Anxiety Counselling in Victoria BC

If anxiety has started to take over your life, you're not alone. Many people deal with racing thoughts, constant worry, and the exhausting need to stay in control. You might find it hard to relax, sleep well, or focus in class or at work. Some days, your anxiety may feel manageable. Other times, it might leave you overwhelmed, irritable, or on edge.

Anxiety doesn’t look the same for everyone, but one thing is true for most: it can be isolating. At Harbour Family Counselling, we offer a space where you don’t have to hide it. You can bring your full self here, just as you are.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or uncertainty. But when it sticks around too long or shows up too often, it can start to shape your choices and narrow your world. You might find yourself avoiding situations, overthinking every decision, or feeling on edge even when nothing is wrong.

Common signs of anxiety include:

• Difficulty relaxing or turning your mind off

• Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or tightness in the chest

• Trouble sleeping or concentrating

• Avoidance of social or school/work situations

• A need to control or plan everything

If any of this sounds familiar, know that there are ways through it. You don’t have to manage it all on your own.

How Counselling Can Help with Anxiety

Counselling helps you slow down, understand your patterns, and learn new tools for managing stress. We work with you to get curious about your anxiety rather than fight it. You might begin to understand where it comes from, how it’s been trying to help you, and what you need instead.

Clients often say they feel more grounded, more able to breathe, and more confident in how they handle challenges. Over time, you may notice that anxiety no longer runs the show.

Therapies We Use to Support Anxiety

We use gentle, research-backed therapies that are especially helpful for anxiety, including:

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) To understand thought patterns and replace spirals with steady, practical tools.

IFS (Internal Family Systems) To explore inner parts like the worrier or the overachiever and create more space for calm.

Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques To stay present and ease physical tension and overwhelm.

Compassion-Focused Therapy To reduce self-criticism and grow a kinder, more supportive inner voice.

EMDR (for trauma-related anxiety) To help you process past experiences that may still be causing distress.

Counsellors Who Work with Anxiety

Maria Butler, RCC Maria blends CBT, IFS, and career-focused tools to help students and adults move from anxiety into clarity and self-trust.

Darcy Harbour, RCC Darcy works with deep patterns of worry, offering a steady and compassionate presence for clients looking to feel more at ease.

Talita Nell, RCC Talita supports young people and students, helping them feel more calm and confident using IFS, mindfulness, and emotion-focused approaches.

What Counselling Looks Like

Sessions are 50 minutes long and can be in-person at our office near UVic and Camosun or online anywhere in BC. You’ll have a warm, relaxed space to talk, reflect, and try new approaches at your pace. There’s no pressure to have it all figured out. We’re here to walk with you as you find your way.

Book a Free 20-Minute Consultation

If you’re curious about whether counselling can help with anxiety, we invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation. You can meet a counsellor, ask questions, and see if it feels like a good fit.