Meet Our Counsellors

Kathryn (they/them)- Counsellor and Counselling Supervisor

Hello folks.  A bit about me: I am a registered clinical counsellor with an MA in Counselling and a Bachelor of Social Work.  My background in outreach-based social work informs my practice as a counsellor. Over the past 20 years I’ve worked with LGBTQ2S++ folks in both individual and group settings and with youth and adults from many vibrant communities in Victoria.  Personal change and social change are often deeply connected—I consider the effects of systems of power on the lives of my clients using interpersonal, anti-oppressive and somatic approaches in our work together. I am passionate about the work we do here at VSAC and supporting survivors towards their own healing paths. I am keen on finding ways to reduce barriers to accessing services.  When not working at VSAC you can find me at home trying to learn the guitar, listening to music, spinning wool and tending to my plants.

Catherine (she/her)- Counsellor

I have been a counsellor at VSAC since 2006, providing immediate short-term support to women and trans survivors of sexualized violence. My approach is conversational, holistic and Response-Based. I was born and raised in Spain, completed my B.A. at the University of Alberta, and my M.A. in Counselling Psychology at City University of Seattle. I am very grateful to be living and working on the unceded Coast Salish Territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, with my partner, two dogs and three beehives. Glad to be serving our VSAC community for the past 17 years!

Metta (they/them) – Counsellor

I have worked as a Trauma Therapist and Group Facilitator at VSAC since 2018.  I specialize in Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy.  I have extensive experience in Non-Violent Communication and have well established community based meditation practice, attending regular weekend and weeklong retreats.  I take a safe inter-relational approach to therapy, encouraging us to make a priority of caring for your nervous system and emotional state while we work.  Mindful awareness and identifying what needs underly feelings and experiences is integral to my approach.

Nichola (she/her) – Counsellor

I am a graduate of City University of Seattle. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I specialize in interpersonal violence that includes sexualized violence, racialized violence, workplace violence, and partner violence. Also, I work with issues of grief and loss and suicidality. Since 2016, I have been a counsellor at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre. In this capacity, a trauma-informed lens is central to my practice. I provide immediate short-term support to women and trans survivors of sexualized violence. This work involves a holistic approach of safety, enhancement of coping skills, and working towards stabilization. In 2020, I began working as a consultant and co-facilitator of Black Youth Empowerment (BYE) with the Prevention Program (Project Respect at VSAC). Also, I am working with the agency Learning Through Loss with grieving youth and young adults ages 13 to 24. When I am not doing clinical work, I am researching, writing, or publishing books. I am grateful to live and work on the unceded Coast Salish territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ nations.

Jackie (she/her) – Counsellor

I would like to acknowledge that I am a visitor to the Coast and Straight Salish Territories. I am a visitor from Behcho’ko, NT. My mother was Dene (TliCho and Chipewyan) and she was raised by a Metis family, Henry and Helen Lafferty of Behcho’ko. My father is German.

My experience as a counsellor includes working individually and in groups. I specialise in supporting individuals healing from trauma. My practice in counselling is informed by my roots and my healing journey. I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) as well as an EMDR Therapist. I believe we are all connected, healthy relationships are key to living well, and that we have the capacity to heal ourselves. My goal is to provide you with a safe space that honours your experiences and ability to heal. I am a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I obtained my MA in Counselling (2013) and BA in Psychology (2009) degrees from the University of Victoria.