Nature-Based and Narrative Counselling
Restoring and restory-ing relationships with self, one another, and the land
There are many stories to peoples’ lives, and yet most people only know one version. Often, these stories are told about us and not by us, which can leave people feeling disempowered and disembodied. Shapeshift counselling was birthed out of a belief in relational healing and a curiosity for what’s possible when we boldly reclaim authorship over our own lives. By bringing awareness to the stories that have shaped us, we can shift the narrative and step into a greater sense of wholeness. I work with people who are navigating life transitions, exploring identities, and experiencing grief or loss. I also specialize in supporting people adjusting to the postpartum period. I would be honored to walk alongside you through the new shapes and shifts of your life.
What is Shapeshift Counselling?
Hi, I’m Sarina. Welcome.
Many intertwining and often meandering paths have led me to this practice. I have over 15 years of combined experience supporting youth and families in social services, land-based healing, and Indigenous health and social policy research. Among others, I have worked with Hope Blooms Community Garden, the Skookum Jim friendship Centre, and Kackaamin Family Development Centre. I thrive when I am on the land and in community. I use she/her pronouns and am a grateful guest in the unceded territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt), Schian’exw, Ts’ouke, and the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. (Victoria, BC). I hope that through my work I may uphold and truly embody principles of reciprocity and collective liberation for all beings.
As a mixed-race person, my passion for challenging fixed labels, celebrating unique perspectives, and building bridges across perceived differences, comes naturally.
As a mother and postpartum doula, I draw on my personal and professional experiences to support people holistically, collaboratively, and without judgment.
As a nature-based therapist, my connection with the land is rooted in my desire to cultivate places of belonging with and beyond our human communities, and to help others reclaim their own relationships with nature.
What We Can Do Together
I believe mental health cannot be separated from broader structures of oppression. By bringing a deep awareness of the systems that impact your life, I offer a radical and affirming approach to therapy. Together, we can create a space to identify the root causes of a problem and help you put down what is not yours to carry.
Anti-Oppressive and Decolonial Social Work
Nature-Based Therapy
This experiential therapeutic approach works collaboratively with nature to foster reconnection and reciprocal healing.
Sessions can take place at neighborhood parks, beachfronts, along forested walking paths, or other nearby nature areas. Activities may include movement, mindfulness, nature art, nature play, and more. Sessions are tailored to meet your specific needs, preferences, and comfort level.
Narrative Therapy
Helping you make sense of what you are experiencing by centring your own voice, values, and preferred life story. This approach is grounded in the belief that everyone has the skills and knowledge to change their relationship with the problems affecting their lives. Through tender curiosity and collaboration, I work alongside you to help expand your capacity for connection with stories of hope, adaptation, and possibility.
Postpartum Counselling
The shift into the postpartum period is undoubtedly one of the most transformative, yet also one of the most overlooked. Far too many parents feel judged, shamed, or isolated simply for experiencing the normal challenges that come with one of life’s toughest transitions. If any of the following feel familiar, you’re not alone and you’re in the right place:
overworked and undervalued
identity confusion and loss
self-doubt, worthlessness, and guilt
overwhelmed by gratitude and grief
compromised needs and violated expectations
Please Note: I am happy to work with parents up to 2 years postpartum.
Babies are welcome in sessions!
How I Show Up
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Relational
I bring warmth, curiosity, creativity, and humor into the therapeutic relationship. Together, we can work to strengthen your resources and relationships.
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Safety-Centered
What feels safe is different for each person. I will collaborate with you to find what safety in a therapeutic space means to you.
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Choice and Collaboration
I believe everyone is the expert in their own lives. Your voice, goals, and feedback will direct the pace and direction of our work together. Whatever you need to bring into the therapeutic space is welcome.
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Culturally Affirming
I believe in the power of reconnecting with traditional and ancestral knowledge. I also believe everyone should feel safe and respected in their own cultural identities and practices.
Fees
50 minute session —- $150
75 minute session —- $225
Many extended health providers cover counselling services provided by a Registered Social Worker. Please check with yours!
I acknowledge that financial barriers often prevent people from accessing the support they deserve. I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots; please reach out if you would like to discuss this option.
Service Details
Appointments
Currently accepting adult clients for 1:1 counselling
In-nature sessions available in the West Shore and within the greater Victoria-area
Virtual sessions available across BC
Areas of Passion
I stand against racism, transphobia, queerphobia, ableism, anti-immigration, and state violence
I stand for love, decolonial healing, accessiblity, interconnectedness, and collective liberation.
I celebrate families of all genders and orientations. I am open to working with anyone and am passionate about supporting equity-deserving groups and those existing in the margins.
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This includes supporting people through all pregnancy outcomes, including birth, miscarriage, loss and abortion.
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Navigating stress, overwhelm, the invisible emotional load, unrealistic expectations, and self care. How to show up for yourself while showing up for everyone else
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Creating a safe and affirming space for racialized people to navigate the unique stressors related to systemic racism, microaggressions, and intergenerational trauma. Holding space for mixed-race people to find wholeness in a society that seeks to categorize
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Grief and loss (exploring and honoring your preferred way of grieving), identity shifts (exploring and honoring your preferred way of identifying)
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Rooting self compassion in individual and collective liberation practices
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Everyone responds to trauma differently. I offer a safe and compassionate space for those experiencing symptoms of trauma to heal and reclaim peace of mind