Welcome—I’m Julie-Anne Richards.

I’m a clinical counsellor and speaker based on Vancouver Island, and I work with individuals, couples, and groups who want more than just surface-level solutions. My approach blends evidence-based therapy with real-world practicality, helping people move through anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and life’s inevitable transitions.

But beyond the credentials, here’s what you should know: I believe therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating. It can be warm, structured, and even a little bit witty at times. And whether I’m in a one-on-one counselling session or speaking to a room full of people, my goal is the same: to bring clarity, perspective, and tools that you can actually use.

Professional Background

With more than 20 years of experience in clinical counselling, I’ve worked across education, healthcare, and community settings. My career has included:

• Psychoeducational and psychosocial assessment in a school psychologist role for a large Montreal-based school board.

• Teaching experience in both public and private schools, as well as at four Canadian universities and in classrooms abroad.

• Specialized training and workshops for educators, medical professionals, first responders, parents, and clinicians.

This unique mix of psychology and education-based experience gives me a breadth of understanding that resonates strongly in the education sector and beyond. I’m particularly known for my evidence-based, effective work with childhood anxiety.

Why I Do This Work

Like most people, I’ve had seasons in life where change felt overwhelming—where the roadmap wasn’t clear and I had to learn how to find my footing. Those experiences are what drive me to do the work I do today.

When someone walks into my office, I know they’ve already taken a brave first step. My job is to make sure they don’t have to walk the rest of the way alone.

My Approach to Counselling

As a Vancouver Island counsellor, my style is practical, compassionate, and collaborative. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) but also draw from other proven approaches to create a plan tailored to your needs.

Here’s what you can expect in sessions:

• Structure and clarity – we’ll set clear goals and track progress together.

• Real-world strategies – tools you can use outside the therapy room, from handling workplace stress to navigating late-night worry spirals.

• A balance of warmth and directness – I’ll listen deeply, but I’ll also challenge unhelpful patterns and encourage new ways of thinking.

Therapy with me isn’t about endless talking with no direction. It’s about moving forward with purpose.

Who I Support

I work with a wide range of clients across Vancouver Island and online:

• Individuals facing anxiety, stress, low confidence, or burnout.

• Couples who want to strengthen communication, rebuild connection, or feel like a team again.

• People in transition—whether it’s parenthood, career shifts, divorce, retirement, or grief—who want support and guidance during uncertain times.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “in between” where you were and where you want to be, that’s exactly where therapy can help.

Speaking & Training on Mental Health

Outside of one-on-one sessions, I also work as a mental health speaker and trainer. I design and deliver workplace wellness workshops, keynote talks, and training programs for schools, conferences, and community groups.

Some of the most requested topics include:

• Managing anxiety in high-pressure environments

• Building resilience during change

• Communication strategies that actually work

• Preventing burnout in workplaces

• Mental health basics for leaders and teams

My speaking style is practical and engaging—audiences leave with concrete takeaways, not just inspiration.

Life on Vancouver Island

When I’m not in session or speaking, you’ll find me enjoying life on Vancouver Island, where I live with my two kids and our very enthusiastic dog. Family life here is a mix of soccer games, homework help, sandy shoes from beach walks, and the kind of chaos every parent knows well.

Travel is another passion of mine. Whether it’s discovering hidden corners of British Columbia or exploring far-flung destinations, travel feeds my love of perspective—it reminds me that growth happens when we step outside our routines. Much like therapy, travel shifts the lens and opens new possibilities.

Living on Vancouver Island gives me daily reminders of balance: the steady ocean, the rugged mountains, and the quiet moments in between. That same sense of balance is what I hope clients find through our work together.

My Core Values as a Counsellor

• Clarity over jargon – You’ll always know what we’re working on and why.

• Evidence over trends – I use proven, science-backed methods like CBT, not quick fixes.

• Progress over perfection – Growth happens step by step, not overnight.

• Compassion with accountability – I’ll support you while also helping you stay on track.

Why People Choose to Work With Me

Clients often share that they appreciate my balance of professionalism and approachability. I’m serious about the work, but I don’t take myself too seriously. Sessions are a safe space where you can be honest, feel heard, and know that your challenges will be met with empathy and expertise.

If you’re seeking a counsellor who brings both skill and humanity to the table—or a speaker who can connect with audiences while delivering real strategies—you’re in the right place.

Ready to Begin?

Whether you’re looking for anxiety counselling on Vancouver Island, couples therapy, or a mental health keynote speaker, I’d love to connect.

Explore my Support page to learn more about counselling services, or my Speaking page for keynotes and workshops.

The first step doesn’t need to be big—it just needs to be yours.