Aiyana Petronis Counselling
& Somatic Therapy
In-person and virtual psychotherapy
for trauma healing and lasting change.
Welcome,
I'm Aiyana (she/they), MA, CCC—I also go by Yana. I’m a registered counsellor and somatic psychotherapist in private practice since 2015. My work is grounded in trauma-informed, attachment-focused, neurobiological, and evidence-based approaches to healing and transformation.
Do you find yourself:
Struggling with the effects of trauma or critical incident stress?
Caught in habits or behavioural patterns that no longer support your growth?
Exploring your identity, sense of purpose, or navigating a major life transition?
Craving a deeper, more authentic connection with yourself or others?
Seeking to expand your capacity for trust, presence, and joy?
I offer a compassionate, collaborative therapeutic space where we can work toward meaningful change.
My Focus
Critical incident trauma
Relational trauma and C-PTSD
Food, eating, and body image
Gender, sexuality, and identity
Transitions and life changes
Autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity
Caregivers, first responders and front-line service providers, parents and activists
LGBTQ++ folks
My Training
EMDR certified
Somatic Experiencing trained
Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor
Ongoing training in parts work, anti-oppressive practices, and somatic approaches
M.A. in Counselling Psychology
B.A. in Gender/Women's studies
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20+ Years of Experience
Providing support to heal and change in community and private practice settings
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Creative and Collaborative
Working with you to create a supportive therapeutic space that honors your uniqueness
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Anti-Oppressive Approach
Embracing diversity, challenging oppression, centering compassion
Work With Me
Sessions are available in-person in downtown Victoria, or online anywhere in Canada. Book a FREE 20 minute consultation to see if working together is a good fit!
FAQ
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Yes! I offer free 20 minute in-person or online consultations to see if working together is the right fit.
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Individual counselling sessions are 50 minutes long and cost $175. Extended 75 minute sessions are also available for $260. Payment can be made by credit card via the Jane App, interac e-transfer, or cash.
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Yes, I am able to offer a limited number of sliding scale spots. I deeply believe that finances should never be a barrier to accessing counselling or mental health care. The effects of intergenerational poverty and class inequality shaped and continue to impact my own experience, and I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the challenges of an unjust economic system that often leaves people struggling to meet their basic needs. While I strive to make care accessible, I also have to balance the realities of sustaining myself and my practice. If the cost of counselling would create genuine hardship for you—meaning you would be unable to meet other basic needs such as food, medicine, or housing—I encourage you to reach out to discuss sliding-scale options.
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Many insurance providers cover some or all of the cost of counselling. Please check with your insurance provider for information about your coverage. I provide receipts for sessions that can be submitted for reimbursement where applicable.
A portion of my services are covered by CVAP (Crime Victims Assistance Program). If you are eligible for coverage by CVAP, please let me know. I am able to bill CVAP for services directly. I am also an approved provider for the BCEHS CISM program.
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Yes! I am able to work virtually with clients anywhere in Canada.
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The time for your session is reserved just for you, and I am unable to fill cancelled appointments on short notice. Therefore, I require at least 24 hours' notice for any cancellations. If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled session, the full session fee will be charged. However, if you are sick or experiencing an emergency, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss rescheduling or moving to a video session. I understand that unexpected situations arise, and I am happy to work with you in those circumstances. Thank you for your understanding and respect for this policy.
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No. Please do not attend in-person sessions if you are sick. If you are coughing, sneezing, or have any other symptoms of illness, please contact me as soon as possible to switch to a video session, or reschedule your appointment.
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No, I work only with adult individuals.
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I ask clients to stay home if they’re sick, and I do the same. There is a HEPA air filter on at all times during in-person sessions, and windows are often open when weather permits. There is hand sanitizer available in the office. Masks are always welcome but not required. I do not wear a mask during sessions.
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The office is located in downtown Victoria on the 3rd floor of a building with a staircase and elevator available. There are multi-stall gendered washrooms available on all floors in the building, and one single-stall non-gendered washroom available on the lower level. I don’t use fragrances or scented cleaning products, but they may be present in other parts of the building. Construction noise from outside can sometimes be heard in the office, and there are frequent (sometimes noisy!) pigeon visits on the windowsill. The office is located near a dedicated bike route, many bus routes, and parking is available on the street or in the library parkade nearby. There is filtered water and tea available in the office (you can use one of our cups, or bring your own refillable bottle).
Please contact me with any questions about specific accessibility needs.
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Some local options for free or low-cost counselling:
Citizens’ Counselling Centre
Esquimalt Neighbourhood House
Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
Men’s Trauma Centre
CityU University Victoria Counselling Clinic