here we heal.
here we grow.
Serving Greater Victoria & The Westshore | In-Person & Telehealth
Warm, practical, trauma-informed care for children, teens, adults, and families who want to feel more connected, understood, and supported.
Meet the Team
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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.
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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.
Who We Are
The Budding Elm Counselling is a relationship-centred therapy practice serving families, youth, adults, and individuals across Greater Victoria and the Westshore.
Much like the elm tree that puts down deep roots before stretching toward new growth, our practice has expanded since opening in Oak Bay Village in 2019. Throughout every season, we remain 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, and relationship struggles, nurturing the resilience needed to weather life's changes.
We meet you right where you are, creating a safe, welcoming space to cultivate growth—Together, we help you build the sturdy roots, practical skills, and deeper connections that allow individuals and families to thrive.
Connection first. Skills second. Growth always.
Child & Teen Therapy
Supporting young minds through big emotions and life transitions.
Anxiety, worry, & emotional regulation
School avoidance & behavioral challenges
Trauma-informed adolescent support
Individual Adult Therapy
A safe, grounded space to reconnect with yourself.
Stress, burnout, & life transitions
Overcoming past trauma & anxiety
Building healthier self-compassion
Family & Couples Therapy
Supporting young minds through big emotions and life transitions.
Parenting strategies & co-parenting navigation
Repairing family communication patterns
Attachment-focused relational healing
Your Journey Starts Here
We offer in-person counselling sessions at two convenient clinical locations: Oak Bay and Westshore.
Match & Connect
Book a 15-minute phone/video chat to ask questions with zero pressure.
Free Consultation
Complete quick online intake forms through our secure Jane portal and start your journey.
Begin Healing
The Heart Behind The Budding Elm
At The Budding Elm, counselling is a dedicated calling to support local children, teens, and parents. Founded by Dr. Katie Elmhurst, our practice helps families heal, rebuild, and thrive together—guided by the belief that when one person grows, the entire family unit grows stronger.
Our name reflects this philosophy. Inspired by Dr. Elmhurst’s surname, the elm tree symbolizes deep roots to weather life’s storms, while "budding" represents hope and new growth.
Therapy here is not about "fixing" what is broken, but partnering with you to unlock your inherent strengths. Guided by grace, patience, and clinical expertise, Dr. Elmhurst provides a safe, grounded space to help your family navigate challenges and achieve lasting, step-by-step healing.
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