Lorraine Bates is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who supports individual adults experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, work-related stress, trauma, substance use concerns, and significant life changes. She welcomes people who feel overwhelmed or stuck, even when they cannot quite put a finger on why.
Lorraine’s approach is practical, compassionate, and evidence-informed. She works collaboratively to understand what is happening, recognize existing strengths, and explore strategies that fit each person’s goals, pace, and lived experience. She especially enjoys supporting caregivers, helping professionals, leaders, and people carrying a lot of responsibility.
Her work is grounded in respect, curiosity, and the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives. Counselling with Lorraine makes room for both difficult experiences and hopeful possibilities—and, when appropriate, a little humour. Her aim is to help people find their footing and build a more sustainable way of living and working.
Lorraine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Education from the University of Victoria, with additional graduate coursework through Yorkville University to complete her clinical counselling qualifications.
Extra tools you may see in the session
Lorraine draws on trauma-informed practice, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and harm-reduction approaches. Sessions may involve exploring patterns, identifying practical next steps, or considering changes in your relationship with substances without judgment.
Lorraine’s Professional Interests
Anxiety, depression, burnout, chronic stress, work challenges, trauma, life transitions, resilience, caregiver well-being, helping professionals, leadership responsibilities, and harm reduction.
Education History
- Master of Education — University of Victoria
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — University of Victoria
- Graduate coursework toward clinical counselling qualifications — Yorkville University
