Intern counsellor in Victoria, BC
Candice Peterson, MA (Cand.)
I spent 26 years as a registered nurse, much of it with older adults and their families. I offer a warm, genuine space to work through stress, grief, caregiving and the changes life brings, at your own pace.
Accepting new individual clients
First full session free
- $35 per hour
- No proof of income needed for sliding scale rates.
- Victoria office & online
Counselling for stress, grief, caregiving and life changes
I see individuals at our Victoria office and online. I have a particular interest in caregivers, older adults and anyone facing illness, aging or loss, and I also work with everyday stress, anxiety and relationship struggles.
My approach
I work in a collaborative, compassionate and client-centred way. There’s no single approach that fits everyone. You bring your own history, relationships, strengths and ways of seeing the world, and our work should reflect that.
I want to understand what’s hard for you right now and the patterns that may be feeding it. Together we might look at thoughts that keep you stuck, build practical ways to cope with difficult emotions or circumstances, and draw on the strengths you already have to make realistic, meaningful change.
You’re the expert on your own life. My role is to walk alongside you with curiosity, compassion and support, and sometimes a different perspective.
How I work
- Person-centred therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Strengths-based therapy
- Narrative-informed
- Attachment-informed
- Trauma-informed care
Caregiving, aging & health changes
26 years of nursing, now in the counselling room
As a nurse in geriatrics, I learned that some of the most important work happens in the conversations around medical care: listening to someone’s fears, supporting a family through change, and sitting with grief and uncertainty. Counselling lets me do more of that.
Still deciding?
Not sure Candice’s the right fit?
Book a free 20-minute call to ask questions first, or answer a few questions and we’ll match you with a counsellor.
“Counselling should be a space where you can show up as you are, without judgment or expectation.”
My story
Before counselling, I spent 26 years as a Registered Nurse. Much of my career focused on geriatrics, supporting older adults and their families through some of the most vulnerable and meaningful moments of their lives.
My own life has taught me that growth is rarely a straight line. Unexpected changes, losses, difficult relationships and new beginnings can all make us rethink who we are and what we want. Those experiences strengthened my belief in people’s capacity for resilience, and showed me how much it matters to have a safe place to be heard.
Moving into counselling feels like a natural extension of what I’ve always valued in nursing: connecting with people, understanding their stories and supporting them through change.
Education & experience
Education
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (in progress), Yorkville University
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Nursing experience
- Registered Nurse, 26 years
- Geriatrics and older adult care
- Supporting individuals and families through chronic illness, caregiving, grief, aging and end of life
Memberships
- Registered Nurse, BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
- Student member, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Have a question first?
Send Candice a message
Ask about availability, fit or anything else. Our admin team reads every message, passes it to Candice and usually replies the same business day.
Please don’t send urgent or crisis information here. If you need help right now, call or text 9-8-8.
Questions about working with Candice
Is Candice accepting new clients?
Yes. Candice is accepting new individual clients, in person at our Victoria office and online.
How much do sessions with Candice cost?
Your first full session is free. After that, individual sessions are $35 an hour. You don’t need to show proof of income. See our rates for how our pricing tiers work.
What is an intern counsellor?
Candice is completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and is in her clinical practicum. She works under close supervision from our licensed team, who review her cases.
Will my insurance cover sessions with Candice?
Usually not. Most extended health plans only reimburse fully registered counsellors. Check your plan, or ask us when you book. If you need insurance coverage, we can suggest a registered counsellor and bill your plan directly.
Does Candice work with caregivers and older adults?
Yes. Candice spent 26 years as a Registered Nurse, much of it in geriatrics. She supports caregivers, older adults and families dealing with aging, chronic illness, grief and end-of-life concerns.
Can I see Candice online?
Yes. Candice offers online sessions by video or phone, as well as in person at our Victoria office on Fort Street.