Navigating Wellness: A Guide to Counsellors in Greater Victoria, Langford & Colwood
Finding the right support for your mental well-being is a significant and courageous step. In the diverse communities of Greater Victoria, Langford, and Colwood, a wealth of dedicated counselling professionals offer their expertise to help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges.
Whether you’re grappling with anxiety, navigating relationship complexities, seeking support for your child, processing trauma, or exploring personal growth, understanding the available options is the first step. This guide aims to illuminate some of these practitioners, categorized by common reasons for seeking therapy and their locations, to help you find a path toward healing and growth.
The Greater Victoria area, including the vibrant communities of Langford and Colwood, is home to a diverse array of counsellors, psychologists, and therapists, each offering unique approaches and specializations. This resource is designed to provide a starting point, highlighting professionals across various specializations and locations to help you make an informed choice that feels right for you.
Why Seek Counselling? Understanding the Benefits of Mental Health Support
Counselling is a collaborative process between a trained professional and a client that aims to facilitate positive change, improve mental health, and enhance overall well-being. Counsellors provide a safe, confidential space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, gain insights, develop coping strategies, and work toward personal goals.
Emotional Support
A safe space to express and process difficult emotions like anxiety, depression, grief, and anger
Personal Growth
Develop self-awareness, build resilience, and discover new perspectives and possibilities
Practical Solutions
Learn effective coping strategies, communication skills, and problem-solving techniques
A counselling session provides a safe space for open communication and emotional support
To achieve these benefits, counsellors employ a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs. These may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns; Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), which helps clients process and transform difficult emotions; or mindfulness-based approaches that cultivate present-moment awareness and acceptance.
Beyond Talk Therapy: Comprehensive Mental Health Care
- Evidence-based techniques: Many counsellors integrate research-supported methods like EMDR for trauma, DBT for emotional regulation, or ACT for developing psychological flexibility
- Somatic approaches: Recognizing the mind-body connection through techniques that address how emotions and stress are held in the body
- Creative therapies: Art, play, and expressive therapies that offer alternative ways to process experiences, particularly helpful for children or when words feel insufficient
- Cultural sensitivity: Approaches that honor diverse backgrounds, values, and experiences, creating truly inclusive therapeutic spaces
- Specialized training: Many counsellors pursue additional certifications in areas like trauma, couples therapy, or neurodiversity to better serve specific populations
How We Chose Victoria’s Best: Our Methodology
Selecting the “best” counsellor is a deeply personal journey, as the ideal practitioner for one person might differ for another. However, this guide aims to provide a robust starting point by highlighting highly regarded professionals in Victoria, Langford, and Colwood. Our approach involved:
Our Selection Criteria
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1Comprehensive Research: We examined local practitioners, their qualifications, specializations, and therapeutic approaches to identify those with strong professional foundations.
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2Diverse Specializations: We sought to include counsellors with expertise in a wide range of areas, from anxiety and depression to trauma, relationships, and specialized populations like children or LGBTQ2+ individuals.
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3Credential Verification: We focused on practitioners with recognized credentials such as Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), Registered Psychologists (R.Psych.), and Registered Social Workers (RSWs).
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4Geographic Distribution: We aimed to include options across Victoria, Langford, and Colwood to ensure accessibility for residents throughout the region.
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5Client-Centered Approach: We prioritized practitioners who demonstrate a commitment to client-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practice.
Ultimately, finding the right counsellor is about establishing a good “fit” – a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable, who listens to your concerns, and whose therapeutic approach aligns with your preferences and goals. The “best” counsellor is one with whom you feel a genuine connection and who possesses the expertise relevant to your needs. This guide is here to empower you with information to make that choice confidently.
Types of Counsellors in Victoria: Finding Your Specialization
The city of Victoria presents a rich tapestry of therapeutic services, reflecting a broad spectrum of qualifications, from Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and Registered Social Workers (RSWs) to Registered Psychologists (R.Psych.). This variety translates into a wide range of therapeutic modalities available to residents, encompassing well-established methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and newer, specialized approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and somatic therapies.
Anxiety & Mood Specialists
Many individuals seek counselling to navigate feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and the challenges of life transitions. Victoria offers numerous professionals skilled in these areas, using evidence-based approaches to help clients manage symptoms and develop coping strategies.
