Accepting new individual counselling clients in Victoria, BC, Cobble Hill, BC & virtual online.

Strength in Heart offers affordable counselling in Victoria, BC with qualified masters' level student counsellors.

Adria Lipsett, Senior Student Counsellor

$80 per 1 hour (50 minute) session

Free 20 minute video or telephone consultation.

 

Adria Lipsett, MA (Cand.)

 

My approach

I believe that healing happens through connection—connection to ourselves, to others, and to the world we live in. This belief guides everything I do in the counselling space. I work with people from all walks of life, and I honour each person's unique story, strengths, and needs.

My approach is intuitive, non-judgmental, and creative. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all method—what works for one person might not work for another, so I collaborate closely with my clients to find what feels right for them. I often incorporate nature-based elements into sessions, when appropriate, as I believe in the grounding, healing power of the natural world to support reflection, nervous system regulation, and a sense of belonging.

Rooted in narrative therapy and person-centered values, my work is also trauma-informed and draws on a blend of modalities including parts work, inner child work, somatic approaches, mindfulness, and strengths-based practices. My intention is to offer a warm, safe, and inclusive space where your story can unfold, be witnessed, and gently reshaped.

Client Testimonial

“My first session....I was scared and assumed I would not say much. I thought I would be too uncomfortable to share, but Adria made me feel safe from the moment I sat down. I'm feeling optimistic about our next session. I did not hesitate to book it, as I felt we found something that resonated with me in an important way. I'm looking forward to my journey with her.”

My Story

Like many who are drawn to the healing professions, my path to becoming a counsellor has been deeply personal. I’ve lived through trauma, loss, and disconnection—but I’ve also experienced immense joy, strength, beauty, and transformation. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, uncertain, or far from yourself, and I carry a deep respect and curiosity for all the different forms and expressions of people.

(& I carry a deep respect and curiosity for the many ways people express who they are and how they move through the world. )

I came to counselling through a varied and winding path. One shaped by creative and artistic pursuits, time spent working with plants and soil in horticulture, and a lifelong relationship with the natural world. Growing up on the West Coast, the forests have long been a source of grounding, insight, and healing for me. That connection continues to inform both my personal and professional life, often finding its way into the therapeutic space.

Being a mother has also profoundly shaped who I am and how I hold space for others. It has deepened my capacity for empathy, patience, and presence, and continues to teach me about love, repair, and the ongoing work of being in relationship—with ourselves and with those we care for.

My own healing journey has shown me the power of being seen, heard, and supported without judgment and how truly transformative that can be. It’s taught me the value of compassion, creativity, and connection to ourselves, to others, and to the natural world. These values are at the heart of my work.

Counselling, for me, is not only about tending to what hurts, it’s also about learning to see what is beautiful. It’s about reconnecting with possibility, with hope, and with the truth of who you are and who you are becoming.

Areas of Focus

  • Emotional Regulation

  • Depression and Anxiety

  • Trauma

  • Shame and Guilt

  • Life Transitions

  • Burnout

  • Grief and Loss

  • Setting Boundaries

  • Mindfulness

  • Caregiving

  • Setting goals

  • Spirituality

Education & training

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Cand.) Yorkville University 2025

  • Psychology Counselling Undergraduate Studies UVic 2014

  • Bachelor of Fine arts Emily Carr University 2009

  • Narrative Therapy training

  • Indigenous Cultural Humility Training

We put you first! Strength in Heart is a counselling service in Victoria, BC. Our counsellors practice from a compassionate & client-centred approach & use a combination of various forms of therapy to empower clients to physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually thrive.

We view each client as the expert of their own story & work with each individual to develop a customized therapy approach that is designed for their specific needs & goals.