Vancouver Island Holistic Counselling

If you need help navigating a painful situation in your life, or if you feel like you’re struggling every day just to keep yourself together, I hear you.

Vancouver Island Counselling and Therapy

Offering online and in-person services to individuals, couples, and families throughout Vancouver Island.

Coming up against the same old obstacles, the same old blocks, over and over again, can make you wonder if anything is ever going to change.

You’ve tried to solve your problems on your own and you’re starting to realize that maybe, just maybe, you need outside support.

I’m glad you’re here. Asking for help can be hard, but it’s a great first step toward lasting change.

We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.

— Brené Brown

How does this sound?
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Setting goals and meeting them without struggle

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A feeling of connectedness, purpose, and meaning
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Trusting in yourself, and a feeling of abiding peace

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Being heard and understood without judgment
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Enjoying deep, lasting intimate relationships
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Waking up excited for each day
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Having the inner strength and the tools you need to navigate difficult situations

Meet your counsellor

Véronique Rioux
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC)
Health and Fitness Expert

Hi, I’m Véro!

Through my transformative journey from depression to joy, I discovered the power of exercise, yoga, and therapy. These tools not only healed my pain but also ignited a passion to share them with others.

Drawing from my experiences, I founded Vancouver Island Holistic Counselling to offer comprehensive support. As a Transpersonal Therapeutic Counsellor, I provide holistic services, recognizing that we are more than just our bodies. Let’s embark on this journey together towards healing and growth.

Nanaimo Counsellor Véronique Rioux

Let me empower you – to realize your potential, to help you develop your inner and outer strength!

How can I help?

Mental Health

Anxiety

Trauma

Depression

Family Therapy

Couples Counselling

A holistic approach to health

Exercising, eating well, a connection to nature, healthy relationships with ourselves and others, the ability to laugh and play, meaningful work — all of these things are important for our wellbeing.

I’m here to support you toward becoming the best version of yourself, to offer a safe, non-judgmental environment, and to facilitate your natural healing impulses.

You don’t have to be alone on this journey. I have the training and experience to help you overcome your struggles, unearth your desires, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Individuals

Couples

Families

Wellness Blog & Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a counsellor do?

A counsellor is a qualified professional who is here to listen and encourage you to say whatever you need to in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Sometimes, listening is the only thing that’s needed for the healing process to begin.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, overcoming past trauma or relationship issues, you don’t have to be alone in this journey. I have the training and experience to help you overcome these struggles, achieve your goals, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

By working with me, you’ll uncover your own self-knowledge and strengths and, in the process, identify your own solutions. I help people break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life. As your counsellor, I will create a confidential space for you to share your story so that we can work collaboratively towards your goals.

I believe you are unique and have the wisdom, creativity, strength and ability to create the life you deeply desire. If you want to know more about my approach to therapy, you can learn more by reading here.

What are Véronique’s qualifications?

I am a Transpersonal Therapeutic Counsellor. I’ve earned a Diploma in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology after graduating from a three-year experiential program with Clearmind International. During the program, I’ve completed 230 hours of observation hours, 221 hours of direct client contact hours, 70 hours of supervision and 240 hours of therapeutic hours, not including my regular weekly classes. I am also certified Education Assistant and Community worker. I also have been working as a Health and Fitness expert for the last 20 years; to know more about it check out my website Choose2be.

What is Transpersonal Psychology?

I am trained in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology, which combines aspects of modern psychology and spirituality. I believe that a holistic approach to healing includes mind, body, and spirit.

There are many layers to a person, and what we need to be working on is fluid and constantly changing. Sometimes we need to be working on the “ego,” while at other times we need to explore our spiritual connection to ourselves and all that is around us.

A spiritual counsellor is willing to see wholeness and perfection in others. I choose to see light, innocence, beauty, and magnificence in my clients.

The transpersonal therapist works under a larger umbrella than many other therapists. We have a more varied tool box with which to work from, as we are trained in spiritual counselling as well as modern psychological interventions. It really is the best of both worlds.

 Let’s get together!

We can work together via phone or video, by sitting down in person, or — my favourite: Walk and Talk Therapy!

My promise to you

I will meet you with flexibility, adapting my approach to your unique circumstances. I will help you become who you authentically are, and will greet you with acceptance, knowing that diversity is what makes human beings beautiful. I see vulnerability as the window to connection and will hold your vulnerability with care and compassion. I take confidentiality seriously and have processes in place to guarantee your privacy.

Questions? Feel free to contact me. info@vancouverislandholisticcounselling.ca

"It has a been a privilege being on the receiving end of Veronique's warmth and wise insight. She has supported me through some tough moments in life* and always has an incredible depth of care in her eyes while lovingly holding space for me with her gentle nature. She is extremely compassionate and I find her to be very trustworthy. She is a gift to all who work with her!"

Sacha Drury

"You have helped me deal with an aging body and helped me with flexibility. You’ve also helped me to accept my own mortality and be joyful to face every new day."

Sharon Krog

" I am deeply in gratitude with Veronique for her compassion, understanding, patience, creativity, and professionalism. Veronique has been an amazing therapist whom I have learned a variety of tools to help me deal with challenges. Since I took her counselling, I have taking a new path to self-discovering and I can always go back to the basics she has taught me and re bounce myself. I loved her style and commitment to help me accept myself, love myself and approve myself. She has giving me a new perspective about life, about myself and the world. I was impressed by her knowledge about the mind, emotions and really appreciated her relaxing techniques incorporated into every session. Thanks Vero! "

Lorena G.

"Veronique is bright with joy and laughter that often fills the time I’ve spent with her. I feel her deep care and support in the middle of any interaction I have with her. Vero brings her vast knowledge of the body and health into her work as a counselor with ease. I had this feeling of being challenged on my stuff while being cared about when with Veronique. Working with her is always dynamic!"

 Joel Todd

"Veronique is one of the most compassionate and empathetic people I know. She knows just how to hold people in their tenderness and is also not afraid to fully embrace their life victories. She does this through full self expression and leadership in the area of embracing movement and expression in voice and body. Vero is a dynamic and gifted therapist, masterful in the area of empathy and forward moving in her ability to tap into forgiveness of self and other."

Jason McQuarrie