Laura is a seasoned professional with a degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria and a Master’s in Counselling from City University in Canada. She has significant experience in the Greater Victoria School District and the YMCA, focusing on supporting children and youth.

Operating on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, Laura acknowledges and honors the Indigenous land where she practices.

In her counseling work, Laura values diversity and customizes her approach for each client, using therapeutic methods such as Narrative Therapy, DBT, Solution-Focused techniques, and EMDR.

She collaborates with couples, families, and youth, addressing issues like eating disorders, alternative lifestyles, and challenges within the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. Laura’s counseling style is both gentle and results-oriented, equipping clients with practical strategies for everyday life.

She finds fulfillment in the transformative power of counselling, building authentic connections through humor and empathy.

Laura is a seasoned professional with a degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Vic... Read More

Sandra has returned to her hometown of Victoria after working as a counsellor and teacher in Vancouver for over 25 years. She completed her Bachelor of Arts and her Bachelor of Education at UBC. While working as a Drama and French teacher, she completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology (UBC) in 2005. She has had the privilege of working within a number of diverse communities supporting youth, adults, and families.

As a Drama teacher, Sandra experienced firsthand the power of change and growth by listening, collaborating and building trust. Today, these continue to be the primary elements of her counselling practice. Her goal is to help youth and adults become aware of their inner strengths, and to develop a greater sense of peace and acceptance of themselves and their choices. Throughout this process, there is often room for lightness and laughter. With support and encouragement, Sandra and her clients figure out what isn’t working and, in a safe space, work together to change it.

Sandra’s integrative, strength-based and trauma-informed approach creates an opportunity to better understand the many thoughts and feelings that shape our choices and experiences. With this understanding comes greater peace, self-acceptance, and happiness. Her work is informed by theories such as Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioural (Level 3 TEAM-CBT), Narrative, Family Systemic theories, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

Sandra has returned to her hometown of Victoria after working as a counsellor and teacher in Vanc... Read More

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

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 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

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 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 holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria, and is currently completing her Master’s in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. She takes an evidence-based approach that draws on theories rooted in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centered Therapy.

Kelly brings experience working with children, youth, and families, in community, school, and in-patient environments. Using a compassionate, strengths-based approach to therapy, Kelly’s goal is to foster meaningful connection and curiosity that evokes personal growth and empowerment. As a trained yoga instructor, Kelly is passionate about incorporating mindfulness and movement into her integrative therapeutic approach. She looks forward to walking with you on your journey!

Kelly enjoys Pilates, baking, and golden retrievers.

Kelly holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria, and is currently ... Read More

After leaving the sprawling prairies many years ago to live closer to the ocean and attend university, Laurie has happily settled in Victoria. She takes an integrative approach to counselling, working collaboratively with people of all ages to construct a therapy plan that incorporates elements of cognitive behaviour therapy, talk therapy, and solution-focused therapy. She pulls in aspects of art, play, reading, writing, and mindfulness, and helps people learn skills to cope with challenges such as anxiety, depression, big emotions, life transitions, and uncertainty. She is open, honest, and warm, and approaches counselling from a place of curiosity. Finding a good fit with a therapist is one of the most important parts of the counselling process, and she welcomes clients of all ages to get in touch for a consultation.

She has worked in many fields, gaining a wide perspective, and has a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication. Most recently she spent time living and working at a local boarding school with students and families from all over the world, and then pursued her MA in Counselling Psychology. She also makes a perfect chocolate chip cookie.

After leaving the sprawling prairies many years ago to live closer to the ocean and attend univer... Read More

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 centers on addressing current issues while equipping clients with essential coping skills for sustained positive change.

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

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Layla Casper is honoured to be completing her counselling internship under the mentorship of Dr. Katie Elmhurst and Tiffany Canning, at The Budding Elm. Layla is nearly finished her Registered Clinical Counselling requirements, as well as a Master’s of School Counselling, through City University of Seattle.

Layla has been supporting and advocating for youth for over 25 years, and with over 13 years of classroom teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her counselling internship at The Budding Elm. Layla believes in a person-centered approach to her counselling and has the utmost respect for her students and clients. She has seen firsthand the impact screens and social media can have on youth mental health, especially for children and youth already struggling with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. Layla has a developing focus on counselling teens on healthy online habits and self-compassion.

As an RCC and Master’s student, Layla is connected to current and relevant research, as well as evidence based practices for counselling youth. As an intern student, Layla will provide lower-cost counselling services that will not compromise the values and experiences The Budding Elm clients receive.

Layla holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Camosun College and Thompson Rivers University, as well as a Bachelor of Education from The University of British Columbia. She is a retired professional Dance Artist and loves spending time with her husband and little dog Tootsie.

Layla Casper is honoured to be completing her counselling internship under the mentorship of Dr. ... Read More

Andrea has been working with children, youth and families for over 15 years in various settings, including schools, youth residential treatment, community and recreational-based programming. Andrea is currently finishing her Masters in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and received her Bachelor of Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria.

Andrea values holding a non-judgmental, safe space to find healthy perceptions of yourself while navigating life transitions. Andrea believes that we all have times when we need a little more or a little different support when our support systems and usual ways of coping are not enough. She will work alongside you to define your needs and goals using a solution-focused, strength-based approach by developing insight, building skills and sitting with an array of feelings.

Andrea loves to explore the ocean and many lakes on Vancouver Island in her spare time, whether kayaking, camping, or hiking.

Andrea has been working with children, youth and families for over 15 years in various settings, ... Read More