Emotionally Focused Therapists in Victoria, BC
I'm a certified Internal Family Systems therapist with a background in many other approaches, including Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, The Gottman Method, IBCT, and others.
Are you looking to improve your relationship? Communicate better? Find a life-partner? Navigate the ups-and-downs of dating? Deal with a difficult break-up? Pivot out of a break-down? Heal and grow after adversity? Make a tough decision? Manage your emotions more skillfully? Bring your family back together? Experience more joy, zest and inner peace? Whether I am working with you as an individual, couple or family, as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Marital and Family Therapist I'll give you not just my experience and expertise, but the curious and compassionate attention necessary to clarify and accomplish your goals.
I'm a certified Internal Family Systems therapist with a background in many other approaches, including Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, The Gottman Method, IBCT, and others.
Are you looking to improve your relationship? Communicate better? Find a life-partner? Navigate the ups-and-downs of dating? Deal with a difficult break-up? Pivot out of a break-down? Heal and grow after adversity? Make a tough decision? Manage your emotions more skillfully? Bring your family back together? Experience more joy, zest and inner peace? Whether I am working with you as an individual, couple or family, as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Marital and Family Therapist I'll give you not just my experience and expertise, but the curious and compassionate attention necessary to clarify and accomplish your goals.
I have specialized training in polyvagal theory and emotionally focused therapy, with a particular interest in our bodies and nervous systems.
Do you wake up in the morning and your anxiety starts to creep in? Do you feel like you have tried everything and you’re losing hope? Are you often triggered emotionally and feel as though you lose control? Do you struggle within your close relationships and wonder “how did I get here?” My approach to therapy is always rooted in compassion and genuine curiosity. I have a mindful and gentle presence, which guides my considerate sensitivity and attunement to each of my clients. Together we can cultivate unique goals and illuminate your wellness path through exploring, connecting, healing, and harnessing strengths.
I have specialized training in polyvagal theory and emotionally focused therapy, with a particular interest in our bodies and nervous systems.
Do you wake up in the morning and your anxiety starts to creep in? Do you feel like you have tried everything and you’re losing hope? Are you often triggered emotionally and feel as though you lose control? Do you struggle within your close relationships and wonder “how did I get here?” My approach to therapy is always rooted in compassion and genuine curiosity. I have a mindful and gentle presence, which guides my considerate sensitivity and attunement to each of my clients. Together we can cultivate unique goals and illuminate your wellness path through exploring, connecting, healing, and harnessing strengths.
Some recent courses in 2023 include grief treatment certification, internal family systems work, ASIST suicide intervention and prevention, EFT for couples, and Gottman method couples therapy level 1.
Sometimes we need support navigating the complexities of life. As individuals, we experience these complexities in unique ways, often feeling alone. You may be navigating grief, anxiety, anger, fear, trauma, relational concerns, transitions, self-worth or feeling overwhelmed. My goal is to cultivate a trusting, accepting relationship that holds space for your unique story, a space where you can feel seen, accepted, supported, and valued.
Some recent courses in 2023 include grief treatment certification, internal family systems work, ASIST suicide intervention and prevention, EFT for couples, and Gottman method couples therapy level 1.
Sometimes we need support navigating the complexities of life. As individuals, we experience these complexities in unique ways, often feeling alone. You may be navigating grief, anxiety, anger, fear, trauma, relational concerns, transitions, self-worth or feeling overwhelmed. My goal is to cultivate a trusting, accepting relationship that holds space for your unique story, a space where you can feel seen, accepted, supported, and valued.
I am here to help you to cope with and heal trauma from: accidents, abuse, childhood wounding, relationships, workplace events, loss and illness. Trauma can leave us feeling hopeless and overwhelmed but there is much hope for recovery. Trauma therapy helps to provide relief from your suffering and to restore balance in your life and relationships. Many people are also working to create meaningful change in their relationships. I work with couples to help them to learn to better manage conflict, to achieve greater understanding and stronger intimate connection, both emotional and physical.
