Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy

Empowering Your Journey: Individual Therapy for Self-Discovery and Growth

Navigating life’s twists and turns can be draining, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and stuck. Whether you’re standing at a crossroads, feeling lost, or tirelessly striving without progress, know that you’re not alone. Life’s unpredictability is beyond your control, but how you respond and show up is within your power.

Congratulations on taking this significant step towards self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.

This journey may seem daunting, but with individual therapy, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I specialize in working with clients ready to take ownership of their lives, fostering deep self-awareness, addressing unhealed trauma, and equipping themselves with strategies to overcome obstacles hindering them from the life they desire.

Who is Individual Therapy for?

Whether you’re navigating life transitions, seeking strategies to cope with stress, or aiming for personal growth, individual therapy provides a personalized roadmap for your unique needs. Let’s delve into the transformative possibilities that await you.

During major life changes, individual therapy provides personalized guidance and coping strategies. Together, we navigate the challenges, offering support to adapt, grow, and thrive in the face of transitions.

Gain valuable tools to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Through therapeutic techniques and tailored strategies, we work together to develop coping mechanisms, fostering a sense of calm and balance.

Dive into a journey of self-exploration, understanding your thoughts, emotions, and values. Individual therapy offers a safe space to uncover your authentic self, promoting self-awareness and personal growth.

Address and heal from past traumas with the support of a trained therapist. Individual therapy provides a compassionate environment to process and overcome trauma, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

Focus on personal patterns and dynamics that may impact your relationships. Through self-reflection and targeted interventions, individual therapy enhances interpersonal skills, leading to healthier and more fulfilling connections.

Set and achieve personal goals, unlocking your full potential. Individual therapy empowers you to identify and overcome obstacles, fostering a path of personal growth, self-discovery, and fulfillment.

Maha Elias Couples Counsellor, Victoria BC

Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC)

Comprehensive Family Mediator (FMC)

Canadian Certified Counselor (CCC)

As a dedicated therapist committed to personal growth and development, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide individuals through life’s challenges. My genuine passion for fostering strong, resilient minds stems from both my personal journey and extensive work with diverse clients. Recognizing the uniqueness of every person, I tailor my approach to address individual needs, desires, and differences. With a commitment to ongoing effort and dedication, I am here to support you in cultivating fulfillment and personal growth.

More About Maha

Maha Elias Couples Counsellor, Victoria BC

Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC)

Comprehensive Family Mediator (FMC)

Canadian Certified Counselor (CCC)

As a dedicated therapist committed to personal growth and development, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide individuals through life’s challenges. My genuine passion for fostering strong, resilient minds stems from both my personal journey and extensive work with diverse clients. Recognizing the uniqueness of every person, I tailor my approach to address individual needs, desires, and differences. With a commitment to ongoing effort and dedication, I am here to support you in cultivating fulfillment and personal growth.
 
More About Maha
As a dedicated therapist committed to personal growth and development, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide individuals through life’s challenges. My genuine passion for fostering strong, resilient minds stems from both my personal journey and extensive work with diverse clients. Recognizing the uniqueness of every person, I tailor my approach to address individual needs, desires, and differences. With a commitment to ongoing effort and dedication, I am here to support you in cultivating fulfillment and personal growth.
 

Guiding You with Expertise and Compassionate Care.

As a dedicated therapist, my commitment extends to guiding individuals and couples on a transformative journey toward personal and relational growth and fulfillment. I bring a wealth of specialized training and diverse therapeutic modalities to our sessions, tailored to meet your individual and relational unique needs. Let’s explore some of the tools and techniques designed to foster self and other discovery, healing, connection and growth in your individual and relational journey. 
 

BPDM: Balancing Self and Togetherness in Intimate Relationships

The Bader-Pearson Developmental Model (BPDM) is a couples therapy approach by Drs. Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson. It emphasizes differentiation, the ability to maintain individual identity while being emotionally connected to a partner. This involves nurturing one’s own identity, values, and beliefs alongside emotional intimacy with a partner. The BPDM aims to help couples respect each other’s individuality, balancing independence and togetherness. It encourages navigating challenges and conflicts through a developmental lens, promoting both individual and relational well-being.

Strengthening Bonds with the Gottman Method

The Gottman Method, an evidence-based couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, enhances relationships by building friendship, managing conflict, and fostering shared meaning. It focuses on improving communication skills, emotional intimacy, and constructive conflict resolution strategies. The method identifies harmful patterns, such as the “Four Horsemen” (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling), and provides interventions to replace these with positive interactions. Overall, the Gottman Method equips couples with practical tools and skills for lasting, fulfilling relationships.

Discernment Counseling for Clarity and Decision-Making

Discernment counseling is a short-term, goal-oriented form of couples therapy designed to help couples on the brink of divorce or separation gain clarity about the future of their relationship. The focus is on one or both partners gaining a deeper understanding of their individual motivations, concerns, and the potential for change in the relationship.

