Our Practitioners
Victoria Foulger BPhil, MEd (Counselling), RCT-C
Areas of Specialization:
Anxiety
Grief and Bereavement Counselling
Depression
Newcomer Support
Victoria specializes in grief and bereavement counselling, as well as offering support to individuals living with anxiety, depression, loss, and those seeking newcomer support counselling. In addition, she works with individuals navigating significant life transitions such as divorce, separation, new job or job loss, or questions around the direction life is taking.
With a profound dedication to person-centered and mindfulness-informed approaches, Victoria creates a nurturing therapeutic environment focused on fostering growth and resilience. She approaches counselling from a non-pathological perspective, emphasizing a non-judgmental, equitable, and compassionate space for clients to explore their challenges and find their own path towards a more fulfilling existence.
Victoria's practice is guided by the values of humanism, which celebrate the worth and dignity of every individual, affirm the importance of reason, empathy, and advocate for the pursuit of truth and meaning in life. She believes in the inherent goodness and potential for growth within each person, and is committed to empowering her clients to live authentically and ethically in accordance with their values.
Victoria's diverse professional background includes her original training as a Registered Nurse in the United Kingdom, where she gained invaluable experience in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and oncology settings. She is the co-author of a widely published patient education, self help book on angioplasty (2001). Her journey also led her to run a successful private practice as a Registered Massage Therapist, specializing in providing safe and effective therapy for individuals with cancer and cancer histories.
With over 35 years of experience spanning business leadership and healthcare roles, Victoria's passion for supporting others culminated in her graduation from Acadia University with a Master’s in Education in Counselling. Her diverse skill set uniquely positions her to provide holistic care to her clients.
Victoria is a proud member of the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT), as well as a non-certified member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Additionally, she is an active member of the Association for the Study of Death and Society (ASDS) further enriching her understanding of grief and bereavement.
Victoria is deeply committed to walking alongside her clients on their journeys toward growth, and self-discovery. Through her genuine support and expertise, she empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges with resilience, curiosity, and a deep sense of human connection.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger. It is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Anxiety can be a normal part of life, but when it becomes excessive or chronic, it can interfere with daily activities and quality of life.
What is grief & bereavement counselling?
Grief Counselling:
Grief is a natural and complex response to loss, typically the imminent death, or death of a loved one, but can also refer to the loss of a job, a relationship, or even the loss of a sense of identity or purpose.
It may be related to moving from one place to another leaving behind friends, family and familiarity. This might be due to a painful change in personal circumstances, but it can also relate to fleeing war, persecution, or environmental disasters.
Grief may be related to environmental loss and damage which can refer to the negative impact that human activities have on the natural environment. For some people, this type of grief can also be deeply painful, as it involves a sense of loss and a recognition that things will never be the same.
Grief can take many different forms, depending on the individual's relationship with the loss they are experiencing as well as their cultural and social background. Grief is a process that involves a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion, as well as physical sensations, such as tightness in the chest, difficulty sleeping, changes in weight, and eating patterns.
Grief can be a highly individualized experience, with each person experiencing and expressing it in their unique way. Some people may feel overwhelmed by their emotions, while others may seem numb or detached. The process of grieving can take time, and there is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve. It is important to allow oneself to feel and process the emotions associated with grief in a healthy way, such as through self-care, seeking support from loved ones, a social group or a therapist, and engaging in activities that bring comfort or meaning.
Bereavement Counselling:
This is more specific in that it is dealing with a death which has occured. It may help individuals to:
Understand the grieving process is unique to each person, and acknowledging that there is no right or wrong in grieving a death of a human or animal.
Express their feelings and emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
Develop coping strategies to deal with the loss.
Learn ways to manage for example, stress, anxiety, and depression that may arise as a result of the death.
Find ways to honour and remember their loved one.
Move forward with their lives in a healthy way.
Palliative Care Counselling:
This is a form of counselling that is designed to provide emotional support, guidance, and assistance to individuals who are facing life-limiting illnesses. This may be entierly individual or it might mean including families, close friends and caregivers. The aim is to address physical, emotional, social, and/or spiritual needs, in a confidential and sensitive manner. An imminent death, or a terminal diagnosis may lead to any number of new emotional, physical, or psychological experiences. Counselling may assist clients to understand their illness, develop coping strategies, talk through responses from and to their families/friends and make decisions about their care. Counselling may help patients and families navigate difficult conversations.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. It can affect a person's mood, behavior, and overall sense of well-being. Depression can be triggered by various factors, such as genetics, life events, chemical imbalances in the brain, or a combination of these factors.
What is Newcomer Support?
'Newcomer' support counselling is a type of counselling that is specifically designed to assist individuals who have recently migrated to a new country or culture. It provides support and guidance to help newcomers adjust to their new environment and cope with the challenges of adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life.
Newcomer support counselling can help in various ways, including:
Emotional Support: Moving to a new country can be stressful, and newcomers may feel isolated, anxious, or overwhelmed. Newcomer support counselling provides emotional support, empathy, and a safe space to share feelings and experiences.
Practical Assistance: Newcomers may need help navigating the various systems and services in their new country, such as healthcare, education, housing, and employment. Newcomer support counselling can provide practical assistance, guidance, and referrals to relevant resources.
Cultural Awareness: Newcomer support counselling can help newcomers understand and navigate the cultural differences they may encounter in their new environment, such as customs, values, and social norms.
Community Connection: Newcomer support counselling can also help newcomers connect with other individuals or groups in their community who share similar experiences, providing a sense of belonging and support.
Overall, newcomer support counselling can help newcomers adjust to their new environment, reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, and improve their overall well-being.
What is Trauma?
Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have a lasting impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Trauma can be caused by a wide range of events, including physical or emotional abuse, sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, or the sudden loss of a loved one.
Dr Gabor Mate, a well known physician and author, and expert on Trauma says, “Trauma, from the Greek for ‘wound’, is not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you…It is not the blow on the head, but the concussion I get.”
When a person experiences trauma, it can trigger a range of reactions and symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of guilt or shame. These symptoms may be immediate or may emerge months or even years after the traumatic event.
Trauma can have a significant impact on a person's ability to function in their daily life, including their ability to work, maintain relationships, and take care of themselves. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help if you have experienced trauma and are struggling with its effects. Trauma therapy can help individuals work through their experiences, reduce their symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life.
To book an appointment, email Victoria at:
(we will respond to your email within 24 hours)