I am here to help you to cope with and heal trauma from: accidents, abuse, childhood wounding, relationships, workplace events, loss and illness. Trauma can leave us feeling hopeless and overwhelmed but there is much hope for recovery. Trauma therapy helps to provide relief from your suffering and to restore balance in your life and relationships. Many people are also working to create meaningful change in their relationships. I work with couples to help them to learn to better manage conflict, to achieve greater understanding and stronger intimate connection, both emotional and physical.
, Narrative Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, Existential Therapy, EFT/attachment theory, DBT, IFS, AEDP, etc.
I am honoured your journey has led you here. Welcome. Whether you’re a young adult or elder, interested in individual or partnered counselling, I can help you manage stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, and pain; improve your relationships; navigate grief and loss; and become better friends with yourself. I enjoy working with people of diverse backgrounds to situate problems in systems of influence, unveiling your inner resources by collaborating with you to connect your values and interests with your goals for meaningful self-directed transformation and life management.
, Narrative Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, Existential Therapy, EFT/attachment theory, DBT, IFS, AEDP, etc.
I am honoured your journey has led you here. Welcome. Whether you’re a young adult or elder, interested in individual or partnered counselling, I can help you manage stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, and pain; improve your relationships; navigate grief and loss; and become better friends with yourself. I enjoy working with people of diverse backgrounds to situate problems in systems of influence, unveiling your inner resources by collaborating with you to connect your values and interests with your goals for meaningful self-directed transformation and life management.
Depending on my client's needs and concerns, I incorporate ACT, EFT, DBT, IFS, mindfulness, art, somatics, and existential philosophy into my work.
Imagine sharing your deepest worries, thoughts, feelings, and experiences with someone who listens nonjudgmentally with an open heart and curious mind. My name is Erin, and I commit to offering a collaborative therapeutic partnership toward healing and growth. I will help you navigate the complexities of life’s challenges with empathy, compassion, and unwavering support. Seeking support takes courage, and I am dedicated to creating a safe, trusting counselling environment based on dignity, honesty, and respect. My approach is engaged, authentic, open, warm, and inclusive, and I use humour as a therapeutic tool when appropriate.
Depending on my client's needs and concerns, I incorporate ACT, EFT, DBT, IFS, mindfulness, art, somatics, and existential philosophy into my work.
Imagine sharing your deepest worries, thoughts, feelings, and experiences with someone who listens nonjudgmentally with an open heart and curious mind. My name is Erin, and I commit to offering a collaborative therapeutic partnership toward healing and growth. I will help you navigate the complexities of life’s challenges with empathy, compassion, and unwavering support. Seeking support takes courage, and I am dedicated to creating a safe, trusting counselling environment based on dignity, honesty, and respect. My approach is engaged, authentic, open, warm, and inclusive, and I use humour as a therapeutic tool when appropriate.
I work from a strengths based, client centred lens and incorporate family systems, CBT, EMDR, FOO, Gottman, Imago, EFT, mindfulness based, narrative, play and art based, sand play therapy, response based, solution focussed, somatic based and systems theory depending on what works best for the client.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families. I offer counselling for parents who are struggling with their parenting role. I also specialize in helping families and couples that are going through restructuring due to illness, death, separation and/or divorce. I am collaborative and strengths-based in my approach. I meet the client where the client is and work from there in a non-pathologizing way.
I work from a strengths based, client centred lens and incorporate family systems, CBT, EMDR, FOO, Gottman, Imago, EFT, mindfulness based, narrative, play and art based, sand play therapy, response based, solution focussed, somatic based and systems theory depending on what works best for the client.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families. I offer counselling for parents who are struggling with their parenting role. I also specialize in helping families and couples that are going through restructuring due to illness, death, separation and/or divorce. I am collaborative and strengths-based in my approach. I meet the client where the client is and work from there in a non-pathologizing way.
I use a range of therapies to help people connect with themselves again, including DBT, ACT, EFT, and Narrative Therapy.
I am a client-focused, strengths-based therapist who works with people who have experienced trauma. As a counsellor, I work with you in a gentle and compassionate way to identify actions, reactions, and behaviours that once served you but are now impacting your life. I work with clients to feel empowered to process their past and navigate the future they desire. I have worked with people who have experienced trauma, including people who have experienced sexual violence, sex work, addiction, and domestic violence. I approach each person with respect and provide them the dignity they deserve.
