Danielle van Schaik

Welcome! I'm Danielle van Schaik and I'm glad you found DVS Counselling. I started this counselling practice with the intention of helping people identify their intrinsic value and resiliency to promote positive changes in their lives. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I am beyond certain that talk therapy can be a beneficial addition to address various concerns. I work from a relational framework, where together we explore what works (or doesn't!) for you. I feel honoured to hold the role of counsellor and witness positive change in my clients' lives. 

I am both a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) and a certified Canadian counsellor (CCC), and see a variety of clients through all stages of life. I work with children as young as 7 years old, adolescents and adults. I also occasionally provide counselling for couples. I have an office in Colwood on Mondays to Wednesdays, and an office in Victoria on Thursdays. Before becoming an RCC, I worked largely with children as a child and youth counsellor at an Island Health in-patient psychiatric facility. I also held a child and youth counsellor clinical leadership position at this site before pursuing private practice. With this experience, I'm grateful to bring what I've learned to incorporate various effective modalities and techniques into our sessions.

Some of my preferred therapeutic modalities are CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), EFFT (Emotion Focused Family Therapy), SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), Gottman Therapy, as well as DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy) techniques. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which can be a helpful modality for those who have experienced trauma. I tend to weave various techniques and approaches throughout our sessions depending on what may be most useful. And importantly, I work with a trauma-informed lens, such that I understand the effects of trauma and aim to help clients identify their own resiliency during their healing process. I am also a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

As for myself, I am a mother of adolescents and have been married for over 20 years. I enjoy listening to podcasts, watching some fun TV, being outside with my pug and playing sports. If you think we might be a good fit, please feel free to schedule a complimentary 20 minute phone or video consultation. This can be done through my Jane platform, linked on my website. I look forward to connecting with you!