Therapists in V8P

When confronted with challenging times - whether it is struggling with mental health, your relationships, addiction, identity or just not knowing what to do - feelings of despair, loneliness, desperation, and fear can overwhelm hope.

The effects of trauma are many, and can feel overwhelming and unbearable. If you are experiencing post-traumatic stress responses such as, anxiety, depression, unhealthy or abusive relationships, substance misuse, self-harm or suicidal ideation, you are not alone. Many mental health symptoms are automatic responses and attempts to cope with trauma. These adaptations don't always serve us in the best way. When trauma can't be processed in the moment, it is often held in the body and we can become "stuck". A Somatic approach to counselling may help you move forward and heal from the effects of trauma in an embodied way.

South Island Counselling is a team of Registered Clinical Counsellors and Canadian Certified Counsellors, who offer counselling services to individuals, couples and families in the Greater Victoria area. We can offer a unique experience to our clients as we have 10 clinical counsellors who can be matched to your specific needs. Our approaches can help with anxiety, depression, stress, addictions, trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, marital conflict, sexual, emotional or physical abuse, grief and loss, relationship issues, life transitions, mood changes, gender identity, spiritual concerns and so much more.

Accepting New Clients! Life brings many challenges and we believe you aren't meant to do the work of healing from these challenges alone. Being here at this page is a courageous first step for you on the path to getting the support you deserve. Burn Bright Counselling provides confidential and compassionate support for youth, parents and young adults who are experiencing emotional distress, relationship conflict, grief and a diminished sense of hope. We work with you to build a tailored support service to meet your individual needs during our time together. We specialize in working with LGBTQ2S+ youth, young adults and parents.

Sometimes there is a gap between where we are and where we want to be or who we think we could be. Feeling this gap can be emotionally and physically draining. It’s difficult to be present in our lives when we feel consumed by the pain within us. It’s hard to know what to do next and even when the next step is clear, it may feel impossible to take it. My approach to therapy is gentle, supportive, and relational with an aim to reduce the need for coping mechanisms and to heal at the source. The training that I take reflects my personal belief that therapy is a place to come back to your most integrated self.

Life can be hard. You may be living each day with anxiety about the future, or feeling down about your current situation or past decisions. Maybe you are experiencing a challenging relationship, or struggling to manage difficult emotions such as anxiety, grief, anger, or sadness. Perhaps you feel stuck in some way or have trouble accepting yourself. You are not alone! All of these issues are part of the shared human experience. They are painful yet expected elements of life, and we can all learn to navigate them with more confidence when we have the necessary support and resources.

As a queer and neurodivergent counsellor, I understand how difficult it can be to live in a world that was not built for you. The expectations of the society we live in may have left you doubting your own pain and wondering why you are struggling so much. You may question who you truly are under the mask you are presenting to the world. Perhaps you just want to talk to a counsellor who understands, without needing to educate them about your identity or worry about being invalidated. In our sessions together, we'll create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be seen as you are and share your story at your own pace.

Are you suffering with depression, anxiety or trauma? Or are you struggling with unrealistic fears and worry? You may have suffered childhood trauma, emotional neglect, or other more recent trauma. If you feel stuck in a rut, and find yourself repeating the same old unhealthy patterns, I can help you to make positive change, transform negative, limiting core beliefs, and move forward into a more fulfilling, joyful, and satisfying experience of life. If you'd like more peace in your life, please feel free to give me a call. I offer a free phone consult of up to 20 mins.

Weekend & Evening Availability. You might be facing a setback, and it can be hard to stay positive and not lose faith in your dreams. I know how you feel, I have been there too. I can help you create a plan to change your relationship with substances, depression, or anxiety, and move you towards a more meaningful & fulfilling life. I offer in-person weekend sessions on saturdays and sundays, and online sessions mondays and tuesdays.

I specialize in trauma work with children, youth, and adults, working to help individuals transform and resolve trauma symptoms and traumatic stress. I can help with low mood, depression, mood swings, anxiety and panic, anger, PTSD, self-harming behaviours, suicidal ideation, addictions, shame, early developmental attachment trauma, stress, relationship difficulties, communication problems, work-life balance, and life transitions. I am passionate about supporting and empowering people in their walk towards living their most fulfilling life. I draw upon a range of evidence based approaches and interventions which are tailored to fit your unique needs, wants, and goals.

I am currently accepting new clients. The first thing you should know about me is that I lead with my heart. I acknowledge the privilege of this work and the courage of those who entrust me to hold the space of their most vulnerable and true self. I specialize working with those who are trying to conceive and dealing with infertility, those who are pregnant, postpartum and beyond. If you are struggling with your mental health, identity related to parenting, parenting, relationship challenges then I can help you on your journey. I also work with general anxiety, depression, perfectionism, life transition, parenting, trauma and grief.

As a counsellor, I look to come alongside individuals while they navigate difficult situations, process intense emotions, or assist them in making a change in their life. In my work as a counsellor, I believe in helping individuals discover their own strengths in even their weakest moments. I will provide unconditional positive regard, support and empathy to individuals who may be struggling with life stressors, anxiety, depression, amongst many other concerns. I view all individuals as capable of overcoming obstacles and seek to support them in discovering their inner resources and resiliency.

Do you wake up in the morning and the first thing you feel is your anxiety creeping 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? 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 my clients. Together we can cultivate unique goals and illuminate your wellness path through exploring, connecting, healing, and harnessing strengths.

Creative approaches to therapy can open new possibilities for self understanding, growth, and vitality. As an experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Canadian Art Therapist, I offer somatic-based counselling/art therapy for adults in all stages of life. My practice is rooted in my compassion and authenticity. I believe therapy is a collaborative process between client and therapist. Specifically, you hold the knowledge of your lived experience and I bring to the relationship my training, experience and an unwavering faith in your capacity to create the changes you desire.

-LGBTQ2S and disability friendly- I am a person-centered counsellor, viewing my clients as the experts in the room and collaborating with them to discover the research-based approaches and tools that best suit their needs. My clients view my therapy sessions as a safe space where they feel comfortable letting go of painful emotions and past traumas.

Arriving at counselling may feel vulnerable and uncertain, my approach to working together is to offer a safe space where we can explore the areas that you identify as needing attention. My goal is to create a space which allows you to discuss the challenges you are facing and to offer support and skills to explore these together. I will do this with curiosity, empathy, compassion, and respect for your process. It is important to me that you feel like our collaborative counselling relationship is the right fit for you.

Sometimes we get caught up in our day-to-day routines or we feel too stretched, stressed, or spent to get going on creating the future we want for ourselves. Other times, there are family or societal expectations that push up against our dreams of how we want to show up or what we want to do in our lives. Adversity happens, and sometimes difficult events can block us from moving forward in the ways we want. No matter our circumstances, though, we all deserve to thrive. As Maya Angelou put it: "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”