I use a range of therapies to help people connect with themselves again, including DBT, ACT, EFT, and Narrative Therapy.
I am a client-focused, strengths-based therapist who works with people who have experienced trauma. As a counsellor, I work with you in a gentle and compassionate way to identify actions, reactions, and behaviours that once served you but are now impacting your life. I work with clients to feel empowered to process their past and navigate the future they desire. I have worked with people who have experienced trauma, including people who have experienced sexual violence, sex work, addiction, and domestic violence. I approach each person with respect and provide them the dignity they deserve.
Alyson Kowalewsky
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8V
I have recent training in Narrative Therapy, DBT (Comprehensive), Emotionally Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Single Session Therapy.
Curious about DBT? Do you struggle with big feelings that get in the way? Do you want to learn practical skills to reduce suffering, improve relationships, tolerate distress, and live in the present? I believe that every person is wise and has the capacity for wisdom. Sometimes, things get in the way of accessing that guiding wisdom, and sometimes we can be tricked into thinking we aren’t capable of accessing this wisdom, or even that it doesn’t exist at all for us. Together we can explore what is getting in the way of you living the life you want to live and discover effective and practical ways you can access your wise self.
I have recent training in Narrative Therapy, DBT (Comprehensive), Emotionally Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Single Session Therapy.
Curious about DBT? Do you struggle with big feelings that get in the way? Do you want to learn practical skills to reduce suffering, improve relationships, tolerate distress, and live in the present? I believe that every person is wise and has the capacity for wisdom. Sometimes, things get in the way of accessing that guiding wisdom, and sometimes we can be tricked into thinking we aren’t capable of accessing this wisdom, or even that it doesn’t exist at all for us. Together we can explore what is getting in the way of you living the life you want to live and discover effective and practical ways you can access your wise self.
I use a variety of evidence based therapy tools including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Hypnotherapy, CBT and Rapid Trauma Reduction.
Call me for a no-charge half-hour consultation. I am committed to creating a warm, accepting environment for change, using therapeutic approaches that have the strongest proven results. If you're reading this then you are possibly searching for a suitable counsellor to help you navigate a life that is not quite the way you would like it to be. It could be what's happening for you right now, or it might have been building for a while. You so deserve to be supported.
I use a variety of evidence based therapy tools including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Hypnotherapy, CBT and Rapid Trauma Reduction.
Call me for a no-charge half-hour consultation. I am committed to creating a warm, accepting environment for change, using therapeutic approaches that have the strongest proven results. If you're reading this then you are possibly searching for a suitable counsellor to help you navigate a life that is not quite the way you would like it to be. It could be what's happening for you right now, or it might have been building for a while. You so deserve to be supported.
Together, we'll use approaches like ACT, EFT, and narrative therapy to explore your experiences and grow insight, awareness, and skills to help with everyday activities.
Everyone struggles with something. We can’t control every thought, feeling, or body sensation we have, but we can find ways to create balance and choice in how we live our lives, particularly during times of stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm. In our sessions, you can expect to develop skills that can help you tune in to your inner experiences with curiosity and compassion, while keeping “who you are” at the centre of the process. Regardless of what we focus on, please know that you can show up to our sessions just as you are. You’ll find an environment where every part of you is seen, heard, and welcome.
Together, we'll use approaches like ACT, EFT, and narrative therapy to explore your experiences and grow insight, awareness, and skills to help with everyday activities.
Everyone struggles with something. We can’t control every thought, feeling, or body sensation we have, but we can find ways to create balance and choice in how we live our lives, particularly during times of stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm. In our sessions, you can expect to develop skills that can help you tune in to your inner experiences with curiosity and compassion, while keeping “who you are” at the centre of the process. Regardless of what we focus on, please know that you can show up to our sessions just as you are. You’ll find an environment where every part of you is seen, heard, and welcome.
