Trauma Therapy and Counselling | Vancouver

Trauma Therapy & PTSD Counselling in 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 our team of qualified trauma therapists both in-person in Vancouver and through convenient online sessions to help you process your past and move forward.

A cozy and calm trauma-informed therapy office in Kitsilano, Vancouver, featuring a green couch

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, car 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 therapy, 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.

A trauma-informed therapist and client in a safe, supportive counselling session at Haven Wellness Collective in Kitsilano.

Meet Our Trauma Specialists

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 helps you process trauma that is stored in the body, moving beyond just talking about the event. 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy in Vancouver

How do I know if I need trauma-specific therapy vs. regular counselling?

While regular talk therapy focuses on current life stressors and thought patterns, trauma therapy is designed for when your past experiences are physically “stuck” in your nervous system. If you experience flashbacks, hyper-vigilance, emotional numbing, or find that “just talking” hasn’t helped, a specialized bottom-up approach (like EMDR or Somatic therapy) is often more effective for long-term healing. We encourage you to schedule an initial consultation to determine if our services are a good fit for your needs.

How long does trauma recovery take?

There is no “one size fits all” timeline for healing. Some clients find relief from specific symptoms in 8–12 sessions of EMDR or OEI, while others benefit from longer-term somatic support to process complex childhood trauma. During your first few sessions in our Kitsilano office or online, your therapist will work with you to create a sustainable pace that respects your boundaries.

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.

Does insurance cover trauma therapy in BC?

Yes, most extended health insurance plans in British Columbia cover sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). Since all our trauma specialists at Haven Wellness are RCCs, you can typically submit your receipts for reimbursement. We are also proud to be approved providers for CVAP (Crime Victims Assistance Program) and ICBC claims.

Can I do trauma therapy online if I don’t live in Kitsilano?

Absolutely. We offer virtual trauma therapy across British Columbia. Research shows that specialized treatments like EMDR and somatic-based work can be highly effective via secure video platforms, allowing you to process deep wounds from the comfort and safety of your own home.

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. Even if these events are in the past, they can still impact you and your nervous system as an adult. Trauma therapies are designed to help you heal from 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.

Book Trauma Therapy in Vancouver or Online

At Haven Wellness Collective, we understand that reaching out is a big step. Healing from trauma is a brave process, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. 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. Our Kitsilano office is located on West Broadway, making it a convenient clinical space for those seeking in-person trauma therapy from the Arbutus, Fairview, and Point Grey neighborhoods.

Many extended health benefits plans cover sessions with Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC). Check with your provider to see if you are eligible for reimbursement. Whether you’re ready to start or just have a few questions about our approach, we invite you to book a low-pressure, free 15-minute consultation with one of our trauma-informed therapists.