Meet Gail M.
About
She/Her
I am a woman of English/Scottish/Irish and Hungarian descent, though I have little connection to that history. I am a settler and have spent most of my life here on the lands of the Coast Salish; specifically Xwsepsum (Esquimalt First Nation), Lekwungen (Songhees), T’Sou-ke, Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay), and the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples (Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum, and Malahat Nations). I feel deep connection to this place and spend my free time wandering on beaches and in forests as much as I can, appreciating the opportunity allowed by their Indigenous stewards.
I’m a Social Worker (UVIC alumni!) and a 3rd yr master’s counselling student (City University of Canada) and am excited to be back at UVIC as a practicum counsellor!
Counselling approach
I offer a warm, compassionate, and gently direct approach to support you with life’s challenges. Together we can work on what’s getting in the way, whether you’re feeling stuck, experiencing anxiety or depression, substance use challenges, or wanting to clarify your goals or boundaries.
I have been in the adult mental health and substance use field for over ten years, mostly in public programs and non-profits like women’s shelters, transition houses, drop-in centers, outreach, harm reduction, and sober houses. The folks I met along the way have strengthened my belief in people’s incredible capacity to thrive and grow despite adversity. I enjoy helping folks find creative and holistic ways to improve their sense of wellness as they learn about themselves and how they interact with the world around them. I take an anti-oppressive, strengths-based approach to therapy.
My counselling style blends evidence-based interventions with genuine connection and compassion. I draw from several approaches including feminist therapy, narrative approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused, and motivational interviewing to offer sessions that best fit your needs.