Meet Our Emotionally Focused Counsellors
Incorporating techniques from emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT), person-centered, and strengths-based approaches, I aim to create a personalized therapeutic environment for each individual I work with.
Currently accepting new clients - specializing in teens, adult and elderly populations! I bring an empathetic approach to sessions, ensuring that my clients feel safe and supported as they explore their emotions, thoughts, and varying life experiences. In my practice, I emphasis the fostering of self-compassion, through non-judgmental and inclusive care. I aim to help my clients challenge self-limiting beliefs, cultivate self-acceptance, and nurture more compassionate & fulfilling relationships. I work with individuals navigating tough life transitions, grief & loss, as well as those struggling with mental health concerns.
Incorporating techniques from emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT), person-centered, and strengths-based approaches, I aim to create a personalized therapeutic environment for each individual I work with.
Currently accepting new clients - specializing in teens, adult and elderly populations! I bring an empathetic approach to sessions, ensuring that my clients feel safe and supported as they explore their emotions, thoughts, and varying life experiences. In my practice, I emphasis the fostering of self-compassion, through non-judgmental and inclusive care. I aim to help my clients challenge self-limiting beliefs, cultivate self-acceptance, and nurture more compassionate & fulfilling relationships. I work with individuals navigating tough life transitions, grief & loss, as well as those struggling with mental health concerns.
Aleksandra Dobric-Stanosevic
Registered Social Worker, BSW, RSW, TAAP
Verified Verified
Victoria, BC V8X
Besides behaviour change and symptom control, I tend to encourage emotionally focused work, where Gestalt exercises are very beneficial for more in-depth, experiential outcomes.
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!
Besides behaviour change and symptom control, I tend to encourage emotionally focused work, where Gestalt exercises are very beneficial for more in-depth, experiential outcomes.
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!
My recent training centres on integrating emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), & Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST).
My therapeutic style is relational, compassionate, collaborative, & structured. I care deeply about establishing an emotionally safe relationship with each person I work with. My approach to therapy is integrative and trauma-informed, meaning I draw from different therapy models to guide my work and I’m sensitive to the impact of traumatic life experiences.
My recent training centres on integrating emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), & Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST).
My therapeutic style is relational, compassionate, collaborative, & structured. I care deeply about establishing an emotionally safe relationship with each person I work with. My approach to therapy is integrative and trauma-informed, meaning I draw from different therapy models to guide my work and I’m sensitive to the impact of traumatic life experiences.
I use methods such as CBT, EFT, Gestalt Psychology, and guided imagery for intuition development.
Since I experienced anxiety attacks, eating issues, relationship challenges and more, I sought teachers and therapists to help me so that I would not be stuck in suffering. I learned numerous tools and I practice them daily, such as meditation, awareness and kindness to self, feeling feelings, managing mind-talk and listening to inner wisdom.
I use methods such as CBT, EFT, Gestalt Psychology, and guided imagery for intuition development.
Since I experienced anxiety attacks, eating issues, relationship challenges and more, I sought teachers and therapists to help me so that I would not be stuck in suffering. I learned numerous tools and I practice them daily, such as meditation, awareness and kindness to self, feeling feelings, managing mind-talk and listening to inner wisdom.
I work with youth, adults, and couples using an integrative approach that includes somatic (body-based) inquiry, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT), mindfulness and compassion-based approaches.
My work is collaborative, from a feminist, Buddhist, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive foundation. I believe in a systemic and relational approach, that looks not just at the individual, but our relationships and the context we live in. In this time of conflict and divide, I believe I have an obligation to support compassion, dialogue, and community.
I work with youth, adults, and couples using an integrative approach that includes somatic (body-based) inquiry, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT), mindfulness and compassion-based approaches.
My work is collaborative, from a feminist, Buddhist, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive foundation. I believe in a systemic and relational approach, that looks not just at the individual, but our relationships and the context we live in. In this time of conflict and divide, I believe I have an obligation to support compassion, dialogue, and community.
I use cognitive behavioural (CBT), emotionally focused ( EFT), acceptance and commitment (ACT), and narrative therapy in my counselling work.
