Counselling

Mountain Mindset Counselling

Compassionate counselling for parents, individuals, and relationships

Life can feel overwhelming when you are navigating trauma, parenting challenges, relationship difficulties, anxiety, or major change. Counselling can offer a supportive space to slow down, understand what is happening, and explore meaningful ways forward.

I offer compassionate, collaborative counselling for adults, parents, and families in Squamish and throughout British Columbia online. Sessions are available in person, online, and—when appropriate—on walking trails near my office.

Book a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to see whether working together feels like a good fit.

Or you can email me at mountainmindsetsquamish@gmail.com

How I can support you

Parents of neurodivergent children and youth

Parenting a child with behavioural, emotional, or neurodevelopmental differences can be rewarding, exhausting, and isolating. Drawing from my own experience as a parent of neurodivergent children, I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help you:

• Better understand your child’s needs and behaviour

• Manage stress, overwhelm, and uncertainty

• Develop supportive strategies for challenging moments

• Strengthen connection and communication

• Care for yourself while caring for your family

I also facilitate a support group for parents in the Sea to Sky area who have children or youth with neurodiversities.

Learn about it here! 

Trauma and nervous-system support

Trauma can affect how we feel, think, relate to others, and experience our bodies. Counselling can help you develop greater safety, self-understanding, and choice.

My approach includes exploring:

• Self-compassion

• Nervous-system regulation and support

• The effects of past experiences

• Emotional patterns and protective responses

• Practical tools for coping and healing

We will work at a pace that respects your experiences, boundaries, and readiness.

Relationships and connection

Our relationships can be sources of intimacy, belonging, and joy—but they can also bring conflict, confusion, and pain. Counselling can help you explore relationship patterns and develop a clearer understanding of your needs and values.

Together, we may look at:

• Communication and emotional connection

• Boundaries and relationship needs

• Repeating or unhelpful patterns

• Conflict and repair

• Self-awareness and personal responsibility

• Recognizing when a relationship may be harmful or unhealthy

My goal is to help you build relationships that are more conscious, respectful, and aligned with the person you want to be.

We are starting a support group for women survivors of relational abuse. Learn about that here.

My approach

I became a counsellor later in life, after years of working as a mountain guide and having meaningful conversations with people in the mountains. I was drawn to counselling by my curiosity about the mind, human behaviour, healing, and the experiences that shape us.

My own life has taught me that healing is not always straightforward. It involves both insight and uncertainty, and often requires patience, compassion, and support. I do not see myself as an expert in anyone else’s life. Instead, I bring professional training, lived experience, curiosity, and a commitment to ongoing learning.

Counselling is a collaborative process. You bring your knowledge of your life; together, we explore what you need and what may help.

About Julia Niles

Julia Niles is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and an IFMGA Mountain Guide based in Squamish, British Columbia.

Her work is informed by a strong interest in trauma, self-compassion, nervous-system support, neurodiversity, relationships, and inclusion. She is also a parent of neurodivergent children and brings personal understanding to the complex realities many families face.

Julia is passionate about rock climbing, skiing, diversity, inclusion, and creating spaces where people feel respected and understood.

She acknowledges that she lives, works, and plays on the unceded lands of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). She is committed to ongoing reflection and to improving her actions and language in the work of decolonizing counselling and guiding.

Sessions and coverage

• 15-minute initial consultation by phone

• In-person counselling in Squamish

• Online counselling

• Walking sessions on nearby trails, where clinically appropriate

• Direct billing may be available through ICBC, Autism Funding, Arete, Pearl Space, CVAP, and Tantalus Wellspring Society

For approved Crime Victim Assistance Program, Pearl Space, or Tantalus Wellspring Society clients, direct billing is available for eligible counselling services. Please contact me before booking so approval and billing details can be confirmed.

To get started, email mountainmindsetsquamish@gmail.com or book a 15-minute phone consultation.