Attachment-based Therapists in Victoria, BC
Welcome! My passion lies in creating a safe and supportive space where children, youth, adults, and families, can explore and understand their feelings, emotions, and behaviours. Together, we explore my clients' lived experiences and life contexts in a gentle and curious manner. My ideal client is someone navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, seeking a compassionate space to feel heard and supported. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain but are ready to explore their emotions and take steps toward growth. Their goal is to build resilience, and create meaningful change.
Welcome! My passion lies in creating a safe and supportive space where children, youth, adults, and families, can explore and understand their feelings, emotions, and behaviours. Together, we explore my clients' lived experiences and life contexts in a gentle and curious manner. My ideal client is someone navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, seeking a compassionate space to feel heard and supported. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain but are ready to explore their emotions and take steps toward growth. Their goal is to build resilience, and create meaningful change.
Welcome, I understand how much courage it can take to ask for help and I’m glad that you are here to find support and start your healing journey. In my work I offer a safe, non-judgmental space, where you can share your feelings and thoughts. As we learn more about you, your behaviours, patterns, needs, and dreams we can also establish and start to work on your goals. I’m an MA Therapist (Europe) and an MA Registered Clinical Counsellor (BC, Canada) with 15+ years of experience working in mental health fields. My expertises are trauma, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, boundaries, self-esteem, grief, abuse
Welcome, I understand how much courage it can take to ask for help and I’m glad that you are here to find support and start your healing journey. In my work I offer a safe, non-judgmental space, where you can share your feelings and thoughts. As we learn more about you, your behaviours, patterns, needs, and dreams we can also establish and start to work on your goals. I’m an MA Therapist (Europe) and an MA Registered Clinical Counsellor (BC, Canada) with 15+ years of experience working in mental health fields. My expertises are trauma, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, boundaries, self-esteem, grief, abuse
Many of the men I work with feel stuck.
They may be struggling with motivation, avoiding important areas of life, or falling into patterns like substance use, gaming, or other habits that are hard to break. On the surface, it can look like a lack of direction or discipline—but underneath, there’s often difficulty managing emotions, feelings of overwhelm, or a growing sense of frustration or discouragement.
I specialize in working with men—often in their 20s and 30s—who know they’re capable of more, but can’t seem to get moving.
I also work with parents who are concerned about their adult son, and want to know how to support them.
Many of the men I work with feel stuck.
They may be struggling with motivation, avoiding important areas of life, or falling into patterns like substance use, gaming, or other habits that are hard to break. On the surface, it can look like a lack of direction or discipline—but underneath, there’s often difficulty managing emotions, feelings of overwhelm, or a growing sense of frustration or discouragement.
I specialize in working with men—often in their 20s and 30s—who know they’re capable of more, but can’t seem to get moving.
I also work with parents who are concerned about their adult son, and want to know how to support them.
My counselling sessions incorporate: 1) Understanding a client and a client's issue(s) in an empathic and non-judgmental space through a holistic lens (psychological, physiological, sociological and spiritual) 2) Helping clients build new skills through emotional/somatic regulation practices, changing thought patterns and processing the personal blocks to change 3) Moving through and processing old memories and patterns that aren't serving a client 4) Moving forward and creating the life that aligns for the client. Finding meaning, purpose, fulfillment and enjoyment in a new life!
My counselling sessions incorporate: 1) Understanding a client and a client's issue(s) in an empathic and non-judgmental space through a holistic lens (psychological, physiological, sociological and spiritual) 2) Helping clients build new skills through emotional/somatic regulation practices, changing thought patterns and processing the personal blocks to change 3) Moving through and processing old memories and patterns that aren't serving a client 4) Moving forward and creating the life that aligns for the client. Finding meaning, purpose, fulfillment and enjoyment in a new life!
I am a registered psychologist in Victoria BC. I have a PhD in clinical psychology and over 15 years experience as a therapist and scientist. I specialize in perinatal anxiety (e.g., birth trauma, OCD, pregnancy-related anxiety, perinatal loss), trauma, grief, individual relationship difficulties, and women's mental health. I am certified in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) by the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies.
I am a registered psychologist in Victoria BC. I have a PhD in clinical psychology and over 15 years experience as a therapist and scientist. I specialize in perinatal anxiety (e.g., birth trauma, OCD, pregnancy-related anxiety, perinatal loss), trauma, grief, individual relationship difficulties, and women's mental health. I am certified in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) by the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies.
