Book an Appointment at The Budding Elm: Counselling & Consultation Services - VICTORIA
For a consultation appointment with one of our counsellors please email info@thebuddingelm.com
Laura Bates
(She/Her/Hers)
BCYC, MC, RCC
I’m the kind of therapist who shows up real—no judgment, no cliches, and definitely no sugarcoating. This is a space where your full, messy, honest self is welcome. We’ll explore what matters to you using tools like Narrative Therapy, DBT, EMDR, and Solution-Focused work. I blend fierce support with gentle care, bringing warmth, humour, and a down-to-earth vibe. Whether we meet in person or online, I’m here to walk alongside you—honoring your story, your strength, and the path you’re carving forward.
My counselling approach is characterized by creativity, gentleness, and a focus on results. I adopt a solution-focused perspective, working closely with my clients to pinpoint practical strategies and tools that can be applied in their lives. I am available for both in-person and virtual sessions, therefore maximizing convenience and comfort for my clients. I aim to find the juxtaposition of gentleness and fierceness in my practice, as I view it as a potent catalyst for transformative change in people’s lives. I take pride in cultivating a nurturing and empathetic atmosphere, often employing humour to establish a genuine connection with my clients on a relatable level.
I’m the kind of therapist who shows up real—no judgment, no cliches, and definitely no sugarcoati... Read More
Tiffany Canning
(She/Her/Hers)
RCC, CCC
Tiffany is your local Labradorian from the North who thrives on humor and joy! She almost always has a smile on her face! She brings a welcoming and warm presence to the counselling environment. Seeking counselling can be one of the most difficult things you do, but Tiffany makes it a point to show you how strong you truly are.
With a decade of experience in the non-profit sector and mental health crisis response she has worked extensively with children, youth, and families from all backgrounds and walks of life. As a third cultured kid herself, she is an advocate for indigenous youth, and immigrant families in her community. Her work is grounded in integrative, anti-oppressive, collectorate, and trauma-informed principles, fostering a safe and empathic environment that encourages growth, promotes healing and freedom.
Tiffany holds a M.A. in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville Univ), B.A. in Theology and is a Certified Clinical Counsellor (BCACC), and Canadian-certified Counsellor (CCPA).
Beyond her counselling practice, Tiffany indulges her passion for exploration by traveling globally learning new cultures, camping, hiking, biking, and spending quality time with her furry cat companion, Lulu.
Tiffany is your local Labradorian from the North who thrives on humor and joy! She almost always ... Read More
Ms. Marnie Caron M.C., M.A.
Marnie Caron Master of Counselling (M.C.) Registered Clinical Counsellor
Marnie has worked in a variety of settings and provides individual counselling for children, youth and adults who are having difficulties coping with life’s challenges. She takes a holistic approach and integrates techniques from modalities including Response Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. All of us face challenging circumstances in our lifetime and she strongly believes that even the strongest and most resilient individuals can find themselves repeating unhelpful patterns of thinking that take us away from a rewarding and productive life.
As part of her graduate degree in counselling Marnie completed a clinical internship with Child and Youth Family Services (MCFD). While at MCFD she provided individual, family and group therapy to children and youth experiencing concerns related to depression, anxiety, identity, school performance, technology use and life transitions. This experience confirmed Marnie’s passion for working with youth. Until recently, she was a mental health counsellor at Pearson College where she provided in-person and online counselling sessions to teens from 80 countries around the world with a variety of needs.
Marnie has a diverse academic background with a Master of Counselling from City University of Seattle, Post Degree diploma in elementary education and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with a focus on critical cultural studies. With a unique combination of education and experience Marnie is able to support a diversity of clients with a wide-ranging set of challenges and concerns.
In addition to being a Registered Clinical Counsellor Marnie has been active in the running community for over 25 years as an athlete, coach and published writer. For individuals who want to achieve optimal health and support with health challenges she can work alongside you to find tools and motivation to lead a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Marnie loves spending time in nature exploring the local trails and beaches on Vancouver Island with her husband, their daughter and two dogs.
Marnie Caron Master of Counselling (M.C.) Registered Clinical Counsellor Marnie has worked in a ... Read More
Lizanne Chicanot
(She/Her/Hers)
B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed.
Lizanne is a BC Registered Clinical Counsellor who has spent much of her career working in the education system as a teacher, behaviour support specialist, counsellor and administrator. She has worked at all three levels–high school, middle school and elementary school and loves to work with children of all ages. Lizanne has lived and worked in remote Indigenous communities as well as in Africa and is very interested in individuals and families coming from diverse cultural experiences.