Victoria options to consider:
- Jen Rosang (MACP, RCC): Specializes in anxiety, coping skills, and relationship issues with a compassionate, strengths-based approach
- Emily Ehrhart (M.A., RCC): Fifteen years of experience providing counselling for anxiety, climate anxiety, depression, and eating disorders
- Tamara Bainbridge (MC, RCC): Assists individuals with anxiety, relationship challenges, workplace concerns, and ADHD symptoms
- Marion Orr (MA, RCC, CCC, CCS): Uses an integrative approach including somatic inquiry, ACT, EMDR, and compassion-based methods
- Arbour Counselling Centre: A team of Masters and PhD-level professionals offering support for depression, anxiety, and life transitions
Trauma & Grief Specialists
Processing trauma and coping with grief are profound challenges that often benefit from specialized therapeutic support. Several Victoria counsellors have dedicated expertise in these areas, offering evidence-based approaches specifically designed to address these complex experiences.
Victoria options to consider:
- Lara Schultz (Ph.D., R.Psych.): A Registered Psychologist focused on helping individuals navigate current, ongoing, or anticipated grief and loss
- Sally Stuike (M.A., RCC): A client-focused, strengths-based therapist working with individuals who have experienced trauma
- Shannon Schubert (BSc, MC, RCC): Specializes in trauma-informed care using Internal Family Systems (IFS), ACT, and somatic therapy
- Dr. T. Leanne Campbell (R.Psych.): Renowned for expertise in trauma with over three decades of experience and training in Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Sherry-Lynn Squitti (M.A., RCC-ACS): Offers attachment and trauma-informed practice with training in EMDR and CBT for trauma
Couples & Family Therapists
Navigating the complexities of relationships, whether with a partner or family members, often benefits from professional guidance. These specialists are trained to work with relationship dynamics and help improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen connections.
Victoria options to consider:
- Isaac Rosenberg (M.A., RCC): Works with both individuals and couples, offering a holistic and collaborative approach
- Joel Durkovic (M.A., RCC, RMFT): Clinical Director at Arbour Counselling and a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist with a systemic perspective
- Bodymind Counselling: Offers therapy to support important relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, and family dynamics
- Liz Prette (M.A., RCC): Works with individuals, couples, and families, exploring how they function both as a whole unit and as individuals
- Dr. David R. Fairweather (R.Psych.): Broad experience in marital/couple and family therapy, alongside trauma and depression
Couples therapy can help partners improve communication and resolve conflicts
Children & Youth Specialists
Children and adolescents face unique developmental and emotional challenges. Several practitioners in Victoria specialize in supporting younger clients and their families, often using age-appropriate techniques like play therapy and creative expression.
Victoria options to consider:
- Candice Yu (M.Ed., RCC): Offers a client-centered, culturally safe counselling environment for children, youth, and adults
- Maggie Fung (BSc): Passionate about supporting neurodiverse children and youth, including those with Autism and ADHD, using play-based approaches
- Cynthia Pearce (BACYC, MACYC): 13 years of experience working with children, youth, and families facing anxiety, ADHD, and trauma
- Lisa Mitchell (M.A., RCC): Helps children, youth, and families connect meaningfully, with specializations in ADHD, anxiety, and autism
- Michelle McElroy (MA:CP, RCC, RSW): Works with individuals from age 3 to adults, specializing in trauma using playful EMDR for children
LGBTQ2+ Affirming Counsellors
Finding a therapist who is affirming and knowledgeable about LGBTQ2+ experiences is vital for individuals within this community. Victoria has several professionals who specialize in providing supportive and informed care for diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
Victoria options to consider:
- Niall JM Barnard (M.Sc., RSW): A queer and trans person offering counselling with two decades of professional training and lived experience
- Azula Houghton (M.Ed., R.Psych.): A Registered Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with LGBTQ2+ individuals
- Alex Mayr-Landrecht (BHSc): A gay woman with diverse lived experiences offering counselling for LGBTQ+, gender identity, and alternative relationship models
- Burn Bright Counselling: Specializes in supporting LGBTQ2S+ youth, young adults, couples, and parents, including Asexual/Aromantic experiences
- Nathan MacRae (MSW, RSW): A queer trans person serving BC residents online, specializing in LGBTQ+ concerns and relationship issues
Addiction & Recovery Specialists
Addiction is a complex issue that often requires specialized support, frequently intertwined with other mental health concerns. These practitioners offer expertise in helping individuals navigate recovery and address underlying factors contributing to addictive behaviors.
