Trauma-Informed Approaches Therapists in Canada

Hi, I’m Cordelia and I’m honoured that you are here. I desire to provide gentle and compassionate care, empathy and a safe place as I believe that we as humans have longings to feel seen, heard, known, understood, felt, accepted, and cared for, especially in difficult moments. The one thing that remained constant throughout my life is that I have always found meaning in connecting with others on an authentic, deep, heart level and in making meaningful impact in the lives of others. A longing to lead a life in alignment with who I am at the core of my being led me to pursue counselling not just as a profession, but as a calling and passion. I love what I do and am honoured that I get to hold space for my clients and see transformation happen in their lives. It makes my heart full to know that I am making a daily difference, one person at a time. I consider it an honour to walk alongside you and to meet you where you are at – be it a time when you are navigating everyday difficulties, a time when you feel lost, a time of grief, loss and transitions, a time when hope feels out of reach, or a time when you find that you are desiring growth and change within yourself and in your relationships. Although I am experienced in my work a generalist, I have specialized training and extensive experience in the area of grief and loss. Additionally, I have special training and extensive experience in various areas of concern. My personal experience of grief and painful loss of my family member’s death led to my deep devotion and passion to people who are grieving a death and/or non-death losses. Through my own journey of integrating grief into my life story, I developed a strong desire to support others in carrying their grief, remembering their person and integrating their grief into their life story. As one who grew up in a multicultural community, I have strong cultural awareness and strive to provide culturally sensitive therapy from a place of cultural humility. I value holding space for your story to be told and acknowledged in a supportive space where your experiences are validated, honoured, processed and integrated into your life story in a way that is fitting for you. In sharing your stories and allowing them to be witnessed in the presence and safety of a therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that what may have once felt unbearable becomes less heavy and eventually more bearable. On A Personal Note As one who is nearing my mid-30s, I have navigated various challenges, including life transitions, chronic pain, endometriosis and grief of all kinds (death and non-death losses). I cherish beautiful moments that unfold in life while also seeing the value of holding space for feelings that emerge from the difficult places of life. It is from my lived experiences and my own human-ness that I draw my compassion for each person I encounter in the therapy room. I live in beautiful British Columbia with my husband whom I have been married to for almost a decade. I treasure spending quality time with my family and friends. I am an avid reader, and am most fulfilled when I am outdoors in nature. I enjoy hiking, biking, playing the piano, listening to music and visiting new places around the world. I look forward to getting to know you and to connecting with you. It is my honour to meet you. Warmly, Cordelia

Are you looking for a ‘hype you up’ but call you on your shit therapist? I might just be your gal! Are you dealing with perfectionism? Going through a break up? Contemplating making a big life change? Experiencing grief, stress, overwhelm or loneliness? I prioritize authenticity in therapy, and aim to help people untangle themselves from problems that hold them back. I work with you as we navigate the peaks & valleys of life experiences. I often support, students, hospitality workers, parents, teachers, nurses, shift workers, ski patrollers, guides & 'first timers' to therapy. Life can be messy & complex. Are you looking for a ‘hype you up’ but call you on your shit therapist? I might just be your gal! Are you dealing with perfectionism? Going through a break up? Contemplating making a big life change? Experiencing grief, stress, overwhelm or loneliness? I prioritize authenticity in therapy, and aim to help people untangle themselves from problems that hold them back. I work with you as we navigate the peaks & valleys of life experiences. I often support, students, hospitality workers, parents, teachers, nurses, shift workers, ski patrollers, guides & 'first timers' to therapy. Life can be messy & complex. My office located in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver at 4th & Arbutus. I offer virtual counselling via telehealth throughout BC. *Insurance* Counselling is covered or reimbursed by many extended benefits programs. I am registered with many major Canadian insurance providers: Canada Life | Great-West Life Green Shield Canada Manulife Medavie Blue Cross Mines & Associates SunLife AMS - UBC Student Benefits Vail Resorts EAP *Education & Registration* I hold a master's degree in counselling from City University and a bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. I am dual licensed with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC). License Numbers: RCC # 20414 CCC # 11250646 *A bit more about how I work & my background* Lexie (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing on the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) territories. Lexie’s approach to counselling is characterized by warmth, authenticity, and compassion, with a goal of fostering a relaxed environment where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Lexie roots her work in a trauma informed, anti-oppressive, social justice lens. This may involve looking beyond the individual to understand their experiences within broader social and cultural contexts, as she joins clients on the path to self-discovery, healing, and change. Lexie has over ten years of experience working in the field of mental health. She draws on her experience providing counselling and practical supports to diverse communities, including children and families with complex medical and mental health needs, new immigrants and LGBTQQ2S+ folx. She has worked as a grief and loss counsellor at a hospice, provided crisis and suicide prevention support and developed industry specific work place mental health trainings for the hospitality and tourism sector. Montira Mental Health was born out of Lexie’s own experience as a hospitality manager at different backcountry lodges across British Columbia. As a lodge manager, Lexie observed the intersection of mental health and personal challenges within remote and isolated live/work environments which lead to high rates of burnout amongst her staff. ​​The transient nature of tourism dependent communities, seasonal employment, high cost of living and limited access to low barrier community mental health offerings further impacted her staff. Lexie’s connection to the outdoor community is born out of years of living, working, and recreating in the Rocky, Purcell, Selkirk and Coast mountains. She is an avid backcountry skier, trail runner, and hiker who finds a deep sense of connection to herself and her community through time spent in the outdoors. To learn more, please see my website: montiramentalhealth.com

