About
Passionate About Helping First Responders Build Resilience and Thrive
Why I Started Dr. Lydia Inc.
Dr. Lydia Inc. was born out of my passion for helping first responders through a holistic, patient-centered approach to wellness. After working closely with first responders, I saw the immense pressures you face—not just on the job, but in life as a whole. First responders are a unique group—strong, resilient, and no-bullshit—but even the strongest need support. I wanted to create a space where the focus is on mind-body wellness, because being resilient doesn’t mean going it alone. My goal is to provide care that feels human, authentic, holistic, and tailored to what you need to thrive, not just survive.
Meet the Team
Lydia Vallieres
Psychologist
Dr. Lydia earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Laval University, Quebec, Canada. Her approach is rooted in third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with a focus on emotion and experiential techniques. She is trained in a variety of therapeutic methods, including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-focused Therapy, Mentalization-based Therapy, and Somatic EMDR Therapy. She is also certified in Non-Violent Communication (NVC).
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Specializing in the unique challenges faced by first responders—particularly police officers—Dr. Lydia has extensive experience treating anxiety, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), operational stress injuries, relationship issues, emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem, and personality disorders.
Dr. Lydia offers both individual and group therapy sessions, as well as training, workshops, and consultation services. Her authentic, open, and empathetic style, combined with a healthy dose of humor, helps create a trusting space where clients feel comfortable exploring their challenges and making meaningful changes.
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Fully bilingual in French and English, Dr. Lydia is able to provide services in either language.
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She is registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) - Registration #2682.
Nicky Shnare
Counselor
Nicky is a strengths-based counsellor working with individuals and families to support growth, healing, and meaningful change. With a calm, grounded presence and a belief in each person’s capacity for growth, she offers a safe and supportive space to deepen self-understanding, build self-trust and confidence, and move toward greater well-being.
Drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Schema Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness interventions, and Attachment Theory, she tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs with compassion, respect, and insight.
Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and living in Victoria since 1999, she always brings part of the Prairies in her heart, with equal gratitude for this beautiful coast. She has a wide breadth of life experience she brings to her practice - including 18 years of service as a first responder in law enforcement, and decades in the recovery community. This background provides her with a deep understanding of stressful environments and lifestyles, moral injury, personal ethical dilemmas, trauma, and resilience. She is particularly attuned to the needs of people navigating the emotional challenges inherent in personal transitions in relationships, parenting, and work-life. Nicky has a passion for helping people navigate the overwhelm associated with long-term exposure to stress and trauma, to a calmer more empowered place.
Nicky offers an initial 15-minute free consultation to discuss your hopes and goals for counselling, and to give you some time to see if she is the right fit for you as a counsellor.
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She is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors - Registration #23591.
Jen Klein
Counselor (intern)
Jen is a competitive athlete, a certified personal trainer and a UK qualified lawyer. She immersed herself into the first responder world by working as an emergency police call taker at E-Comm 911 and serving as a provincially appointed member of the Central Saanich Police Board. Jen utilizes her POPAT examiner certification as well as her personal experience in completing a 21-day NFPA 1001 fire academy bootcamp by specializing in fitness and skills coaching for aspiring first responders. She is passionate about coaching candidates to successfully complete their physical fitness entry exams in policing (e.g. POPAT) and in firefighting (e.g. UVic firefighter physical abilities test). Jen is currently completing her clinical hours to become a registered clinical counsellor and will focus on First Responder mental and physical health.
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Politics & Economics / Law / Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
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Certifications: Conscious Parenting Coach / Compassionate Inquiry Coach / POPAT Examiner/ Personal Trainer (NASM) / Kettlebell Level 1& 2 / 1st Dan Blackbelt in Kickboxing (NAKMAS) / AFF Skydiving
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Appointments: Central Saanich Police Board (2021-2024)
Your Well-Being Matters
As a first responder, you’re used to being the one others rely on. This is a space where you can catch your breath, unpack what’s on your mind, and work through whatever’s weighing you down—no judgment, no rush, one step at a time. Whether you’re looking to build a relationship with a professional who understands your baseline before things get tough, or you’re ready to tackle the challenges from both work and personal life (which, let’s be honest, can sometimes be even more stressful than the job), you're in the right place. Whether you’re ready to dive deep or just need a moment to reflect, we’ll move at your pace—because this is your journey.