NARRA COUNSELLING & CONSULTING
Online Counselling & Therapy in BC: Immigrant Mental Health Support
Healing doesn't mean choosing between your culture and yourself.
Immigration doesn’t always feel the way people expect.
It’s more than excitement about new opportunities. It can show up as a quiet ache for what you’ve left behind, even when life seems to be moving forward. You might notice shifts in your sense of identity, belonging, or how you connect with others. Counselling offers space to explore these changes and find strength in your journey.
15-Minute Virtual Session
-
Meet your therapist
-
No waitlist, quick start
-
No commitment
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. Just a chance to:
- Share what’s on your mind
- Ask questions about therapy for depression
- See if this support feels like a good fit
Sessions are available in-person in Victoria or through online counselling across BC.
Limited Time Only: Our Intro Offer
- Culture shock
- Language barriers
- Social isolation
- Financial difficulties
- Navigating a new system
Accessing mental health support is essential for adapting and thriving in a new environment. Online counselling and therapy provide a flexible, convenient way to receive support, often making services more accessible for those with busy schedules or remote locations.
Seeking help is a sign of strengt. It’s an important step toward personal growth, resilience, and overall wellness.
Immigrants in British Columbia often face unique stressors that can impact mental health. Common challenges include:
Common Mental Health Challenges Faced by Immigrants
Immigration can be a complex and emotionally demanding experience, often triggering or exacerbating mental health challenges. Common issues include:
The loss of familiar support networks, coupled with the pressure to succeed in a new environment, can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Furthermore, experiences of discrimination and prejudice can further impact mental wellness.
Online therapy can provide a safe space for immigrants to explore these challenges with a registered clinical counsellor. Understanding these mental health issues is the first step towards seeking appropriate counselling and support.
Understanding Online Counselling in BC
What is Online Counselling?
Online counselling, also known as virtual counselling or online therapy, involves receiving mental health support and guidance from a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or counselling psychologist through digital platforms.
Instead of in-person counselling sessions, individuals engage in therapy sessions via video call or phone. This approach to therapy offers a convenient and accessible alternative for those who may face barriers to traditional in-person counselling, such as geographical limitations, mobility issues, or time constraints.
Online counselling in BC can be just as effective as traditional counselling in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, providing a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions and develop coping strategies. Finding the right therapist offering online counselling in British Columbia is now easier than ever, expanding access to mental health counselling across BC.
The Benefits of Online Counselling
The benefits of online counselling are numerous, particularly for immigrants in British Columbia who may face unique challenges in accessing mental health support.
Key advantages include:
- Accessibility: Online therapy allows individuals to receive counselling services from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for travel and reducing scheduling conflicts. This is especially helpful for those living in remote areas of BC or with limited transportation options.
- Anonymity and Convenience: The privacy and ease of online sessions can make it easier for some individuals to seek help, reducing stigma and encouraging more people to prioritize their wellness.
Overall, online counselling can improve access to mental health support and services for residents across British Columbia.
How to Find Online Counselling in BC
Finding online counselling in British Columbia requires careful consideration. Several steps will help you connect with a qualified and suitable registered clinical counsellor. When researching, keep the following in mind:
- Research online counselling services and platforms that operate in BC.
- Look for registered clinical counsellors or counselling psychologists who are registered with professional regulatory bodies such as the BCACC or the BCPA.
Many platforms including PsychologyToday offer directories where you can search for therapists based on their specializations, approach to therapy, and languages spoken. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a counsellor, such as their expertise in working with immigrants or their familiarity with specific mental health issues. Check if the counsellor offers a free consultation or a reduced-fee first session to determine if they are a good fit for you.
Types of Therapy Available
At Narra, we also integrate evidence-based therapies to support you in the way that feels most helpful.
Depending on your goals and preferences, we may include:
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy, a cornerstone of mental health support, involves one-on-one sessions with a registered clinical counsellor. This type of therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore their personal challenges, emotions, and experiences in a confidential setting. During these counselling sessions, the registered clinical counsellor works collaboratively with the individual to identify goals, develop coping strategies, and facilitate personal growth. Individual therapy is particularly beneficial for addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Finding the right therapist for individual counselling involves considering their specialization, approach to therapy, and experience working with similar concerns. Individual therapy can be provided in-person or through online counselling in BC.
Group Therapy
Group therapy offers a unique and valuable form of mental health support by bringing together individuals who share similar experiences or challenges. Under the guidance of a registered clinical counsellor, group members engage in discussions, share their stories, and provide support and encouragement to one another. This type of therapy fosters a sense of community and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Group therapy can be particularly effective for addressing issues such as addiction, grief, and social anxiety. Participants often find that hearing from others who understand their struggles can be incredibly validating and empowering. Group therapy can be done in person or online, broadening access to mental health support in British Columbia.
Family Therapy
Family therapy, a type of counselling, focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within family systems. A registered clinical counsellor works with all family members, or a selected few, to identify patterns of interaction that may be contributing to distress or dysfunction. Family therapy can be beneficial for addressing a wide range of issues, including parent-child conflict, marital problems, and the impact of mental health conditions on the family unit. The goal of family therapy is to create a more supportive and harmonious family environment where each member feels heard and understood. Family counselling in British Columbia can be provided through in-person counselling or online counselling sessions, making it easier for families to access the mental health services they need. Through family therapy, families can enhance wellness and life transitions.
Meet Our Team
Trisha Miciano
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Clinic Director
I’ve always been someone who feels deeply, and that sensitivity sparked my curiosity about human behaviour and emotions. Over time, it grew into a calling, leading me to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor. My work is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that healing begins with being truly understood.
Avneet Sandhu
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Yasmeen Al-Samarrai
Counsellor (Pre-Licensed) - Sliding Scale Available
How Online Counselling Can Support Your Journey
At Narra Counselling, we offer a space where your full cultural experience is welcomed and valued.
Together, we can explore:
- Honoring your cultural roots while creating your authentic path forward
- Finding strength in your multicultural perspective
- Developing personalized strategies for navigating cultural transitions
- Building community connections that respect your whole identity
- Transforming cultural challenges into sources of resilience
You don’t expect you to have it all figured out. But therapy can offer direction when you feel lost, and support while you find your way forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from online multicultural counselling?
Immigrants, newcomers, refugees, and anyone navigating cross-cultural challenges can benefit. It helps with acculturation stress, identity questions, family dynamics, and other life transitions.
How long is each counselling session?
Each session is 50 minutes or 1 hour and 20 minutes long, either in-person at our Victoria, BC office or online across BC.
Are sessions available in other languages?
Yes. Sessions are offered in multiple languages, including Tagalog and Punjabi, to ensure accessibility and comfort.
What topics can I discuss in online counselling?
You can discuss a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, family dynamics, identity challenges, acculturation issues, grief, and life transitions.
Sometimes the smallest step is starting the conversation.
Request a Consultation
The first step to feeling better is finding the right support. We offer a free, no-pressure phone or video consultation to help you determine whether we’re the right fit.