Online Anxiety & Stress Counselling in BC
When you know you are safe but it does not feel that way. Practical strategies that fit your life, plus the option to address what may be driving the anxiety underneath.
RCC #12205 · Virtual across BC · Panic, social anxiety, health anxiety, burnout
Many clients tell me they understand logically that they are safe, or that their fears are unlikely to happen, yet the feeling is far stronger than the reasoning. That gap is exhausting.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor offering virtual anxiety and stress counselling to adults across British Columbia. My role is to help you understand what is driving the anxiety and to build practical strategies that actually fit your life.
The kinds of anxiety I work with
- Generalized anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Social anxiety
- Health anxiety
- Phobias
- Work-related stress and burnout
- Anxiety connected to past traumatic experiences
Work stress and burnout
Together we will explore when the stress or burnout began, what it looks like in your day-to-day life, and what factors may be keeping it going. We will also look for the times when things feel even a little more manageable and explore what is different in those moments. Identifying those patterns often helps us build practical strategies that fit your life.
Anxiety connected to trauma
As a counsellor who specializes in trauma, I regularly work with clients whose anxiety is connected to past traumatic or adverse experiences. Together we will explore whether those experiences may be contributing to what you are experiencing today, and decide on the approach that best fits your needs and goals.
Anxiety during life transitions
Throughout my career I have worked with many clients navigating significant life transitions, including changes in relationships, careers, health, and family roles. These periods of change often bring increased anxiety, uncertainty, or self-doubt. We will work together to understand what is contributing to those feelings and how to move forward.
How I work with anxiety
Every person is different. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies and tailor our work to your individual needs. Depending on your goals and what you bring to counselling, I may incorporate:
- EMDR
- The Flash Technique
- Narrative Therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
I believe counselling works best when you feel safe, heard, and respected. My role is to provide a supportive, collaborative space where we can understand what you are experiencing, build on your strengths, and develop practical strategies that support meaningful, lasting change.
Practical skills, if you want them
If it seems like grounding, breathing, or other nervous system regulation strategies may be helpful, I will first ask whether you are interested in learning them. We will practise the techniques together during the session, and if you would find it helpful, I will email you a copy afterward so you can review and practise between sessions.
When you understand your anxiety but cannot stop it
This is something I see quite often. Many clients understand logically that they are safe, yet their emotional response feels much stronger than their rational thinking. That can be incredibly frustrating.
I will first help you understand why that happens and work with you to develop strategies to manage it. If insight and talk therapy alone are not creating the changes you are hoping for, we may also discuss approaches such as the Flash Technique or EMDR to address the underlying experiences that may be contributing.
The physical side of anxiety
Physical symptoms are a very common part of anxiety, and I work with them regularly. Chest tightness, sleep problems, headaches, and other bodily symptoms are real and worth addressing directly.
Together we will explore how anxiety is showing up in your body and discuss practical strategies that may help, such as grounding techniques, breathing exercises, or nervous system regulation. If I believe trauma is contributing to those symptoms, we may also discuss EMDR or the Flash Technique.
Homework
I do not typically assign homework. If you are interested in having something to practise or reflect on between sessions, I am happy to suggest ideas or exercises that fit your goals.
What to expect
Your first session
The first session is an opportunity for us to understand what has been happening and how anxiety is affecting your life. We will talk about when you first noticed it, what situations tend to make it worse, how it is affecting your day-to-day life, and what you would like to be different.
I will also ask about the times when your anxiety feels more manageable, because understanding what is different in those moments helps us build on what is already working. Depending on your needs, I will suggest practical strategies that may help you feel more in control, and together we will decide which approaches you would like to try.
How long it takes
It varies from person to person and depends on what is contributing to the anxiety, how long it has been present, and your goals.
Many clients begin noticing meaningful changes within about 2 to 4 sessions. For moderate anxiety specifically, many clients notice meaningful progress within about 3 to 5 sessions, though everyone’s situation is different. Some people benefit from a shorter course of counselling, while others choose to continue longer.
Throughout counselling we will regularly review your progress together and adjust our approach as needed.
What clients say they value
Many clients tell me they value feeling understood and having a safe, non-judgmental place where they can openly talk about what they have been experiencing. They also appreciate having practical strategies to try between sessions, when they are looking for them.
Support between sessions
I do not provide crisis or between-session counselling support.
One of my goals is to help you develop your own coping strategies and support system, so you have resources to draw on between appointments. During our sessions we will work together to create a plan that includes practical tools, coping strategies, and information about where to access additional support if you are going through a particularly difficult period or a mental health crisis.
If you need urgent support: call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency department.
Medication and your other providers
Whether you are taking medication for anxiety, supplements, both, or neither, I will tailor counselling to your individual needs. Medication does not change how we work together, though it is helpful for me to understand the supports you are already using.
If it is appropriate and you would like me to coordinate with your family physician, psychiatrist, or another healthcare professional, I am happy to do so with your written consent.
Cancellations, when anxiety makes attending hard
Some people find it difficult to attend a session about anxiety when their anxiety is high. That is understandable.
Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, are charged the full session fee, because it is often not possible to offer that time to another client on short notice.
If you are worried about committing to an appointment because you are unsure how you will be feeling, you are welcome to check my online availability and book closer to the time. That way you are only booking when you feel reasonably confident you can attend.
Fees and insurance
Fee: $150 for a 60-minute counselling session.
Extended health: If your plan provides coverage for services with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), it generally does not matter what concerns you bring to counselling. Insurance companies typically cover the professional providing the service rather than the specific issues discussed. I always encourage clients to check their individual coverage before their first appointment.
Reduced rates: I do not offer reduced rates at this time. If counselling fees are a barrier, I am happy to refer you to lower-cost counselling options or community resources that may better fit your budget.
EAP: I am not registered with any EAP programs at this time.
Start with a free 15-minute call
If you are not sure where to start, a no-fee 15-minute phone call is a low-pressure way to find out whether we are a good fit.
Frequently asked questions
Do you treat panic attacks?
Yes. Panic is one of the more common presentations I work with.
Can online counselling work for social anxiety?
Yes, and some clients find starting from their own home makes the first step easier.
How many sessions will I need for anxiety?
Many clients notice meaningful change within about 2 to 4 sessions, and around 3 to 5 for moderate anxiety, though this varies.
Do you work with burnout and work stress?
Yes, including exploring what is sustaining the burnout rather than only managing symptoms.
Will you teach me breathing and grounding techniques?
If you want them. I will ask first, we will practise together in session, and I can email you a copy afterward.
Can I contact you between sessions if I am panicking?
I do not offer between-session or crisis support. We will build a plan in session for what to do during difficult periods, including where to access urgent help.
Can I see you while on anxiety medication?
Yes. Many clients do. It is helpful for me to know what supports you already have in place.
Does insurance cover anxiety counselling?
If your plan covers RCC services, it generally covers your sessions regardless of the concern. Check your individual plan.