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About Us
 

South Island Counselling has been a part of the Victoria community since 1975. For 50 years, we’ve been committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where people can heal, grow, and feel supported through life’s challenges.

Who We Are

The Heart Behind What We Do

We are a team of Registered Clinical Counsellors and Master-level Counselling Interns who bring a wide range of experience and perspectives to the work we do. Our counsellors use a blend of approaches to meet your unique needs, offering guidance, tools, and strategies to help you navigate life’s challenges. Every session is personalized — we take the time to get to know you and support your journey at your own pace. We believe counselling can be a life-changing experience, and we’re here to walk alongside you as you take that step. 

Why Choose Us?

At South Island Counselling, we do things a little differently. With a team of over 20 counsellors, our Director of Clinical Services takes the time to match you with the counsellor who best fits your needs, ensuring you feel supported right from the start. As a charity, offering affordable counselling in Victoria and across B.C., we support people with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions and so much more. The fees from each session go beyond covering care — they directly support our Subsidy Program, making counselling possible for those who might not otherwise be able to afford it. When you choose us, you’re not only investing in your own wellbeing, you’re also paying it forward to someone else in our community.

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We believe counselling is a powerful, life-enhancing experience that everyone deserves access to. By working together, we create a healthier, more inclusive, and more connected community. Every year, we support over 800 clients with a wide range of mental health concerns, offering both in-person and virtual sessions seven days a week for convenience and accessibility. Over the past five decades, we’ve walked alongside tens of thousands of people across Greater Victoria and B.C.

Our Story

In 1975, Rev. Bob Vaughan, a dedicated Baptist minister, relocated from Alberta to Victoria with his wife, Joyce, and their three children. Inspired by a personal experience of transformative counselling, Bob envisioned a community where individuals could access compassionate, professional support during life's challenges. This vision led to the founding of South Island Centre for Counselling and Training (SICCT), initially known as Island Pastoral Services Association (IPSA).

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Bob's mission was clear: to provide accessible counselling services to those in need, regardless of their financial situation. Over the years, this commitment has grown, with SICCT expanding its services to support thousands of individuals across Greater Victoria and beyond. Today, we honor Bob's legacy by continuing to offer affordable, professional counselling services to individuals and couples in our community.

Our Vision and Mission

Our vision is that the work we do contributes to the creation of a healthy, vibrant and inclusive society.

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Our Mission is to strengthen mental, emotional and spiritual health in our community by providing excellent, professional  and affordable counselling and training.

Our Impact in the Community

  • 6,700 counselling hours provided in 2024

  • Over 870 clients supported across 19 municipalities in B.C.

  • 3,000+ volunteer hours, including contributions from counselling interns

  • 3 subsidized courses offered, along with specialty groups such as Embracing the Journey, A Senior Women's Circle and DBT (Dialetical Behavior Therapy) Skills

  • Dedicated to making counselling accessible, supportive, and life-enhancing for all

Our Mission

is to strengthen mental, emotional and spiritual health in our community by providing excellent, professional and affordable counselling and training.

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Learn more about us here.

Our Location

3821A Cedar Hill Cross Rd.

Victoria, BC V8P 2M6

Tel: 250-472-2851

Fax: 250-472-2815

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©2025 South Island Centre for Counselling and Training Society

 

We acknowledge with respect the beautiful and traditional territories of the Lekwungen People, who are now known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.

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