The VK Wellness Initiative

08/07/2025

It’s time to vote in the Upper Coast People’s Choice Awards! 💛

If VK Wellness has made a difference for you, we’d be so grateful for your vote:
💆‍♀️ #52 – Fav wellness clinic
🏥 #56 – Fav massage therapy (let’s give it up for Deirdre and Chelsea!! 🙌)

🗳️ Vote here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YY2ZJFB

Big thanks to The Peak - voice of the qathet region for celebrating local businesses like ours! 💛

Did you know it’s time to vote for the Upper Coast People’s Choice Awards? Make sure you vote for us for best gift shop if you’re so inclined! Thanks to The Peak - voice of the qathet region for this amazing image…and here’s the link!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YY2ZJFB

07/31/2025

📣 Starting this month, eligible Canadians with disabilities—including mental health or substance use challenges—can apply for the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).

Up to $200/month in federal support is available for working-aged adults. 💙

Learn more at canada.ca/disability-benefit.

07/10/2025

Did you know the way we remember or interpret things could be early warning signs of anxiety or depression? 🧠💭 A new study suggests that certain thinking patterns—called cognitive biases—might actually predict future mental health struggles. We wonder if this research could help us spot concerns earlier and support people sooner.

We’re keeping an eye on it!

Could your patterns of thinking be early signs of anxiety and depression? A recent study uncovers clues for early detection and intervention.

07/09/2025

Why You Won’t See Us Asking for Google Reviews 💬❤️

You may have noticed that we don’t ask our clients to leave reviews online. It’s not because we don’t care about feedback — we absolutely do. It’s because your privacy and the integrity of the counselling relationship matter more than anything else.

Counselling isn’t like other services. It’s deeply personal. It’s vulnerable. And it’s bound by ethical codes that prioritize confidentiality, informed consent, and healthy boundaries.

We know it’s tempting to rely on 5-star reviews when choosing a therapist. But reviews can’t capture the nuance of a real therapeutic relationship — or the fact that what works for one person might not feel right for another. Instead of stars, we suggest looking for therapists who are well-trained, regulated, and grounded in trauma-informed, client-centered care.

✨ If you do decide to leave a review on your own — we’re SO grateful. But we’ll never ask. Because your decision to share (or not share) your experience is yours and yours alone.

Also, If you ever want to let us know what’s working (or what could be better), please reach out directly. We’re always open to thoughtful feedback, and we want to hear from you.

Thanks for being here with us 🤍

06/21/2025

🧡 Today, and every day, we hold space to honour and celebrate the knowledge, cultures, and strength of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples—here in qathet and across Turtle island.

We recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization and the importance of access to culturally safe, trauma-informed care. We walk alongside Indigenous clients in their healing journeys—offering counselling, case management, and mindfulness-based supports through First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) funding.

We continue our commitment to learn, unlearn, and listen—with the hope of contributing to healing in ways that feel respectful.

Explore the beautiful Indigenous-led health resources through VCH!

🌿
📧 info@vkwellness.ca
🔗 Indigenous resources: https://www.vch.ca/en/health-topics/indigenous-services-and-resources

06/14/2025

Something new is coming to VK Wellness…
We’re so excited to share that Kara Fogwell will soon be offering individual Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) sessions ✨

With a full caseload and long waitlist, Kara has opened up special times just for MBCT clients—space that won’t last long.

💬 Want early access before we officially launch?
Email us at info@vkwellness.ca to snag one of the first available spots.

06/03/2025

In Moments That Shake Us, We Stand Together 🤍 Our hearts are with those in our qathet community who are grieving.

You may or may not know this, quietly and respectfully, VK Wellness has responded to a number of critical incidents in our region over the years—offering on-site support, grounding, and follow-up care to individuals, workplaces, and teams experiencing trauma.

We don’t share this for recognition.
We share this because many don’t realize that this kind of mental health support is available—right here, when it’s needed most.

Our crisis response team is made up of experienced, trauma-informed professionals who respond with care, follow-up, and deep respect for confidentiality. In a small town, we know how important it is to show up gently and provide the needed space.

If your workplace or organization is ever affected by a critical incident, please know that support is just a call away.

🌀 Discreet. Community-rooted. Here when it matters most.

06/02/2025

📣 Coming Soon: Mental Health First Aid Training in qathet!
Want to feel more confident supporting mental health at work, at home, or in your community? We’re collecting a waitlist for our next Mental Health First Aid course — a nationally recognized certification from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

🧠 Hybrid format:
• Module 1: Online (1.5 hours)
• Modules 2 & 3: In-person (7.5 hours total)
📍 In-person session held in qathet

You’ll walk away with practical tools to recognize and respond to mental health challenges—and a certificate to prove it!

✅ Receive your official certification upon completion.
📩 Join the waitlist today: info@vkwellness.ca
🔗 Learn more: vkwellness.ca/mental-health-first-aid-standard

05/17/2025

We’re excited to say: Goodbye waitlist… hello Amy! 👋

Join us in welcoming Amy Hurst, RSW — our newest Children & Youth Counsellor at VK Wellness!

Amy is a Registered Social Worker who brings warmth, experience, and a deep commitment to supporting children, youth, and their families.

Now offering:
✔️ Counselling for children 5+
✔️ Family therapy & parenting support
✔️ Behaviour support
✔️ Children’s therapy groups
✔️ Direct billing to most insurance providers
✔️ In-person & virtual availability

We’re proud to expand our support for families — and Amy is ready to connect!

See her bio or book with Amy here https://vkwellness.ca/staff/amy-hurst-rsw/