Dance Movement Therapy 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.
With a blend of social work support and expressive arts tools, I am here to work with anyone willing to express themselves and solve problems through a creative means. No artistic skills are necessary, just a willingness to tackle struggles with an outside-of-the-box approach. If you're dealing with stress, life transitions, or often seeking ways that only temporarily release tension, together we can work towards strengthening your authentic voice. Heart Times will collaborate with you to get to a place where you are not constantly feeling lost, living in survival mode.
With a blend of social work support and expressive arts tools, I am here to work with anyone willing to express themselves and solve problems through a creative means. No artistic skills are necessary, just a willingness to tackle struggles with an outside-of-the-box approach. If you're dealing with stress, life transitions, or often seeking ways that only temporarily release tension, together we can work towards strengthening your authentic voice. Heart Times will collaborate with you to get to a place where you are not constantly feeling lost, living in survival mode.
With over 40 years of experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist, I can support your journey to healing and wellness in a sensitive, attuned and skillful manner. Creating a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for you to deal with life's challenges so you can become more free as a human being and become your most authentic self. Helping you create the life you want, the relationships you want and achieving the goals that inspire you is where I can serve you best. Experienced, quaified and competent.
With over 40 years of experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist, I can support your journey to healing and wellness in a sensitive, attuned and skillful manner. Creating a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for you to deal with life's challenges so you can become more free as a human being and become your most authentic self. Helping you create the life you want, the relationships you want and achieving the goals that inspire you is where I can serve you best. Experienced, quaified and competent.
Is anxiety taking over? I can teach you to take back control of your life once and for all. We'll work collaboratively to bring you to a place of healing and deep connection with Self, relationships, and life itself. Through tapping into your inner strength and using evidenced based, and trauma informed approaches, you will learn the necessary tools to move past life's challenges to live a more easeful and fulfilling life. Victoria's warm climate allows us to move counselling outdoors to benefit from nature's healing properties! In office sessions are available downtown. Prefer virtual? Online sessions are convenient and effective.
Is anxiety taking over? I can teach you to take back control of your life once and for all. We'll work collaboratively to bring you to a place of healing and deep connection with Self, relationships, and life itself. Through tapping into your inner strength and using evidenced based, and trauma informed approaches, you will learn the necessary tools to move past life's challenges to live a more easeful and fulfilling life. Victoria's warm climate allows us to move counselling outdoors to benefit from nature's healing properties! In office sessions are available downtown. Prefer virtual? Online sessions are convenient and effective.
When we embrace both our intellect and our body wisdom, we have a vital, rich resource of knowledge, awareness and understanding. My practice focuses on accessing, honouring and nurturing what our bodies know, what our voices wish to say, and what sense our minds can make of the human experience.
When we embrace both our intellect and our body wisdom, we have a vital, rich resource of knowledge, awareness and understanding. My practice focuses on accessing, honouring and nurturing what our bodies know, what our voices wish to say, and what sense our minds can make of the human experience.
Support for processing trauma, stress, and blockages. Allowing for embodiment and self & relational satisfaction. Let's explore what is holding you back from living your most authentic, purposeful, & connective life from a holistic approach. “I would recommend Flowa to anyone. She is an expert at creating a warm & accepting space; allowing you to heal and release the thoughts & energies you need." - SC . Through a combination of various therapeutic modalities you are supported to move forward in your life & relationships with more presence, awareness, self-love, regulation, ease, & grace.
Support for processing trauma, stress, and blockages. Allowing for embodiment and self & relational satisfaction. Let's explore what is holding you back from living your most authentic, purposeful, & connective life from a holistic approach. “I would recommend Flowa to anyone. She is an expert at creating a warm & accepting space; allowing you to heal and release the thoughts & energies you need." - SC . Through a combination of various therapeutic modalities you are supported to move forward in your life & relationships with more presence, awareness, self-love, regulation, ease, & grace.
