Get to Know Thomas

Thomas is a 2023 graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Formerly a support worker for individuals with special needs, he is experienced working with a wide diversity of clientele. In his practice, he uses a variety of active and passive modalities to deliver effective treatment including trigger point therapy and myofascial release. He also believes in educating his patients so they can actively participate in their own wellness outside the clinic.

In his free time, Thomas loves going for hikes with his dog Lacey. As a recent transplant from Ontario, he’s excited to explore as much of Vancouver Island as possible. He also enjoys weight training, swimming and cycling.

Get to Know Thomas Thomas is a 2023 graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Former... Read More

Get to know Lauren

Lauren completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria.

Lauren’s interest in kinesiology stemmed from her background in competitive ballet, tap, and modern dance. During her time dancing, Lauren starred in several productions of The Nutcracker and, alongside her teammates at the Coast Academy of Dance, won first place in numerous dance competitions. Additionally, she completed advanced ISTD dance examinations and underwent two years of ISTD dance instructor training.

As a kinesiologist, Lauren integrates her knowledge of movement from her experience as a dancer with evidence-based kinesiology practices. Lauren is passionate about helping individuals maximize their health and performance using exercise. She loves collaborating with clients to design tailored exercise programs and healthy habits that can be enjoyed and integrated into their lives! Additionally, Lauren values education and enjoys sharing her knowledge of the human body, exercise, and health.

Outside the clinic, Lauren loves spending quality time with her partner and her pup, curling up on the couch with a book, cooking and baking, and exploring the beaches of Vancouver Island.

Get to know Lauren Lauren completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of... Read More

Get to know Brenda

Always fascinated with health and fitness, Brenda enjoys the challenge of finding solutions for patients who are experiencing pain and dysfunction.

After over 25 years as an RMT and Active Hydrotherapist, Brenda has found a wide range of treatment modalities to add to her “tool kit”. These include: Active Soft Tissue Release, Arthokinetics, End Range Loading, Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage and much more.

When not at the clinic Brenda enjoys being active with biking, paddle boarding, tennis, pickleball and singing.

Get to know Brenda Always fascinated with health and fitness, Brenda enjoys the challenge of find... Read More

Get to know Kiana

Kiana graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria. She takes the time to listen to and examine the various factors associated with many health conditions. Along with the hands-on massage, Kiana enjoys creating remedial exercise plans for her patients to help facilitate the treatment and recovery process. Some of the patients Kiana is particularly interested in working with are those with specific orthopedic injuries, athletic injuries, temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, arthritis, and chronic pain as well as those seeking relaxation massage. She aims to provide a setting that allows you to let go of some of the stress of day to day life, as well as the stress that can be associated with various health conditions. With Kiana, you can expect a massage that is sensitive to your individual needs. The pressure Kiana uses is firm, but she is gentle when needed. She has a strong desire to help you become more fulfilled with all aspects of your health and excited to work with you to get there. 

When not in the clinic, you can find Kiana at the beach, hiking, in the gym, practicing yoga, reading, painting or baking.

Get to know Kiana Kiana graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria. She... Read More

NEW CLIENTS, PLEASE EMAIL DJ WITH INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR HEALTH CONCERNS BEFORE BOOKING. YOU CAN EMAIL DJ AT DEREKSTEELRTCMP@GMAIL.COM ##Get to know Derek Chinese medicine is a truly beautiful medicine and my love for it started in my youth. I was drawn to it because of its simple and holistic view of human beings and the world that envelopes them. The profound models of YinYang and the Five Phases helped me understand so much of the way the world works, and so also how the people around me work. When it came to the beginnings of my formal education at Kootenay Columbia College of Integrative Health Sciences (formerly ACOS), it was really these core principles that drew me in, but over time I learned the power of the medicine and how it had been used for millennia to help relieve the suffering of people in the world and found a deep resonance with that mission.

My focus in both study and practice has always been centered around the Chinese medicine classics. These classics are the books that contain the original knowledge and wisdom of the medicine that we have used to develop our ideas for roughly 2500 years. What this changes in my practice is that I end up using quite different techniques than what I initially learned in school. For example, my diagnostic process has evolved from the study of these works to be more involved than the simple tongue and pulse inspection that is prevalent today. I use a combination of both these more modern practices and the older practices of thorough palpation and inspection of the acupuncture channels themselves to determine the quality of blood and fluid distribution throughout the body. On top of these methods, I also learned that the original form of acupuncture was subtly but distinctly different from that which is practiced today and have adapted my approach to resemble these older techniques, finding it much more effective.

When it comes to herbal medicine, I have had the wonderful opportunity to study with some amazing practitioners and doctors both here in the west and in China during my visit there in 2019. These wise teachers helped me find a simple way of writing herbal formulas that quickly adjust the imbalances in the body and are easily customized around what works and what doesn’t for a given person. My passion for Chinese herbalism is something I often equate to writing poetry, finding the simplest and most elegant way to match the disharmonies in each person’s system.

Using a combination of these and other methods, I focus on treating people who suffer from internal medical conditions, chronic autoimmune disorders, and emotional wellbeing.

You can contact him at dereksteelrtcmp@gmail.com with any questions.

Derek is able to direct bill to Pacific Blue Cross and Telus eClaims (which includes, but is not limited to, insurers: Chambers of Commerce, Desjardins, ManuLife, SunLife, and CanadaLife)

NEW CLIENTS, PLEASE EMAIL DJ WITH INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR HEALTH CONCERNS BEFORE BOOKING. YOU CAN ... Read More

Get to know Mantej

Mantej is both Athletic Therapist and Registered Massage Therapy Student in training who offers massage treatment as a Wellness Practitioner.

