Croatian-Speaking Therapists in Victoria, BC
I’m Ivona, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner based in Victoria, BC. I support individuals who are navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, panic, life transitions. My work focuses on helping you gently regulate your nervous system, process stored stress and trauma, and reconnect with a deeper sense of safety within yourself.
I’m Ivona, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner based in Victoria, BC. I support individuals who are navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, panic, life transitions. My work focuses on helping you gently regulate your nervous system, process stored stress and trauma, and reconnect with a deeper sense of safety within yourself.
The benefits of my approach lie in using different techniques, tailored to the client's unique personality. Some clients like a directive approach, they want to be guided, to be given an almost 'engineering' model explaining our inner life; some prefer a non-directive, client-centered approach, where they would explore their inner landscape with the therapist as a co-traveler. All clients have relational needs which need to be addressed to, and the therapeutic relationship provides safety, validation, 'repaired' parenting, mutuality, client's self-definition and empowerment. Helping clients practice autonomy is my passion!
The benefits of my approach lie in using different techniques, tailored to the client's unique personality. Some clients like a directive approach, they want to be guided, to be given an almost 'engineering' model explaining our inner life; some prefer a non-directive, client-centered approach, where they would explore their inner landscape with the therapist as a co-traveler. All clients have relational needs which need to be addressed to, and the therapeutic relationship provides safety, validation, 'repaired' parenting, mutuality, client's self-definition and empowerment. Helping clients practice autonomy is my passion!
Online Therapists
I am a seasoned counsellor with over 10 years of experience helping clients navigate life's challenges. With a Master's degree from the esteemed University of Mostar and years of experience as a school psychologist in elementary education, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. I am dedicated helping people heal and thrive, understanding that each person's journey is unique. Whether you're grappling with past trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, stress, depression or seeking personal growth, I am here to support you every step of the way.
I am a seasoned counsellor with over 10 years of experience helping clients navigate life's challenges. With a Master's degree from the esteemed University of Mostar and years of experience as a school psychologist in elementary education, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. I am dedicated helping people heal and thrive, understanding that each person's journey is unique. Whether you're grappling with past trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, stress, depression or seeking personal growth, I am here to support you every step of the way.
You are ready to feel better and I am here to help. Counselling is a healing journey and am honoured to be a part of it. I can help you gain better self-understanding, improve your mood and change old patterns, by using both my knowledge of neuroscience and effective counselling techniques. I work collaboratively with you to make lasting change. I specialize in counselling individuals who have experienced trauma, mental health (depression, anxiety, PTSD) , abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), grief and loss, life transitions (relationships, work, school), anger management, relationship issues, parenting and pregnancy concerns.
You are ready to feel better and I am here to help. Counselling is a healing journey and am honoured to be a part of it. I can help you gain better self-understanding, improve your mood and change old patterns, by using both my knowledge of neuroscience and effective counselling techniques. I work collaboratively with you to make lasting change. I specialize in counselling individuals who have experienced trauma, mental health (depression, anxiety, PTSD) , abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), grief and loss, life transitions (relationships, work, school), anger management, relationship issues, parenting and pregnancy concerns.
I work with adults and youth (16 and up) around trauma, sexuality, identity, and relationships. I provide queer and trans affirming individual and relationship counselling services for folks in various relationship structures, including hormone readiness assessments. I specialize in sexualized violence and also work more expansively looking at reclamation of self and identity after trauma of displacement and/or collective and intergenerational trauma, as well as institutional trauma. I believe that healing is expansive and I strive to honour and integrate into our work whatever ways of healing you have already been using.
I work with adults and youth (16 and up) around trauma, sexuality, identity, and relationships. I provide queer and trans affirming individual and relationship counselling services for folks in various relationship structures, including hormone readiness assessments. I specialize in sexualized violence and also work more expansively looking at reclamation of self and identity after trauma of displacement and/or collective and intergenerational trauma, as well as institutional trauma. I believe that healing is expansive and I strive to honour and integrate into our work whatever ways of healing you have already been using.
