Maria Butler

Family Counsellor, BA, B.Ed, MA, RCC

Maria Butler, MA, RCC, is a family counsellor in Victoria, BC who helps children, teens and university and college students. She works with families to navigate anxiety, school stress, and big emotions using CBT, mindfulness, and play-informed strategies in our Saanich garden office or online across B.C.

Who does Maria help?

Children ages 5 and up, teens and university/college students.

What approaches does she use?

Warm and gentle, person-centred, strengths-based counselling that draws on CBT, solution-focused and narrative therapy, family therapy, mindfulness, and play-informed strategies.

What issues does she work with most?

Anxiety, emotional regulation, self-esteem and identity, school stress, peer relationships, grief and loss, and parent-child communication.

Where are sessions offered?

In person or online, with a free 20-minute consult to discuss needs and determine best fit.

What are the fees?

Child or teen / student session $155 (50 minutes). Parent intake $170 (50 minutes). Parent check-ins $80 (25 minutes). Extended benefits may cover RCC.

About Me

Hi, I’m Maria Butler, a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I have 13 years of experience with children and youth. I care about helping young people feel seen, supported, and understood. My practice blends compassion, creativity, and practical tools that empower growth.

How I Help

Together we set clear goals and build simple steps that make life feel lighter. I use conversation, art, and play to help kids notice what is hard, understand why it happens, and practice tools they can use at home and at school. I collaborate with parents so support feels steady and consistent.

Team care when helpful

At Harbour Family Counselling we can involve another counsellor for parents while I see your child or teen. We coordinate behind the scenes so everyone moves in the same direction.

Who I Work With

Children and teens facing anxiety, big feelings, school stress, grief and loss, identity exploration, or low confidence.

University and college students looking for individual counselling to help with anxiety, relationships, and stress, or career counselling when they are choosing a major, changing programs, or planning life after graduation.

Focus areas

  • Anxiety and emotional regulation

  • Self-esteem and identity

  • School stress and peer relationships

  • Grief and life transitions

  • Parent-child communication

Fees and insurance

Fees: $155 per 50-minute individual session; $170 per family/team session. Receipts for extended benefits (RCC). See current openings and book a free 20-minute consult.

Complimentary 20-minute consultation – A brief phone call to ask questions and determine if Maria is the right fit.

Regular Session Rate (child, teen, student) - $155 for a 50-minute session (in person of video)

Parent intake session – $170 for a 50-minute session (in person or video) to share background and goals before a child or teen begins therapy.

Parent check-ins – $80 for a 25-minute phone or video session to discuss progress and strategies.

Maria is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). Her services may be covered by extended health benefits and you can find more details about eligibility on the Rates page. Please check with your provider for qualifying services.

How I Work

My approach is person-centered and strengths-based. I draw from CBT, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and play-based interventions. Whether we’re using art, play, or conversation, we collaborate to help young people tap into their strengths, understand what’s not working, and develop practical tools to navigate emotions and challenges.

Career Counselling

Having spent many years in career counselling in schools, I love helping students who are feeling uncertain about their direction. If you're trying to choose a major, thinking about switching programs, or unsure what comes next after graduation, we can explore your options together. Career counselling gives you space to reflect on your strengths and goals, and start building a path that feels right for you. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Credentials

  • Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA), Yorkville University, NB

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA), Durham University, UK

  • Bachelor of Education (B.ED), University of Victoria

Years Experience

I have worked with children and youth as both an educator and counsellor for over 13 years. Of that time, I spent three years teaching elementary and high school, and ten years as a school counsellor.

Team Approach

At Harbour Family Counselling we offer a team-based approach to Family Counselling. While I see children and teens, other family members like parents may choose to work with one of our adult counsellors who specilize in therapy for parents. We coordinate care by sharing insights and strategies behind the scenes, ensuring each person receives tailored support.

Child Support Group (Mood Managers)

I run a small group for kids called Mood Managers, designed for children who want steadier feelings and easier days at home and school. Each session builds emotional awareness, coping skills, and confidence through play, art, movement, and simple practice.

Outside the Office

Outside of work I love walking by the ocean or through the forest, practicing yoga and tai chi, theatre or dance. As a parent of a teen and a preteen, I deeply understand the joys and challenges of raising kids through adolescence.

Next Steps

If you’d like to see if we might be a good fit, I offer a free 20-minute phone or video consultation. Feel free to reach out via email or book a session directly on our website.

FAQ

  • Yes. I meet with parents to gather background and set goals. I also offer brief parent check-ins to review progress and next steps.

  • When it helps, yes. Parents may work with another counsellor while I see the child or teen. We coordinate care and share strategies.

  • We start with safety and rapport, then use conversation, art, or play to understand what is hard and practice small tools that fit daily life.

  • Yes. I offer career counselling for students who are choosing a major, considering a change, or planning after graduation.

  • Many extended health plans cover RCC services. Please check your plan for details. Our Rates page may also be able to help guide you.

  • Our garden office is in Saanich 3922 Cedar Hill Cross Road, close to UVic and Camosun. We serve families across Greater Victoria and online throughout B.C.

  • Yes. There is free street parking nearby, and the office is on major transit routes along Cedar Hill Cross Road.

  • Yes. You can meet in person in the garden office or online from anywhere in B.C. Many families switch between the two as schedules change.

  • Yes. New consults are available most weeks. After a short consult to confirm fit, we’ll book your first session as soon as a time works for you.

  • Maria works with children, preteens, and teens, and supports parents with practical next steps at home and school.

  • That is common. We begin with safety and comfort, using conversation, art, and play. Many kids open up once they feel understood and in control of the pace.

  • Yes! I have a background as a career counsellor and can help you plan your major and how to navigate life after school. I’m also here to discuss any issue you might have while at school, such as test anxiety, relationship and roomate issues, and how to find your way when you feel lost.