Hello! My name is Victoria Fitch. I am a practicum student in the Enhanced Learning Division at Aspire Too, completing my master’s degree from Yorkville University in counselling and psychology. Born in rural Saskatchewan, I spent 14 years living in Nova Scotia after getting married. We had two children and have now moved back to Saskatchewan.
While out East, building a family and following my aspirations, I was determined to do everything I wanted independently. I kept looking for role models or stories that would show how to succeed on my own, but in every story, with every role model, there was always someone else in the picture who helped that person, such as a family member who could look after the kids, a mentor who could give practical advice, or some form of social support. During that time, I learned how important it was to build a network of support and people that I could rely on.
Nothing made that more apparent than my work volunteering with Circles of Support and Accountability, an organization that assisted people who had served out their sentence and were trying to reintegrate into the community. Anyone who has been dropped in a city with no money and no social support would have difficulty coping at times; a person released from incarceration without adequate support is also likely to have difficulty coping. In a world where one envisions no more victims, and full accountability, support from other people is a must. As a volunteer, I and other volunteers would meet weekly with an individual, providing a space where they could openly talk without judgment, knowing that confidentiality would be maintained as long as they were not at risk to reoffend, and provide a sounding board for the difficulties of navigating the world that we took for granted. It was an enriching experience, and I came away feeling as though we could all benefit from having a dedicated circle of non-judgmental peers.
While Circles of Support and Accountability taught me about the importance of showing up for other people, a mentor of mine made a deep impression on how I show up for myself. At a time when I was a new mother, still learning how my roles and identity had shifted, I was admittedly afraid to take up space and be noticed. I brought my baby with me into her café, and at one point, my baby got upset and was beginning to fuss. I didn’t want to be a bother, so I was about to get up to leave, but then she stopped me and said, “Don’t run away.” Those words have stuck with me since, as in that moment I felt that I could be seen; that not only was it ok for me to be there, but I was welcome, just as I was.
And so, I want to say the same to you. If you are feeling anxious and ready to bolt, afraid to show the messy side, don’t run away. You are welcome here, just as you are.
I am providing reduced rate counselling at Aspire Too for individuals 10+ from September 2025 – April 2026. To book an appointment please call the office at (306) 382-2391.