South Island Counselling

02/12/2026

Many modern couples face ongoing demands and stresses that can quietly take a toll on their relationship.

Work, family responsibilities, and social commitments often begin to take priority — not because the relationship isn’t important, but because there is simply a lot to carry.

If this feels familiar, or if you and your partner would like a few gentle ways to strengthen connection, here are some simple, practical ways to support emotional and physical closeness:

• Put your phones away and sit down together.
Create even a short, intentional space to talk without distractions.

• Use eye contact, listen, and ask questions.
Try to stay curious about your partner’s experience.

• Share what has been on your mind.
This doesn’t have to be a problem-solving conversation — simply sharing thoughts and feelings helps partners feel emotionally connected.

• Express appreciation for your partner — and be specific.
Small, genuine acknowledgements can have a meaningful impact.

• Touch each other every day.
Hugs, kisses, and cuddles help maintain physical and emotional closeness.

• Plan time for dates and intimacy.
Connection often benefits from being intentional.

• Play a game together or work on a puzzle.

• Work on a project together.

• Create a small daily ritual —
for example, having tea together after dinner or playing cards in the evening.

Strengthening a relationship doesn’t require perfection.
It usually begins with small, consistent moments of presence.

-by Stephanie Hayes, Couples Counsellor at South Island Counselling

01/23/2026

January doesn’t always feel like a fresh start.

For many people, this time of year comes with:
– low energy
– slower motivation
– heavier emotions
– financial or relational stress

Short days, cold weather, and post-holiday letdown all affect mood and nervous system regulation.

If this season feels heavier than you imagined, you’re not behind.
You’re responding to real conditions.

Support isn’t only for crisis moments.
It can also be a way of caring for yourself through quieter, more demanding seasons.

Before the month gets busy, you might try a simple noticing practice:

Take a few quiet minutes to reflect on these three questions:
– What feels most draining for me right now?
– What feels steady or supportive, even in a small way?
– Where could I reduce pressure instead of adding more?

You don’t need to act on your answers yet.

Noticing is often the first meaningful step toward change.

01/09/2026

January often comes with a lot of quiet pressure —
to reset, improve, be more productive, feel more motivated.

But mental health doesn’t work on a calendar.

Instead of asking “What should I change about myself?”
January can be a time to gently notice:

• What feels heavy right now
• What feels supportive or grounding
• What might need more care — or less pressure — this year

Real, lasting mental health change tends to happen slowly.
Through awareness, compassion, and support — not urgency or self-criticism.

If this season feels tender, you’re not behind.
You’re simply human, moving at a pace that makes sense.
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Join our mailing list to receive our January blog post, A gentler way to begin the year. https://www.southislandcounselling.org/

11/27/2025

When life feels busy or overwhelming, slowing down for even a minute can shift your whole day.
Here’s a gentle prompt for you:

Grounding Prompt:
“What is one small thing I can offer myself today that brings steadiness or comfort?”

Maybe it’s a slower morning.
Maybe it’s taking three deep breaths.
Maybe it’s choosing one tiny task to finish, instead of all of them.

Whatever you choose, let it be enough for today.

Hashtags:

11/14/2025

Join us for our New Circle -

Caring for someone you love can be deeply meaningful—and also profoundly challenging. This supportive circle offers a space to share experiences, listen to others, and make heartfelt connections with fellow caregivers who understand the path you’re walking.

11/05/2025

Are you caring for someone you love?
Register for our new workshop:

Exploring the Caregiver’s Journey
A circle for sharing, listening, and connecting

Caring for someone you love can be deeply meaningful—and also profoundly challenging. This supportive circle offers a space to share experiences, listen to others, and make heartfelt connections with fellow caregivers who understand the path you’re walking.

Together, we’ll explore ways to navigate the caregiving journey—remaining grateful, lifting the burden of responsibility, letting go of resentment, and finding our way back to ourselves while adapting to changes in our relationships and lifestyles.

Through humour and laughter, gratitude practices, mindfulness, meaningful connection, and self-reflection, we’ll discover strategies to ask for help, prevent burnout, and nurture our own well-being along the way.

All caregivers—men, women, and people of all ages—are welcome.

Facilitated by:
Lynne Limbert, RCC, and Marina Morre (MACP in progress)

🗓 Starts Saturday, January 24, 2026
8-week series | Saturdays | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

👉 Click the link below to learn more and register.
https://www.southislandcounselling.org/event-details/exploring-the-caregivers-journey

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day — a reminder that taking care of your mind is just as important as caring for your body.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, loss, or life transitions, know that support is available.

At South Island Counselling, we’ve been here for 50 years, offering accessible, compassionate counselling for people across BC.

Let’s keep the conversation going — what does mental health mean to you today?

09/16/2025

Now Offering EMDR Therapy at South Island Counselling

We’re excited to share that Erin Ticknor, RCC, is now providing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy at South Island Counselling.

EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for healing from trauma, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. It helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming—allowing you to move forward with greater peace and resilience.

Fees:

$140 (standard rate)

$95 (reduced rate, based on income)

Learn more and book at https://www.southislandcounselling.org/emdr-therapy

08/27/2025

Embracing the Journey: A Senior Women’s Circle
Starts Tuesday, October 7 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM | 9-week series
Join us for 9 weekly, in-person group meet-ups tailored for women aged 65 and older, focusing on navigating the intricacies of ageing while fostering meaningful connections.

Meaningful conversations
Genuine connection
Support and shared wisdom

Led by Lynne Limbert, this in-person group will meet weekly for 9 weeks at South Island Counselling.
Limited spots available – register now to reserve yours!
Victoria, BC

Call or visit our website to learn more and register:
https://www.southislandcounselling.org/event-details/embracing-the-journey-a-senior-womens-circle-october-group-2
250-472-2851 x 101

08/19/2025

Summer Reading Series – Book 3

Looking for a book that offers real tools to manage stress, anxiety, and self-doubt?

The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris is a practical guide based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Instead of chasing constant happiness, it teaches us how to make space for all emotions, live more mindfully, and focus on what truly matters.

A thoughtful companion for summer reflection.

Have you read this one before? Share your thoughts below!

07/15/2025

Summer Reading Series – Book 2
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

This week’s recommendation is a compassionate, no-nonsense guide to creating healthier relationships—starting with yourself. Therapist and bestselling author Nedra Glover Tawwab offers clear, actionable strategies for setting boundaries that protect your mental health and reduce feelings of overwhelm, resentment, and burnout.

Drawing from her clinical experience and personal insight, Tawwab helps readers recognize where boundaries are lacking and how to implement them with confidence and clarity. Whether you struggle with saying “no,” feel stretched too thin, or want to deepen your self-respect, this book is a powerful place to begin.

Why we love it:
It’s practical, relatable, and empowering—full of real-life examples and scripts to help you find your voice and honour your needs.

Have you read it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments

06/24/2025

Summer Therapeutic Read: The Body Keeps the Score
By Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

This groundbreaking book explores how trauma reshapes both the body and brain — and how healing must address more than just the mind. Through research, case studies, and deep compassion, Dr. van der Kolk shows that recovery is possible through body-based approaches, connection, and safe therapeutic support.

“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.”

Why we love it:
At South Island Counselling, many of our clients come to us carrying unspoken or unprocessed trauma. This book helps normalize those experiences and offers hope — especially for those wondering why they feel “stuck.” It’s a powerful reminder that your body remembers, but it can also heal.

Have you read this one? Let us know what stayed with you most.
Stay tuned for our next recommendation in our summer reading series!