Many of the adults (18–65+) I support are navigating different expressions of depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, and complex body/food relationships. Often, they feel stuck and are seeking a way out of unhelpful patterns, so that they can feel more grounded, authentic, and at peace in themselves.
I bring a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to therapy, grounded in openness, respect, and trauma sensitivity. Sessions with me are collaborative, conversational, and often infused with humour. My goal is to provide you with the tools and safety to explore and embrace all parts of yourself.
Many of the adults (18–65+) I support are navigating different expressions of depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, and complex body/food relationships. Often, they feel stuck and are seeking a way out of unhelpful patterns, so that they can feel more grounded, authentic, and at peace in themselves.
I bring a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to therapy, grounded in openness, respect, and trauma sensitivity. Sessions with me are collaborative, conversational, and often infused with humour. My goal is to provide you with the tools and safety to explore and embrace all parts of yourself.
I help people recover from PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression and burnout. If you feel hyper-alert or on guarded, or numb and shutdown, or swamped in self-doubt and overwhelming emotions, you are not broken! Chances are you've been injured, and with care, you can heal.
I can help you understand what has happened to you, connect to your inner wisdom and find your way back to peace, balance and vitality.
I have experience working in Indigenous communities and offer services funded by First Nations Health Authority and Crime Victim Assistance.
I help people recover from PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression and burnout. If you feel hyper-alert or on guarded, or numb and shutdown, or swamped in self-doubt and overwhelming emotions, you are not broken! Chances are you've been injured, and with care, you can heal.
I can help you understand what has happened to you, connect to your inner wisdom and find your way back to peace, balance and vitality.
I have experience working in Indigenous communities and offer services funded by First Nations Health Authority and Crime Victim Assistance.
Have you spent your entire life trying to get over your childhood? Do you deal with crippling anxiety, PTSD, crushing depression, severe sleep problems, or struggle with ADHD? My professional area of interest, and my expertise, is in helping people deal with the aftermath of trauma. I offer neurofeedback in-office. Neurofeedback reduces or eliminates symptoms that block your ability to live life to the fullest. Severe trauma--residential school survivors and their families, war veterans, those with histories of childhood abuse--may need two to three 20-session blocks.
Have you spent your entire life trying to get over your childhood? Do you deal with crippling anxiety, PTSD, crushing depression, severe sleep problems, or struggle with ADHD? My professional area of interest, and my expertise, is in helping people deal with the aftermath of trauma. I offer neurofeedback in-office. Neurofeedback reduces or eliminates symptoms that block your ability to live life to the fullest. Severe trauma--residential school survivors and their families, war veterans, those with histories of childhood abuse--may need two to three 20-session blocks.
Are you experiencing relationship difficulties? Having a hard time dealing with your family life? Suffering in silence with your distressing concerns? Whether it is an acute stressor or a long-term chronic issue, it is important to know that help is within your reach. I am a Registered Psychologist working in beautiful Fairfield, Victoria, BC, and I am here to offer professional guidance. Working together, we will explore how to manage life challenges with the resources you possess already.
Are you experiencing relationship difficulties? Having a hard time dealing with your family life? Suffering in silence with your distressing concerns? Whether it is an acute stressor or a long-term chronic issue, it is important to know that help is within your reach. I am a Registered Psychologist working in beautiful Fairfield, Victoria, BC, and I am here to offer professional guidance. Working together, we will explore how to manage life challenges with the resources you possess already.
With over a decade of experience in mental health, I work with individuals who feel stuck in patterns that aren’t changing—often despite previous insight and reflection. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful and self-aware, and are looking for deeper, lasting change, particularly in relationships, emotional patterns, or ways of coping. My work focuses on the underlying patterns that shape how you relate—to yourself, to others, and to the world. I integrate depth psychology and EMDR to support the processing of trauma and unresolved experiences, helping shift patterns that can be difficult to change.
With over a decade of experience in mental health, I work with individuals who feel stuck in patterns that aren’t changing—often despite previous insight and reflection. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful and self-aware, and are looking for deeper, lasting change, particularly in relationships, emotional patterns, or ways of coping. My work focuses on the underlying patterns that shape how you relate—to yourself, to others, and to the world. I integrate depth psychology and EMDR to support the processing of trauma and unresolved experiences, helping shift patterns that can be difficult to change.
