Tavis du Preez

Tavis works with children (10+), teens, families, parents/caregivers and adults.

In-Person:

Fridays: 3:15pm-8:15pm  

Saturday: 9:00am-4:00pm

Virtual:

Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 4:00pm-8:00pm

Specializations: 

• Neurodiversity-affirming support for youth & adults (ADHD & Autism)

• Struggles at school

• Parenting Support

• Anxiety & Depression

• Social Anxiety

• Complex Trauma 

• Attachment-trauma & relationship concerns

• Life Transitions & Adjustments 

• Suicide and self-harm 

• Regulation & coping skills

• Self-esteem & boundaries

• Grief & Loss

• Mens’ Issues

Neurodiversity-Affirming Statement: 

As someone diagnosed later in life with attention deficit—although I prefer the term attention inconsistency—I found the label both liberating and empowering. It helped me understand many previously puzzling and challenging aspects of myself and enabled me to channel my energy more effectively toward goals that mattered to me.

At the same time, I recognized that while I fit comfortably within this new “box” in many respects, in others I did not. I now understand labels associated with neurodivergence as helpful guides rather than complete definitions. Every person has a unique constellation of strengths, challenges, needs, and ways of experiencing the world.

In my work with neurodivergent people, I see neurological variance as differences rather than deficits. More importantly, I recognize that no individual can be fully understood or defined by a diagnostic label. I therefore approach each person I encounter  with openness, compassion, and curiosity, collaborating with them to identify and put in place the supports they choose to help them pursue their life goals.

Experience with Neurodivergence, Parenting, or Other Relevant Experience for Your Specializations: 

I was diagnosed with ADHD 28 years ago and quickly came to understand the diagnosis in terms of strengths as well as the challenges with which I had long struggled. A key metaphor for me was Thom Hartmann’s phrase, “a hunter in a farmer’s world.” As the father of three neurodivergent children, I also understand the challenges and joys of neurodivergence from a parent’s perspective.

Throughout my 23-year career as an upper-primary and secondary school teacher, I was open with students, parents, and colleagues about my diagnosis. I continually sought to support neurodivergent students and their families while helping to reduce stigma in the schools where I taught. Now, as a counsellor, I draw on an even broader therapeutic toolkit to help individuals navigate trauma, explore their identities, cultivate self-compassion, and work through the challenges associated with neurodivergence.

Approach & Modalities: 

I use an integrative approach, drawing on a diverse therapeutic toolkit that includes parts work (IFS), mindfulness, somatic practices, ACT, and solution-focused therapy. I tailor these approaches to each client’s needs, goals, and comfort level. I have found getting to know the different parts of ourselves with greater curiosity and compassion helps us to recognize what each part is trying to protect so that we can respond to our own  thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with more choice and less self-judgment. 

My work is collaborative, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centred. I strive to create a trusting relationship and supportive environment in which clients can be fully themselves, take meaningful risks, deepen their self-awareness, and develop the skills and strategies they need to achieve their goals.

Communication Style: 

I am open, warm, and present, and I bring humour into my interactions with others. I take a collaborative approach to exploring clients’ concerns and incorporate somatic practices to support regulation and attunement. I remain sensitive to each client’s needs, pace, and sense of safety, aiming to create a comfortable space where they can be themselves, develop new insights, and explore meaningful change.

Fun Facts or Interests:

I’m happiest outdoors so I love hiking, camping and gardening. I was an avid beekeeper in Hong Kong but haven’t gotten back into this yet here in Victoria. When I’m out in the woods I’m always on the lookout for edibles and foraging is another passion. As I’m also passionate about fermenting foods I look for wild edibles that I can add to my ferments. My newest ‘kitchen pet’ is fermented pinecones from which delicious mugolio syrup is produced. 

Specialized Trainings & Certifications:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy (28 hour in-person traininng)

• Emotionally Focussed Therapy for Couples (Levels 1 & 2)

• Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy (⅓ of the way through a 2 year training through BBP in Victoria)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Psychwire)

• CBT (Levels 1 & 2 through the Beck Institute)

• EMDR (50 hour EMDRIA approved training program)

• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

• Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy with Autism & ADHD (PESI)

• San’Yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training (B.C .Provincial Health Services)