Our Story

Strength Counselling Services was founded in 2010 in Lethbridge, Alberta by Amanda Dewar with just five dollars to her name and a vision rooted in courage, resilience, and dedication. The name “Strength” reflects not only the company’s mission, but also the qualities Amanda embodied throughout her journey. As she navigated her own challenges growing up, these values became the foundation for her practice.

What began as a humble, one-client, in-person private practice operated out of a single room in a truck-shipment company – generously provided by her partner’s father – remained a solo endeavour for a year while Amanda finished her studies and worked part-time jobs to make ends meet. The early days were filled with uncertainty, and paying the bills was a constant struggle. For the first three years, Strength Counselling Services was a one-counsellor practice. When Amanda relocated to Victoria, BC, she made the bold decision to transition from in-person to digital counselling services despite skepticism from her superiors. Amanda’s belief in the potential of digital care kept her moving forward, even when faced with adversity. After earning her Master’s degree, Amanda launched her digital practice in Victoria. Eight clients chose to follow her online; a milestone she celebrated, considering her humble beginnings. Yet, the challenges didn’t stop there. With no job, few connections, and the high cost of living in Victoria, Amanda again was grateful for her partner’s support. Despite sending out hundreds of job applications over four months, she faced setback after setback, eventually battling depression and seeking her own counselling to persevere.

Persistence paid off when Amanda landed an interview at a local homeless shelter operated by Island Health. Over the next two years, she balanced this role with a position at a treatment centre in Cobble Hill, BC, all while continuing to nurture Strength Counselling Services. Juggling multiple jobs and growing the practice required immense dedication and long days with little rest. As the years went by, Amanda’s unwavering commitment helped Strength Counselling Services grow into a thriving practice with a diverse team of registered counsellors, each bringing unique specialties to support hundreds of clients across Canada.

The moral of Amanda’s story is simple but powerful: even when you have just five dollars in your pocket, with grit, persistence, and the willingness to seek help, you can achieve extraordinary things. Strength Counselling Services stands as a testament to the power of courage and determination. Today, we help hundreds of people realize their own potential and dreams.

Join us—and discover what you can achieve with the STRENGTH of your inner spirit.