About Vancouver Island Holistic Counselling

As an experienced Nanaimo counsellor, I offer in-person and online sessions.

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I want to see you thrive, not just survive!

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

Hi, I’m Véro! I bring warmth, authenticity, curiosity and a little humour into my counselling work.

But here’s a secret. I wasn’t always like this. I used to be depressed. When I was a teen, I smoked tobacco and told people I wanted to die young. I thought life was pointless. I often struggled to fit in, to find my place, to feel good about myself, to feel like I could make a difference in the world.

Throughout these challenges, exercise has been my medicine. It elevates my mood and gives me power over my life. Then I discovered yoga and therapy to heal my body from the pain and trauma caused by repeated accidents.

I created Choose2be, my health and fitness company, in order to share with others the joy of a healthy lifestyle, especially exercise. Now that I’ve graduated as a Transpersonal Therapeutic Counsellor, I’ve opened Vancouver Island Holistic Counselling to offer more rounded services to my clients, because we are so much more than just our bodies.

Véronique Rioux Nanaimo counsellor

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

Visit Choose2be for more Health & Fitness
Veronique Rioux

What led me to become a Nanaimo counsellor?

 

For years, my fitness clients would talk with me about much more than exercise — relationships, parenting, stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem and the challenges happening in their lives. I realized that supporting people emotionally was becoming just as meaningful to me as supporting them physically. That led me to formally train as a counsellor and expand my work into a holistic approach that honours the mind, body, relationships and the whole person.

As a mother of three sons, I also understand how complex family life, relationships, parenting and major life transitions can be.

Professional Credentials & Training

 

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor

Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT)

Registration #3047

Diploma in Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling

Clearmind International Institute
2022

My three-year counsellor-training program included experiential, relational, humanistic, systemic and trauma-informed approaches with supervised clinical practice.

Additional Couples Counselling Training

Imago Relationship Therapy

Level 1 & 2

Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Level 1

Relational Life Therapy

Level 1

I continue to engage in professional development to provide the best possible support for my clients.

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Verified on Psychology Today with 17 professional endorsements

View my Psychology Today profile
My counselling certification journey

Endorsements

These kind words from fellow professionals reflect the connections and trust I’ve built within the counselling community. I’m grateful for their support and recognition of my work.

Astraya Counselling

Counsellor, RTC, 3090

I find Veronique to be an empathetic nature, and her ability to provide thoughtful responses to clients. These qualities create a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking help. She truly cares for clients and that inspire us to open up.

Melody Hazelton

Counsellor, MTC, RCS, CT

Veronique is passionate about helping people and her capacity for unconditional positive regard is immense. She is dedicated, empathetic, patient, generous and accepting of others.

Tara Rinke

Counsellor, RTC, NARM, Breath

Veronique has a safe and inclusive presence, inviting all who engage in her practice to grow and develop their awareness and emotional integrity.

Karin Kronstal

Pre-Licensed Professional

Vero is a kind, compassionate and generous person with so much to offer to her clients. She really brings a holistic view of health to her wellness practice. I feel very fortunate to have benefited from her depth of experience.

Sheri Lee Sadowick

Counsellor, BA, RTC, CT

Veronique is kind, professional and empathetic. She brings a warmth and level of expertise to her sessions that goes above and beyond. Her life experiences only add to her ability to support in a gentle way, creating a safe space to process and heal.

Counsellor, RTC, Be The Way - Guidance & Counselling

Vero knows the challenges of keeping a balanced life. She supports her clients with physical health, as well as emotional and relational wellbeing. She is diligent and responsible in finding solutions that are practical and help make life more manageable.

Andrej Klimo

Counsellor, RTC, Lantera Counselling

I had to pleasure to meet Vero as a skilled therapeutic facilitator at a group retreat. Her compassion, care and uplifting energy created a safe, open and loving space to do important work. I would highly recommend her for anyone seeking support.

Bryan Davis

Counsellor, RTC, Whole Self Counselling

Veronique is a compassionate and insightful therapist who brings genuine care to her work. She creates a safe, collaborative space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to make meaningful change in their lives.

Monika Kolon

Counsellor, RTC, MSc

Veronique brings uplifting energy, curiosity, and playfulness to her work. She keeps people motivated while offering genuine care and fresh perspectives. Open to new challenges, she creates an inspiring, supportive space for growth and exploration.

Leanna Madill

Counsellor, PhD, RPC

Veronique is such a kind, caring, and passionate counsellor. She is curious, thoughtful, and supportive which helps her clients feel safe and supported to explore their goals and challenges. She also brings a wealth of wisdom about physical wellness.

Annette Fick

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, RTC, RSW

I’ve been privileged to work with Vero and witness her enthusiastic approach. She is passionate, caring, and present. She is committed to foster healthy relationships and genuine wellness for her clients. I highly recommend Vero!

Kerry Platt

Counsellor, RTC, Soul+Shine Therapy

Veronique is warm and skilled. She cares deeply about helping others and you will feel supported and safe in her presence.

Joel Todd

Counsellor, RTC

Veronique is bright with joy and laughter that often fills the time Ive 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.

Sacha Drury

Counsellor, BA , ND, RTC

It’s 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.

Laura Chartrand

Counsellor, RTC, BA

Veronique is a kind, compassionate, understanding, and deeply caring therapist. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking support.

Michelle Bucholtz

Counsellor, RTC, Open Space Therapy

Vero has helped guide me to an inner sense of self worth. I’ve experienced her disarming and safe presence; I’ve felt seen and heard by her gentle approach and caring support. I highly recommend working with Vero from personal experience.

Michael Falls

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, BSc, RTC

Vero is an amazing counsellor with a deep understanding of both mental and physical health. She’s compassionate, energetic, playful, and highly attuned to her clients’ needs. I’d highly recommend her to anyone seeking mental, emotional or physical support.

My journey into counselling

 

If you would like to learn more about my story with Holistic Counselling, please listen to the interview I did with the Wake Up With Gratitude Podcast. Available on Spotify, Apple, or direct download.

Wake Up with Gratitude Podcast Episode 153

 Let’s get together!

We can work together online, in person in Nanaimo, or outdoors through Walk and Talk Therapy.

My promise to you

I will meet you with flexibility, adapting my approach to your unique circumstances. I will support you in connecting more deeply with 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 and personal information. Questions? Feel free to contact me. info@vancouverislandholisticcounselling.ca

Book a consultation to see if we’re a good fit.

"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
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"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
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