Victoria options to consider:
- Steve Price (B.Ed, MCP, RCC): Specializes in addiction and trauma, bringing personal experience of healing from addiction to his practice
- Nature’s Way Counselling (Jen Holm): Experience with mental health and addictions with 20 years in practice
- Sophie Usher (MACP, RCC, CCC): Supports youth, adults, and couples with expertise in substance use and addictions alongside trauma and emotional regulation
- Luke Galbraith (Counsellor): Specializes in addictions along with trauma, anxiety, depression, and support for first responders
- Nathan MacRae (MSW, RSW): Online counsellor with training in addiction alongside relationship issues and trauma
The Holistic Approach: Integrating Massage Therapy and Counselling
While counselling offers significant benefits for mental and emotional well-being, many individuals in Victoria are discovering the enhanced results that come from combining therapeutic counselling with professional massage therapy. This integrated approach addresses both the psychological aspects of wellness that counsellors focus on and the physical manifestations of stress and emotion that massage therapists are skilled at treating.
Why Combine These Therapies?
Mind-Body Connection
Counselling addresses cognitive and emotional patterns, while registered massage therapy releases physical tension that often accompanies psychological stress. Together, they honor the inseparable connection between mental and physical well-being.
Complementary Benefits
The relaxation and physical release from massage can make clients more receptive to the emotional work of counselling. Similarly, the insights gained in therapy can help individuals become more aware of how they hold stress in their bodies.
Combining massage therapy with counselling can provide comprehensive mind-body healing
Benefits of This Integrated Approach
Enhanced Stress Reduction
The combination addresses stress at multiple levels—cognitive, emotional, and physical—providing more comprehensive relief than either therapy alone, particularly beneficial for those with anxiety and stress-related conditions.
Trauma Recovery Support
For individuals processing trauma, this dual approach can be particularly effective. While counselling provides the psychological processing, massage therapy can help address the somatic aspects of trauma stored in the body.
Improved Body Awareness
The combination helps develop greater mindfulness and awareness of the connection between emotional states and physical sensations, a key component in managing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Holistic Pain Management
For those dealing with chronic pain, the combination addresses both the physical discomfort and the emotional impact of living with ongoing pain.
While many conditions respond well to both counselling and massage therapy individually, certain issues show particularly promising results when the treatments are combined:
Conditions That Benefit From Combined Therapy
Finding Integrated Care in Victoria
For those interested in learning more about how massage therapy can complement your counselling journey, visit Massage Therapy Victoria for comprehensive information about services, conditions treated, and client testimonials. Many multidisciplinary clinics in Victoria now offer both counselling and massage therapy services, making it convenient to experience this powerful therapeutic combination.
Top Counsellors & Practitioners by Neighborhood
Finding a counsellor conveniently located near your home or workplace can make all the difference in sticking to your therapy plan. Victoria, Langford, and Colwood offer a wealth of options. We’ve organized some well-regarded practitioners based on neighborhoods to help you find care close to you.
Greater Victoria area with key counselling locations highlighted
Downtown Victoria
Downtown Victoria offers the highest concentration of counselling services in the region, making it an excellent choice for those who work in the city center or prefer urban accessibility.
Arbour Counselling Centre
Location: Quadra St, Victoria
Team: Masters and PhD-level professionals
Notable practitioners: Fred Chou (Ph.D., R.Psych., CCC), Calvin Black (M.A., RCC), Joel Durkovic (M.A., RCC, RMFT)
Bodymind Counselling
Location: Downtown Victoria
Focus: Individual adults and couples
Services: Specialized therapy for anxiety, burnout, and stress management, with a focus on relationship dynamics
Fairfield & Oak Bay
The Fairfield and Oak Bay areas are known for family-friendly clinics and practitioners who specialize in a wide range of therapeutic approaches.
Cheryl Adams Counselling
Location: Victoria (V8T)
Credentials: MEd, RCC
Focus: Helping clients find meaning, passion, and purpose, particularly when facing challenging circumstances
Outside the Box Counselling
Location: Victoria (V8N 3C5)
Counsellor: Niall JM Barnard (M.Sc., RSW)
Approach: A queer and trans person offering counselling with two decades of professional training and lived experience
Langford
Langford is a growing community with an increasing number of dedicated mental health practitioners offering a range of services to meet diverse needs.
NeurAlive Counselling
Location: Langford (V9B)
Team: Multiple specialists including ADHD-certified providers
Key practitioners: Natalia Morrison (RCC, CCC), Sofia Fuertes (RCC, PsyM), Tara McCaffery (M.A., RCC, CCC), Sophie Usher (MACP, RCC, CCC)
Nature’s Way Counselling
Location: Langford (V9B)
Counsellor: Jen Holm (20 years experience)
Specializations: Supporting children (10+), youth, families, and individuals with parenting and attachment, family conflict, and trauma
Colwood
Colwood residents have access to local mental health professionals as well as those in easily reachable neighboring communities, offering a range of specialized services.