Lizanne has always been fascinated with human beings and the relationships in which they are embedded. She approaches her work with keen interest, curiosity and compassion which lie at the centre of what she does. She believes that everyone has innate strength and wisdom within themselves which sometimes just needs some work to uncover and release. Her work draws on elements of Solution Focussed Therapy, Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy among other modalities. She has a high level of respect for all individuals who engage in counselling to work through the tough and challenging parts of life.
Lizane received her Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Drama and Math from Queen’s University as well as her Bachelor of Education. She obtained her Masters in Education in Counselling from the University of Victoria. She has a special interest in working with children and their parents, with couples and with individuals.
Reduce rates with a sliding scale apply. Contact us for more information.
Lizanne is a BC Registered Clinical Counsellor who has spent much of her career working in the ed... Read More
Cheryl Dafoe
(She/Her/Hers)
RCC, CCC, MACP, BEd.
Cheryl views authentic and trusting relationships as powerful catalysts for growth and change. Her approach is compassionate, candid, and genuinely curious, creating a welcoming space where clients feel safe and seen as they explore their unique experiences. In sessions, you can expect warmth, respect, and room for ease and laughs.
She takes a collaborative and integrative approach to therapy, meeting clients where they are and drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based modalities.
Cheryl helps clients find clarity and resilience as they navigate life’s challenges. Whether feeling stuck in relationship patterns, managing anxiety, or going through major life transitions such as separation or loss, she supports individuals, couples, and families in building on their inherent strengths and creating meaningful, empowering change.
With a diverse background in education, child and youth care, and recreational programming, Cheryl brings a wide range of experience to her work. She holds an MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (BCACC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCPA).
Outside of her practice, she enjoys comedy, music, and exploring Vancouver Island with her two children and their dog, Cleo.
Cheryl views authentic and trusting relationships as powerful catalysts for growth and change. He... Read More
Shelby De Nat
(She/Her/Hers)
MC, RCC
Shelby is passionate about creating a non-judgmental, warm, and authentic environment that fosters change, growth, and safety to share. She believes that people are the experts of their own lives and that the therapeutic process should be one of collaboration with the client’s needs and goals at its centre. Shelby provides individual counselling for teens and adults.
Shelby works from a holistic and integrative lens, with a focus on clients’ strengths and resources. She draws from a range of therapeutic orientations, including Somatic and Polyvagal Theory, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Shelby values being decolonized, social justice informed, and client centred in her counselling work.
Shelby is experienced supporting individuals through a range of challenges, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, substance use challenges, identity exploration, grief, and life transitions.
Shelby has worked in a range of settings in her career thus far. She holds a Master of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria. Shelby is a Registered Clinical Counsellor through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
Finding the right fit in a counselling relationship is of paramount importance, and Shelby invites any interested clients to contact her for a consultation.
Shelby is passionate about creating a non-judgmental, warm, and authentic environment that foster... Read More
Dr. Katie Elmhurst DSW, RCSW, RCC
Dr. Katie Elmhurst is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a Registered Clinical Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers.
Dr. Elmhurst is committed to counselling and consulting with youth, teens and families through the lens of social work and family system’s practice.
Dr. Elmhurst received her Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, as well as her Masters of Science in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University in New York City. Following her Masters, Dr. Elmhurst made the move to Kelowna, BC where she worked to provide clinical counselling services for children and youth in care. From there she moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she completed her Doctorate of Clinical Social Work practice with a specialization in trauma from Tulane University.
Unique to her practice, Dr. Elmhurst efficiently employs past clinical and educational experience to meet the specific needs of her clientele. This is done by incorporating mixed evidenced-based practice modalities, which include: narrative/talk therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and dialectical behavioural therapy. All components of Dr. Elmhurst’s practice are supported by the Strengths-Based and Empowerment Perspective, which emphasizes a collaborative relationship with the client. All practice is client-centred, in which individuals are supported as experts over their own lives.
To her core, Dr. Elmhurst believes that as individuals we each have the ability to channel unique personal strengths and resiliencies to overcome life hardship and adversity. It is through client partnership that Dr. Elmhurst creates a safe space for each client to continue on their unique journey of self-exploration and healing.
Importantly, Dr. Elmhurst also believes in the strength of a therapeutic partnership that actively encourages each client to make the change and insight needed for their personal growth. Dr. Elmhurst’s counselling practice values an introspective client process, valuing small steps that develop the confidence to foster inner strength and resilience resulting in lasting change.
Dr. Katie Elmhurst is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counse... Read More
Kelly Houlahan
(She/Her/Hers)
RCC
Brooke Ruygrok
(She/Her/Hers)
BA, MA, RCC
Brooke, born and raised in Victoria, brings a wealth of academic achievement and passion to her role as a Registered Clinical Counsellor at The Budding Elm. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Victoria and went on to complete her Master of Arts in Clinical Counselling of Psychology at Yorkville University. Brooke specializes in collaborative therapy across all age groups, with a particular focus on the adolescent population.