I am a Master Therapeutic Counsellor (MTC) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). I draw on my own personal experience and adversities, my background in Mindfulness and Meditation and extensive training from Clearmind International Institute. For the last 9 years, I have assisted and supported participants in numerous personal growth workshops and weekends and volunteered as a community counsellor at Esquimalt Neighbourhood House and with the Compassion Prison Project, in addition to offering individual adult and youth sessions in private practice.
I am a Master Therapeutic Counsellor (MTC) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). I draw on my own personal experience and adversities, my background in Mindfulness and Meditation and extensive training from Clearmind International Institute. For the last 9 years, I have assisted and supported participants in numerous personal growth workshops and weekends and volunteered as a community counsellor at Esquimalt Neighbourhood House and with the Compassion Prison Project, in addition to offering individual adult and youth sessions in private practice.
Healthy change is possible and you do not have to face challenges alone. It can be very difficult to seek help and reach out during hard times. If you are reading this then you have already taken the first step towards well being. Finding a counsellor who you feel comfortable with is an essential part of the healing process. I would be happy to talk with you. Supporting individuals, families, youth and children for over 24 years. This is the time to take the best care of ourselves and our loved ones. Triggers arise now more than ever and support is available.
Healthy change is possible and you do not have to face challenges alone. It can be very difficult to seek help and reach out during hard times. If you are reading this then you have already taken the first step towards well being. Finding a counsellor who you feel comfortable with is an essential part of the healing process. I would be happy to talk with you. Supporting individuals, families, youth and children for over 24 years. This is the time to take the best care of ourselves and our loved ones. Triggers arise now more than ever and support is available.
Anne-Marie Armour
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RCC
3 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8T
Waitlist for new clients
I am an RSW & RCC offering traditional talk and specialized therapies. I provide Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy to clients who have been granted legal access by Health Canada, as well as psychedelic preparation and integration therapy to the broader public as a harm reduction measure. For clients seeking rapid recovery from trauma and other mental health conditions, I offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a highly effective memory reconsolidation procedure. I also have a passion for working with people who use substances from a harm reduction philosophy which includes abstinence if that is one's stated goal.
I am an RSW & RCC offering traditional talk and specialized therapies. I provide Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy to clients who have been granted legal access by Health Canada, as well as psychedelic preparation and integration therapy to the broader public as a harm reduction measure. For clients seeking rapid recovery from trauma and other mental health conditions, I offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a highly effective memory reconsolidation procedure. I also have a passion for working with people who use substances from a harm reduction philosophy which includes abstinence if that is one's stated goal.
Our Clinical Director offers free matching sessions to support you to choose a counsellor based on your individual concerns, preferences, schedule and more. One of the greatest predictors of a meaningful counselling experience is the fit between you and your counsellor. Let us help you find the right fit. We have a team of therapists who bring diverse life experience, education, training, and counselling methods to our practice. We offer counselling services to children (5-12), teenagers (13-19), adults, seniors (65+), families, and couples of all ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and relationship structures.
Our Clinical Director offers free matching sessions to support you to choose a counsellor based on your individual concerns, preferences, schedule and more. One of the greatest predictors of a meaningful counselling experience is the fit between you and your counsellor. Let us help you find the right fit. We have a team of therapists who bring diverse life experience, education, training, and counselling methods to our practice. We offer counselling services to children (5-12), teenagers (13-19), adults, seniors (65+), families, and couples of all ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and relationship structures.
Hi! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia and I am happy to work with clients virtually throughout the province. I believe counselling is an important component in cultivating peace and justice in our world and I see connections to community & with nature as fundamental to our health and well-being.
Hi! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia and I am happy to work with clients virtually throughout the province. I believe counselling is an important component in cultivating peace and justice in our world and I see connections to community & with nature as fundamental to our health and well-being.
Accepting New Clients. Are you experiencing increased anxiety or sadness lately? Do you wish to feel more confident, more connected, more relaxed? You may wish to increase your motivation, to get more out of life, you may wish to navigate a life change, you may wish to identify or explore your goals. You don't want it to be this hard. You don't want to be this angry. You want to be happier and more fulfilled. You want your relationships to be better, perhaps deeper, richer, less difficult. You want to identify your dreams and find out the steps to take to get closer to fulfilling your dreams. I can help you on your journey.
