Carmel Mohebati, CCC
CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Hi, I’m Carmel,
I grew up in Central Ontario and have been living in Victoria for the past nine years, originally coming here to finish my education.
I've had a passion for working with people since my twenties, and working with youth has become something I've loved for much of my life. I particularly enjoy supporting young people through adolescence, the transition into post-secondary education, and the process of becoming more independent.
I'm interested in getting to know the person behind the challenges they're facing — their upbringing, culture, values, beliefs, and perspective on life.
Coming from an Iranian refugee family and having been born and raised in Canada, I also have a particular interest in supporting people who are navigating different cultural expectations and finding their own way between them.
I'm often described as calm, soft-spoken, and gentle. I love listening, and counselling gives me an opportunity to put those qualities into practice.
As we get to know each other, I'll invite you to explore your beliefs and values and consider how they influence the way you approach different parts of your life. Sometimes that means gently challenging a familiar perspective or considering another possibility.
My aim is to work within your own understanding of the world, supporting you as you consider what feels right for you and what you might want to do next.
You don't need to arrive with everything figured out. We can begin with what's on your mind and heart.
Who I Work With
I provide individual counselling for people aged 12 and older, from different backgrounds and at different stages of life.
I have a particular love for working with youth and young adults, including those navigating adolescence, post-secondary education, independence, and questions about which parts of their upbringing they want to carry forward.
I also work with adults and parents or caregivers.
I commonly work with people looking for support with navigating:
Not sure where your concerns fit? That's okay. You don't need to know exactly what you need help with to reach out. We can talk about what's going on and figure out whether counselling might be a good fit.
My Approach
I approach counselling with a willingness to learn, recognizing that you bring your own experiences, strengths, values, and beliefs to our work together.
I'm interested in what's on your mind and heart. As we get to know each other, we can explore how you see your situation, gently challenge familiar perspectives, and consider what feels right for you.
My work is grounded in a belief in the inherent worth and nobility of every person. Spirituality and questions about meaning can also be part of our conversations, whether you're looking to explore them directly or they become relevant along the way.
I draw on a range of counselling approaches, including:
We'll draw on what feels useful while keeping your own values, beliefs, and choices at the centre of our work.
What You Can Expect From Me
Warmth and compassion
I want you to experience genuine care and respect in our work together.
Curiosity
I'll take the time to get to know you, your experiences, and the things that matter to you.
Honesty and gentle challenges
As we build our relationship, I may invite you to look more closely at a belief or consider a different perspective. We'll approach those conversations with care and respect.
Flexibility
I'll work to understand your worldview and adapt our conversations to what feels relevant and useful for you.
Collaboration
You're in the driver's seat. We'll explore your options together, and you'll decide which directions feel right for you.
Beginning with what's on your mind and heart.
I approach counselling with a willingness to learn.
Every person brings their own experiences, values, and understanding of the world. I don't want to assume I know what a situation means to you before we've had a chance to explore it together.
Sometimes our conversations might focus on a particular challenge. Other times, we might explore a belief, a relationship, or a question about what you want from the next stage of your life.
I believe that every person has inherent worth, and I bring that belief into my work through patience, compassion, and respect.
My role is to listen, offer perspectives, and gently challenge you when it may be useful — while leaving room for you to find your own answers.
We'll begin wherever you'd like to start.
A Little About Me
I grew up in Central Ontario and moved to Victoria to finish my education. Nine years later, Victoria is still home.
I've always enjoyed getting to know people and hearing about their experiences and perspectives.
My own background, growing up in Canada in an Iranian refugee family, has contributed to my interest in culture, identity, and the different ways people understand and navigate their lives.
Prefer to Meet in Person?
I offer both online counselling and in-person sessions in Victoria, BC.
If you'd prefer to meet face-to-face, we can arrange an in-person appointment.
I live and work on the unceded lək̓ʷəŋən territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. I acknowledge their ongoing relationship with this land and recognize my responsibility to continue learning about its history and the people whose home it has always been.
Finding The Right Counsellor Matters
Counselling is personal. You don't have to choose a counsellor just because they have the right credentials on paper.
You should feel comfortable with them. You should feel heard. And you should feel like you can actually be yourself.
If you're not sure whether I'm the right fit, I'm happy to have a conversation and help you figure that out. And if someone else in the collective is a better match, I'll help connect you with them.
Ready to see if we're a good fit?
We offer FREE 15-minute consultations to get to know each other.