Counsellor in Victoria, BC · she/her
Margot Phillips, MA
I believe you’re the expert on your own life. I’ll walk alongside you at a pace that feels right, as we explore the patterns and stories that no longer serve you and rewrite them in line with who you really are.
Accepting new individual clients
Free 20-minute consult
- $100 per hour
- Victoria office & online
Counselling for anxiety, self-esteem, body image and relationships
I see individuals at our Victoria office and online. Life today can feel overwhelming and disconnected, with constant pressure and noise pulling us away from ourselves. Counselling gives you room to pause and reconnect with what matters to you.
My approach
I offer client-centred, holistic counselling that honours mind, body, spirit and our connection to the world around us. I’ll support you in reconnecting with your inner knowing, restoring balance and moving toward what feels true for you.
Much of our work may be about the way you speak to yourself. Together we’ll gently explore and soften your inner dialogue, turning self-criticism into curiosity and care, so you can build more self-trust, peace and a sense of your own power.
I believe in small, intentional changes. Your current frame of mind doesn’t have to define you. With non-judgmental understanding and the right tools, the way your inner voice speaks can change.
How I work
- Client-centred therapy
- Narrative approaches
- Holistic, mind-body-spirit approach
- Self-compassion work
- Nature-informed practices
From the backcountry to the counselling room
Growth through small, steady steps
As a wilderness guide and a tree planter for more than a decade, I learned to find peace in repetitive movement and growth through painful moments. That’s how I see counselling too: incremental change, built on thoughtful, intentional choices.
Still deciding?
Not sure Margot’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.
“Our current frame of mind doesn’t have to define us. With understanding and the right tools, we can change how our inner voice speaks.”
My story
I grew up in downtown Toronto, surrounded by people from all walks of life. In the summers I went north on wilderness expeditions, deep into the backcountry. The contrast between busy city life and the quiet of a landscape days from the nearest town shaped my appreciation for how varied and complex human experience is.
I went on to become a wilderness guide, leading people through rugged country on foot, by canoe and on skis, and I’ve spent more than a decade tree planting. When I began studying counselling psychology at Yorkville University, I saw clear parallels between evidence-based therapy and the healing power of those outdoor experiences.
The moments that shaped us hold powerful knowledge about the story we tell ourselves, but sometimes they’re buried deep. I’ll support you in uncovering the parts of yourself hidden beneath the surface, and in feeling whole as you honour who you really are.
Education & training
Education
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Yorkville University, 2026
- Bachelor of International Development and Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo
Training
- 9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis Responder Training
- Mental Health First Aid
- ASIST Suicide Prevention Certificate
Registration
- Awaiting registration as a counsellor
Have a question first?
Send Margot a message
Ask about availability, fit or anything else. Our admin team reads every message, passes it to Margot 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 Margot
Is Margot accepting new clients?
Yes. Margot is accepting new individual clients, in person at our Victoria office and online.
How much do sessions with Margot cost?
Individual counselling with Margot is $100 per 50-minute session. Your 20-minute consultation is free.
What does “awaiting registration” mean?
Margot has completed her master’s degree and applied for registration as a counsellor. While her registration is being processed, her rate is lower than our registered counsellors’ rates.
Will my insurance cover sessions with Margot?
It depends on your plan. Many extended health plans only cover registered counsellors, so check your plan or ask us when you book. If you need coverage now, we can suggest a registered counsellor and bill your plan directly.
Does Margot help with body image?
Yes. Body image, self-esteem and confidence are among Margot’s areas of focus. She works gently and without judgment, helping you build a kinder relationship with yourself.
What is a session with Margot like?
Margot’s approach is client-centred and holistic. You set the pace, and together you’ll explore the patterns and inner dialogue that keep you stuck, with a focus on small, steady changes.
Can I see Margot online?
Yes. Margot offers online sessions by video or phone, as well as in person at our Victoria office on Fort Street.