Hello and welcome. I’m thrilled to be part of the counselling team at VIU, and I am grateful to be living, learning and working on Snuneymuxw traditional lands. I am deeply committed to living well and I will support you to do the same in ways that are meaningful to you. I appreciate students’ courage and resilience, which I am amazed to witness every day in my work here.
When you come for counselling, I aim to share a sense of curiosity, interest, and respect for the ways you relate to others, yourself, and the world. I strive to offer a safe and accepting space for you to express your struggles, concerns and hopes. I collaborate with you to identify more healthy and fulfilling choices, and to access your natural capacity for healing and connection.
I earned my M.A. in Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria and am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). I have completed advanced training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), as well as training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Hakomi. These approaches are experiential, drawing on the wisdom of the body and emotions, and on the innate capacity and motivation each of us has to heal and grow.
I grew up near the Rocky Mountains and have lived on Vancouver Island for many years. I value my strong relationship with nature and spend lots of time with plants! I look forward to connecting with you!
Gemma