I know how much courage it takes to seek counselling, and believe that you have the strength to achieve your goals and live your life to the fullest. I offer an encouraging space for clients seeking change in their lives. Together, we can explore the changes you are considering making, identify desired steps, and make a plan to take action toward the life you want. Working with clients experiencing big life transitions is my passion - whether the change is a new relationship, infidelity, a relationship breakdown, pregnancy, parenthood, or grief, death, or other losses, I'm here for you.
I use cognitive behavioural (CBT), emotionally focused ( EFT), acceptance and commitment (ACT), and narrative therapy in my counselling work.
I know how much courage it takes to seek counselling, and believe that you have the strength to achieve your goals and live your life to the fullest. I offer an encouraging space for clients seeking change in their lives. Together, we can explore the changes you are considering making, identify desired steps, and make a plan to take action toward the life you want. Working with clients experiencing big life transitions is my passion - whether the change is a new relationship, infidelity, a relationship breakdown, pregnancy, parenthood, or grief, death, or other losses, I'm here for you.
Jill Parker Counselling Inc
Counsellor, MEd, BSW, BA, RCC, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8X
Waitlist for new clients
I use scientifically-proven therapies including: CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, and EFT therapy.
I like how you help me to see myself as powerful and capable... & "I didn't know counselling could be like this...." Are words spoken by my clients. My genuine, caring and compassionate approach, along with my lighthearted sense of humor, are instrumental in establishing an empowering and safe relationship with my clients. I work with clients who face challenges which impede their ability to live full and meaningful lives.
I use scientifically-proven therapies including: CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, and EFT therapy.
I like how you help me to see myself as powerful and capable... & "I didn't know counselling could be like this...." Are words spoken by my clients. My genuine, caring and compassionate approach, along with my lighthearted sense of humor, are instrumental in establishing an empowering and safe relationship with my clients. I work with clients who face challenges which impede their ability to live full and meaningful lives.
With couples, my integrative approach draws on the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Imago Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy (Part's Work), and Attachment Theory to enrich communication skills and overcome patterns of disconnection.
Looking for couples, parent, or individual counselling? I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who specializes in supporting couples to enhance communication and mutual understanding, and empowering parents to strengthen relationships with their teens. I also support individual adults and youth (16+) to manage and overcome anxiety and depression through practical skills and tangible strategies backed by neuroscience. I draw from trauma-informed, attachment-based, and solution-focused approaches to understand and collaboratively support your unique needs, contexts, and goals. I look forward to working with you!
With couples, my integrative approach draws on the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Imago Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy (Part's Work), and Attachment Theory to enrich communication skills and overcome patterns of disconnection.
Looking for couples, parent, or individual counselling? I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who specializes in supporting couples to enhance communication and mutual understanding, and empowering parents to strengthen relationships with their teens. I also support individual adults and youth (16+) to manage and overcome anxiety and depression through practical skills and tangible strategies backed by neuroscience. I draw from trauma-informed, attachment-based, and solution-focused approaches to understand and collaboratively support your unique needs, contexts, and goals. I look forward to working with you!
I am also certified in Advanced Grief Counselling, Emotionally Focused Integrative Therapy, and as an ADHD Certified Clinical Service Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
Reaching out for support can be incredibly difficult, and I'm glad you're taking this step. If you find yourself dealing with bouts of self-criticism, rumination, overwhelm or feel stuck, lost, or dysregulated, I'm here to help you find your way forward. I work with individuals facing various mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image challenges. My practice is neuro-affirming, inclusive, and collaborative, ensuring that you are heard, seen, and always at the center of the work we do.
I am also certified in Advanced Grief Counselling, Emotionally Focused Integrative Therapy, and as an ADHD Certified Clinical Service Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
Reaching out for support can be incredibly difficult, and I'm glad you're taking this step. If you find yourself dealing with bouts of self-criticism, rumination, overwhelm or feel stuck, lost, or dysregulated, I'm here to help you find your way forward. I work with individuals facing various mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image challenges. My practice is neuro-affirming, inclusive, and collaborative, ensuring that you are heard, seen, and always at the center of the work we do.
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Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.