If you’re reading this, chances are you’re searching for healing, clarity, or a new way forward. I’m Reilly, and as a practitioner of Compassionate Inquiry (CI) at Strength in Heart Counselling, I want to share how this approach—developed by Dr. Gabor Maté—can help you transform pain into purpose.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “A part of me wants to move forward, but another part is holding me back”? You’re not alone. Inside each of us is a vibrant, complex inner world—full of different “parts” that shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Sometimes these parts work together, and sometimes they pull us in opposite directions, leaving us feeling stuck or conflicted.

Ready to nurture radical self-compassion and bring harmony to your inner and outer world? Join our Somatic Parts Work group at Strength in Heart Counselling! Guided by Kendra Shaw and Brooke Fry, this unique four-week series blends compassionate conversation and body-based practices to help you explore, understand, and embrace every part of yourself—no matter how complex or messy. Whether you’re seeking balance, healing, or simply a safe space to grow, you’ll find support and inspiration here. Pay what you can—everyone is welcome. Reserve your spot today and start your journey toward deeper self-discovery and lasting well-being!

At Strength in Heart Counselling, we believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care—without financial barriers standing in the way. That’s why we’ve introduced our “Choose What You Pay” model, a flexible, tiered pricing system designed to meet you where you are, both emotionally and financially.

Reilly specializes in:

• Anxiety and Depression

• Attachment and Relational Trauma

• Burnout and Chronic Illness

• High Sensitivity and Neurodivergence

• Expressive Arts and Somatic Healing

• Emotional Regulation

• Depression and Anxiety

• Trauma

• Shame and Guilt

• Life Transitions

• Burnout

• Grief and Loss

• Caregiving

• Spirituality

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a deeply personal and painful experience that affects millions of people worldwide. It transcends gender, age, and socioeconomic status, leaving survivors with emotional, physical, and psychological scars that can feel overwhelming. At Strength in Heart Counselling in Victoria, BC, our counsellor Scarlet Jaxen specializes in supporting individuals who have experienced IPV, helping them find safety, healing, and empowerment.

Depression can often be misunderstood or overlooked, especially when the symptoms are mistaken for normal sadness or stress. However, recognizing the signs early can make a significant difference in getting the help you need. Here are ten key signs to watch for.

Gaslighting is a subtle yet harmful form of emotional abuse that can leave you doubting your own thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. Read this post to understand how gaslighting can affect mental health, relationships, & overall well-being.

We’re excited to introduce Scarlet Jaxen, MSW, RSW, the newest counsellor to join our team at Strength in Heart Counselling in Victoria, BC! With over 15 years of experience as a clinical social worker, Scarlet brings a unique and transformative approach to therapy, blending ancient wisdom with modern science to support healing and personal growth.

Are you feeling constantly drained or tense, maybe even when you’re trying to relax? Your body might be keeping the score of unresolved stress or trauma. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of the New York Times bestseller The Body Keeps the Score, we explore how stress and trauma can impact your mind and body—and what you can do to heal.

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It sneaks up on you.

Here are some hints that you might be running on empty:
⚠️ Small tasks feel overwhelming
⚠️ You’re always exhausted (even after sleep)
⚠️ You’ve lost passion for things you once loved
⚠️ Everything irritates you

If this sounds familiar then this post is for you!