My Experience
I am a Registered Social Worker and have over 20 years experience helping people work through problems, overcome trauma, and find a better, more meaningful way in the world. None of us is immune to the regular challenges life throws at us but many times, we all need a compassionate and caring confidante to help us understand our reactions and choose differently to move forward. Staying stuck is familiar to each and every one of us but we don't have to stay there. When challenges confront us and keep us stuck in unhelpful (or destructive) patterns and cycles, they are opportunities to explore further for personal growth, development and change.
My Education
Registered Social Worker
Master of Social Work Degree, 1996
Bachelor of Social Work Degree, 1995
Bachelor of Arts Degree, 1993
Let's Find Solutions I believe in short-term, solution-focused counselling. Your past can inform your present but it doesn't have to define you. Let me help you move forward with the insight, knowledge, and understanding of who you are so that you can make good choices and connect authentically with your experience and world.
My Approach
I am a counsellor and a mother, a step-mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a community volunteer. I have faced and endured many challenges and I can tell you with confidence that personal growth and change can occur and the development of a strong sense of who you are is the key to a healthy and engaged life. It helps if you genuinely like yourself too! Let me help you get there. Understanding ourselves is important but changing unhelpful patterns and behaviours is critical.
Other Highlights
In addition to being a Counsellor in private practice for youth, adults and couples, I also have over twenty years of experience developing and facilitating social wellness programs, managing organizations and health promotion teams. I am a certified facilitator of the following programs:
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Stress: Take Charge
- Managing Angry Moments
- Intercommunication
- Mental Fitness & Suicide Awareness
- Creating an Addictions Free Workplace
I have also developed two courses that I deliver through the University of Victoria's Continuing Education Department:
- Boundaries 101
- The Constructive Use of Anger
I deliver workshops, presentations, and interactive professional development sessions to groups throughout the province of British Columbia.
What Others Have to Say "While recovering from trauma, Maryse helped me realize that my trauma did not define me and that there was a better and more authentic life awaiting me...and there was" Jo-Ann Howell
"Maryse is a compassionate and skilled social worker who specializes in resilience and health promotion. Her holistic and interactive approach helps individuals to self-evaluate, gain insights, and develop practical strategies to make the changes necessary to improve their emotional well-being" Sharon Smith, MA (Psych), RRP, MCVP
I look forward to hearing from you. I offer flexible appointment times, competitive rates, and the compassion, skill, and understanding necessary to help you find your own way forward. 
Maryse Neilson Reaches
Victoria BC