The Greater Victoria Citizens' Counselling Centre offers affordable, accessible counselling to adult residents of Greater Victoria. All counselling is offered by volunteer counsellors trained and supervised by the Centre. We have a sliding fee scale based on family income. We offer individual counselling, couples counselling, and group counselling.
If you are struggling with life issues and hope that seeing a counsellor might make life easier, please call us. We are here for you. Our individual, couples and group sessions are available by telephone, video or in person. We have developed protocols for telephone and video counselling and have safety measures in place for in person counselling.
If you are struggling with life issues and hope that seeing a counsellor might make life easier, please call us. We are here for you. Our individual, couples and group sessions are available by telephone, video or in person. We have developed protocols for telephone and video counselling and have safety measures in place for in person counselling.
Services
Greater Victoria Citizens' Counselling Centre formed as a society in 1969. Like many grassroots community organizations, we started at a kitchen table with a group of passionate caring people talking about what if. The vision they shared was a community that had the capacity to provide quality emotional support to each other when life's challenges presented themselves.
We will get your contact info and ask you a few questions, including your annual income (our fees are on a sliding scale) and what you hope to gain as a result of counselling. A time will be set for your face-to-face Intake Interview. Please think about your schedule so you will be prepared to provide us with your availability.
If individuals requesting counselling can be more appropriately served elsewhere, referral information will be offered. Our individual, couples and group sessions are available by telephone, video or in person. We have developed protocols for telephone and video counselling and have safety measures in places for in person counselling.
The Centre offers a volunteer counselling training program every year to train people to become volunteer counsellors with the Centre. Volunteers receive approximately 160 hours of training with professional counsellors and educators over ten-months, one evening a week. In return they commit to offering the Centre 250 sessions of counselling once they graduate.
Reviews (7)
C.
Apr 09, 2021
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I had a great experience at Citizens counselling. I was dealing with very bad depression and anxiety but through my sessions I healed and grew into a much happier person. I had been seeing a cognitive behavioural therapist who was extremely unaffordable but switched after a few sessions completely to Citizens Counselling. My counsellor was incredible, I felt very safe and cared for. Not having to think of cost helped relieve my stress. Citizens Counselling is incredibly accessible and accommodating.
Toomuffled
Jul 28, 2019
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Counseling is way too expensive for most people. This service is a viable alternative for those many folk who need some help. It was a lifesaver for me. These are lay counsellors and students, clearly not meant for heavy duty issues. These people are approachable and if one counselor doesn't 'fit', then they are happy to try again. The more 'work' you do in preparing info as to why you need help the better they can fit you with the best person. They clearly really do want to help people and they did help me. Thank you!
David F.
Jul 03, 2019
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I felt welcomed and felt it was a very safe place upon my first interview. I was linked up with an amazing counselor who took the time to really listen to what I had to say and helped develop some amazing plans/goals for myself. Going here has no doubt changed my life for the better. It is an easy process and is a very cheap service for the amazing quality that is offered!
Annie Robinson
Feb 02, 2019
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After my first 2 or 3 sessions, I asked to have another counselor because I wasn't feeling progress. The second person I saw was amazing. I've been able to go back to her a couple of times over the years when I need support and always an excellent outcome.
It is hit and miss but don't forget you can ask to change counselors and the clearer you are about what you're looking for the better they can make a match.
It is hit and miss but don't forget you can ask to change counselors and the clearer you are about what you're looking for the better they can make a match.
Jennifer Zylstra
Apr 18, 2018
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Citizens' Counselling has helped me recognize areas in my life that needed change and helped me discover my ability to make those changes. From the first "cry for help" visit I made to the office to the last "look at all the things you've accomplished!" session with my counselor it has been a powerful, gentle, welcoming process. With such an affordable and priceless program available to me I am a more empowered citizen!
Lorraine Y. Pawlivsky-Love
Jun 23, 2015
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Saved my life by teaching me to love and be loved; to accept myself as a survivor of an abusive childhood and stop abusing myself as an adult. I learned how to treat myself respectfully and lovingly, and become a great Mom and friend to my family of friends and colleagues in Victoria! Thanks Citizen's!
Phil Stewart
Aug 08, 2014
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I went for counselling here because of the low cost and the counsellors flexibility. I saw a practicum student for 8 sessions. It was helpful, but not quite what I was hoping for. I ended up seeing a private therapist after. I guess it was good because it helped me get started with therapy, but the work I did after was a lot more deep and helpful.