In Sanskrit, the human condition is known as "PurashArth" translated as the meaning of existence. That is we all want to be happy, we work towards being happy, and we seek eternal happiness. In my practice and personal lived experience, I have observed that we all have a desire to be 'seen', and 'heard', this is how we feel included. When these three are missing, we become stuck here and do not know how to step out into our true Self. I strongly believe that once we make that choice to seek our true Self, together the therapist and client evolve toward their goals. To find that peace and joy that is not in the far distance but here.
In Sanskrit, the human condition is known as "PurashArth" translated as the meaning of existence. That is we all want to be happy, we work towards being happy, and we seek eternal happiness. In my practice and personal lived experience, I have observed that we all have a desire to be 'seen', and 'heard', this is how we feel included. When these three are missing, we become stuck here and do not know how to step out into our true Self. I strongly believe that once we make that choice to seek our true Self, together the therapist and client evolve toward their goals. To find that peace and joy that is not in the far distance but here.
Over 30 years of training and experience lets me integrate talk therapies (CBT, ACT, EFIT, IPNB) with EMDR, and the somatic and expressive arts therapies of Dance/ Movement Therapy, art in therapy, and therapeutic writing.
Have you ever thought that talk therapy alone isn't quite enough? My clients want to get the most out of therapy and are interested in adding EMDR and the Expressive Arts to create a counselling experience that works for them. I am a very experienced therapist with a compassionate heart and a joyful spirit. If you are living with anxiety, depression, burnout, parenting fatigue, PTSD and complex trauma, interpersonal violence and abuse, eating disorders, prenatal or new parenting stress, relationship struggle, bereavement, job loss or loss of a relationship...I can help. We will create a therapy approach uniquely designed for you.
Over 30 years of training and experience lets me integrate talk therapies (CBT, ACT, EFIT, IPNB) with EMDR, and the somatic and expressive arts therapies of Dance/ Movement Therapy, art in therapy, and therapeutic writing.
Have you ever thought that talk therapy alone isn't quite enough? My clients want to get the most out of therapy and are interested in adding EMDR and the Expressive Arts to create a counselling experience that works for them. I am a very experienced therapist with a compassionate heart and a joyful spirit. If you are living with anxiety, depression, burnout, parenting fatigue, PTSD and complex trauma, interpersonal violence and abuse, eating disorders, prenatal or new parenting stress, relationship struggle, bereavement, job loss or loss of a relationship...I can help. We will create a therapy approach uniquely designed for you.
Healthy change is possible and you do not have to face challenges alone. It can be very difficult to seek help and reach out during hard times. If you are reading this then you have already taken the first step towards well being. Finding a counsellor who you feel comfortable with is an essential part of the healing process. I would be happy to talk with you. Supporting individuals, families, youth and children for over 24 years. This is the time to take the best care of ourselves and our loved ones. Triggers arise now more than ever and support is available.
Healthy change is possible and you do not have to face challenges alone. It can be very difficult to seek help and reach out during hard times. If you are reading this then you have already taken the first step towards well being. Finding a counsellor who you feel comfortable with is an essential part of the healing process. I would be happy to talk with you. Supporting individuals, families, youth and children for over 24 years. This is the time to take the best care of ourselves and our loved ones. Triggers arise now more than ever and support is available.
With mindfulness, movement, and inner child work, I support healing to enable more meaningful ways of living and relating.
I work with children (10+), youth, adults, parents, couples, and families, offering support through life’s many challenges and transitions. I’m passionate about helping clients process trauma, regulate emotions, nurture themselves with greater self-compassion, and create meaningful and fulfilling relationships. My approach is collaborative and relational, grounded in compassion and respect. I bring experience in parenting, grief and loss, boundary setting, neurodivergence, and family dynamics, and I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive space where growth, healing, and stronger connections can take root.
With mindfulness, movement, and inner child work, I support healing to enable more meaningful ways of living and relating.
