If you book a free 15-minute consultation, we will briefly discuss what reasons you want to go to counselling and I can explain my approach to such an issue. Then you can decide if counselling is a good fit for you. If you book for your first 50-minute session, we will discuss all the details of why you want to come to counselling and my goal is that you leave with hope for your issue, you feel unburdened, or we set up part of a plan for how you can move forward. All other sessions will expand on this.

Many people wonder if a stranger will be able to help them with the personal issues they are dealing with. Research shows that most people benefit from counselling. It can be massively helpful to have an outside perspective from someone who doesn't personally know you (ie: has no bias bent in your decisions). Additionally, Victoria is professionally trained to help people manage challenging emotions that seem overwhelming, relationship conflict that feels like a massive block, or decision making that is too challenging to make alone.

Counselling can be for anyone who feels the need to work through a deep emotional pain, talk to someone who is outside of their personal circle, anyone who wants to have greater understanding of themselves or anyone who wants to grow in emotion and social maturity.

Not necessarily. Sometimes things just feel off; relationships might just need general conflict resolution skills or improved communication. As an individual, you might need to just discuss things with a professional, want to get to know yourself better, or learn how to regulate your own emotions.

Victoria is specifically trained in a person-centered, humanistic, systems approach. What this means is that the coping strategies you take on (even if they harm yourself or others) did/does make sense at one point in your life. She believes that we all function in the social environment we are currently in and this is influenced by the family environment you were raised in. Specifically, she practices Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals and couples, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and uses parts of Gottman for couples and Satir for individuals.

Ultimately, Victoria wants to work herself out of a job and no longer see any of her clients. How many sessions people sign up for depends on: goals, how complicated the issues are, the client's desire for counselling, and available finances. Some clients will be satisfied with under 5 sessions while others work with Victoria every 2-3 weeks for an entire year. Victoria will make a plan with you depending on your goals.

She received her Bachelor's in Counselling and Human Services from Columbia Bible College (Abbotsford, BC) and her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from ACTS Seminary, a sister school with Trinity Western University (Langley, BC). She has done specific training in Emotion Focused Couple Therapy, Gottman Institute, and Allura Sex Therapy.

You will need to look into your own insurance provider. If you live in British Columbia, Victoria is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). If you live in Alberta, Victoria is a Counselling Therapist (CT). For payment of sessions, you will need to pay yourself, then take the invoice to your work benefits and they will reimburse you based on what they cover.

There is usually one person in a partnership that is more interested in counselling than the other. I often respect that unwilling to attend partner more as showing up to counselling shows their commitment to their partner and openness to grow and change. Sometimes, they will refuse to attend sessions; I can still work with individuals on their relationship even if their partner does not attend. However, couples counselling is most effective if both partners show up; as all conflict takes two and all resolution to conflict takes two.

Yes! I have a program that takes about 5 sessions that is accompanied by a booklet. Premarital counselling can be massively beneficial before entering marriage. I work with couples if they are seriously dating, engaged, or even newly married. We discuss: communication, influence of family of origin, sex (especially if you are waiting for marriage), and any issues/questions the two of you might have.

Victoria works with teenagers to adults. Although not limited to, Victoria often works with people who are more conservative, traditional, or come from a Christian background - and want a counsellor who understands that culture and the values that come with it.