Do you ever feel like you're stuck...just going through the motions? Navigating life's many challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself and others around you. Maybe cycles of anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, or navigating relationship challenges are making it hard to feel like yourself lately. Therapy is a safe space where you don't have to figure it out all alone. Together we’ll make sense of what’s been holding you back and build a path forward that actually feels aligned with who you are. You deserve a safe space where you feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow.
Do you ever feel like you're stuck...just going through the motions? Navigating life's many challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself and others around you. Maybe cycles of anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, or navigating relationship challenges are making it hard to feel like yourself lately. Therapy is a safe space where you don't have to figure it out all alone. Together we’ll make sense of what’s been holding you back and build a path forward that actually feels aligned with who you are. You deserve a safe space where you feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow.
I love working with clients of all walks of life and welcome anyone who is looking to begin their journeys for change, regardless of what that change may look like. I approach each session with compassion and encouragement, opening the floor for us to collaboratively work towards developing a therapeutic goal and striving towards achieving it. I adopt a holistic approach, allowing me to ask questions and learn more about your past, present and future tense, as everyone’s journey and process is different and unique to them.
I love working with clients of all walks of life and welcome anyone who is looking to begin their journeys for change, regardless of what that change may look like. I approach each session with compassion and encouragement, opening the floor for us to collaboratively work towards developing a therapeutic goal and striving towards achieving it. I adopt a holistic approach, allowing me to ask questions and learn more about your past, present and future tense, as everyone’s journey and process is different and unique to them.
I know that it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help at times when we feel distressed, overwhelmed, vulnerable, confused, wrought with sadness, shame, hurt, guilt, intense worry... Some of us have been told or made feel that we do not deserve better, or that we are not good enough, or smart enough, or thin enough, or strong enough, or funny enough... Sometimes we seek refuge in food, alcohol, drugs, sex, or self-harm to cope with the belief that we can never feel differently about ourselves or the world.
I know that it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help at times when we feel distressed, overwhelmed, vulnerable, confused, wrought with sadness, shame, hurt, guilt, intense worry... Some of us have been told or made feel that we do not deserve better, or that we are not good enough, or smart enough, or thin enough, or strong enough, or funny enough... Sometimes we seek refuge in food, alcohol, drugs, sex, or self-harm to cope with the belief that we can never feel differently about ourselves or the world.
At Pacific Pines Wellness, we offer EMDR, Brainspotting, Play Therapy, ADHD support, and more to help you move through the challenges that may be keeping you stuck. Whether you’re caught in repeating patterns, overthinking, feeling overwhelmed, or struggling to stay focused and organized, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our team of experienced professionals understands how exhausting and isolating that can be. We’re here to provide compassionate support, help you better understand what you’re experiencing, and work alongside you to create meaningful, lasting change.
At Pacific Pines Wellness, we offer EMDR, Brainspotting, Play Therapy, ADHD support, and more to help you move through the challenges that may be keeping you stuck. Whether you’re caught in repeating patterns, overthinking, feeling overwhelmed, or struggling to stay focused and organized, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our team of experienced professionals understands how exhausting and isolating that can be. We’re here to provide compassionate support, help you better understand what you’re experiencing, and work alongside you to create meaningful, lasting change.
You may be feeling that something just isn't right - that you're not feeling or living how you wish you were. There may be a name that tries to describe it, like anxiety or depression, but you still don't know what to do about it. Rather than look to your rational mind for solutions, I facilitate an exploration of the unconscious so we find deeper, more long-term answers to your struggle. Instead of seeing symptoms and patterns as failures or something "wrong" with you that needs to be eliminated, I view them as pathways to unmet needs, untold stories, and parts of you trying to communicate something. The "problem" is intelligent.
You may be feeling that something just isn't right - that you're not feeling or living how you wish you were. There may be a name that tries to describe it, like anxiety or depression, but you still don't know what to do about it. Rather than look to your rational mind for solutions, I facilitate an exploration of the unconscious so we find deeper, more long-term answers to your struggle. Instead of seeing symptoms and patterns as failures or something "wrong" with you that needs to be eliminated, I view them as pathways to unmet needs, untold stories, and parts of you trying to communicate something. The "problem" is intelligent.
