Trauma Therapy and Counselling | Haven Wellness Collective Vancouver

Trauma therapy is a specialized approach to healing emotional, psychological, and physical wounds caused by distressing or life-threatening experiences. Whether you’ve experienced abuse, violence, or a traumatic event, trauma-informed therapists are equipped with a variety of techniques to support you on your journey to healing.

Through evidence-based practices such as somatic therapy, EMDR, and Polyvagal Theory, together we address the lasting impacts trauma can have on your body and mind, guiding you toward a place of healing and empowerment. Trauma counselling is available with qualified trauma therapists both in-person in Vancouver and through convenient online sessions to help you process your past and move forward.

What is trauma?

Trauma refers to an emotional response to an overwhelming, distressing, or life-threatening event or series of events. Traumatic experiences can include natural disasters, accidents, abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. The impact of trauma varies from person to person and can manifest as emotional, psychological, or physical symptoms. Trauma counselling aims to help individuals process these experiences and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

What is the difference between trauma counselling and talk therapy?

One key distinction between trauma counselling and regular counselling lies in the use of bottom-up and top-down approaches. Top-down approaches, which are more common in regular counselling, focus on cognitive and emotional processes, such as thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. These approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, talk therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.

In contrast, trauma counselling often incorporates bottom-up approaches, which emphasize the role of the body and nervous system in processing trauma. Bottom-up therapies, such as somatic therapy, sensorimotor therapy, and EMDR, help clients to release trapped emotions and tension, regulate their nervous system, and develop a greater awareness of their body’s responses to traumatic triggers. These approaches recognize that trauma can have lasting effects on the body and that healing must also address these physiological components.

Ultimately, the choice between trauma counselling and regular counselling depends on an individual’s specific needs and experiences. If you have a history of trauma or symptoms related to trauma, specialized trauma counselling may be the most beneficial option for you.

How Trauma-Informed Therapists Can Help You Heal Trauma

Trauma-informed therapists are trained to recognize the deep and lasting effects trauma can have on the mind and body. They approach healing with an understanding that trauma is not only an emotional experience but also a physical one.

Using evidence-based, holistic methods tailored to each individual’s needs, trauma therapists offer a safe and supportive environment for healing. Trauma-informed therapists guide clients through the process of processing and releasing trapped emotions, reducing stress, and rebuilding resilience. By creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported, trauma-informed therapists empower you to heal trauma and move forward in your life with confidence and strength.

Our Trauma Therapy Services

Polyvagal Theory

Our therapists use Polyvagal Theory to help clients understand their body’s response to stress and trauma. By exploring the connection between the autonomic nervous system and emotional regulation, we can help you develop strategies to manage anxiety, fear, and depression.

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Our trained therapists use EMDR to help clients reduce the intensity of distressing memories and promote adaptive coping mechanisms.

Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body, helping clients to release trapped emotions and tension. Our therapists integrate somatic techniques into sessions to help you reconnect with your body and process trauma in a safe and supportive environment.

Sensorimotor Therapy

Sensorimotor therapy is a body-centered approach that combines cognitive, emotional, and physical techniques to address the impact of trauma on the body. Our therapists use this approach to help you develop greater awareness and control over your body’s response to traumatic memories and triggers.

OEI Therapy

Observed Experiential Integration (OEI) is a therapeutic technique that helps clients integrate and process traumatic experiences. Our trained therapists use OEI to help you develop new ways of responding to triggers and reduce the impact of trauma on your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy

How many sessions should I expect?

The number of sessions required for trauma counselling varies based on each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. Generally, clients attend weekly sessions for a few months to a year, or more, depending on the severity of the trauma and their progress in therapy. Your trauma therapist will discuss a tailored treatment plan with you during your initial consultation.

How does trauma counselling work?

Trauma counselling involves a variety of therapeutic approaches designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Through a combination of techniques, such as talk therapy, body-centered approaches, and evidence-based treatments, your trauma-informed therapists will help you gain insight into your trauma, develop coping strategies, and build resilience for lasting change.

How do I know if trauma therapy is right for me?

If you’ve experienced a traumatic event or have ongoing symptoms related to trauma, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or difficulty in relationships, trauma counselling may be beneficial for you. It is essential to find a therapist who specializes in trauma and with whom you feel comfortable. We encourage you to schedule an initial consultation to determine if our services are a good fit for your needs.

What is childhood trauma therapy and how can it help?

Childhood trauma therapy is a specialized approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences during their early years. These traumas can include abuse, neglect, bullying, or witnessing violence.

Childhood trauma therapy focuses on addressing the emotional, psychological, and physiological impacts of these events, helping clients understand their past and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Trauma therapy helps individuals regain a sense of safety and empowerment, improving their overall well-being.

How does counselling childhood trauma differ from regular therapy?

Counselling childhood trauma involves specialized techniques and approaches to address the unique needs of individuals who have experienced traumatic events during their childhood. Unlike regular therapy, childhood trauma counselling focuses on healing the specific emotional, cognitive, and physiological impacts of early traumatic experiences. Counselling emphasizes creating a trusting, safe environment where clients can explore their experiences without judgment.

What is youth trauma counselling and how can it support young people?

Youth trauma counselling is designed to help young individuals who have experienced traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect, bullying, or violence. This type of counselling focuses on addressing the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma, allowing teens to process their feelings in a supportive and non-judgmental space. By offering tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and develop healthy coping skills, youth trauma counselling helps young individuals heal and build resilience for the future.

Book Trauma Therapy in Vancouver or Online

At Haven Wellness Collective, our compassionate and experienced trauma-informed therapists are dedicated to providing effective, evidence-based treatments to individuals impacted by trauma. Our mission is to empower our clients on their journey toward healing and transformation. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can process your experiences and develop the skills necessary for lasting change.