Your Counsellor in Victoria, BC offering free initial consult: 778-533-3418
Approach
Knowing I will listen without judgement, and offer unconditional support can help you unburden yourself of whatever you're experiencing. Whether you're feeling down, stuck, frustrated, stressed, anxious, have relationship or parenting issues, or don't understand your feelings. I work from a strengths-based, client centered approach. That means that the client is the knowledge keeper, the director of their will. I work to support you in your journey and guide you based on the strengths you possess and help build on those strengths. Together we discover, and uncover, that which isn't working. We collaborate on ways to move you past where you're at to get to where you'd rather be, and to see possibilities develop where you didn't think they could exist.
Whether you are struggling with your child's behaviors, or your parenting experience, Parent Support Counselling will help you become an effective parent and have a healthy relationship with your child(ren), no matter their age or stage. I will see parents individually or as a couple and/or will work with children (11 years and olders)/teens if needs require. Contact me for a free consult to see if this meets your needs.
There are several types of therapy from which I draw depending on the clients' needs. These might include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Family Therapy
- Attachment Based
- Solution Focused
- Client Centered
- Emotion Focused
- Mindfulness
- Narrative Therapy
Coastal Counselling & Wellness
Why Coastal? Not only do we live on the west coast, which I would like to acknowledge as the land of the first peoples, but we also play on the coast. My play consists of walks on the beaches, sailing around the islands, collecting small stones with which to make jewelry, and stand up paddle boarding in the summer. The coast is also where those closest to me live and I cherish the time I spend with them. For these reasons, I dedicate the name of my counselling business to that which makes my life's journey a pleasure; that which nourishes my sole and brings me the peace and happiness that is life.
Coastal Counselling and Wellness is about becoming your best self, or becoming the best person you can be with those around you. Counselling involves building a safe and confidential relationship between counsellor and client(s) such that you can honestly explore your needs, talk freely about your concerns, and be truly heard and understood without judgement. Wellness means finding ways to move forward such that you feel better, set realistic goals and reach them, and become well enough to function both individually and in your relationships.
The 'Cairn', as seen in the image, is a symbol both of my Scottish heritage and of a landmark which symbolizes that you are not alone in your journey.
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Lesley Porterfield, RCC
In order to work to the best of my abilities, I focus on what my background and expertise bring to counselling. My practice is diverse and I offer parent support counselling, individual counselling for adults/teens/children (11 yrs and older), or relationship counselling. As a Teacher, Early Childhood Educator, Child Care Consultant and Counsellor, I have worked with children and families for over 20 years. I am certified in PREP couples coaching and am a Training Assistant for the Citizens' Counselling Centres' volunteer counsellor training program.
I welcome individuals, couples, or parents with child/teen behavior concerns. I will work with children (11 years and older)/teens individually if the fit is right. Often working to support the parents is the preferred approach.
As a Child Care Consultant I have worked with care providers to help them understand the needs of young children. I facilitate workshops on child development, child guidance, and childhood stress as well as other topics. I also teach the Canadian Child Care Federation's Family Child Care Training course.