Counselling in Victoria BC, Cobble hill BC & ONline

Carla Mae Leuschen, MPA, MSW, RSW

Founder & Director of Strength in Heart Counselling

in Victoria BC, Cobble Hill BC & Online Across Canada

I’m Carla Mae Leuschen, founder and director of Strength in Heart Counselling. With over 20 years of diverse experience in mental health, research, and counselling, my work is rooted in a deep commitment to client-centered care. I’m passionate about fostering real connection and empowering individuals, couples, and families to overcome life’s challenges and truly thrive.

My journey has taken me through a variety of roles that have deeply shaped my approach to counselling and team management. As a researcher for the Saskatoon Police Service Chief’s Office, I conducted extensive studies and evaluations, offering evidence-based recommendations to improve community services. My time as a health program evaluator and psychiatric researcher in both academic and clinical settings helped me develop strong skills in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and understanding the complexities of human behaviour. Of course, my greatest learning has come from the past decade spent supporting people directly in therapy.

At Strength in Heart Counselling, I’m proud to lead a team of dedicated professionals who share my holistic, client-centred philosophy. I’m passionate about blending evidence-based practices with innovative approaches, including exploring non-ordinary states of consciousness, to help clients access deeper healing and transformation. Supporting and mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals is also close to my heart, and I work closely with practicum students and counsellors awaiting registration as they build their skills and confidence.

Clinical Training

University education

Doctorate in Metaphysical Sciences, University of Metaphysical Sciences (in progress)
Master of Social Work (Advanced), University of Victoria, BC (2018)
Master of Social Work (Foundation), University of Victoria, BC (2016)
Master of Public Administration, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK (2012)
Bachelor of Arts (Hon.), Forensic Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON (2009)

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Leuschen-Mewis, C., Saskatoon Police Service. (2015). Police interactions with persons suffering from mental illness. Public Safety Canada: National Clearinghouse of Police Knowledge.

Bowen, R., Balbuena, L., Peters, E., Leuschen-Mewis, C. & Baetz, M. (2015). The relationship between mood instability and suicidal thoughts. Archives of Suicide Research, 19, 161-71.

Bowen, R., Balbuena, L., Leuschen, C. & Baetz, M. (2012). Mood instability is the distinctive feature of neuroticism. Results from the British HALS. Personality and Individual Differences, 53, 896-900.

Mela, M. & Leuschen, C. (co-author) (2012). Psychiatric diagnostic assessment and treatment of FASD in the forensic outpatient clinic (FOC). Presented at the 5th National Biennial Conference on Adolescents and Adults with FASD, Vancouver, BC.

Bowen, R., Baetz, M., Leuschen, C. & Kalynchuk, L. (2011). Predictors of suicidal thoughts: Mood instability versus neuroticism. Personality and Individual Differences, 51, 1034-1038.

Leuschen, C. (presenter) (2011). System Overload: The impact of “tough on crime” policies on the Canadian correctional system. Student poster session: Tansley Lecture, JSG School of Public Policy.

Duffy, A., Horrocks, J., Persson, G., Doucette, S., Leuschen, C. (co-author), James, T., Milin, R., & Grof, P. (2010). The relationship between substance use disorders and the early stages of bipolar disorder. AACAP’s 57th annual meeting in New York, NY.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) Registered Social Worker #14081
British Columbia Association of Social Workers (BCASW) #1007432
Ontario College of Social Workers (OCSWSSW) #842049

The Strength in Heart story

Strength in Heart was born out of a desire to create a space where people could find hope, love, and acceptance. The name itself holds a special meaning—it was inspired by my late dear mentor and friend, Will Pegg, whose unwavering support and wisdom deeply influenced my life and career. Before his passing, Will encouraged me to follow my dream of opening a private counselling practice, often reminding me of the value of authenticity and connecting with internal strength.

Will helped me to choose the name “Strength in Heart” and, after his passing, I created the logo image. The lion symbolizes the strength and courage that Will brought to my life, and the hummingbird reminds me of Will sitting in his garden enjoying the hummingbirds. And, of course, both the lion and hummingbird heart are known for their amazing strength!

Starting Strength in Heart in 2018 was not just a career move; it was a way to honor Will’s legacy and the lessons he taught me. Today, Strength in Heart Counselling thrives as a space where clients are empowered to transform their pain into strength, reconnect with themselves and others, and live more authentic, fulfilled lives. In Will’s words - “Just be yourself, that’s enough!”

Our philosophy

Each person has a natural, infinite inner strength that transforms pain & supports their physical, mental, & spiritual health. Painful life experiences cause this power to become blocked which leads to dissatisfaction & dis-ease. Our Victoria therapists empower clients to re-access the strength in their hearts so that they can live a joyful life with balance & connection. We support people who are ready to recalibrate & reconnect to their inner healing intelligence so that they can deepen their relationship with self, others & the world.

“When you close your heart or close your mind, you hide in the darkness within you. There is no light. There is no energy. There is nothing flowing. The energy is still there but it can’t get in…That is what it means to be “blocked”. That is why you have no energy when you’re depressed”

— Michael Singer

Contact us to release the past & embrace your potential!