who I am
Before I began practicing as a Professional Counsellor on the west coast of Vacouver Island in Tofino, BC, my life looked very different. I was employed as a coastal geologist in Hawai‘i, spent countless hours at sea as a commercial fisherman, and worked as a visual artist. These roles kept me close to nature, patterns, change, and the unpredictability of life. Those years, coupled with my personal upbringing, shaped how I see the world—always changing, often challenging, full of meaning and interconnectedness.
Through my own struggles, lived experiences, and personal therapy, I found myself drawn towards counselling as a profession—showing up as a support person for people as they navigate challenges, much like others did for me.
my counselling practice
First, I hold a deep respect for diversity, individuality, and community. I have experience supporting individuals from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds. I bring curiosity, care, and respect into the counselling space, offering a grounded, non-judgmental presence. My goal is to support healing and personal growth in ways that feel authentic, meaningful, and aligned with each person’s unique sense of self.
My approach is relational, client-centred, and collaborative. I actively work to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences at their own pace. I have experience in supporting individuals navigating emotional overwhelm, identity, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, life transitions, and the lasting impact of past experiences on present-day wellbeing. I place great importance on the stories we tell ourselves and how these narratives shape our sense of self, influence our relationships, and affect the way we move through our communities.
I value curiosity, compassion, and authenticity. I approach the counselling environment from an existential perspective. Believing that understanding and decoding our meanings, values and purpose in life, is the driving force behind self-empowerment, positive change, sustainable balance, an inner felt freedom and joy.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy and Life Coaching. I am trauma-informed and understand the subtle and not so subtle forms that this word can take on. Drawing from a wide range of approaches and modalities, my focus is to best support each client’s unique needs, meeting clients where they are at in the present. I work from a holistic lens, grounded in the belief that mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health are interconnected.
What this may look like is sharing complicated feelings with a fellow human in a space where confidentiality is foundational. It can feel warm and supportive. It can also feel challenging. But, it is the freedom to be angry, sad, ashamed, uncertain, or confused without judgment or added narrative.
It might involve thoughtful conversation around purpose, life, death, fear, or resentment. It can also be practical work around strengthening communication and listening skills. We will inevitably talk about who you are? What resources you have available to you? And, what are you needing and wanting at this moment? My hope is that, whatever form a session takes on, my client feels the freedom to be exactly who they are.
Contact
mattdyercounselling@gmail.com