Welcome to Extended Hand Counselling Services.
Life can feel overwhelming at times, and reaching out requires immense courage. I’m glad your search has led you here. No matter the weight of the burden you carry, you don't have to bear it alone.
A designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
A Safe Space, Just for You
Life brings so many things we did not expect: loss, grief, loneliness.
Emotional burdens can quietly erode our sense of self and joy. Whatever has brought you here today, know you are in a welcoming, non-judgmental space.
You are welcome here.
You will not be judged here.
You will be heard here.
I will be with you as you tell your story. Because your story matters.
About me
My name is Deb McDonald. I have a master’s in counselling psychology. My philosophy is that we all have the capacity to evolve and change throughout our lives.
I have sat with people in some of their most difficult, vulnerable, and defining movements.
I have witnessed resilience, heartbreak, transformation, and everything in between. That experience didn't just build my career; it built my deep and genuine compassion for the human story.
As an older adult myself, I bring a lived understanding of the unique challenges that come with navigating life's later-and often richer-chapters.
My approach to therapy uses an integrated model, using elements from Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy, existential therapy, and other modes, including Walk and Talk Therapy.
You are the expert of your own life
No one knows your story, your heart, or your experience the way you do. You already have the answers. I am here to help you find them.
My role is not to tell you who you are or what you should do. I am here to listen deeply, walk alongside you, and to help you move forward with greater clarity.
Together, we'll explore your story and gently uncover the underlying threads that may be contributing to your current pain so that you can move forward with greater clarity, peace, and purpose.
You deserve support. Here's how i can help.
Life is full of moments that challenge us, stretch us, and sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, lost, or simply not like ourselves. Whatever has brought you to this page, I hope you feel you have come to a safe place.
At Extended Hand Counselling Services, I offer a warm, judgment-free space where your story is heard, honoured, and explored at a pace that feels right for you. Whether you're navigating a difficult season or carrying something you've held for far too long, I am here to walk alongside you.
Let's start with a conversation - no commitment required
I know that choosing a counsellor is a deeply personal decision, and I never want you to feel pressured. That's why I offer a FREE 30-minute consultation-no strings attached.
This is your opportunity to ask questions, share a little of what's going on, and simply get a feel for whether I'm the right fit for you and your needs. There's no obligation, no expectation-just an honest, warm conversation between two people.
Hours of Availability:
Tuesdays to Fridays: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Pacific Time (British Columbia)
Saturdays: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Pacific Time
Contact:
Deb McDonald
In Victoria and Saanich, on the unceded traditional lands of the Coast Salish Nations, specifically WSANEC (Tsawout, Pauquachin, Tsartlip, and Tseycum); Lekwungen (Songhees and Esquimalt); Scia’new (Beecher Bay); and Pacheedaht First Nations.