Leanne Stepp

Whatever landed you here in the realm of looking for a therapist, you've taken the first step of making change in your life. Something in you isn't ok with how things are going, and even if you haven't felt good in a while, part of you doesn't believe this is all there is to life right now. Let's encourage that part, show it some compassion, and explore options together. 

At Heart Work, I help individuals and couples in Victoria and across BC to find clarity, connection, and renewed purpose. I do this through traditional therapy, yoga and therapy sessions, or a combination of both. You decide.

I’m a Registered Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work, an adjunct professor who teaches theories of therapy and philosophy at the University of Victoria, a Registered Yoga Teacher, and a writer. I’ve spent nearly 20 years supporting individuals, couples, and families through complex life transitions, relationship challenges, and periods of uncertainty. I also teach yoga and integrate body-centered, somatic practices into therapy, helping clients reconnect with themselves on both a mental and physical level. We always move at your pace, with your comfort level. 

In our sessions, either online or in my peaceful therapy office/yoga studio at the Fort and Oak Bay junction, we’ll work together to make sense of your story and create new meaning. Using approaches grounded in Internal Family Systems, narrative therapy, and other techniques I draw from as I listen to you, I will help you uncover solutions that align with your values, desires, and goals.

Common challenges I support clients with:

• Anxiety and self-doubt
• Questions about sex, relationships, and intimacy
• Separation, divorce, blended families, and parent-child relationships
• Life transitions: career changes, returning to school, or navigating the “empty nest”
• Burnout and loss of meaning, creativity, and joy
• First loves, first break-ups. Old loves, old break-ups. Love in general!
• Working as a therapist or helping professional while trying to navigate your own life changes and stressors. Developing a strong practice framework, based on an ethic of love, social justice, and your own unique personality

All of my sessions are covered by extended health insurance, and I offer direct billing for Pacific Blue Cross, Medavie, ICBC, FNHA, and others. I also own Heart Work, a supportive group practice where clients can access a range of therapists and holistic services.

Whatever brings you to therapy, you deserve to be heard. Together, we’ll turn your current challenges into opportunities for growth, insight, and transformation to create a story that’s meaningful to you.