Heartwood Counselling

09/03/2025

We have moved! Come check out our new office at 201-645 Fort. The Yarrow Building is our new home to accommodate our growing practice. Book in with one of our practitioners or just pop in to take a peek and say hi - we'd love to see you :)

06/04/2025

Affordable Therapy Opportunity!

We are excited to have Amanda join us as our newest counselling intern at Heartwood! Amanda is a Master’s of Counselling Candidate and will be offering low-cost therapy for $40-80/session. Affordable virtual sessions offered to folks living in BC.

You can book a session with Amanda here: https://heartwoodcounselling.janeapp.com/locations/elana-angus-and-counselling-interns/book #/staff_member/19
Or contact her at amanda@heartwoodcounselling.ca to book a free 20-minute consultation.

About Amanda:
My professional experience includes 20 years in the not-for-profit sector, working in a variety of social service roles, including mental health and wellness support. I am currently completing my Master of Counselling degree with City University. My previous degrees provide a background in international development, history, and public policy.

My areas of focus include working through times of life transitions such as shifts in career, relationships, family, home, health, or identity, as well as the impacts of trauma, grief, and stress. I am keen to work with anyone wanting to explore how to move towards greater wellbeing. I have an interest in men’s mental health, as well as experience working with Indigenous communities and newcomers.

The most impactful part of counselling starts with the connection between counsellor and client, and I aim to build trust and respect by offering a non-judgemental space. It’s a great privilege as a counsellor to get to hear what is important to each individual and to reflect on these together. While there are many aspects of life beyond our personal control, I believe in working collaboratively to find ways that can help people feel more connected to what matters to them.

I have additional training in:
* Narrative Therapy Foundations
* Somatic Experiencing (in progress)
* Sanyas Indigenous Cultural Safety – Mental Health (in progress)

If you’re interested in meeting to see if I might be a good fit for you, and to ask other questions you might have, select a free 20 minute consultation on the booking page.

01/14/2025

Sliding Scale Counselling Opportunity!

Please help us welcome Master's of Counselling Psychology candidate Elizabeth Michelle to the Heartwood team! She is offering sliding scale therapy at $40-$80/hour. These affordable sessions are available in-person (Victoria, BC) and remotely (BC residents only).

About Elizabeth:

Rooted in empathy, authenticity, and non-judgment, I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I believe that healing is a collaborative process and my role is to support each client on their journey toward growth, self-discovery, and lasting change.

My approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and respect-focused, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed practice. I prioritize creating a therapeutic environment that ensures safety, empowerment, and trust, meeting each individual where they are. I draw from a variety of modalities, including person-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt therapy, somatic practices, and mindfulness, tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each person. I remain flexible and adaptable, ensuring the tools and techniques used align with each client’s therapeutic goals and values.

I focus on highlighting and fostering the inherent strengths of each person, encouraging resilience, self-compassion, and personal empowerment. Above all, I am committed to providing a compassionate, inclusive, and respectful space where healing can unfold at its own pace.

09/17/2024

Low-Cost Therapy Opportunity!

We are delighted to welcome Master's of Counselling candidate Melanie Claassen to the Heartwood team! She is offering sliding scale therapy for $40-$80/session. Affordable in-person (Victoria, BC) and remote sessions available (BC residents).

Book a session with Melanie here: https://heartwoodcounselling.janeapp.com/locations/elana-angus/book #/staff_member/17 or contact her at melanie@heartwoodcounselling.ca

About Melanie:

My education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Individual and Family Development and a minor in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University. I also have a Post Degree Diploma in Mental Health and Addiction from Camosun College and am currently in my third year of a master’s degree in counselling at City University.

My professional experience has included working in a variety of roles such as employment counselling and non-clinical mental health counselling, as well as supporting families in the U.S. child welfare system and the military community here in Victoria.

My approach to counselling is collaborative and I consider those I work with to be co-creators of our therapeutic work. I practice within a person-centered approach and may utilize elements of CBT, systemic therapy, and mindfulness as we collaborate to find a good fit for achieving your goals. I have experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal or relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, as well as everyday stresses and challenges. I also have training in Transformational Systemic Therapy from the Satir institute, and Gottman level 1 training in relationship counselling.

