In-Person in Victoria, BC V8R 1C2
Online in
British Columbia
I work with adults and couples navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, relationship issues, and life transitions. My approach is gentle and non-judgmental — this is a space to actually explore what you're feeling, not just manage it.
I've had my own experience with anxiety and self-doubt, and it shapes how I show up with clients. I don't believe healing means fixing something broken in you. It means reconnecting with who you already are underneath the noise.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, you don't have to sort through it alone.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+, Men, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Gestalt Therapy Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. It helps people integrate different parts of themselves for wholeness.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
- Transpersonal Therapy Integrates spirituality and higher states of consciousness with psychology. It encourages growth beyond the individual self.
Approach Description: I'm interested in the patterns we carry from our relationships and past experiences — the roles we learned to play, often without realizing it — and how they still show up in our lives now. Part of my work involves helping you get curious about different parts of yourself, so those parts can work together instead of against each other.
I also pay attention to the body. A lot of emotional weight gets stored physically, and naming that tension is often part of processing it fully. Rather than trying to eliminate hard thoughts and feelings, I help you learn to hold them differently, so they don't run the show — freeing you up to move toward what actually matters to you.
Above all, I try to bring a steady, non-judgmental presence — a space where you can just be, without needing to perform or explain yourself.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $140
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Sliding scale may be possible depending on financial circumstances.
- Out of Network
- Please check with your insurance provider to see if our sessions our covered.
Education & Credentials
Laura Chartrand BA, RTC
- Female
- License # 2652
- Licensed in BC
- Practicing Since 2021
Education: I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria. I earned a diploma in Transpersonal Counselling from Clearmind International. I'm in training to be a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, currently intermediate level. I am dedicated to ongoing training to enhance my skills.
Laura Chartrand Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Victoria, BC V8R 1C2
- Available Online for residents of British Columbia
- Online Therapy Details: Teletherapy via JaneApp
True Essence Wellness is for people who feel stuck — caught in anxiety, stuck in self-criticism, or watching a relationship lose its spark. If you're tired of carrying all that, I'd like to help.
I don't do one-size-fits-all sessions. I use a mix of approaches depending on what's actually going on with you, not a set program I run everyone through. We'll look at where the struggle started, question the stuff that isn't helping anymore, and figure out what actually works for you.
I work with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, and big life transitions, and with couples trying to rebuild communication and connection. Grief, perfectionism, learning to set boundaries, or just wanting to feel like yourself again — I've sat with people through all of it.
I see clients in person in Victoria and virtually across BC. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.