Lizanne Chicanot
Providing specialized therapy for couples, parenting, relationship issues
Availability in Oak Bay
About Me
Lizanne brings a rich, diverse background to her counselling practice, grounded in a deep curiosity about human nature and the relationships that shape us. Having spent much of her career in the education system, she has served as a classroom teacher, behaviour support specialist, counsellor, and high school principal across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Her international and regional experience—living and working in northern Indigenous communities as well as in Africa—fuels her passion for supporting individuals and families from all cultural backgrounds.
Lizanne approaches therapy with compassion, keen interest, and a belief that every person possesses innate strength and wisdom. Drawing from modalities such as Solution-Focused, Brief, and Narrative Therapy, she creates a collaborative space to help clients navigate life’s toughest challenges. Following two years at Citizens Counselling, she joined The Budding Elm in June 2023 as a private contractor dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
HOW I WORK: MY APPROACH & MODALITIES
NARRATIVE
THERAPY
DBT & PLAY
THERAPY SKILLS
BUILDING
SOLUTION
FOCUSED
& BRIEF THERAPY
GOTTMAN
METHOD
FOR COUPLES
Certifications & Licenses
Education: B.A. (Honours) in Drama & Math (Queen’s University), B.Ed. (Queen’s University), M.Ed. in Counselling (University of Victoria).
Specialized Training & Certifications:
Couples & Relationships: Gottman Level 1, Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples, Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy (RLT), Virginia Satir Family Therapy, Family Constellations, and specialized Couples Counselling training.
Children & Youth: Play Therapy and DBT for Youth.
Therapeutic Modalities & Workshops: Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused/Brief Therapy, ADHD, and PTSD workshops.