Expressive Wellness offers a sliding scale individual and relationship counselling sessions with Masters-level practicum students ($30-100 a session, self chosen rate), as well as counselling by Registered Counsellors and Social Workers. Centring anti-oppressive counselling, we work alongside 2SLGBTQI+ folks, BIPOC folks, sex workers, neurodivergent folks, folks who have experienced traumas, folks who cope with OCD, and poly/kink communities. We provide individual, family and relationship counselling. Practice focuses include EMDR, somatic work, emotion focused therapy, DBT and narrative therapy.
Expressive Wellness offers a sliding scale individual and relationship counselling sessions with Masters-level practicum students ($30-100 a session, self chosen rate), as well as counselling by Registered Counsellors and Social Workers. Centring anti-oppressive counselling, we work alongside 2SLGBTQI+ folks, BIPOC folks, sex workers, neurodivergent folks, folks who have experienced traumas, folks who cope with OCD, and poly/kink communities. We provide individual, family and relationship counselling. Practice focuses include EMDR, somatic work, emotion focused therapy, DBT and narrative therapy.
I have over 20 years of experience providing therapy to individuals from a wide spectrum of cultural, socio-economic, ethnic, educational and other diversified (multicultural, multiracial and multiethnic) backgrounds. I work with adults, youth, families, experiencing difficult life transitions, stress, anxiety, anger, substance use, trauma, emotional dysregulation and depression. I am EMDR and DBT trained and also specialize in ADHD work with kids and teenagers and eating disorders. My practice is person-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, anti-oppressive and strength-based. I am CVAP, ICBC, EAP and FNHA-approved counsellor.
I have over 20 years of experience providing therapy to individuals from a wide spectrum of cultural, socio-economic, ethnic, educational and other diversified (multicultural, multiracial and multiethnic) backgrounds. I work with adults, youth, families, experiencing difficult life transitions, stress, anxiety, anger, substance use, trauma, emotional dysregulation and depression. I am EMDR and DBT trained and also specialize in ADHD work with kids and teenagers and eating disorders. My practice is person-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, anti-oppressive and strength-based. I am CVAP, ICBC, EAP and FNHA-approved counsellor.
You do not need to have everything sorted out to start therapy. If you are carrying the weight of illness, anxiety, burnout, or uncertainty, my hope is to offer you a place where you can slow down, make sense of things, and find new ways forward that feel true to you.
You do not need to have everything sorted out to start therapy. If you are carrying the weight of illness, anxiety, burnout, or uncertainty, my hope is to offer you a place where you can slow down, make sense of things, and find new ways forward that feel true to you.
Life's too short to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, trauma or you need couples or family counselling, I can support you. You don't have to be alone in this journey. We can look into the cause of your problems and process the issues that are standing in the way of you reaching your full potential. Let me help you learn useful coping strategies to better manage your stress, anxiety and trauma.
Life's too short to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, trauma or you need couples or family counselling, I can support you. You don't have to be alone in this journey. We can look into the cause of your problems and process the issues that are standing in the way of you reaching your full potential. Let me help you learn useful coping strategies to better manage your stress, anxiety and trauma.
I am a trauma-informed art therapist supporting children, youth, adults, and families through the healing and expressive power of art. I bring a deep respect for each person’s inner wisdom and believe that meaningful change emerges through a safe, attuned, and trusting therapeutic relationship.
I am dedicated to supporting you in a way that honours the whole person — mind, body, and emotional experience — and to walking alongside you with care, curiosity, and respect.
I am a trauma-informed art therapist supporting children, youth, adults, and families through the healing and expressive power of art. I bring a deep respect for each person’s inner wisdom and believe that meaningful change emerges through a safe, attuned, and trusting therapeutic relationship.
I am dedicated to supporting you in a way that honours the whole person — mind, body, and emotional experience — and to walking alongside you with care, curiosity, and respect.