Accepting New Clients. Are you experiencing increased anxiety or sadness lately? Do you wish to feel more confident, more connected, more relaxed? You may wish to increase your motivation, to get more out of life, you may wish to navigate a life change, you may wish to identify or explore your goals. You don't want it to be this hard. You don't want to be this angry. You want to be happier and more fulfilled. You want your relationships to be better, perhaps deeper, richer, less difficult. You want to identify your dreams and find out the steps to take to get closer to fulfilling your dreams. I can help you on your journey.
I’m Xela Rysstad (she/her), a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Victoria, BC, on the unceded lands of the Lekwungen peoples. I offer compassionate, trauma-informed counselling for individuals and couples seeking healing, growth, and connection. My approach is grounded in anti-oppression, anti-racism, and feminist values, creating a safe and inclusive space for you to explore life’s challenges. Whether you’re navigating relationships, identity, or mental health concerns, I’m here to support your journey toward clarity, resilience, and meaningful change.
I’m Xela Rysstad (she/her), a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Victoria, BC, on the unceded lands of the Lekwungen peoples. I offer compassionate, trauma-informed counselling for individuals and couples seeking healing, growth, and connection. My approach is grounded in anti-oppression, anti-racism, and feminist values, creating a safe and inclusive space for you to explore life’s challenges. Whether you’re navigating relationships, identity, or mental health concerns, I’m here to support your journey toward clarity, resilience, and meaningful change.
As a therapist I create space and opportunity for you to explore behaviours, relationships, feelings, or thoughts which benefit you and those that trouble you or cause difficulty in your life. I work alongside you to support you to develop deeper personal insight and awareness, better ways of understanding and coping with problems, and improved relationships, daily functioning, and quality of life. Whether you are experiencing overwhelm, low mood, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or stress, together we can draw on your strengths, competence, and wisdom and create more ease in your life.
As a therapist I create space and opportunity for you to explore behaviours, relationships, feelings, or thoughts which benefit you and those that trouble you or cause difficulty in your life. I work alongside you to support you to develop deeper personal insight and awareness, better ways of understanding and coping with problems, and improved relationships, daily functioning, and quality of life. Whether you are experiencing overwhelm, low mood, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or stress, together we can draw on your strengths, competence, and wisdom and create more ease in your life.
I have six and a half years experience as a sex educator and specialize in somatic (body based) counselling, attachment-based therapy, and relationship counselling.
Over-functioning in all areas of your life. In your head and out of your body. Ruminating about what you said, did, or should say next time. Giving grace and acceptance to everyone else but yourself. Does this sound like you? Often my clients present with a number of issues that include troubled relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and uncertainty navigating life's next steps. Your desire for wholeness and fulfilling relationships, career, and family is a journey that starts as longing inside of you. Alchemy Wellness is where you bring it to life.
I have six and a half years experience as a sex educator and specialize in somatic (body based) counselling, attachment-based therapy, and relationship counselling.
Over-functioning in all areas of your life. In your head and out of your body. Ruminating about what you said, did, or should say next time. Giving grace and acceptance to everyone else but yourself. Does this sound like you? Often my clients present with a number of issues that include troubled relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and uncertainty navigating life's next steps. Your desire for wholeness and fulfilling relationships, career, and family is a journey that starts as longing inside of you. Alchemy Wellness is where you bring it to life.
With over 30 years of experience in the human services field, I have helped many heal from trauma. I aim to hear and understand your unique needs and challenges. My goal is to help you heal from emotional issues and feel confident and optimistic about your life. Traumatic experiences may cause symptoms that are hard to understand and manage. The symptoms may feel unbearable and debilitating. Therapy can reduce symptoms and increase your insight and capacity to cope. I aim to increase your awareness of your resilient traits and strengths. My goal is that you become self-assured to navigate daily life events and challenges.
With over 30 years of experience in the human services field, I have helped many heal from trauma. I aim to hear and understand your unique needs and challenges. My goal is to help you heal from emotional issues and feel confident and optimistic about your life. Traumatic experiences may cause symptoms that are hard to understand and manage. The symptoms may feel unbearable and debilitating. Therapy can reduce symptoms and increase your insight and capacity to cope. I aim to increase your awareness of your resilient traits and strengths. My goal is that you become self-assured to navigate daily life events and challenges.
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Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?
Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.
What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?
Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.
How long does attachment-based therapy last?
Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.
Does attachment-based therapy work?
Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.