Strength in Heart offers affordable counselling in Victoria, BC with qualified masters' level student counsellors.

Reilly will complete her Masters in Counselling & begin the process to full registration (Registered Clinical Counsellor: RCC) in the fall of 2025.

Sessions with Reilly are offered remotely & in our Victoria office for $70 per 1 hour (50 minute) session.

Free 20 minute video or telephone consultation.

(Under the supervision of Carla Mae Leuschen, RSW #14081)

My Approach

My approach to psychotherapy involves a trauma-informed, relational and deeply holistic lens, prioritizing the interconnection between mind, body and spirit. Heavily influenced by my background in Compassionate Inquiry (Gabor Mate’s approach to psychotherapy), I support individuals in a somatic approach, gently guiding them to connect thoughts to body sensations, emotions and belief systems held within the body. My approach is person centered and tailored to meet the needs of each individual client with options to incorporate elements of polyvagal theory, internal family systems/parts works, yoga and breathwork. Primarily, my aim is to hold a compassionate, non-judgemental space for clients to reconnect with their own wise, inner healer within the relational container of our work together. You are your own best healer and teacher. 

My Story

I grew up on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Nation, on Treaty 3 Territory in Kenora, ON. After moving to Guelph, ON in 2003 to pursue my undergraduate degree in English Literature, I lived and travelled in different locations throughout Canada and abroad including Sioux Lookout, ON., Scotland and South Korea, where I worked as a teacher of English as a Second Language. I am a newcomer to Vancouver Island, having relocated to Esquimalt, Territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, in January 2025.  

My professional background has included a years-long career in the social services, supporting individuals with different abilities to use the arts as a therapeutic tool for self-development and personal growth. I am an artist and songwriter by trade and have found deep, personal healing using Expressive Arts in my own life and personal practice.  

In 2021, I was accepted into the year-long Compassionate Inquiry training program through Gabor Mate’s organization. The experience was foundational and extremely formative for me on my own healing path, as well as regarding my approach to working with individuals and existing in the world as a neurodivergent and highly sensitive person.

Over the past 2.5 years I have been completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology online, through Yorkville University. I look forward to this next step on my journey by completing my practicum placement as a Student Counsellor at Strength in Heart, under the supervision of Carla Mae Leuschen.

Areas of focus

• Compassionate Inquiry 

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Yoga & Expressive Arts

• High Sensitivity/Neurodivergence

• Attachment & relational trauma

• Burnout

• Chronic illness

Education & Training

• Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University (in progress)

• Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre Studies - University of Guelph

• Compassionate Inquiry 

• Healing trauma, illness and addiction through connection 

• Year-long psychotherapeutic training for professionals

• Yoga Exercise Specialist Certification 

• Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitation training

• Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga – levels 1 & 2

• Core Gift Master Facilitator training  

• Certificate in working with trauma using Expressive Arts

Professional Memberships

• BCASW Student Member #S02012