As a counsellor, I aim to create an environment where you feel safe and comfortable to share any aspects about your identity, your life, beliefs or perspectives that feel right. I see you as the expert in your life, and I walk alongside you to assist you in reaching the goals you have for yourself.

Heartwood Counselling | Counselling Victoria BC | Therapists, Social Workers, and Counsellors in VIctoria, BC and online

09/17/2024

Low-Cost Therapy Opportunity!

We are delighted to welcome Master's of Counselling candidate Jennifer Brum to the Heartwood team! She is offering sliding scale therapy for $40-$80/session. Affordable virtual sessions are available to BC residents.

Book a session with Jennifer here: https://heartwoodcounselling.janeapp.com/locations/elana-angus/book #/staff_member/16 or contact her at jennifer@heartwoodcounselling.ca

About Jennifer:

Welcome! As a Registered (Master) Therapeutic Counsellor in private practice since 2016, my credentials include good standing with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada. In addition to being a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I hold certifications in cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, grief, and self-injury.

My practice focuses on supporting adults facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship issues. Currently, I am expanding my qualifications by pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University and am excited to complete my practicum with Heartwood Counselling.

Jen’s Approach

I believe we are all resilient beings with strengths, resources, and an innate ability to heal. However, life can present challenges that cloud our perceptions, raise our defenses, and interrupt the healthy flow of our daily lives, especially when there is a history of early attachment ruptures within our family of origin. Negative beliefs and unhelpful patterns can ensue, leading individuals away from their goals and a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.

I work collaboratively with my clients to meet their therapeutic goals at a comfortable pace. Together we explore thoughts, feelings, and perspectives until they find peace, clarity, and a way forward. I bring empathy, genuine care and compassion, and a strong commitment to ethical practice. My approach is non-judgmental, integrative, and person-centered, incorporating trauma-informed, strengths-based, and solution-focused practices. Depending on your needs, I may draw on the modalities noted above as well as other evidence-based techniques.

Given the importance of the therapeutic relationship, I invite you to contact me for a complimentary 30-minute video consultation to ensure we are a good fit.

I look forward to connecting with you!

Counsellor Counselling RCC Therapy Psychotherapy Trauma Anxiety Depression Victoria BC Student Counselling

05/28/2024

Low-Cost Therapy Opportunity!

We are delighted to welcome Master's of Counselling candidate Beverly Bouma to the team! She is offering sliding scale therapy for $40 - $80 / session

In-person Victoria and remote sessions available (BC residents)

Visit heartwoodcounselling.ca for more information and booking links

About Beverly:

"My professional life has varied from working in the hospitals, military, abilities management, and the criminal justice system. I am grateful for the opportunity to integrate wisdom from these spaces with counselling skills to help others overcome adversity and live fulfilling lives.
As a q***r woman with lived experience in alternate relationships and familial arrangements, I seek to bring an inclusive, anti-oppressive and social justice lens to my practice. As a yoga instructor and practitioner, I bring a holistic and mindful approach to my work.
My education consists of a Diploma in Criminology, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology with minors in Criminology and Religious Studies, and a Master of Arts in Sociology. I am presently in the practicum portion of a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University.

My primary areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief/loss, sexuality/gender identity, major life transitions, trauma, workplace stress, relationships/interpersonal issues, separation/divorce, self-image and identity, self-esteem, and existential and spiritual issues.

My approach begins with a safe, caring environment in which clients can be their most authentic selves.
I am inspired by various therapies including psychodynamic, emotions-focused, mindfulness/self-compassion, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, existential, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, solutions-focused, and narrative therapy. Together we will find the approach and practices that work best for you.

I believe every person can heal, adapt, and grow into their full potential. Having a guide to this important work can accelerate the process and open up new ways of being. I will help you leverage your skills and strength, and find new insights and tools that benefit your present and future self. You do not have to find your way alone."

Heartwood Counselling | Counselling Victoria BC | Therapists, Social Workers, and Counsellors in VIctoria, BC and online

10/03/2023

Alysha has successfully completed her Master's in counselling psychology, join us in congratulating her! She is accepting new clients and offering a discounted rate while awaiting her RCC registration.
Alysha completed her practicum with Heartwood under the supervision of Elana and with guidance and support of the whole clinical team.
She offers excellent mental health care and we wholeheartedly recommend her.

