Anxiety Counselling and Treatment in North Vancouver, BC and West Vancouver, BC

Do Anxiety and Panic Attacks have you Feeling Overwhelmed?

Anxiety and panic attacks can feel like a tidal wave, washing over you with intense fear and physical symptoms. It's a common struggle, affecting millions worldwide. While the exact causes can vary, they often stem from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors.

Understanding the Science - What causes Anxiety and Panic Attacks?

When we experience anxiety, our bodies respond as if we're facing a threat. This "fight or flight" response can lead to rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing. While these symptoms can be alarming, it's important to remember that they're temporary and treatable.

What do Anxiety and Panic Attacks feel like for you?

  • Constant worry and overthinking:

"I can't stop worrying about everything, even the smallest things."

  • Racing thoughts:

"My mind is racing a million miles a minute, and I can't focus on anything."

  • Difficulty sleeping:

"I toss and turn all night, my mind is too active to rest."

  • Physical tension:

"I feel tense and on edge, like I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop."

  • Avoidance behaviors:

"I avoid situations or people that trigger my anxiety, even if it's inconvenient."

  • Panic attacks:

"I have sudden, intense feelings of fear and dread, often accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath."

Many clients pay little or nothing out of pocket — we direct bill Pacific Blue Cross, SunLife, Telus Health / Canada Life, GreenShield, and more. See all insurance & funding options → Direct billing available

Hope and Healing - Treating Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Our team of Registered Clinical Counsellors in North Vancouver and West Vancouver is here to help you navigate anxiety and panic with a focus on holistic, human-centred care. We develop personalized treatment plans drawing on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy to address the root causes of anxiety — not just the symptoms. For clients whose anxiety has a strong physiological component, Neurofeedback and Biofeedback are available as adjunct treatments to directly regulate the nervous system's stress response.

Ready to take the first step towards a calmer, more balanced life? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Need help finding the right counsellor for you? Get matched to one of our qualified Registered Clinical Counsellors

Work with our counselling team

All of our Registered Clinical Counsellors have experience supporting clients through anxiety and panic. Sessions available in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and by secure video across BC. Neurofeedback is also available as an adjunct — learn more here.

Maryam Mills

Maryam Mills

MA, RCC-ACS, CCC, BCN, EMDRIA-Consultant — Clinic Director

“My aim is to guide clients toward realizing their highest potential — drawing on EMDR, neurofeedback, and a deeply holistic understanding of what shapes each person's experience.”

EMDR Neurofeedback Trauma Couples Hypnotherapy Farsi Full profile →
Teresa Berkholtz

Teresa Berkholtz

MA, RCC

“I believe every individual has the capacity to grow through their struggles and emerge with clarity, strength, and purpose — I use EMDR and parts work to help clients find what keeps them stuck.”

EMDR IFS / Parts work Somatic Gottman Full profile →
Alireza Badri

Alireza Badri

MA, RCC

“I bring a calm, thoughtful presence — helping clients build self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their sense of strength using EMDR, DBT, and ACT.”

EMDR DBT ACT Gottman Farsi Full profile →
Sogol Shams

Sogol Shams

PhD, MACP, RCC

“I'm dedicated to creating a culturally sensitive, supportive environment — drawing on CBT, EMDR, and play therapy to empower clients of all ages to build resilience and thrive.”

EMDR CBT Play therapy IFS Farsi Full profile →
May Yao

May Yao

MACP, RCC

“I create a safe, supportive space where clients can freely explore their thoughts and emotions — with a particular focus on anxiety, depression, and life transitions.”

CBT EMDR Gottman Mandarin Full profile →
Jackie McGregor

Jackie McGregor

MACP, RCC

“True healing involves attending to the whole person — I integrate IFS, somatic, and Gottman approaches to help clients achieve deeper self-discovery and lasting change.”

IFS / Parts work Somatic CBT Gottman Full profile →
Stephanie Stanton

Stephanie Stanton

MACP, RCC, RRT

“My background as a respiratory therapist shaped my understanding of how stress and anxiety live in the body — I work alongside clients to explore the patterns that may no longer be serving them.”

EMDR IFS Somatic Gottman Full profile →
Diba Ferdowsi

Diba Ferdowsi

Counselling Intern — available through our low-cost counselling program

“I offer a warm, non-judgmental space for clients navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions — supervised by our senior clinical team.”

CBT DBT Mindfulness Farsi Low-cost program only Full profile →

Ready to get started? Not sure who to book with — we'll match you with the right counsellor.

Book a free 15 min. consultation

Anxiety & Panic Attacks — Frequently Asked Questions

Anxiety is typically a sustained state of worry, tension, or apprehension — it can be background noise or more acute. A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear with strong physical symptoms — racing heart, difficulty breathing, dizziness, a sense of unreality — that usually peaks within minutes. Many people experience both. They're related but distinct experiences and both respond well to treatment.
Counselling — particularly CBT and EMDR — has strong research support for anxiety and is recommended as a first-line treatment alongside or instead of medication for many people. Neurofeedback is also used at MasterMind as an adjunct for clients whose anxiety has a strong physiological component. Many clients find counselling alone highly effective; others benefit from a combination of counselling and medication. We work collaboratively with your GP or psychiatrist when appropriate.
Many clients notice meaningful shifts within 6 to 10 sessions, particularly with structured approaches like CBT. The timeline depends on how long anxiety has been present, its severity, and what's driving it. Progress isn't always linear — some weeks feel harder than others — but most clients see real change within the first few months of consistent work.
Yes. Our team includes counsellors experienced in working with younger clients, using age-appropriate approaches including play therapy and CBT adapted for children. Anxiety is one of the most common presentations in children and adolescents and responds very well to early intervention.

Community and Industry Resources for Anxiety and Panic Attacks

  • Anxiety Canada: A national charity dedicated to providing information and support for individuals with anxiety disorders.
  • CMHA North and West Vancouver: Local mental health organization offering a range of services, including counselling and support groups.
  • HealthLink BC: A provincial health information service providing reliable health advice and information.
  • Vancouver Coastal Health: The regional health authority responsible for providing health services in Vancouver and surrounding areas.