Healing Together with Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-Informed Therapy provides a compassionate and secure setting for couples to address and heal from traumatic experiences. This approach is informed by the impact of past traumas, emphasizing understanding, empathy, and the rebuilding of trust. It stresses the importance of effective communication and mutual support, guiding couples to fortify their connection while recognizing and respecting each partner’s individual trauma history. The objective is to cultivate deeper comprehension and resilience within the relationship, enabling both partners to advance with greater confidence and unity.

Enriching Lives through Interpersonal Neurobiology

Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), developed by Dr. Dan Siegel, is an interdisciplinary approach that explores how the mind, brain, and relationships intersect. By integrating insights from various scientific disciplines, including neuroscience, psychology, and attachment theory, IPNB provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of human connection. Dr. Siegel’s work emphasizes the importance of integrating different aspects of our experiences to promote mental well-being and enrich interpersonal relationships. Through IPNB, clients gain valuable tools to enhance emotional regulation, strengthen communication, and foster deeper connections with others, leading to a more enriched and fulfilling life.

Fostering Inner Harmony with Internal Family Systems Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerful and innovative approach that explores the various aspects of your personality, often referred to as “parts.” In this therapeutic model, these parts are recognized, understood, and harmonized to promote healing and balance. IFS believes that every individual possesses an inner system of parts, each with its own unique qualities and purposes. By acknowledging and engaging with these internal parts, clients can gain deeper insights into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The goal is to foster self-awareness, reduce internal conflicts, and cultivate a harmonious relationship with oneself. Through the transformative process of IFS therapy, individuals can achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to enhanced emotional well-being and personal growth.

Transforming Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviours with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that explores the interconnected relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In CBT, we work collaboratively to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that may contribute to emotional distress or undesirable behaviours. By restructuring these thought patterns, individuals can gain a more balanced perspective and develop healthier coping strategies. CBT is goal-oriented, empowering clients to acquire practical skills for managing challenges, fostering resilience, and promoting lasting positive change in their lives.

Expert Family Mediation for Harmonious Resolutions

Leveraging my extensive background in family mediation, I seamlessly incorporate conflict resolution and management principles into couples counselling. This enables me to adeptly assist clients in navigating and managing conflicts, fostering healthier communication. My goal is to empower couples to navigate disagreements with greater understanding and empathy, ultimately transforming conflicts into opportunities for developing and enriching their relationship.

Enhancing Intimacy: Navigating Sexual Health in Relationships

My expertise in sexual intimacy and health within couple therapy delves into sensitive issues that may affect your physical connection and intimacy. This specialized aspect of therapy not only concentrates on refining communication regarding sexual needs, desires, and challenges but also extends to addressing broader issues such as intimacy enhancement, navigating sexual concerns, and fostering a deeper understanding of each partner’s unique experiences and perspectives. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a supportive space for couples to explore and enhance various facets of their sexual well-being, fostering a more fulfilling and connected relationship.

Unlock Personal Growth with the Transformative Power of Individual Therapy

Empower your personal journey with the transformative benefits of Individual Therapy. This approach provides individuals with the tools to navigate life’s challenges, cultivate deep self-awareness, and foster emotional resilience. Let’s delve into the positive transformations you can anticipate on this personalized path to growth and well-being.

Navigate Challenges with Resilience

Develop personalized strategies to overcome obstacles and move forward with confidence.

Cultivate Deep Self-Awareness

Explore and understand thoughts, emotions, and behaviours for a more profound connection with oneself and others.

Heal and Transform Past Trauma

Address unresolved wounds, break free from their impact, and build a foundation for emotional well-being.

Address unresolved wounds, break free from their impact, and build a foundation for emotional well-being.

Build Positive Coping Skills

Learn effective mechanisms to navigate stress, anxiety, and uncertainties, promoting a balanced and healthier lifestyle.

Foster Emotional Resilience and Clarity

Equip yourself with tools for emotional resilience, gain clarity on life's path, and create a roadmap for a purposeful and fulfilling future.

Navigate Challenges with Resilience

Develop personalized strategies to overcome obstacles and move forward with confidence.

Cultivate Deep Self-Awareness

Explore and understand thoughts, emotions, and behaviours for a more profound connection with oneself and others.

Heal and Transform Past Trauma

Address unresolved wounds, break free from their impact, and build a foundation for emotional well-being.

Build Positive Coping Skills

Learn effective mechanisms to navigate stress, anxiety, and uncertainties, promoting a balanced and healthier lifestyle.

Foster Emotional Resilience and Clarity

Equip yourself with tools for emotional resilience, gain clarity on life's path, and create a roadmap for a purposeful and fulfilling future.

