South Island Counselling

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day — a reminder that taking care of your mind is just as important as caring for your body.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, loss, or life transitions, know that support is available.

At South Island Counselling, we’ve been here for 50 years, offering accessible, compassionate counselling for people across BC.

Let’s keep the conversation going — what does mental health mean to you today?

09/16/2025

Now Offering EMDR Therapy at South Island Counselling

We’re excited to share that Erin Ticknor, RCC, is now providing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy at South Island Counselling.

EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for healing from trauma, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. It helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming—allowing you to move forward with greater peace and resilience.

Fees:

$140 (standard rate)

$95 (reduced rate, based on income)

Learn more and book at https://www.southislandcounselling.org/emdr-therapy

08/27/2025

Embracing the Journey: A Senior Women’s Circle
Starts Tuesday, October 7 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM | 9-week series
Join us for 9 weekly, in-person group meet-ups tailored for women aged 65 and older, focusing on navigating the intricacies of ageing while fostering meaningful connections.

Meaningful conversations
Genuine connection
Support and shared wisdom

Led by Lynne Limbert, this in-person group will meet weekly for 9 weeks at South Island Counselling.
Limited spots available – register now to reserve yours!
Victoria, BC

Call or visit our website to learn more and register:
https://www.southislandcounselling.org/event-details/embracing-the-journey-a-senior-womens-circle-october-group-2
250-472-2851 x 101

08/19/2025

Summer Reading Series – Book 3

Looking for a book that offers real tools to manage stress, anxiety, and self-doubt?

The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris is a practical guide based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Instead of chasing constant happiness, it teaches us how to make space for all emotions, live more mindfully, and focus on what truly matters.

A thoughtful companion for summer reflection.

Have you read this one before? Share your thoughts below!

07/15/2025

Summer Reading Series – Book 2
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

This week’s recommendation is a compassionate, no-nonsense guide to creating healthier relationships—starting with yourself. Therapist and bestselling author Nedra Glover Tawwab offers clear, actionable strategies for setting boundaries that protect your mental health and reduce feelings of overwhelm, resentment, and burnout.

Drawing from her clinical experience and personal insight, Tawwab helps readers recognize where boundaries are lacking and how to implement them with confidence and clarity. Whether you struggle with saying “no,” feel stretched too thin, or want to deepen your self-respect, this book is a powerful place to begin.

Why we love it:
It’s practical, relatable, and empowering—full of real-life examples and scripts to help you find your voice and honour your needs.

Have you read it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments

06/24/2025

Summer Therapeutic Read: The Body Keeps the Score
By Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

This groundbreaking book explores how trauma reshapes both the body and brain — and how healing must address more than just the mind. Through research, case studies, and deep compassion, Dr. van der Kolk shows that recovery is possible through body-based approaches, connection, and safe therapeutic support.

“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.”

Why we love it:
At South Island Counselling, many of our clients come to us carrying unspoken or unprocessed trauma. This book helps normalize those experiences and offers hope — especially for those wondering why they feel “stuck.” It’s a powerful reminder that your body remembers, but it can also heal.

Have you read this one? Let us know what stayed with you most.
Stay tuned for our next recommendation in our summer reading series!

06/18/2025

Embracing the Journey: A Senior Women’s Circle
Starts Tuesday, July 15 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM | 10-week series

Join us for 10 weekly, in-person group meet-ups tailored for women aged 65 and older, focusing on navigating the intricacies of ageing while fostering meaningful connections.

Meaningful conversations
Genuine connection
Support and shared wisdom

Led by Lynne Limbert, this in-person group will meet weekly for 10 weeks at South Island Counselling.

Limited spots available – register now to reserve yours!
Victoria, BC
Call or visit our website to learn more and register: https://www.southislandcounselling.org/event-details/embracing-the-journey-a-senior-womens-circle-july-group
250-472-2851 x 101

06/13/2025

Ever feel like you’re either running on high alert—or totally shut down?

That might be your nervous system reacting to stress. The Window of Tolerance is a helpful way to understand how much stress you can manage before feeling overwhelmed (hyperarousal) or shutting down (hypoarousal).

Inside the window, we feel calm, connected, and in control.
Outside the window, we might feel anxious, reactive, numb, or frozen.

The good news? With support, your window can grow.

Counselling can help you better recognize your stress patterns, learn tools to regulate your emotions, and move through life with greater ease.

If you’re noticing more stress than usual, or finding it harder to bounce back, our counsellors are here to help.
In-person and online counselling available across BC.
Learn more or get started: https://www.southislandcounselling.org/

04/15/2025

Spring 2025 Newsletter -

As we welcome the spring season, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey South Island Counselling has taken over the past five decades. What began as a small, community-based service has grown into a trusted mental health resource for individuals and families across British Columbia. This...

04/01/2025

At South Island Counselling, we believe in the power of counselling to foster healing, growth, and resilience. This month, we recognize the vital role that professional counselling plays in supporting mental well-being and navigating life’s challenges.

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, our team is here to provide compassionate, affordable, and accessible support.

💚 Did you know? Our pay-it-forward model allows those paying the regular fee to help subsidize counselling for others in need, ensuring mental health care remains within reach for our community.

If you or someone you know could benefit from counselling, reach out today. Let’s break the stigma and celebrate the importance of mental health care this April!

📞 Contact us: (250) 472-2851
💻 Learn more: https://www.southislandcounselling.org/

03/11/2025

Stress can creep up on us—especially during seasonal transitions when schedules shift and new demands arise. 🌱 Take a moment to check in with yourself:

Feeling overwhelmed? Try a 5-minute breathing exercise to reset.
Too much on your plate? Prioritize and set small, manageable goals. Need support? Talking to someone can help lighten the load.

South Island Counselling offers affordable counselling options to help you navigate life’s stresses. Learn more at https://www.southislandcounselling.org/

What’s your go-to way to manage stress? Share in the comments!

02/06/2025

Struggling with managing emotions, life stress, or building strong relationships? 🌿
Our Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Course might be for you.
In this 9-week small group course, you'll learn practical ways to improve how you navigate stress, all while developing a stronger sense of self. Each session blends mindfulness practices with hands-on tools that you can apply in real life between sessions.
This course is perfect for anyone 20 and older who wants to: ✨ Better manage emotions ✨ Handle life’s challenges more effectively ✨ Build stronger, healthier relationships
🗓️ Course Length: 9 weeks
If you're ready to take steps toward a more balanced and fulfilling life, this course is for you. 🌱
Please register here or email: info@southislandcounselling.org
https://www.southislandcounselling.org/event-details/dbt-skills-course-spring-2025