I believe you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you with empathy, curiosity, and a trauma-informed approach. I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, family challenges, and life transitions. I have extensive experience with teens and a special focus on men’s mental health, including anger management. Using CBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, DBT, and Attachment-Informed practices, I create a safe, supportive space for change. Let’s connect for a free 15-minute consultation.
I believe you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you with empathy, curiosity, and a trauma-informed approach. I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, family challenges, and life transitions. I have extensive experience with teens and a special focus on men’s mental health, including anger management. Using CBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, DBT, and Attachment-Informed practices, I create a safe, supportive space for change. Let’s connect for a free 15-minute consultation.
I am a Registered Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience in the field. Currently, I work in Inpatient Psychiatry at a local hospital while also maintaining a private practice. I specialize in supporting individuals living with mental illness and addiction, as well as providing support to their family members. I bring extensive knowledge and expertise across a broad range of areas, including grief and loss, spousal conflict and abuse, child abuse, working with young adults, and parenting. I am especially passionate about supporting new blended families and guiding my clients toward achieving lasting family harmony.
I am a Registered Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience in the field. Currently, I work in Inpatient Psychiatry at a local hospital while also maintaining a private practice. I specialize in supporting individuals living with mental illness and addiction, as well as providing support to their family members. I bring extensive knowledge and expertise across a broad range of areas, including grief and loss, spousal conflict and abuse, child abuse, working with young adults, and parenting. I am especially passionate about supporting new blended families and guiding my clients toward achieving lasting family harmony.
With over 10 years of experience, I support people navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, domestic abuse, chronic illness, and major life transitions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Together, we’ll gently explore how these experiences have shaped your thoughts, emotions, and patterns, and begin to make sense of what you’re carrying. My approach is grounded in compassion and clarity, helping you move at your own pace while building a deeper understanding of yourself. Healing is possible.
With over 10 years of experience, I support people navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, domestic abuse, chronic illness, and major life transitions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Together, we’ll gently explore how these experiences have shaped your thoughts, emotions, and patterns, and begin to make sense of what you’re carrying. My approach is grounded in compassion and clarity, helping you move at your own pace while building a deeper understanding of yourself. Healing is possible.
You've probably by now read through dozens of therapist bios, trying to imagine: is this the person I can open up to about things in my life I haven't told anyone else? In therapy, a good connection is everything!
We have a skilled team of therapists who also happen to be pretty great humans. Our 90% return visit rate means that our clients receive quality therapy.
Whether you are struggling with a current situation causing you stress and pain, or wanting to process more chronic emotional and interpersonal patterns, we can get to work so that you can live life with more ease, emotional balance, and satisfying relationships.
You've probably by now read through dozens of therapist bios, trying to imagine: is this the person I can open up to about things in my life I haven't told anyone else? In therapy, a good connection is everything!
We have a skilled team of therapists who also happen to be pretty great humans. Our 90% return visit rate means that our clients receive quality therapy.
Whether you are struggling with a current situation causing you stress and pain, or wanting to process more chronic emotional and interpersonal patterns, we can get to work so that you can live life with more ease, emotional balance, and satisfying relationships.
Dr. Tanya Elez, Registered Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
1 Endorsed
New Westminster, BC V3M
I am a Registered Psychologist, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and an Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with individuals, couples and families who wish to address issues of past trauma, grief, loss, depression and anxiety, strengthen their relationship, increase intimacy and trust, or augment parenting skills.
I practice from a systemic, strength based perspective and hold a holistic, hopeful view of human nature. In in order to promote well being and help you accomplish personal goals, I will collaborate with you, relying on your own incredible resiliency and capacity to heal.
I am a Registered Psychologist, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and an Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with individuals, couples and families who wish to address issues of past trauma, grief, loss, depression and anxiety, strengthen their relationship, increase intimacy and trust, or augment parenting skills.
I practice from a systemic, strength based perspective and hold a holistic, hopeful view of human nature. In in order to promote well being and help you accomplish personal goals, I will collaborate with you, relying on your own incredible resiliency and capacity to heal.
