Find a Therapist in Highlands, British Columbia.

I provide a strong sense of safe space for client's to open up. Even though I'm non-judgmental and believe the client should be in the driver's seat, I'm not afraid to grab the wheel when needed! Expert direction is sometimes called for in the therapeutic relationship. I'm a confident therapist who brings over 20 years of experience to therapeutic work. I am fluent in various modalities of therapy, including DBT, ACT and CBT. My goal to support (and gently guide) my clients to live their best lives.

In psychotherapy, my focus is to build a trusting and therapeutic relationship with you so that you can safely uncover a deeper understanding of yourself, your thoughts and your feelings. You are unique in your approach and response to change and so there is no limit to the time you need. I am available to support long-term therapy while you engage in self-reflection and personal growth. To facilitate a therapeutic process, I draw on a wide range of skills and therapies that includes interpersonal, person-centred, systems, social justice, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.

Psychotherapy can be an enriching and fascinating experience. I work hard to create a safe environment where people can explore their lives from new perspectives. This can be an opportunity to transform your life into what you always hoped it could be, as well as an effective way to clean out the elements that are causing hurt, stress, or discomfort. Psychotherapy in my mind can be likened to yoga: it requires, patience, gentleness, effort and with those optimal results can be found.

Psychotherapy is a fancy word for having someone truly, sincerely, empathetically and without preconceptions or judgements, share your truth with you. It is the greatest honor and also responsibility to hold precious, with respect, everything you bring to the counselling experience. Sometimes that is trauma, shame or guilt. Sometimes psychotherapy includes delving into your past but this is not always the case. If you are wanting to focus on the present, and explore how to make a life more worth living, psychotherapy can provide you the insights you need to make positive change in your life. What is important to know is that regardless of where you are or want to go, you are safe with me.

My goal is for you to feel better, clearer, and confident that you can make a change; and that you have a meaningful goal to work towards. My first interest is to alleviate the pain and confusion if present through listening and clarifying. My approach is guided by the challenge presented and the change desired. Identifying the key influences is often helpful towards developing motivation and how to move forward.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, most of the work we will be doing is psychotherapeutic by definition. In my practice I offer a safe, compassionate space where you can open up and explore early trauma, old wounds and self-limiting beliefs. Our focus will probably involve Family of Origin work and to how to become more clear on what themes and issues were at play as you grew up. More importantly, our work in that area will involve what the consequences of living with that family were and how you can make more authentic and life-affirming choices now.

Clients who receive psychotherapy from me will learn about the root of their issues and how to heal these wounds. Many issues we face in life are deep rooted in our childhood or resulting from traumas we have survived and need to be addressed to be truly free and achieve peace and serenity. I will help you learn to live a vital, rich meaningful life and overcome any mental health issues.

Dr Sharolyn Sloat, Psychotherapist, Victoria BC, provides psychotherapy, counselling, and psychological services in a variety of areas to individuals, couples, and groups. Her expertise includes, but is not limited to, Relationship Issues, Addictions Analysis, Managing Emotions & Energy, Personal Growth, Human Performance, Career Concerns, Perfectionism, LGBT Issues, and Balance & Wellness. She takes an action-oriented and solution-based approach while helping clients to clarify, articulate and negotiate their needs and boundaries. Exploration, Enlightenment & Empowerment are the goals.

Shelley helps clients to explore the blocks that are preventing them from feeling in charge of their life. In a safe and supportive environment, Shelley encourages clients to uncover their wounds and unmet needs from childhood so that they can understand their behaviour patterns and how they coped with life's difficulties. Bringing awareness to these patterns with compassion and empathy, Shelley motivates clients towards change, by exploring new ways of coping and offering strategies and new skills that build on client's strengths, while enhancing self-esteem and self-worth. Helping clients develop a clear sense of self with confidence, promotes their potential, and feeling of empowerment.

Psychotherapy is similar to counselling. Individuals attend regular sessions for a variety of issues, such as anxiety, depression, stress, body image, eating disorders, self esteem, and personal growth. Psychotherapy includes therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Dialectival-Behavioural Therapy, and Mindfulness Training. Individuals explore thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and patterns. Through self awareness and learning new skills and strategies, individuals can feel better, more connected to themselves and others, more clarity around personal needs, and experience greater joy and increased functioning.

In therapy with me, you’re stepping into a space where you don’t have to perform or hold anything together. We explore the raw, unfiltered parts of your story—the hurts, hopes, questions, and contradictions—trusting that they all carry wisdom worth hearing. I guide you to reflect deeply on your patterns and choices, helping you make thoughtful changes that align with your values. Clients often leave feeling more centered, more compassionate toward themselves, and more intentional in how they live, equipped to move through life with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

My approach is rooted in creating a collaborative and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I believe in the power of a therapeutic relationship built on trust and respect, serving as a foundation for the transformative process of self-discovery and healing. Drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approaches, I tailor my methods to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. By fostering a non-judgmental environment, I aim to empower clients to openly express themselves and work towards understanding the underlying factors influencing their behaviours.

Struggling with anxiety, anger, addiction, or trauma? You’re not alone. Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or hopeless is tough, but it doesn't have to be permanent. I'm here to help. With specialized techniques and a compassionate approach, we can work together to find relief, gain control, and rediscover joy. Imagine a life where you feel calm, empowered, and in control. Book your free 15-minute consultation today to take the first step towards healing. Let’s turn your pain into strength and reclaim the life you deserve. Schedule now and start your journey to a better tomorrow.