From Alysha: "I believe that people have an inherent ability to heal, and that internal peace is available for all.
During sessions, my person-centered approach puts my clients in the driver’s seat on their path towards healing with me as their guide and my warmth fosters connection, the foundation for therapeutic change.
My background in education inspires me to teach my clients throughout their therapeutic journey, helping them feel informed during and equipped after therapy.
Given everyone’s unique life experience, I will meet each client where they are and provide them a customized therapeutic approach, weaving together elements of the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed, Practices, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, Somatic Experiencing, Accelerated Experiential, Dynamic Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems.

Together, map in hand, we can navigate the winding path towards healing, wholeness and peace."

Find Alysha's info and booking page here: https://heartwoodcounselling.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/12

09/29/2023

Congratulations Andras on the successful completion of your master’s in counselling psychology!

Andras is accepting new clients, and for a limited time, offering a discounted rate while awaiting registration.
Andras completed his practicum with Heartwood under the supervision of Elana and with guidance and support of the whole clinical team. We wholeheartedly recommend him for excellent mental health care.

Book now at: https://heartwoodcounselling.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/9

“As a therapist, I specialize in helping people navigate life’s complexities. I believe that by embracing the realities of life and facing our challenges head-on, we can find a more profound sense of fulfilment. Whether you are struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression or seeking to understand your place in the world, I can help guide you on a path toward self-actualization.

I offer a holistic approach to therapy that integrates practical tools with deeper psychological and somatic work. My orientation to healing and growth combines empathy, gentle inquisitiveness, authenticity, warmth and humour. We will work to cultivate self-awareness, personal values, and the skills to take meaningful action toward realizing a better life.

It takes courage to ask for help when we need it. Therapy can be a powerful tool for clarifying our lives and pursuing a more liberated and grounded experience in the world. You can live a more confident, expressive, and courageous life. I invite you to take the next step. Reach out to start a conversation about how we can work together.”

09/28/2023

Welcome Laiba to the Heartwood team! We are very excited to support this passionate new therapist to offer sliding scale counselling from $40-$80/session. She will be working under the supervision of Elana Angus and Kashka Hughes Clarke, and with the support of the Heartwood clinical team.

"I believe that all humans have the capability to heal. However, sometimes we find ourselves overwhelmed with external circumstances and internal emotional states which may make it difficult for us to find a place of equilibrium.
As a graduate student, my goal is to provide a space for all individuals to feel safe enough to be their authentic self in order to begin their journey to healing and self-empowerment.

Through fostering a strong and supportive counselling relationship, I hope to walk alongside individuals and meet them where they currently are. I am committed to using a person-centred approach and hold the belief that the client is the expert who brings an abundance of knowledge through their lived experiences. Working collaboratively, I hope to aid individuals unearth their strengths and learn skills that are personally equipped to their existing abilities.

Using elements from mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and emotion-focused therapy, I believe that we can navigate an approach that is best suited to your individual needs."

Book a session with Laiba here: https://heartwoodcounselling.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/14

Heartwood Counselling | Counselling Victoria BC | Therapists, Social Workers, and Counsellors in VIctoria, BC and online

09/25/2023

Welcome Kevin to the Heartwood team!

"I chose to become a counsellor because I believe healing and wellness happen through a warm and empathic relationship. In my approach, I support others to feel empowered to trust themselves, to be themselves, and to feel confident that they can form meaningful, lasting relationships with others."

Kevin's professional experience includes supporting couples; supporting individuals living with disability and exploring what it means for their identity; supporting individuals who have experienced relational trauma; and supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, and depression.

Kevin typically works with couples or with individuals on issues related to self-compassion and self-confidence, anxiety, depression, emotional awareness and regulation, interpersonal communication and relationship dynamics, and identity development. He holds a Master’s of Education in Counselling Psychology from Simon Fraser University; and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor ( #21323) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Kevin has additional training in: Emotionally-Focused Therapy for individuals, Narrative therapy, Gottman Method (level 1, level 2 in progress)

Book a complimentary consultation with Kevin here: https://heartwoodcounselling.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/13

01/13/2023

Hyping this free workshop series for parents! High-quality content from the wonderful therapists at mentalhealthfoundations.ca

Did I mention free? No catch. They are good people making the world a better place for parents and their kids. We highly recommend these workshops!