Meet Aleigha R

About

Hello and welcome! My name is Aleigha (she/her) and I am a sessional counsellor here at the Student Wellness Centre. I have European heritage and I have been an uninvited visitor on the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ lands for much of my life. I am very grateful to be here on these lands and to have the opportunity to work alongside students to help navigate the challenges and excitements of post-secondary life. 

I have a background in education, and spent several years teaching abroad in Spain and the USA. I completed my undergraduate degree in the American midwest, where I also played college varsity softball. Living internationally was a humbling and gratifying experience and has informed my compassion and empathy for international students studying here in Canada. Most recently, I completed my MA in Counselling Psychology here at Uvic! I have experience working with populations including refugees, international students, and speakers of English as an additional language. I am passionate about helping folks find healing and peace in their lives, and I feel honoured to witness your story and walk with you. 

Areas of Interest:

• Body Image
• Relationship to food and eating
• Trauma healing
• Stress
• Relationships and Communication

Counselling approach

I aim to provide an open space, free from judgement, where students will feel heard and supported through whatever they may be going through. I take an anti-oppressive approach to counselling, acknowledging that while some challenges largely stem from internal processes, there are also external intersecting social and political factors that can present barriers to health and wellness.