Andrea Weekes
Registered Social Worker, Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Based Therapist
True Nature Counselling is located on unceded and occupied Indigenous territories, specifically the land of the Lekwungen people—the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. At True Nature Counselling we seek to respect, honour and continually grow our own understandings of Indigenous rights and history, and to fulfill our responsibilities as settlers. We express gratitude to the Lekwungen People, for allowing us to live, work and play on their lands.
Hello, and welcome! My name is Andrea and my pronouns are she/her. I am a trauma informed therapist and mindfulness meditation teacher.
I have over 15 years of experience specializing in supporting people overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, stress and burnout. I am particularly passionate about using mindfulness, and self compassion practices to support an awareness of your inner parts while supporting you throughout your healing journey.
In our work together, you will learn how to develop a kinder relationship with yourself, as well as learn skills and tools to set boundaries with people, live your heart centred values and learn how to get in touch with your own innate aliveness. A part of our work might also include bringing to light the deeply engrained structural systems of power that operate within our culture. Together we can recognize the ways in which these oppressions have held you back from living into your true nature, and find creative ways to radically shift your life.
If you're curious about how my approach can support you on this path, I invite you to get in touch with me to learn more.
My Approach
Counselling
Committing to therapy can be a compassionate and courageous act for yourself, and perhaps a necessary step on your journey throughout life. Struggles with anxiety, and depression can be isolating and lonely, and you might need support in processing and integrating the impacts of trauma. I can help you find skills and tools to build safety, connection and a kinder relationship with yourself. Click the link below to learn more about my approach, what I specialize in and how I can help.
Mindfulness
Learn the foundations of a mindfulness practice with the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in Victoria, BC and online. Practicing mindfulness in our daily life can help us reconnect with our sense of wholeness, the present moment, and ultimately our interconnection with everything around us. This sense of spaciousness can remind us that we have choice in how we respond to stress, pain and illness. Mindfulness practice can help us respond to life rather than reacting automatically. Click the link below to learn more about how to bring mindfulness into your life.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
MBSR is an 8-week evidence-based program providing a comprehensive introduction to mindfulness meditation and hatha yoga. The MBSR program has been shown to support in decreasing chronic pain, anxiety and low mood, and increasing a sense of ease and well-being, as well as an improved ability to cope with challenges related to stress. Through guided meditation, mindful movement, personal and group reflection, and daily home practice, participants have the opportunity to fully embrace the practice of mindfulness.
Next MBSR Program: March 16th - May 12th, 2024
Guided Meditations
I’ve created a selection of three guided meditation sessions including a 10 Minute Body Scan, a 7 Minute Pause, and a 10 Minute Mindfulness of Breathing exercise.
These meditations were carefully curated and are offered freely. If you are interested in hearing more of my meditations check out my page on Insight Timer
“The truth about awareness is, believe it or not, it’s always there. You always have access to the openness and warmth of your truest nature.”
— Pema Chodron