He graduated from Camosun College with a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic and Exercise Therapy.  Athletic Therapists treat a wide range of patients from kids injuries to seniors recovering from hip replacement surgery using various manual therapies, modalities, exercise prescription and bracing and taping. Their specialized ability to blend manual therapy and exercise-based rehabilitation makes Athletic Therapists effective in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal (muscles, bones and joints) injuries. Athletic Therapy can help with: tight muscles, muscle strains, ligament sprains, joint injuries, tendonitis, post surgery rehabilitation, acute and chronic injuries, whiplash and more.

When booking Athletic Therapy you can expect an Assessment using various strength and mobility tests. The treatment consists of Soft Tissue Release, Joint Mobilization, Active Assisted Range of Motion followed by integrated exercise based rehabilitation stretches and exercises to help aid in a faster recovery.

Mantej is also offering massages as a Wellness Practitioner while he is in RMT school.

If you have a quick question or want support to book in you can reach Mantej by email at: samra.athletictherapy@gmail.com

Outside of the clinic Mantej enjoys weightlifting, going to the beach, reading, and watching movies.

At this time Mantej does not direct bill, but is working on getting that set up

Get to know Mantej Mantej is both Athletic Therapist and Registered Massage Therapy Student in tr... Read More

Get to know Jacqueline

Jacqueline is a graduate from the WCCMT program on Vancouver Island. Here she found a passion for the realms massage therapy can open us up to within our bodies. Her interest lies in the stress response of the body, and the benefits of massage with mental health and our nervous systems. The technique style she practices with is a strong, firm pressure.

Jacqueline enjoys yoga, running and hiking which is a large part of her lifestyle.

“I sought out massage therapy because I wanted to help people foster healing and understanding of their own body. I felt I needed a career immersed in the health field, where my happiness lies.”

Get to know Jacqueline Jacqueline is a graduate from the WCCMT program on Vancouver Island. Here ... Read More

Get to know Francisca

I am Francisca, a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a background of 14-years of experience working as a psychologist (Chile) with clients from all backgrounds and all ages.

Because of my own personal history I developed an interest in Compassion Focused Therapy, in which I have trained for many years and is my main therapeutic approach. I now work mostly with women who suffer from anxiety, depression, overthinking, self-criticism, low self-esteem and who feel that even though they try so hard, they are not happy and fulfilled with their lives.

I will offer you a safe space where we can work on connecting with who you really are, what you truly want, and you will learn skills that will help you relate with yourself and others in a more compassionate way. By seeing yourself through a more positive lens your whole world can change and you will learn to recognize and satisfy your own needs. This peace you’re looking for is already inside of you.

I offer therapy in English and Spanish, online or in-person. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or book an appointment through our website.

I am also a certified Mindful Eating instructor (MB-EAT-QI), a Mindfulness instructor (REBAP) and have a Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents.

If you have any questions for Francisca please call the clinic or email her at: psfranciscacarrasco@gmail.com You can also read more about her on her website at www.compassionatehealing.ca

Francisca is at the Clinic on Mondays

Francisca is working with new clients

Get to know Francisca I am Francisca, a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a background of 14-ye... Read More

Get to Know Scott

Scott completed a post-doctoral fellowship (FCAMPT) in Physiotherapy at University of Western Ontario, having previously completed Doctorate and Masters degrees. He enjoys applying the most up to date evidence based treatments to help patients get objectively based results better in fewer visits using Manual therapy, education and therapeutic exercise.

He is proud to serve our local community and is committed to providing one-on-one care with integrity, innovation and energy. He teaches in both the Canadian and American Orthopedic Fellowship program and actively mentors other therapists in their pursuit of excellence.

Scott completed his professional Physiotherapy degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia after doing a degree in Kinesiology. He was an Academic and Athletic All-Canadian during this time. In 2000, he was awarded a yearlong Scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport, working with world-class scientists and athletes.

He has continued to develop his knowledge over the years by taking a multitude of advanced orthopedic and sports related courses. He has worked with numerous elite sports disciplines including triathlon, rowing, soccer and athletics. He has been honoured to provide his professional skills internationally as Team Physiotherapist for the Canadian National Team.

Scott has been an avid athlete from a young age and understands the impact and benefits that activity can have on the body. He has participated in soccer, golf, hockey and baseball at a provincial level, but has excelled in endurance sports, notably distance running. A Canadian National Team member spanning 2001-2010, Scott was the 2006 Canadian National Champion at the 10k distance. He has been the BC road racing champion (2009 and 2010) and top Canadian in the TC10k. He has won the local Bazan Bay 5k twice, His personal best over the 10k distance is 29:33.

Get to Know Scott Scott completed a post-doctoral fellowship (FCAMPT) in Physiotherapy at Univers... Read More

Get to know Tessa

Tessa is pleased to be a part of a collaborative team focused on improving the mental, physical, and spiritual health of clients. She trained as a social worker, a counsellor, and an EMDR counsellor giving her a unique perspective on how individuals are impacted by the larger world and how to work alongside clients to improve their individual lives.

Tessa is trained in a variety of models of therapy and has worked with people impacted by anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, addictions, PTSD, pain management, gender identification, behavioural concerns, relationship challenges, caregiver burden, and significant life changes.

Tessa acknowledges that the Westshore and Victoria are the unceded territories of the WSÁNEĆ (Tsawout, Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tseycum), Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt), Scia’new (Beecher Bay), T’Sou-ke (Sooke) and Pacheedaht First Nations.

Tessa is not currently working with new clients

Get to know Tessa Tessa is pleased to be a part of a collaborative team focused on improving the ... Read More