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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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. ...
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