Yes. All sessions are confidential, and we follow strict ethical and legal guidelines to protect your privacy.
In 1992, Seahorse Counselling’s Founder, Kate Pinsonneault, had purchased a 40 ft wooden houseboat named the MV Seahorse, that was her home for 20 years. She started up a small part-time business, Seahorse Consulting that offered a variety of services, workshops and trainings. After her children grew up and left home, she sold her boat and moved to the Comox Valley. In 2013, she started a private counselling practice and named it Seahorse Counselling and Consulting.
Seahorses hold many qualities we value; resilience, gentleness, connection, and knowing how to weather a storm. In turbulent waters, the seahorse will anchor themselves until the storm passes. Kate designed the Seahorse Counselling logo showing a seahorse clinging tightly to seagrass swaying in the current to represents the strength and determination of these vulnerable but hardy sea creatures who can weather the inevitable storms that come.
Seahorses are also a symbol of diversity within families. Male seahorses are the ultimate dads. The mom puts her eggs in the dad’s special pouch where he incubates the eggs and takes protective care of the little ones until they are ready to swim on their own. The seahorse reminds us that families don’t fit into stereotypes.
But there is still one more thing that makes Seahorse an important symbol for psychotherapy. The latin name for Seahorse is Hippocampus. In the human brain, the hippocampus is a small, seahorse-shaped structure located deep in the temporal lobe. While it has several functions, it plays a crucial role in memory formation, emotional regulation, and how we are affected by stress. The hippocampus allows us to recognize patterns and similarities from past events and integrate those memories to helps us make sense of current emotional experiences. It works closely with the amygdala, our emotional centre, to process emotional memories. This small part of our brain is key to emotional healing.
When Kate incorporated her business in 2024, she change the name to Seahorse Counselling and Psychotherapy Inc to reflect the provincial changes coming to the counselling field in BC. She kept the Seahorse name for sentimental reasons, but also for the rich symbolism connect with this amazing little sea creature.
You can book an appointment through our website, by phone, or by emailing karen@seahorsecounselling.ca
No referral is necessary. You can contact us directly to schedule an appointment.
We require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. Missed or late-cancelled appointments may be subject to a fee.
Yes, we accept many major insurance providers. Please check with your provider to confirm coverage or contact us for assistance.
Yes, we will schedule an introductory consultation during which your therapist will ask questions to better understand your needs, goals, and history. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions and determine if it’s a good fit.
Each session typically lasts 50 minutes. The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and progress.
Yes, we offer secure virtual sessions for clients who prefer or require remote access to therapy.
In Canada, counselors hold designations that signify their qualifications, credentials, and memberships in professional organizations. These designations help clients identify qualified professionals and understand their areas of expertise.
Here’s what some of these initials typically mean:
RCC: Indicates membership in the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and adherence to its professional standards and ethical guidelines.
ACS: Denotes additional certification as an Approved Clinical Supervisor, meaning the individual is qualified to supervise other counselors in clinical practice.
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We provide compassionate and professional therapy to support your healing and growth.
We offer in-person, phone, and online sessions to meet your needs, wherever you are across BC and Canada.
Courtenay
#8-145 19th Street
Courtenay, BC
#102-1509 Cliffe Avenue
Courtenay, BC
Victoria
#205 -1095 McKenzie Avenue
Victoria, BC
Seahorse Counselling respectfully acknowledges that our offices are located on the traditional territories of the K’omoks First Nation, the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.
– Site by 🚀 Logistica
