Salish Sea from Cordova Bay

Welcome!

We're glad you've found us. We offer in-person counselling for clients in Victoria and video & phone counselling for clients located in both BC and Alberta.

Anchored Connections is dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families in overcoming life's challenges, developing resilience, and creating healthy relationships.

We've Moved!

New Location

#103 – 5166 Cordova Bay Road

Victoria, BC V8Y 2K6

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Julie Lidstone

Julie Lidstone
MSW, RSW
Julie Lidstone

Julie brings over 20 years of experience in counselling and mental health. She works with children, youth, adults, couples, and families navigating relationship conflict, parenting challenges, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions.

She also has extensive experience supporting foster and adoptive families and the complex attachment and behavioural dynamics that can arise.

Julie integrates evidence-based approaches including CBT, CPT for trauma, the Gottman Method for couples, and attachment-focused models such as Circle of Security and TBRI.

She welcomes clients from all backgrounds and can offer a faith-informed Christian perspective upon request. Read more about Julie's professional expertise and counselling approach in her full bio.

"I'm pleased to offer phone or video counselling to clients in BC and Alberta, and in-person counselling for clients in Victoria." ~Julie

Julie is not accepting new clients at this time. Waitlist inquiries are welcome through our office.

Check Julie's availability
Nicole Hutchinson

Nicole Hutchinson
MACP, RCC, CCTP-II, CFTP

Nicole Hutchinson

Nicole is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with specialized training in trauma therapy and a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology.

She is certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional Level II (CCTP-II) and as a Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP), treating complex trauma, PTSD, and dissociation in children, youth, adults, and families.

Nicole's empathic and warm approach helps build strong therapeutic relationships, crucial for addressing issues like anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, chronic pain, addiction, and post-traumatic stress.

She has extensive experience helping clients navigate grief and loss, particularly related to the passing of loved ones.

With 15 years of experience, she also supports families facing trauma and attachment challenges, offering strategies to enhance family well-being.

Nicole is a registered provider for the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP), offering support to victims of crime through trauma-informed counselling. Read more about Nicole's expertise and counselling approach in her full bio.

I am here to support your journey toward mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. I offer online sessions for clients throughout BC and in-person sessions in Victoria. ~ Nicole

Nicole is not accepting new clients at this time. Waitlist inquiries are welcome through our office.

Check Nicole's availability

Counselling Sessions

We use Jane for billing, for booking, and for facilitating most of our video sessions.

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FAQs

  1. Does online or phone counselling work?

    Yes! Research supports the effectiveness of online counselling. It offers the convenience of attending from any location and the comfort of your own space, which can encourage openness. Learn more about online counselling.

  2. Do you provide marriage counselling?

    We do. We offer comprehensive couples counselling, using a blend of attachment theory, Gottman Method, and personalized approaches to strengthen relationships. Learn more about marriage counselling.

  3. Can I see you for both parent consulting and personal counselling?

    Yes! Sometimes parents seek both parent consulting and individual counselling. We welcome the opportunity to offer both types of work in our sessions at your request. These services go well together as the wellbeing of parents and caregivers is important to ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and adolescents.

  4. In a parent consultation session, do you need to see my child?

    Not usually. We work with parents and caregivers to help them make sense of the challenges they face with their child. We do not need to see the child to assess the problems and provide support. We believe that parents and caregivers are the answer to their child's deepest needs, and we work to support you in that.

  5. Can you help adoptive families?

    Yes! đź’• We offer specialized support in the realm of adoption, utilizing approaches like TBRI, Circle of Security, and Theraplay to nurture and strengthen adoptive families through their unique journeys. Learn more about our adoption support.

  6. Do you offer direct billing for insurance?

    Yes. Many extended health plans cover our designations—Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)—and we can direct bill some insurance providers. We are steadily expanding this option, and the billing table lists the providers we aim to support with direct billing, though availability can vary.

    Because coverage depends on your specific plan, please contact our office at office@anchoredconnections.ca to confirm or arrange direct billing.

  7. Is there a reduced fee for those in financial need?

    We offer a limited number of reduced-fee spots for clients facing financial hardship. If cost is a barrier, you are welcome to email our office to request a reduced-fee application. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  8. Is Anchored Connections a Christian counselling organization?

    Yes, Anchored Connections is firmly anchored in the Christian faith, with our team consisting of professional therapists who embrace this foundation. Our practice is dedicated to weaving our faith into the therapy services we provide, aiming to connect meaningfully with those seeking support grounded in a Christian perspective. However, we are committed to an inclusive approach, offering our services to anyone in need, irrespective of their personal faith or beliefs. Our trained professionals extend compassionate and respectful therapy to all individuals, focusing on their unique needs and pathways to healing.

  9. Can Anchored Connections create a customized program for our church community?

    Yes, we specialize in collaborating with churches to create customized programs tailored to meet the unique needs of your community. Our process starts with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals, challenges, and the specific areas where your congregation seeks growth or support. Based on this understanding, we design a program that may include workshops, group sessions, and individual guidance tailored for congregation members, leadership, and staff. Find more details here.

  10. Are you looking for additional professionals to join the Anchored Connections team?

    Yes! We currently have space for additional clinicians—Registered Social Workers, Registered Clinical Counsellors, and Psychologists—to join the Anchored team. We especially have a need for clinicians who offer services from a faith-based, Christian worldview, either in person or online.
    If you are interested in renting office space at our Cordova Bay location, we currently have some day and evening shifts available on a month-to-month basis.
    Please contact us if you'd like to discuss details: office@anchoredconnections.ca

  11. Is there a waitlist?

    Julie and Nicole are not accepting new clients at this time. Waitlist inquiries are welcome through our office. Existing clients may continue to book online.

  12. How long are the sessions?

    Counselling or consulting sessions are usually 50 minutes in length. Longer sessions can be arranged as needed.

Contact us

office@anchoredconnections.ca

Unit 103 – 5166 Cordova Bay Road