Holistic Counselling - for when life gets hard.
Stuck? Overthinking? Can't Sleep? Tired of keeping it all together? A mind-body approach to lasting change.
A mind-body approach to help you get out of your head, uncover what's driving limiting patterns, and create lasting change.
Hello and Welcome.
I offer an integrative mind-body approach to help you move beyond old patterns, challenge limiting beliefs, and create lasting change.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and more than 20 years of experience. Beyond my graduate training, I’ve completed advanced training in Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Transformation and Bringing the Body into Practice. Combined with more than 20 years of teaching yoga and meditation, I offer an evidence-based, deeply embodied approach that helps you move forward in your life aligned with your dreams and values.
My work is also informed by my 25- year Buddhist practice, which cultivates the presence, compassion, attunement and intuition I bring to each therapeutic relationship.
G. Hurst - Registered Nurse - "Ocean's integrative, holistic approach to change has helped me immensely in my struggles with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. She provides insight, understanding, compassion, wisdom, and guidance. We also shared a lot of laughter."
I believe this turbulent time can catalyze rapid transformation by accessing our dormant abilities. We are designed for greater possibilities than just survival. Grounded in clinical research, my work focuses on the highest expression of your life.
In-person & virtual sessions from Victoria, BC —I am grateful to live and work on the unceded Lekwugen Territory, home of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.
The Convergence of Four Approaches
Counselling
Evidence-based therapy, integrating somatic approaches, CBT, attachment theory, and depth psychology.
Science
Grounded in neuroscience and neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to rewire itself —indicating that change is possible at any age.
Mindfulness
Cultivating present-moment awareness — the foundation for change — learning to observe your thoughts, emotions, and patterns with clarity, kindness and choice.
Spirituality
Beyond the thinking mind — opening to meaning, presence, inner guidance, and true alignment.
How I Can Help
Individual Counselling
Holistic therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and personal growth. Integrating somatic work, CBT, mindfulness, and depth psychology to help you discover your unique gifts and experience deep well-being.
Relationship Counselling
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is grounded in attachment theory, somatic principles, and emotional regulation. I trained directly with Dr. Sue Johnson to help you create a more secure, intimate bond.
Courses & Workshops
Transformative group experiences grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness. From the 12-week Open Heart, Open Mind immersion to monthly Mornings of Mindfulness.
Meditation & Mindfulness
Personal mindfulness training and group sessions. Over 25 years of practice, studying with the Dalai Lama, Jack Kornfield, Rick Hanson, and Tara Brach. Facilitator for BCALM.
Speaking
Engaging talks making mindfulness and meditation accessible and relevant. Past engagements include UVic, Canadian Forces, BC Transit, government ministries, and the BC Mindfulness Summit.
Coaching
Action-oriented support to excel in your personal and professional life. Tools, strategies, and exercises to overcome limiting beliefs and challenge unhelpful behaviours.
The Impact of My Work
Ocean's kind yet direct approach was exactly what I needed to overcome a long and debilitating apathy in my life. She was so completely understanding about my situation. She led me to find my own answers by asking the right questions and holding me accountable.
— Claire B.We undertook a study examining the use of meditation as a means of alleviating burnout in health professionals. Because of Ocean's expertise in meditation, she taught four workshops on mindfulness. The project was a huge success. I am so grateful for Ocean's skills. Thank you so much.
— Jane Gair, PhD., Professor, UVicI recently took Ocean's Open Heart, Open Mind course, which she promised would change my life — and it did! It works on many levels, integrating heart, mind, and body. I wholeheartedly recommend this course.
— S.H., Registered NurseOcean had a great presence, easy engagement, and practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into a busy life. I loved that mindfulness practice was interwoven with theory and enhanced knowledge. It was exactly on point for what lawyers are going through and directly addressed the challenges surfaced in the National Wellness Survey project.
— Canadian Bar Association, BC BranchReflections & Insights
The Shortest Distance, and the Longest Journey
The distance from the head to the heart is only a few inches, yet for many of us, it's the journey of a lifetime. We learn early to live in…
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Halfway through the Year of the Fire Horse
Here we are, halfway through the Year of the Fire Horse. For me, and for many of my clients, it has been a year of significant decisions, unexpected changes and…
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An antidote to stress… Embodied Mindfulness
Something has been stirring in me lately. As I watch the world around us grow more uncertain, more fractured, more exhausting, I find myself returning to the same question: what…
Read More →Common Questions
If you’re suffering from anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt, despite trying hard to “figure it out” on your own — counselling offers support and a non-judgmental space for you to be completely honest with yourself. It’s also a relief to know that you don’t have to carry it on your own. Counselling can help you see your blind spots.
People also reach out during life transitions and moments of crisis. Something in you knows things can’t continue the same way, and is looking for a different path forward.
You don’t have to be in crisis to begin. A simple curiosity — “something isn’t working, and I want it to change” — is enough.
Each session is tailored for you — what you’re bringing, and what feels most important that day. We might begin by talking, but we won’t stay only in the story.
At times, I may gently invite you to slow down and notice what’s happening in your body, your emotions, or your immediate experience. This can open the door to a deeper level of awareness, where real shifts begin to happen.
Everything we do is always an invitation — you’re in control of the pace, and you’re never pushed to go anywhere you’re not ready or willing to go.
Some people come for a few sessions to work through a specific issue, while others stay longer to create deeper, more lasting change. We can talk about what feels right for you, and there’s always space to adjust as we go.
Both coaching and counselling support growth and change, but they tend to focus in different places.
Coaching is often more future-oriented — helping you set goals, build habits, and move toward where you want to go. It’s focused more on action and less on emotional history or deeper patterns.
Counselling works at a deeper level. We explore the underlying patterns, emotions, and experiences that shape how you think, feel, and relate to yourself and others — and from this place, create new behaviours.
Ready for a Change?
I offer a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation to see if we are a good match. I look forward to meeting you.
Fees
Individual session: $195 / 60 min
Couples session: $235 / 60 min
Location
Victoria, BC
Unceded Lekwungen Territory
Sessions
In-person & Virtual available