Watercolor leaf texture and Vanya Laporte Counselling logo representing embodied healing and nervous system regulation in Victoria, BC.
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    Mindfulness-based Counselling with Vanya Laporte

    June 19, 2026
    Comfortable therapy room with a sofa, armchair, and window overlooking nature in Victoria, BC.

    So what is mindfulness anyway?

    Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or feel overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Often, throughout the day our mind takes flight, we lose touch with our body, and pretty soon we may have thoughts about something that just happened or fretting about the future. And that can lead to intense, overwhelming feelings that can leave us feeling helpless.

    Mindfulness is a quality that every human being already possesses, it’s not something you have to conjure up, you just have to learn how to access it. With a mindfulness-based approach to counselling, Vanya supports clients by introducing moments of sustained self- awareness which can lead to new discoveries, uncover old patterns that are no longer helpful, and pave the way for making healthier choices.

    Mindfulness gives us the chance to suspend judgment and unleash our natural curiosity about the workings of our mind, body and our feelings, and then to approach our experience with warmth and kindness.

    Why Mindfulness is Accessible to Everyone

    • Anyone can do it! Mindfulness practice cultivates universal human qualities and does not require anyone to change their beliefs and it’s easy to learn.
    • It’s a way of living. Mindfulness is more than just a practice. It brings awareness and caring into everything we do—and it cuts down needless stress. Even a little makes our lives better.
    • It’s evidence-based. Both science and experience demonstrate its positive benefits for our health, happiness, work, and relationships.
    • It sparks creativity. As we deal with our world’s increasing complexity and uncertainty, mindfulness can lead us to effective, resilient, and creative responses to life’s challenges.

    Vanya is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who brings a deep sense of compassion to her mindfulness-based counselling work that is both gentle yet grounded; that allows others to feel supported and nourished.

    Meet Vanya:

    Vanya is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Certified Hakomi Practitioner. She holds the gift of seeing both the big picture and the unique details of each person she sits with. Vanya’s basket of skills weave together mindfulness, a body-centered and trauma-informed approach, along with inspiring deep nature connection.

    Clients feel welcomed and valued in Vanya’s calm presence. Vanya is a highly competent and respectful counsellor who holds kindness, curiousity, and the integrity of the individual as her gold standards. Whether you are healing from a trauma, anxious about this stage in your life, or adapting to a challenging world, working with Vanya can help you transform old patterns and more skillfully navigate life.

    To learn more about Vanya or to book a free Meet and Greet or session you can visit: www.vanyalaporte.com

    Vanya Laporte, Registered Clinical Counsellor, in a forest setting embodying nature-based therapy.

    About the Author

    Vanya Laporte is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Certified Hakomi Practitioner, and Internal Family Systems therapist based in Victoria, BC. She weaves together mindfulness, somatic therapy, and deep nature connection to help clients find their way back to themselves.

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