I work with children (10+), youth, adults, parents, couples, and families, offering support through life’s many challenges and transitions. I’m passionate about helping clients process trauma, regulate emotions, nurture themselves with greater self-compassion, and create meaningful and fulfilling relationships. My approach is collaborative and relational, grounded in compassion and respect. I bring experience in parenting, grief and loss, boundary setting, neurodivergence, and family dynamics, and I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive space where growth, healing, and stronger connections can take root.
My approach is collaborative, recognizing the unique needs of the individual and utilizing research-based modalities, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, somatic practices, expressive movement, dreamwork, and EMDR.
I offer counselling services for adult individuals and youth (16+) facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders or career transitions. My practice emphasizes the interconnection of mind and body, helping you to process your thoughts and emotions in an integrated way that supports deep and lasting change. With a background in community mental health, I am dedicated to providing a safe, empathic and judgement-free space for you to heal and grow.
My approach is collaborative, recognizing the unique needs of the individual and utilizing research-based modalities, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, somatic practices, expressive movement, dreamwork, and EMDR.
I offer counselling services for adult individuals and youth (16+) facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders or career transitions. My practice emphasizes the interconnection of mind and body, helping you to process your thoughts and emotions in an integrated way that supports deep and lasting change. With a background in community mental health, I am dedicated to providing a safe, empathic and judgement-free space for you to heal and grow.
Expressive arts therapy is an imaginative alternative to explore life's joys and challenges using visual art, movement, music, drama and writing. Shape your world and fully engage the body and senses through the arts. Be inspired by the emerging image and enhance your response-ability in the moment. No art background necessary.
Expressive arts therapy is an imaginative alternative to explore life's joys and challenges using visual art, movement, music, drama and writing. Shape your world and fully engage the body and senses through the arts. Be inspired by the emerging image and enhance your response-ability in the moment. No art background necessary.
With over 11 years of experience, Dr. Natali Carry is a licensed Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping people work through depression, stress, burnout, trauma, grief, job loss, social anxiety, and fears. She and her team—including licensed psychologists, testing specialists, and a psychiatrist—offer complete support for children and adults facing anxiety, life changes, and emotional struggles. Our BC Ocean Psychology Center provides compassionate, skilled psychotherapists, psychologists, and social workers ready to guide you on your path to healing.
With over 11 years of experience, Dr. Natali Carry is a licensed Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping people work through depression, stress, burnout, trauma, grief, job loss, social anxiety, and fears. She and her team—including licensed psychologists, testing specialists, and a psychiatrist—offer complete support for children and adults facing anxiety, life changes, and emotional struggles. Our BC Ocean Psychology Center provides compassionate, skilled psychotherapists, psychologists, and social workers ready to guide you on your path to healing.
I use an integrative approach including relational therapy, CBT, PAT, Somatic Work, Somatic Transformation, Attachment and Parts Work, Movement, Meditation, Dream Exploration, and Fascia focused work.
You may be someone who appears capable and grounded, yet feels anxious, disconnected, or chronically overwhelmed inside. You might struggle with burnout, functional freeze, relationship patterns that repeat, or compulsive or addictive behaviors such as overworking, substance use, food struggles, scrolling, or caretaking. Many clients carry the imprint of childhood or developmental trauma, emotional neglect, or misattunement, shaping how their nervous system responds to stress and connection. These patterns are not failures, but intelligent survival strategies that once helped you cope.
I use an integrative approach including relational therapy, CBT, PAT, Somatic Work, Somatic Transformation, Attachment and Parts Work, Movement, Meditation, Dream Exploration, and Fascia focused work.
You may be someone who appears capable and grounded, yet feels anxious, disconnected, or chronically overwhelmed inside. You might struggle with burnout, functional freeze, relationship patterns that repeat, or compulsive or addictive behaviors such as overworking, substance use, food struggles, scrolling, or caretaking. Many clients carry the imprint of childhood or developmental trauma, emotional neglect, or misattunement, shaping how their nervous system responds to stress and connection. These patterns are not failures, but intelligent survival strategies that once helped you cope.
