Counselling for people in Oak Bay
Strength in Heart Counselling has been helping people in Greater Victoria since 2018. Our closest office to Oak Bay is at 1183 Fort Street in Victoria, a short drive from Oak Bay Village. If you'd rather not travel, every counsellor on our team also sees clients online.
You don't need a referral, and you can start with a free 20-minute consultation to see if counselling with us feels right.
Seeing a counsellor when you live in Oak Bay
Oak Bay is a close community, and some people hold off on counselling because they don't want to run into a neighbour or a client in the waiting room. Our office is in Victoria, outside the village. Online sessions let you talk from home, your office or a parked car, and no one sees you come or go.
In person
1183 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8V 1L3
There is free parking on the street.
Online
We email you a secure video link before your session.
Couples and families can join from different locations.
When
Sessions run Monday–Saturday.
Evening and weekend times are available.
What we help with
Individual counselling
For adults dealing with anxiety and panic, trauma, grief, low self-esteem and life changes.
Individual counsellingCouples counselling
For partners at any stage, including couples who are separating or co-parenting. One partner can start on their own if the other isn't ready.
Couples counsellingYouth counselling
For teens 13 and up, with counsellors who work with young people.
Youth counsellingFor teens in Oak Bay
If you're 13 or older, you can contact us yourself.
What you talk about stays between you and your counsellor. We don't share it with your parents unless you agree, or unless the law requires us to because someone's safety is at risk.
For parents, the usual first step is a free online consultation that you and your teen join together, even from separate places. If a counsellor isn't a good match for your teen, they can switch to another one on the team.
Who you'll work with
Our counsellors hold master's degrees and are registered with their professional bodies as RCCs, RSWs or RTCs. The practice is led by Carla Leuschen, RSW, who opened Strength in Heart in 2018.
Couples counselling at the Fort Street office and online is offered by Alana Rosenfeld, RCC, and Adria Lipset, RCC.
Our whole team is 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming. If the first counsellor you see isn't the right fit, we'll match you with someone else at no cost.
Fees and insurance
Couples and family sessions
Individual and youth sessions. Each counsellor's rate is on their profile.
We direct bill Blue Cross for eligible plans. Many extended health plans cover counselling with an RCC or RSW, so check your plan.
Questions from Oak Bay clients
Do you have an office in Oak Bay?
No. Our nearest office is at 1183 Fort Street in Victoria. We also have an office in Mill Bay, and all counsellors see clients online. See all the areas we serve in Greater Victoria.
Where do I park?
There is free parking on the street near the Fort Street office.
How do online sessions work?
Before your appointment we email you a secure video link. You join from a private space on your phone, tablet or computer.
Can I book an evening or Saturday appointment?
Yes. We see clients Monday–Saturday, including evenings and weekends. Availability depends on the counsellor.
What if I don't click with my counsellor?
Tell us, and we'll match you with another counsellor at no cost.
Can my teenager reach out without me?
Yes. Teens 13 and up can contact us directly.
Book a consultation or a session
Book a free 20-minute consultation, book a session directly online, or send us a message using the form below.
You can also call 1-888-520-9151. Our counsellors are often in sessions, so calls go to our automated receptionist first. Someone from our team will get back to you as soon as they can.