Find a Therapist in Victoria

Specializing in LGBTQIA*, ENM, Kink, Sex Workers, and Psychedelic Integration. I launched Nested Heart Counselling in 2013 in response to calls from within the local polyamorous community for mental health support that didn’t require further education about unconventional identities. It’s always been important to me to shout my acceptance for unconventionality from the rooftops, rather than hope word would travel underground in a way that perpetuates stigma. Even with this philosophy, it took time for me to proudly display my body modifications - now clients tell me all the time that this kind of bravery is part of the reason they show up in the first place! It would be hypocritical of me to encourage you to live authentically and not arrive in session doing so myself. We have a whole team available for you, check out our website to learn more.

I am a Registered Psychologist who works from a collaborative and person-centred approach. My therapeutic philosophy is centred on the belief that the client is the author of their life journey. From this perspective, the counsellor is a fellow sojourner whose role is to explore experiences and situations that may contribute to one feeling stuck. Often this may involve working with emotions, understanding intra/interpersonal dynamics, and exploring negative events in a manner that can be conducive to growth and learning. My approach to therapy builds on Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) by integrating narrative and systemic models of counselling. Clinically, I have worked with youth, families, and adults in a variety of settings including the University of British Columbia Counselling Services, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Complex Trauma Resources, the Veterans Transition Network, and through private practice. Some circumstances and challenges I have worked with include: depression, anxiety, trauma, racial identity and racism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief and loss. I have developed several mental health interventions and programs, including the Core Connectors Initiative, a mental health literacy program for youth, and the (Re)Claim and Connect counselling group for addressing anti-Asian racism. I have also served on several committees on equity and diversity and provided training on cultural considerations in clinical contexts. If you are looking for counselling, please feel free connect. My website and contact information can be found on this page.

Hello! I’m Mischal (they/them), a queer, non-binary graduate practicum student with Outside the Box Counselling. I am passionate about supporting queer and trans youth, adults, couples, and families, as well as those exploring neurodiversity, gender identity, relationships, disability, and anxiety—areas that make up my own lived experiences. As a student under supervision, I am able to offer lower-priced services, with a sliding scale. Our aim is to never turn away someone for lack of funds. I can also work with folks across many provinces and territories, including BC, AB, SK, MB, NL, YT, NU, and the NT. My approach is warm, gentle, curious, and at times playful. I use an integrative style tailored to each person, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Relational Therapy, Non-Violent Communication (NVC), Attachment-Based Therapy, Mindfulness, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Psychodrama, and Gestalt. I am deeply honoured by the trust it takes to invite someone into your story. Getting to know people, understanding their lived experiences, and walking alongside them as they explore relationships, identities, and hopes is my favourite part of this work. Whatever you’re grappling with, I’m here to support you with warmth, openness, and collaboration.