We will start with talk therapy using person-centered, positive psychology and strength-based approach then it will be a mixture talk & expressive arts therpay, coaching, dance movement and experiential therapy.
Are you ready for a change? My approach is focused on empowering my clients. Whether you are going through a difficult time in life or looking for creative ways to live, together we can work on : Overcoming stress or lack of motivation or low self-esteem, Looking into your daily routine to turn your day from meh to exciting, Dealing with loss or grief or a significant life event, Family dynamics, parenting and overwhelmed parent/caregiver, Frustration in or ending a relationship with a partner, Making a change in your career path or trying to decide on a new one, Exploring your creative self.
We will start with talk therapy using person-centered, positive psychology and strength-based approach then it will be a mixture talk & expressive arts therpay, coaching, dance movement and experiential therapy.
Are you ready for a change? My approach is focused on empowering my clients. Whether you are going through a difficult time in life or looking for creative ways to live, together we can work on : Overcoming stress or lack of motivation or low self-esteem, Looking into your daily routine to turn your day from meh to exciting, Dealing with loss or grief or a significant life event, Family dynamics, parenting and overwhelmed parent/caregiver, Frustration in or ending a relationship with a partner, Making a change in your career path or trying to decide on a new one, Exploring your creative self.
As a compassionate and dedicated counsellor, I believe in the inherent capacity for growth and transformation within every individual. Drawing on a diverse background in cultural anthropology, somatic therapy, and various alternative modalities such as yoga, Reiki, and breathwork, I approach counselling with a holistic perspective that honours the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. My experience working with individuals across different life stages has deepened my understanding of development, self-expression, and the diverse challenges people navigate in their lives.
As a compassionate and dedicated counsellor, I believe in the inherent capacity for growth and transformation within every individual. Drawing on a diverse background in cultural anthropology, somatic therapy, and various alternative modalities such as yoga, Reiki, and breathwork, I approach counselling with a holistic perspective that honours the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. My experience working with individuals across different life stages has deepened my understanding of development, self-expression, and the diverse challenges people navigate in their lives.
I help women who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected in their relationships come back to themselves. My approach combines somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, and practical tools like boundaries that help you understand what you’re feeling and why. Together we untangle patterns, strengthen your voice, and create steadiness inside you, so you can show up in your life and relationships with more clarity, confidence, and ease.
I help women who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected in their relationships come back to themselves. My approach combines somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, and practical tools like boundaries that help you understand what you’re feeling and why. Together we untangle patterns, strengthen your voice, and create steadiness inside you, so you can show up in your life and relationships with more clarity, confidence, and ease.
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I work as a Registered Counsellor & Social Worker with over 10 years experience. I offer virtual, outdoor & surf therapy to individuals aged 12+ in Ontario and BC. I'm a settler, originally from Scarborough, and I'm currently living between Salt Spring Island and Tofino (Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth territories). I often work with people experiencing: depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, work stress, grief, trauma, & more! I'm particularly passionate about helping people reconnect with nature, and manage trauma. More info: www.steadyandwildcounselling.ca
I work as a Registered Counsellor & Social Worker with over 10 years experience. I offer virtual, outdoor & surf therapy to individuals aged 12+ in Ontario and BC. I'm a settler, originally from Scarborough, and I'm currently living between Salt Spring Island and Tofino (Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth territories). I often work with people experiencing: depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, work stress, grief, trauma, & more! I'm particularly passionate about helping people reconnect with nature, and manage trauma. More info: www.steadyandwildcounselling.ca
Online Therapists
If anxiety about how you're seen in the world has started running the show, or your relationship with your body feels like something you're surviving instead of living in, you're in the right place.
