banner image

Rhian Gilbert, M.A., RCC #18215

Hi, I'm Rhian Gilbert, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), EMDR therapist, and the owner of Summit MindBody Wellness in Victoria, BC.

I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming. Finding the right therapist is an important decision, and I hope this page helps you get a sense of who I am, how I work, and whether I may be the right fit for your journey.

About Rhian

I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and have specialized training in trauma-informed EMDR Therapy, Brainspotting, somatic approaches, and nervous system regulation. I am passionate about helping people move beyond survival mode, heal from difficult experiences, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.

At the heart of my work is the belief that healing happens within a safe and supportive relationship. Therapy is built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration. I strive to create a space where you feel accepted, understood, and free to explore your experiences without judgment.

Whether you are struggling with trauma, anxiety, attachment wounds, overwhelming life experiences, or feeling disconnected from yourself, you do not have to navigate it alone. Together, we can explore the experiences that have shaped you, strengthen your connection to yourself, and develop the tools needed to move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and resilience.

What Is It Like to Work With Me?

No two people are the same, and therapy should reflect that. Our work together will be tailored to your unique needs, goals, strengths, and pace.

My approach is strongly influenced by Polyvagal Theory, which focuses on understanding and working with the nervous system. Trauma, chronic stress, and difficult life experiences can leave people feeling stuck in patterns of fight, flight, freeze, or overwhelm. Therapy can help you better understand these responses, develop a greater sense of safety, and build the capacity for connection, emotional regulation, and well-being.

Depending on your goals, I may integrate:

  • EMDR Therapy

  • Brainspotting

  • Somatic Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Attachment-Based Approaches

  • Nervous System Regulation Skills

Regardless of the approach we use, my focus remains the same: helping you gain insight, develop effective coping strategies, and create meaningful change in your life. My hope is that you leave therapy with a deeper understanding of yourself, a greater sense of self-compassion, and the confidence to move forward in a way that feels authentic and aligned with who you are.

A Few Things About Me

When I'm not working with clients, you'll often find me:

  • Spending time in nature, especially near the mountains or ocean

  • Caring for my plants

  • Travelling and exploring new places

  • Taking photographs

  • Spending time with my cats, Guinness and Gandalf

  • Re-watching The Lord of the Rings

Most importantly, I want you to know that therapy is not something you have to figure out alone. If you're considering counselling, I'm glad you're here, and I would be honoured to support you on your journey toward healing, growth, and greater well-being.

My Professional Background

Education

Master of Arts Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University

Bachelor of Psychology - University of Toronto

Mental Health & Addictions Graduate Certificate - Durham College

Employment

Mental Health & Substance Use Health Consultant - Island Health

Crisis Counsellor - Scarborough Health Network

Training

Somatic EMDR - Embody Lab

EMDR for Attachment Injuries - Psychwire 

Brainspotting Phase 1 & 2

Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy - Embody Lab

Training

ACT for Beginners - Psychwire

ACT Essentials - Association of Psychological Therapies

ACT: People Pleasing & Perfectionism - Psychwire

ACT for ADHD - Psychwire 

Healing Trauma with Dr. Peter Levine - Embody Lab

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Book a free consultation to learn how EMDR Therapy, Brainspotting, and trauma-informed counselling can help you move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and well-being.