Life’s journey may have twists and turns, but each step is a chance to discover your strength and resilience. Together, we explore, understand, learn, and grow, making the path a little less daunting and a lot more yours.

Real Stories of Relationship Transformation

Real Stories of Relationship Transformation

Real Stories of
Relationship Transformation

Maha is an exceptional counsellor, and has helped our relationship immeasurably. She is extremely professional and we feel very comfortable discussing sensitive aspects of our relationship with her. she has an ability to pinpoint the precise issue we are dealing with in the moment and help us work through it. We would highly recommend her services to anyone.
-D & S. S
Maha is a phenomenal counselor. I have tried therapy multiple times and have never felt like it was 'successful' or that it made a difference. With Maha, I can list the ways that things are improved, tangible real world outcomes and I feel like, even though there is still more work to be done, Maha will get us there.
-Amy B
Maha gave us the tools to recognize and manage our triggers and understand how they were clouding our communication. She helped decipher what each of us was trying to express, vs. how it was being received. We now have the skills to handle difficult conversations before our emotions get the best of us, allowing each other the space to bring our best selves to the table. Maha is extremely skilled in her craft and we cannot praise her enough for the integral part she played in where our relationship stands today!
-I & F
It has been a great pleasure to sit and work with Maha. She has challenged me to approach issues with a different perspective as well as providing reassurance and support where I needed it. I am forever grateful for the growth and personal development that Maha has helped me navigate so far!
-R.U.
My wife and I came to see Maha because we were finding that our communication had bogged down after 25+ years together. I wasn't sure if this was going to help having personally had less than stellar experiences over the years with therapists, but I was open to trying anything that might improve things between us. Turns out, I needed have worried, Maha was a breath of fresh air. Her genuine engagement, empathy, and extensive knowledge had me all in by the end of our first session. Maha has helped us discover new ways of speaking and listening, and most importantly, of understanding the other persons point of view. We are still on our journey together with Maha, but I am hopeful for the future and sure we will get to where we want to be with her guidance and support. I cannot recommend Maha highly enough to anyone seeking help with their marriage or personal life
-Steve & Liv
Maha created a place where my husband and I could communicate and learn to communicate with each other and learn to understand one another. I cannot thank Maha enough for her ability to truly help mediate and help us in such a kind, thoughtful and understanding manner.
-Elizabeth and H
Maha Elias is truly incredible, I am so so grateful for everything she does. I have never met such an attentive, caring, passionate, and genuinely interested counsellor.
-Jake H.
Maha’s approach has challenged me in a gentle and reflective way, which has allowed me to discover and recognize my strength and resilience. She’s helped me reframe thoughts and given me a unique and positive perspective from areas in my life that I used to look at as weak and damaged. Maha makes me feel safe to be vulnerable. I have laughed and cried (sometimes at the same time) and no matter the topic or issue we are covering (and there have been A LOT) I leave our sessions feeling heard, understood and with a path forward.
-C.M.
Maha was our third counselor that we had consulted with and we immediately felt comfortable. As a younger couple (8 months of dating at the time), we were dismissed by other counsellors. Maha validated our experiences and has been an inspiring guide through our proactive couples therapy. With Maha’s guidance, we have felt more connected resulting in a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and a readiness to communicate them to each other.
-Phil & Megs
My partner and I came to Maha with a wide variety of issues and she has been a great help in guiding us through those. She is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate in her approach, but also gives it to you straight when there are things that need to be said. We like that she has a game plan beyond just letting/watching us talk. Our work with Maha has been extremely positive and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
-Eric & D
I have had nothing but a positive experience working with you. In fact, I am always recommending you to others because I feel like you have made such a positive impact on our relationship. We were in a bad place when I reached out to you, and since we have worked together, we have made huge improvements. I can't thank you enough.
-T & A Robins
Maha’s broad and varied depth of knowledge, as well as her empathetic approach, has paved the way to positive personal growth for me and my partner. It’s the first time my partner has ever been comfortable with a counsellor and we are reaping the benefits of her expertise.
-Lisa
The best way I can describe Maha is safe. She provided me so much safety and comfort so I could be my most vulnerable, open and honest self. She always made me feel seen and heard. Even though our sessions forced me to have difficult conversations, I genuinely looked forward to them because they provided clarity. I am so grateful for Maha’s support and the personal growth I made during my time with her.
-J.S.
Maha is excellent as a couples counsellor. We have seen several others and she is by far the most skilled and helpful we have ever had. Very grateful for this opportunity through our work.
-Mandy & Dave
Maha Elias is fantastic. Friendly, empathetic, and helpful, she's lovely to talk to and has helped me reach some useful insights about myself
-Jamie M.
Previous slide
Next slide
Book Your Free Consultation