Much of my work lives at the intersection of body image, anxiety, and self-worth. I'm trained in dismantling weight bias and supporting people navigating appearance-based shame — the particular exhaustion of existing in a body that the world won't stop having opinions about. This work is somatic, creative, and grounded in the understanding that how you feel about yourself didn't start with you.
If anxiety about how you're seen in the world has started running the show, or your relationship with your body feels like something you're surviving instead of living in, you're in the right place.
Much of my work lives at the intersection of body image, anxiety, and self-worth. I'm trained in dismantling weight bias and supporting people navigating appearance-based shame — the particular exhaustion of existing in a body that the world won't stop having opinions about. This work is somatic, creative, and grounded in the understanding that how you feel about yourself didn't start with you.
My work addresses experiences of trauma, post-traumatic stress, childhood adversity, or grief/loss through somatic, mindfulness and movement therapy practices.
Body-centered therapy is based on the belief that our bodies continue to hold certain difficult experiences and emotions long after the incident is over because we have not had the opportunity to fully feel, acknowledge or complete them in a safe way. Body-centered therapy can allow for a safe and contained space to understand what we are still holding.
My work addresses experiences of trauma, post-traumatic stress, childhood adversity, or grief/loss through somatic, mindfulness and movement therapy practices.
Body-centered therapy is based on the belief that our bodies continue to hold certain difficult experiences and emotions long after the incident is over because we have not had the opportunity to fully feel, acknowledge or complete them in a safe way. Body-centered therapy can allow for a safe and contained space to understand what we are still holding.
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What can I expect from dance/movement therapy?
During dance therapy, the therapist will guide the client through dance movements that metaphorically represent a particular challenge, reflect their internal emotional state, or otherwise express physically what is happening for the client mentally. The therapist may “mirror” the client’s movements or simply observe. The client may be encouraged, as they dance, to pay attention to their breath or other physical sensations. Afterward, the therapist and client will often debrief to help the client process the experience. Is dance/movement therapy evidence-based? A small body of research has found that dance therapy can help treat conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and eating disorders, as well as nonclinical issues like low self-esteem or family conflict. However, some experts caution that the evidence in favor of dance therapy is not as robust as that of other, more established therapies, and some of the published research is of low quality. Many recommend that dance therapy be used as a complementary rather than stand-alone treatment. Can dance therapy help with depression? Some research suggests that dance/movement therapy can aid in the treatment of depression, especially when combined with other therapies; some studies, for example, report that dance therapy combined with antidepressants or talk therapy is more effective than those treatments alone. The positive effects of dance therapy may come from the movement itself, as it’s well-known that physical activity can improve mood and bolster motivation in those struggling with depression. What are the limitations of dance therapy? People with disabilities or other conditions that hinder movement may find it more challenging to participate in dance therapy, though a well-trained therapist will take a client’s physical limitations into account when designing a treatment plan. Experts also warn that certain conditions, particularly eating disorders, should never be treated with dance therapy alone; it may, however, be used as an adjunct therapy.
Is dance/movement therapy evidence-based?
A small body of research has found that dance therapy can help treat conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and eating disorders, as well as nonclinical issues like low self-esteem or family conflict. However, some experts caution that the evidence in favor of dance therapy is not as robust as that of other, more established therapies, and some of the published research is of low quality. Many recommend that dance therapy be used as a complementary rather than stand-alone treatment.
Can dance therapy help with depression?
Some research suggests that dance/movement therapy can aid in the treatment of depression, especially when combined with other therapies; some studies, for example, report that dance therapy combined with antidepressants or talk therapy is more effective than those treatments alone. The positive effects of dance therapy may come from the movement itself, as it’s well-known that physical activity can improve mood and bolster motivation in those struggling with depression.
What are the limitations of dance therapy?
People with disabilities or other conditions that hinder movement may find it more challenging to participate in dance therapy, though a well-trained therapist will take a client’s physical limitations into account when designing a treatment plan. Experts also warn that certain conditions, particularly eating disorders, should never be treated with dance therapy alone; it may, however, be used as an adjunct therapy.