Services
Registering for Counselling
Making the call is the first step – and often the hardest. Once the initial contact is made many people feel a sense of ease in their situation. We hope that’s true for you. The next step requires some patience. Here’s how our process works:
Citizens’ Counselling currently takes all counselling requests by phone. Our phone lines are answered from 10 am to 3 pm M-F and voicemail is available after hours. The initial intake phone call takes about 10-15 minutes as we’ll explain our services in detail and gather some information from you.
After the initial phone call, you will be sent an intake form to fill out and return to us. Once completed and returned, you are then placed on our waitlist for counselling. Our waitlist time is, on average, 8 weeks.
When you are nearing the top of the waitlist, we’ll check-in with you to see how you are doing, re-confirm your availability, and your preferences. From there, clients usually receive a call from their counsellor within a few weeks to book their first session.
The Centre offers individual, couples, and Psychoeducational Groups to people 18 years and older in Greater Victoria.
We offer up to 11 sessions over a 15-week period of individual or couples counselling. Counselling is available days, evenings and weekends in our offices in Quadra Village.
Our volunteer counsellors are trained to work with the following life issues:
changes in status or roles
stress and anxiety management
situational depression
relationship/ communication
conflict
self esteem and assertiveness
anger
We welcome the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community with all-gender washrooms, asking about pronouns, and making every attempt to fulfill requests for counsellors versed in 2SLGBTQQIA+ issues. In recognition of the impacts of systemic oppression, our volunteer counsellors are trained from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens.
SIGN UP FOR GROUPS HERE
IMPORTANT : After you complete this form, you will be provided an interview booking link on the final page. Please do not close your browser, as the link will appear only after you complete the form. Once you hit “Submit” the link will be on the “Thank you” page.
Understanding Shame; Fostering Connection
Group Sessions: Monday Morning 10:00 a.m – 12:30
Oct 19-Nov 23
Pre-Group Interviews: Mondays Sept 8th and Oct 5th; 10:00a.m – 1:00p.m
Join us for this 5-week dynamic, psychoeducational group.
Shame is a universal emotion associated with depression, grief, anxiety, disordered eating, addiction, and violence. In this group developed by Dr Brené Brown, we will learn to recognize and understand shame and cultivate shame resilience. Through exercises, videos, readings, and discussion, we will explore our experiences and responses to shame. We will also learn how practicing empathy, critical awareness and connecting with others helps us stand up to shame.
A 30-minute interview is required to help determine if the group is a good fit. Interviews will take place on Monday Sept 28th and Monday Oct 5th 10:00a.m-1:00pm. You will be asked to book an interview through this form. Interviews will be held at 941 Kings Rd.
Fees:$10–$25 per session based on family income ($60-$150 for the 6-session group) A $20 non-refundable deposit (applied toward your fees) is required at registration to hold your spot. You will be emailed to confirm your session fee after you book an interview.
Please note: We discourage groups of people / family members from registering for the same group. It often creates unhelpful dynamics that undermine the group process. We will offer this group again so that others may take advantage in the future.
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Mindfulness
Group Sessions: Wednesday Evenings 6:00p.m- 8:00p.m
Oct 21-Dec 2nd (No Group Nov 11)
Pre-Group Interviews: Wed Sept 30th + Wed Oct 7 5:30-8:30
Quadra Village
Are you curious about mindfulness and how it can support your day‑to‑day life?
Join us for this 6-week dynamic, psychoeducational group.
This six‑week series introduces mindfulness as a practical approach to meeting stress, change, and everyday experiences with more awareness and care. Sessions will include guided instructions, discussion, and simple practices that can be woven into daily routines. The series is open to those new to mindfulness as well as those looking to renew or deepen an existing practice within a safe group setting.
A 30-minute interview is required to help determine if the group is a good fit. Interviews will take place on Wednesday Sept 30th and Wednesday Oct 7th between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. You will be asked to book an interview through this form. Interviews will be held 941 Kings Rd.
Fees:$10–$25 per session (based on family income). A $20 non-refundable deposit (applied toward your fees) is required at registration to hold your spot. You will be emailed to confirm your session fee after you book an interview.
Please note: We discourage groups of people / family members from registering for the same group. It often creates unhelpful dynamics that undermine the group process. We will offer this group again so that others may take advantage in the future. Please ensure you are available to attend all the dates listed below. Group participation is important!
Join our mailing list HERE to be notified when our groups are offered.
Understanding Addictions Psycho-Education Group
Group Sessions: Thursday Evenings
6:00-8:00 p.m.
6 weeks
Oct 22nd – Nov 26th
Pre-Group Interviews: Thursday Oct 8th and Thursday Oct 15th. 5:00-8:30 p.m.
Join us for this 6-week dynamic, psycho-educational group.
This community-based psycho-education group offers practical, evidence-informed information about addiction, along with useful tools for understanding and responding to addictive behaviours. We’ll explore what addiction is and how it affects the brain, the Stages of Change model, relapse prevention, and practical cognitive and behavioural strategies that can support change. The group will also explore the deeper dimensions of addiction, including trauma, comorbidity, and the ways we can understand and relate to the parts of ourselves vulnerable to addiction. The focus is on building knowledge, insight, and practical tools in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. The group is intended for anyone struggling with an addiction and may also be appropriate for people directly impacted by a significant other’s addiction. The group is not a substitute for withdrawal management, medical care, crisis support, or addiction treatment. Participants who require these services will be encouraged to seek appropriate professional support. Participants are expected to arrive sober and able to participate safely and respectfully.
A 30-minute interview is required to help determine if the group is a good fit. Interviews will take place on Thursday Oct 8th and Thursday Oct 15th, 5:00-8:30 p.m. You will be asked to book an interview through this form. Interviews will be held 941 Kings Rd.
IMPORTANT : After you complete this form (link at the top or bottom of this page), you will be provided an interview booking link on the final page. Please do not close your browser, as the link will appear only after you complete.
Fees:$10–$25 per session (based on family income). A $20 non-refundable deposit (applied toward your fees) is required at registration to hold your spot. You will be emailed to confirm your session fee after you book an interview.
Please note:
This group is not a substitute for withdrawal management, medical care, crisis support or addiction treatment. Participants who require these services will be encouraged to seek appropriate professional support. Participants are expected to arrive sober and able to participate safely and respectfully.
We discourage groups of people / family members from registering for the same group. Please ensure you are available to attend all the dates listed below. Group participation is important!
Join our mailing list HERE to be notified when our groups are offered.
SIGN UP FOR GROUPS HERE
Group fees are also based on family income and range from $10-25 per session.
exploring anger
understanding shame, fostering connection
creating happiness
building self esteem
mindfulness based practices to move through depression and anxiety
tools for building friendship: a group for men
If you need help now because you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line for service at 1-888-494-3888. You can get more information by visiting their website.
Referrals
We’ll assist you in finding the help you want.
The Centre attempts to maintain current information on many other local community and government social services.
If those requesting counselling can be more appropriately served elsewhere, referral information will be offered. If you are needing information for a friend or family member please call.
If you would like to research community services online go to BC211.ca
Room Rentals
- Need to rent a counselling room? We rent space to local counsellors.
- Limited availability.
- Please contact the office for hourly rates: info@citizenscounselling.com