their trauma that can be read aloud during a future session.
What is cognitive processing therapy for PTSD?
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy primarily used in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to treat individuals who experienced abuse or violence, who survived natural disasters, who were first responders to such incidents, or who otherwise experienced trauma.
How long does cognitive processing therapy last?
CPT is a short-term therapy. Whether conducted one-on-one or in a group, a complete set of CPT sessions typically includes 12 weekly sessions, along with tasks for clients to complete at home, although this can vary depending on a client’s needs or a therapist’s particular treatment plan. Sessions typically last 60 or 90 minutes.
How effective is cognitive processing therapy?
A large body of research supports the use of CPT to treat people experiencing PTSD, finding it to be effective among different age groups, either in one-on-one therapy sessions or in a group therapy environment. Research suggests that although the initial sessions may be difficult, clients tend to begin to feel positive progress after the first few sessions, and that the benefits tend to last well after the therapy ends.