Drawing from her expertise, Brooke designs personalized therapy plans that integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a Person-Centered approach, and Solution-Focused Therapy techniques. Her approach addresses current issues while equipping clients with essential coping skills for sustained positive change. Brooke also accepts CVAP clients and is committed to providing trauma-informed support for individuals impacted by crime or violence.
Despite being one of the younger counsellors, Brooke leverages her age as a strength, fostering a deep sense of understanding and empathy among young clients. Her goal is to create a safe and accepting environment where clients can explore their challenges and achieve meaningful growth.
Brooke, born and raised in Victoria, brings a wealth of academic achievement and passion to her r... Read More
Katelyn Reid, MACP In Progress, BA / Supervisor Dr. Katie Elmhurst
(She/Her/Hers)
It is an honour to Katie to hear her client’s stories, and to provide support that meets clients where they are at in life’s journey. With past experience working with non-for-profits, Katie knows how impactful it is to provide people with the supports that they need based on the unique person that they are. She is passionate about providing culturally sensitive, inclusive and affirming support to diverse identities and members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community. With Katie, clients will explore thoughts, emotions and experiences to identify their goals for counselling. Katie will support clients in cultivating a new relationship with themselves that is based in openness, trust, kindness and acceptance. She will walk along side clients to help them see their personal strengths and values to move towards their goals. Katie believes that everyone has the tools they need, sometimes we just need some support to see them. Katie received her BA in psychology and political science from UBC- Okanagan and is currently a student counsellor completing her MACP through Yorkville University. She supports teens, adults and couples facing challenges with anxiety, perfectionism, self-image, grief, trauma, identity and relationship conflicts. Her approach is informed by Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Somatic Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy.
It is an honour to Katie to hear her client’s stories, and to provide support that meets clients ... Read More
Sydney Thompson, RCC Candidate / Supervisor Dr. Katie Elmhurst
(She/Her/Hers)
Sydney brings a blend of scientific understanding and genuine human connection to her counselling work. With a background in Biological Psychology, she integrates neuroscience-informed insights with evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and patterns.
Her approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that life is inherently unpredictable—and often messy. Rather than waiting for things to feel “perfect,” Sydney supports clients in learning how to navigate challenges while staying connected to what matters most to them. Together, they work to build practical skills, increase self-awareness, and create meaningful, values-aligned change, even in the face of uncertainty.
Sydney works with individuals, couples, and families, and has experience supporting children, teens, and adults with anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She has a particular passion for helping individuals with ADHD better understand how their minds work, reduce shame, and develop strategies that align with their strengths. She also has a strong interest in couples and family work, helping clients strengthen communication, deepen connection, and navigate differences with greater understanding.
She is committed to providing inclusive, affirming care and proudly supports members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Sydney strives to create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and empowered to show up as their authentic selves.
Outside of her work, Sydney enjoys camping, travelling, and spending time in nature. She values both movement and rest, and brings warmth, curiosity, and a sense of humour into the therapy room.
Sydney brings a blend of scientific understanding and genuine human connection to her counselling... Read More
Ms. Alyssa Vincent
(She/Her/Hers)
RCC, MSc.
Alyssa is a Registered Clinical Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and specialized training in Brainspotting, somatic therapy, complex trauma, and family trauma. Her background in clinical cardiac research, community mental health, and counselling within school and clinical settings has shaped a non-judgmental, collaborative, and integrative approach to therapy.
Alyssa is passionate about her work with adolescents, adults, and parents navigating a wide range of challenges, including trauma processing, anxiety, ADHD, neurodiversity, emotional overwhelm, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, burnout, and major life transitions. Her work is grounded in a strengths-based, neuro-affirmative approach that recognizes each person’s growth potential and unique lived experience. Alyssa strives to create a warm and supportive space where clients feel genuinely seen, respected, and empowered as they build regulation skills, self-compassion, and achieve a stronger connection to themselves and others.
Alyssa thoughtfully tailors therapy plans to meet the unique needs, strengths, and goals of the individual by integrating evidence-based and therapeutic trauma modalities, including Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic practices, mindfulness, and therapeutic art.
Outside of clinical work, Alyssa enjoys exploring local beaches, practicing Qigong, and travelling. She also loves cooking, painting, sculpting, and listening to live music.
Alyssa is a Registered Clinical Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and spe... Read More
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Located at: #205-2187 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria
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Need Help? 250-208-6949 info@thebuddingelm.com