Creative Horizons Counselling
Location: 201 345B Latoria Blvd, Colwood
Counsellor: Michelle McElroy (MA:CP, RCC, RSW, BCRAT, BCRPT)
Approach: Works with individuals from age 3 to adults, specializing in trauma using EMDR, art therapy, and sand tray therapy with a therapy dog
Dr. Claire Sira
Location: 328 Wale Rd, Colwood
Credentials: Registered Psychologist #1837
Specialization: Clinical Neuropsychology and co-founder of ADHDforLife, focusing on ADHD Executive Function Assessment and Coaching for adults
This is just a selection of the many excellent counselling professionals available in the Greater Victoria region. We recommend contacting practitioners directly to confirm their current availability, fees, and whether they’re accepting new clients.
What to Expect on Your First Visit: Beginning Your Counselling Journey
Your first counselling session is an important step. It’s a chance for the practitioner to understand your concerns and for you to determine if their approach is a good fit. Knowing what to expect can make the experience smoother and more productive.
Before Your Appointment
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✓Reflect on Your Goals: Consider what you hope to achieve through counselling. What specific concerns bring you to therapy? What changes would you like to see in your life? Having some clarity about your goals can help your counsellor better understand how to support you.
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✓Intake Forms: Many counsellors provide intake forms to complete before your first session. These typically gather basic information about your background, current concerns, and health history. Completing these thoughtfully can save time during your session and help your counsellor prepare.
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✓Payment and Insurance: Clarify the session fee and payment methods accepted. If you plan to use extended health insurance, check your coverage details and whether the counsellor offers direct billing.
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✓Prepare Questions: Consider what you’d like to know about the counsellor’s approach, experience with your specific concerns, or what the therapeutic process might look like. Writing these down can help ensure you don’t forget important points.
During the Initial Session
The first counselling session typically involves:
- Introductions and Paperwork: Your counsellor will likely begin by introducing themselves and reviewing any necessary forms, including confidentiality agreements and office policies.
- Discussion of Your Concerns: You’ll have the opportunity to share what brings you to counselling. The counsellor may ask questions to better understand your situation, including your current challenges, relevant history, and how these issues are affecting your life.
- Exploration of Goals: Your counsellor will work with you to clarify what you hope to achieve through therapy, which helps guide the treatment process.
- Therapeutic Approach: The counsellor may explain their approach to therapy and how it might apply to your situation. This is an opportunity to assess whether their style feels like a good fit for you.
- Planning Next Steps: Together, you’ll discuss the frequency of sessions and begin to outline a general plan for your work together.
Questions to Ask Your Counsellor
The initial session is also your opportunity to learn more about the counsellor and their approach. Consider asking:
- “What experience do you have working with issues similar to mine?”
- “What therapeutic approaches do you use, and how might they help with my specific concerns?”
- “How do you typically structure sessions, and what might our work together look like?”
- “How will we measure progress or know if therapy is being effective?”
- “What is your policy on confidentiality and its limits?”
- “How long do you typically work with clients with concerns similar to mine?”
After Your First Session
- Reflect on the Experience: Consider how you felt during the session. Did you feel understood and respected? Was the counsellor’s style and approach a good match for your needs?
- Notice Your Reactions: It’s normal to experience a range of emotions after your first session, from relief to vulnerability. Give yourself space to process these feelings.
- Follow Through on Recommendations: If your counsellor suggested any activities, readings, or reflections between sessions, try to engage with these as they can enhance your progress.
- Assess the Fit: Remember that finding the right counsellor often involves a bit of trial and error. If after 1-3 sessions you don’t feel a good connection, it’s perfectly acceptable to discuss this with your counsellor or seek a different practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Counselling in Victoria
Navigating mental health services can raise many questions. Here are answers to some common queries about counselling in the Greater Victoria, Langford, and Colwood areas.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step Towards Mental Well-being
Embarking on a counselling journey can be a transformative step toward improved mental health, greater self-understanding, and enhanced quality of life. The Greater Victoria region, including Langford and Colwood, is home to a diverse and skilled community of counsellors, each offering unique approaches and specializations to meet a wide array of needs.
This guide has aimed to illuminate the landscape of counselling services, outline the various types of practitioners available locally, and equip you with the knowledge to make an informed choice. From understanding the benefits and what to expect during your first visit, to navigating common questions about cost and effectiveness, the goal is to empower you in your search for support.
Remember that the “best” counsellor for you is one who understands your individual goals, communicates clearly, and provides care that makes you feel comfortable and respected. We encourage you to use the information presented here as a starting point for your own research. Visit the websites of practitioners that resonate with you, take advantage of initial consultations to ask questions, and trust your instincts about the therapeutic relationship.
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