Alan Rice, MA, RCC

I am a registered clinical counsellor located in Sooke, BC and I offer services across the province.  I received my Masters of Counselling through City University of Seattle and have been working in both community and corporate counselling settings since.  Over the past ten years, I have had the opportunity to provide both long-term counselling as well as crisis counselling which has enabled me to be present for thousands of individuals each year grappling with a range of mental health challenges including depression and anxiety, as well as relationship and family concerns and life transitions.

My interest in psychology and human behaviour was first sparked during my undergraduate degree (a Bachelor of Arts from York University) which was for me, like many others, a period of challenge and change.  At the time I did not have the knowledge or understanding I have today of what is important to me in maintaining my own mental health and that period was one of great learning.  One of my passions is being a steady and supportive presence for others who are navigating periods of change, difficulty, and exploration as they come to understand themselves and what they need through those times.

My work and approach to others stems from my own experiences navigating challenge as well as the professional experiences through which I have had the privilege of being present for and learning from others.  I am genuinely interested in connecting with and learning about you as we work together.  I prioritize maintaining a space which is free of judgement to enable full exploration and expression.

Everyone’s journey is unique.  Through other areas of this website, my aim is provide some of the pillars of my own mental health, which have been central specifically for me, in the hopes to inspire some similar reflection in others.  Head over here to find out more about the role for me of community, the outdoors, exercise, and finding meaning and purpose.

My goal is to use to my experience and training to help people arrive at a place they want to be, whether that is related to a particular mindset or a lifestyle change or routine.  Often times these go hand in hand.  Over the years in my work I have recognized that having someone reliable and trustworthy to talk to and to process with is invaluable.  Sometimes this may look like figuring out next steps in a difficult situation or relationship dynamic; other times it may look like developing new tools for navigating waves of depression or anxiety.  Often times taking a step back to look at our responses and patterns can be helpful in beginning to change or relate to ourselves in new ways. Having a counsellor (and a caring community) around can make a big difference in navigating this and holding ourselves accountable.  I aim to help others in finding the paths that works best for them. 

My counselling style is eclectic and our work together may draw from Collaborative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy but my central priority will always be the counselling relationship and what you yourself find most helpful in each session.  Below is a summary of these approaches.

Collaborative Therapy is an approach where the therapist and individual work together as equal partners in the therapeutic process, focusing on open dialogue and shared understanding. It emphasizes the co-construction of meaning, with the therapist and individual jointly exploring issues, strengths, and solutions.  In my practice, our relationship and shared understanding will always be placed at the centre towards change and growth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. By focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, CBT aims to replace unhelpful cognitive distortions with more realistic and adaptive ways of thinking.

Narrative Therapy is a therapeutic approach that views individuals as the authors of their own life stories, emphasizing the power of language in shaping identity and meaning. It encourages clients to explore and reframe the narratives they hold about themselves, helping them distance from unhelpful or limiting stories and rewrite them in ways that align with their values and strengths.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy combines principles of mindfulness meditation with therapeutic techniques to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment. The approach encourages non-judgmental awareness and acceptance, enabling individuals to observe their experiences without becoming overwhelmed or reactive. This can help to develop greater emotional resilience, improve well-being, and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity in our daily lives.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than struggle against them, promoting psychological flexibility. By accepting uncomfortable emotions and thoughts, individuals learn to focus on what truly matters to them and commit to values-driven actions. ACT combines mindfulness strategies with behavior change techniques to help clients live a meaningful life, even in the presence of challenges or distress.

Solution-Focused Therapy is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on finding practical solutions to current problems rather than delving deeply into past issues. It encourages individuals to identify their strengths, resources, and past successes to create actionable steps for achieving desired outcomes. The therapy is future-focused and emphasizes the belief that small, positive changes can lead to significant improvements in a person’s life.  While we can work from this approach, we can also delve more deeply into the past according to what you would like to focus on.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

With some support, challenging times can be opportunities for self-discovery, building community, and making changes.