Maha is an exceptional counsellor, and has helped our relationship immeasurably. She is extremely professional and we feel very comfortable discussing sensitive aspects of our relationship with her. she has an ability to pinpoint the precise issue we are dealing with in the moment and help us work through it. We would highly recommend her services to anyone.
-D & S. S
Maha is a phenomenal counselor. I have tried therapy multiple times and have never felt like it was 'successful' or that it made a difference. With Maha, I can list the ways that things are improved, tangible real world outcomes and I feel like, even though there is still more work to be done, Maha will get us there.
-Amy B
Maha gave us the tools to recognize and manage our triggers and understand how they were clouding our communication. She helped decipher what each of us was trying to express, vs. how it was being received. We now have the skills to handle difficult conversations before our emotions get the best of us, allowing each other the space to bring our best selves to the table. Maha is extremely skilled in her craft and we cannot praise her enough for the integral part she played in where our relationship stands today!
-I & F
It has been a great pleasure to sit and work with Maha. She has challenged me to approach issues with a different perspective as well as providing reassurance and support where I needed it. I am forever grateful for the growth and personal development that Maha has helped me navigate so far!
-R.U.
My wife and I came to see Maha because we were finding that our communication had bogged down after 25+ years together. I wasn't sure if this was going to help having personally had less than stellar experiences over the years with therapists, but I was open to trying anything that might improve things between us. Turns out, I needed have worried, Maha was a breath of fresh air. Her genuine engagement, empathy, and extensive knowledge had me all in by the end of our first session. Maha has helped us discover new ways of speaking and listening, and most importantly, of understanding the other persons point of view. We are still on our journey together with Maha, but I am hopeful for the future and sure we will get to where we want to be with her guidance and support. I cannot recommend Maha highly enough to anyone seeking help with their marriage or personal life
-Steve & Liv
Maha created a place where my husband and I could communicate and learn to communicate with each other and learn to understand one another. I cannot thank Maha enough for her ability to truly help mediate and help us in such a kind, thoughtful and understanding manner.
-Elizabeth and H
Maha Elias is truly incredible, I am so so grateful for everything she does. I have never met such an attentive, caring, passionate, and genuinely interested counsellor.
-Jake H.
Maha’s approach has challenged me in a gentle and reflective way, which has allowed me to discover and recognize my strength and resilience. She’s helped me reframe thoughts and given me a unique and positive perspective from areas in my life that I used to look at as weak and damaged. Maha makes me feel safe to be vulnerable. I have laughed and cried (sometimes at the same time) and no matter the topic or issue we are covering (and there have been A LOT) I leave our sessions feeling heard, understood and with a path forward.
-C.M.
Maha was our third counselor that we had consulted with and we immediately felt comfortable. As a younger couple (8 months of dating at the time), we were dismissed by other counsellors. Maha validated our experiences and has been an inspiring guide through our proactive couples therapy. With Maha’s guidance, we have felt more connected resulting in a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and a readiness to communicate them to each other.
-Phil & Megs
My partner and I came to Maha with a wide variety of issues and she has been a great help in guiding us through those. She is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate in her approach, but also gives it to you straight when there are things that need to be said. We like that she has a game plan beyond just letting/watching us talk. Our work with Maha has been extremely positive and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
-Eric & D
I have had nothing but a positive experience working with you. In fact, I am always recommending you to others because I feel like you have made such a positive impact on our relationship. We were in a bad place when I reached out to you, and since we have worked together, we have made huge improvements. I can't thank you enough.
-T & A Robins
Maha’s broad and varied depth of knowledge, as well as her empathetic approach, has paved the way to positive personal growth for me and my partner. It’s the first time my partner has ever been comfortable with a counsellor and we are reaping the benefits of her expertise.
-Lisa
The best way I can describe Maha is safe. She provided me so much safety and comfort so I could be my most vulnerable, open and honest self. She always made me feel seen and heard. Even though our sessions forced me to have difficult conversations, I genuinely looked forward to them because they provided clarity. I am so grateful for Maha’s support and the personal growth I made during my time with her.
-J.S.
Maha is excellent as a couples counsellor. We have seen several others and she is by far the most skilled and helpful we have ever had. Very grateful for this opportunity through our work.
-Mandy & Dave
Maha Elias is fantastic. Friendly, empathetic, and helpful, she's lovely to talk to and has helped me reach some useful insights about myself
-Jamie M.
Previous slide
Next slide
Book Your Free Consultation

Get In Touch

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

Maha Elias at Best Self Forward is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), and Comprehensive Family Mediator (FMC) specializing in Couples Counselling. Best Self Forward clients are from all parts of British Columbia, Canada including but not limited to Greater Victoria, Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

© 2023 by Best Self Forward, MA., RCC, CCC, FMC | Managed by Strategic Websites | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Linkedin