here we heal.
here we grow.
Warm, practical, trauma-informed care for children, teens, adults, and families who want to feel more connected, understood, and supported.
you are not alone.
You’re holding everything together. But who’s holding you?
Life can feel like a lot to carry. You may be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, disconnected, navigating relationship challenges, or simply wondering if things could feel different.
Our team provides a therapy experience that is supportive, grounded, and human. We bring expertise in child development, teen mental health, trauma-informed care, attachment, and family systems, while recognizing that meaningful change begins with a safe and trusting relationship.
We Focus on Connection
We believe that emotions, behaviours, and relationships are deeply connected. Rather than simply trying to “fix” what’s happening, we look a little deeper:
What is this behaviour trying to communicate?
What does the nervous system need?
What patterns have been learned over time?
What helps someone feel safe, seen, and supported?
When we understand the why, the how becomes clearer.
Whether you’re navigating big emotions, parenting challenges, relationship struggles, or a difficult season of life, we’ll meet you where you are and walk alongside you.
You don’t have to carry it all alone.
“With emphasis on a client-centered approach, our counselling services strengthen and empower clients to be the best version of themselves.”
— Dr. Katie Elmhurst
The Budding Elm Counselling is a relationship-centred therapy practice serving families, youth, adults, and individuals across Greater Victoria and the Westshore.
Originally established in 2019 as The Budding Elm in Oak Bay Village, our practice has grown while staying grounded in the belief that healing happens through connection—not perfection.
Our team combines trauma-informed care, attachment-based approaches, and evidence-based practices with practical, down-to-earth support. We work alongside you through parenting challenges, big emotions, family transitions, relationship struggles, and the many seasons of life.
We believe in meeting people where they are, creating space for authenticity and growth, and building the skills and connections that help individuals and families thrive.
Connection first. Skills second. Growth always.
Who We Are
Our Process
Your Journey Starts Here
STEP 1
Select a Location
We offer in-person counselling sessions at two convenient clinical locations: Oak Bay and Westshore.
STEP 3
STEP 2
Select a Therapist
View profiles to find a therapist that meets your needs.
Create Your Account
Create your secure account through our encrypted platform Jane App.
STEP 4
Book An Appointment
Schedule a time for your first session with your therapist.
STEP 5
Start Therapy
We are so exited to meet you!
Meet the Team
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Avalon Forrester, RCC
CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Supports clients experiencing anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and emotional challenges while developing practical tools for regulation, confidence, and resilience.
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Laura Bates, BCYC, MC, RCC
CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Provides EMDR-informed support for clients processing trauma, difficult experiences, and emotional distress, with a focus on creating safety, resilience, and lasting change.
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Lizanne Chicanot, BA, BEd, MEd, RCC
CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Works with individuals and families to understand relationship patterns, strengthen connection, and develop healthier ways of communicating and responding to one another.
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Tiffany Canning, RCC, CCC
WESTSHORE DRIECTOR/ COUNSELLOR
Passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where children, youth, individuals, and families feel heard and understood. Grounded in connection, and trauma-informed care. -
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Shelby De Nat, MC, RCC
CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Supports clients experiencing low mood, emotional exhaustion, and changes in motivation while developing practical tools, insight, and strategies for improved wellbeing.
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Alyssa Vincent, RCC
CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Uses Brainspotting to help clients process experiences that may be difficult to access through words alone, supporting deeper emotional processing, regulation, and healing. -
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Sydney Thompson, BSc, MACP
CLINCAL COUNSELLOR
Supports couples and individuals in understanding relationship patterns, improving communication, navigating conflict, and building stronger, more secure connections.
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Katelyn Reid, RCC
CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Supports clients working through self-doubt, low confidence, and negative self-talk while building self-awareness, self-compassion, and a stronger sense of self. -
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Brooke Ruygrok, BA, MC, RCC
CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Provides affirming support that recognizes and respects diverse ways of thinking, communicating, learning, and experiencing the world, with a focus on strengths and practical strategies.
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Cheryl Dafoe, MACP, RCC, CCC
CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Supports clients through grief, loss, and significant life changes, providing a compassionate space to process emotions and find ways to move forward.
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Kelly Houlahan, RCC
CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Supports clients in processing trauma, difficult experiences, and emotional distress through EMDR-informed care, with a focus on safety, healing, and building resilience.
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Dr. Katie Elmhurst, DSW, RCSW, RCC
FOUNDER OF THE BUDDING ELM
Offers culturally respectful-informed care that honours connection, community, culture, identity, and lived experience within the counselling process.
Located on beautiful Oak Bay Avenue, in Athlone Court, on the second floor.
205-2187 Oak Bay Ave
Victoria, BC
Hours
Monday–Thursday
10am–8pm
Phone
(250)-208-6949
Located in beautiful Coastal Offices in Colwood with easy parking and spacious waiting room.
146-328 Wale Road
Colwood, BC
Hours
Monday–Thursday
10am–8pm
Phone
(250)-208-6949
Get started with
The Budding Elm.
“We have told so many of our friends and family to get on board with The Budding Elm. I can’t begin to tell you how much the team there has helped our family get to a healthier and happier place. It has not been the easiest thing to do but none of us would be where we are today without having connected with a group of people so dedicated to helping us to reconnect and come together as a family”
– Client at The Budding Elm