A team built around finding the right fit
Looking for counselling in Victoria, BC, can mean scrolling through dozens of directory listings and sending emails that go unanswered. At Strength in Heart Counselling, you can skip most of that. Our counsellors work out of offices in Victoria and Mill Bay, and online, so you can find someone who fits from one place.
Strength in Heart opened in 2018 with a simple idea: people do better in counselling when they feel understood by the person across from them. That's why we've built a team with different ages, life experiences and ways of working.
Counselling for adults, youth, couples and families
Our counsellors see people at every stage of life.
Adults come to us for anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, relationship struggles and life transitions. Several of our counsellors offer EMDR therapy for trauma symptoms.
Youth counselling is available for teens 13 and up. Teens can reach out to us on their own. What a teen shares stays between them and their counsellor unless they agree otherwise, with the legal exceptions around harm or risk of harm. If a teen doesn't click with their first counsellor, they can switch to another youth counsellor on the team.
Couples counselling is offered in office or online, and partners can join from different locations. Couples are welcome at any stage, including those thinking about separating or working out co-parenting. If one partner isn't ready, the other can start alone.
Family counselling is offered by several counsellors who also work with youth, which helps when a teen's struggles are affecting the whole household.
Why a larger team works in your favour
The connection between you and your counsellor matters. A 2018 review of almost 300 studies by Christoph Flückiger and colleagues, published in the journal Psychotherapy, found that a stronger client–counsellor relationship goes along with better results. A bigger team gives you better odds of finding that connection quickly.
You're not stuck with a poor fit. If your first counsellor isn't right, we'll rematch you with someone else on the team at no cost.
Shorter waits are another benefit. With a large team, there's usually someone with openings soon, and sessions run Monday to Saturday, including evenings.
Every counsellor on our team is 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming. You shouldn't have to explain or defend who you are before the real work starts.
Try a free session
In our team photo collage you'll see a green "Free session" badge on several of our counsellors. They're currently offering a free first session, so you can meet them and see how it feels before you pay anything.
For couples and youth counselling, you can also start with a free 20-minute online consultation.
In Victoria, in Mill Bay, or online
You can see us in person at our Victoria office or our Mill Bay office, which is handy if you live in the Cowichan Valley or the Malahat area and don't want to drive into town.
Online sessions work well if you have a busy schedule, live farther away, or simply feel more comfortable at home.
How to choose your counsellor
Start on our team page. Each counsellor has a profile with their approach, who they work with, and whether they see clients in Victoria, Mill Bay or online. Read a few and notice who you'd feel comfortable talking to. That gut feeling is worth trusting.
When you're ready, book directly through the booking button on any profile. If you'd rather have help choosing, send us a message through the contact form and we'll help you find a good match.
When you call or message, an automated receptionist answers first, because our team is often in sessions. A real person from our office will follow up as soon as they can.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes. Most of our counsellors offer online sessions, and for couples, partners can join from separate locations.
Can I switch counsellors if it isn't a good fit?
Yes. We offer free rematching with another counsellor on the team.
Do you have evening and weekend appointments?
Yes. Sessions run Monday to Saturday, including evenings.
Can my teenager see a counsellor?
Our youth counsellors see teens 13 and up. Teens can contact us on their own, or a parent can reach out for them.
Is counselling covered by my extended health plan?
Many plans cover counselling, but coverage depends on your plan and your counsellor's registration. Check your benefits booklet or call your provider before your first session.
How do I get started?
Browse our team page, book through the booking button on a counsellor's profile, or send us a message and we'll help you choose.
