About Valhalla Therapy's Approach

Welcome to Valhalla Therapy. I'm Carla Duda, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). I offer counselling in person in Nelson, BC, and online throughout Canada.

I became a counsellor because I believe people are capable of growth, restoration, and meaningful change. When we better understand ourselves, work through what has wounded us, and develop healthier ways of responding to life’s challenges, we can experience greater peace, stronger relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose. It is a privilege to walk alongside people in that process.

Since opening my private practice in 2019, I have supported hundreds of individuals experiencing anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, parenting challenges, burnout, and questions about meaning and purpose. Because every person's story is unique, I believe therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Clients often tell me they feel genuinely cared for, understood, and accepted in our work together. Protecting client privacy and maintaining clear ethical boundaries are deeply important to me, which is why I do not ask clients for testimonials and you will not see them on my site. My hope is that everyone who comes to therapy experiences a space where they can be honest, respected, and supported without judgment.

My approach is grounded in existential-humanistic therapy and informed by attachment theory and other evidence-based therapeutic approaches. I believe people are strengthened when they pursue truth, take responsibility for their choices, and live in a way that reflects their deepest values. Therapy is not only about reducing symptoms; it is also about developing the clarity, courage, and resilience needed to meet life honestly, maintain meaningful relationships, and move forward with greater confidence and purpose.

Together, we will work to better understand the patterns, beliefs, emotions, and experiences that may be keeping you stuck, while building greater self-awareness, resilience, and lasting change at a pace that feels manageable and meaningful. I aim to provide a space where you can examine difficult experiences carefully, understand yourself more fully, and make thoughtful decisions that align with the life you want to build. 

I hold a Master of Counselling Psychology, a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Literature and a minor in Counselling and Human Development, and certifications in Life Coaching, Complicated Grief Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Brain Health. I have also completed additional training in trauma, grief, loss, and substance use.

Outside of my practice, I find renewal in my Christian faith and in the natural beauty of the Kootenays. You'll often find me hiking, spending time by lakes and rivers, and enjoying the outdoors with my husband, sons, friends, and our mountain-loving dog.

Whether you're seeking support for a specific challenge or simply feel life isn't unfolding the way you hoped, you don't have to face it alone. I would be honoured to walk alongside you as you move toward the life you want to create.