I work with children, teens and adults seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma and life changes. I am trained in CBT, DBT and EMDR.

Hello, I am Ayesha Azfar, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and I have my Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler University. My practice is located in Coquitlam BC and I provide Individual, Couples, and Relationship Counselling services. When we experience traumas or life stressors it can be not only overwhelming, but also very isolating as it often feels like no one can understand what you are going through. Without having a space to explore and unpack these stressors in a meaningful way, we often turn those thoughts and feelings inwards, internalize our issues and experience guilt and shame. This can also lead to negative interactions with our loved ones and can adversely impact our relationship with them. I am passionate about working with clients who feel like they are "not good enough" or who worry about living up to the expectations of others. I help them to develop self-acceptance, reduce people-pleasing behaviours, and learn how to establish and maintain boundaries. In all my experiences of providing therapy, I firmly believe that clients hold within themselves the key to unlocking the tools to help overcome their challenges. My passion lies in helping clients access their strengths, provide an understanding of their own agency and facilitate their journey towards change. My focus is to help individuals grow from their struggles, heal from their pain and move forward to where they want to be in life so that they can thrive. As an immigrant to Canada and a member of the BIPOC community, I have an understanding of the diverse and multicultural impacts on therapy and how they intersect. I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families with a special focus on South Asian and Muslim communities.

Hi! My name is Tina and I use a holistic approach combined with evidence and strength-based practices in my practice. I hope to empower you to shine forward into the life you want. My training and experience has focused on individuals who have experienced trauma - from childhood trauma to single-incident events. I have also worked a lot with clients with anxiety, depression and ADHD. My approach blends holistic healing with clinical expertise. I integrate proven therapeutic tools to help clients navigate trauma, anxiety, and depression. These evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, enable clients to work through past wounds, reframe negative thoughts, and build coping skills that support lasting change. Along with evidence - based practices, I also use mindfulness, meditation and somatic approaches to help clients ground their energy, listen to their bodies and cultivate self-awareness in the present moment. I believe that healing isn’t just about addressing symptoms, it’s about treating the root cause of negative behaviours and lowered sense of self so one can step into a more empowered self. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors to help empower you towards making intentional changes. Come in, let’s take the first step in identifying what it is you would like to see different in your life and we can collaboratively formulate a plan to take you from where you are to where you want to be.

I am a trauma-informed Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC and is a BCPFFA Silver Seal Endorsed clinician. I currently serve as a treatment provider for WorkSafe BC through their Occupational Trauma Response and Mental Health Treatment Services programs; as well as the WorkBC funded Survivors of Violence and Youth at Risk programs. I also has extensive experience in providing counselling support services for victims of abuse and trauma. ​ I earned my Master of Counselling at City University of Seattle in 2015 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Sciences and Psychology at the University of British Columbia in 2002.

Julie has Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counselling and is currently finishing her doctorate’s degree in clinical psychology. In addition to professional training and experiences in psychotherapy and treatment, clinical counselling, behavioural intervention, and neuropsychological assessments, Julie also has a background in psychological research at the doctoral level and uses the empirical insights gained from previous studies to supplement her current clinical practice, making her unique as a practitioner of both clinical-scientist and scientist-practitioner models. Julie has worked with BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA), Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV), Chimo Community Services, and local medical clinics and healthcare centres. She has provided individual and couple/family therapy, treatments, and assessments to individuals for disorders and issues including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, feeding and eating disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, neurocognitive disorders, affect management, self-regulation, stress management, sexual/physical abuse and violence, crisis intervention and stabilization, couple/marital/parenting conflicts, academic/work stress, identity crisis/exploration, self-introspective needs, loneliness, and relationship difficulties. She identifies as a cisgender female who is open to clients belonging to the LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Julie applies an integrated theoretical framework informed by trauma theory, understanding of behavioral and neuropsychology, and multicultural sensitivity to her eclectic therapeutic approach. As an advocate of positive psychology who understands that mental health is more than the absence of illness, she focuses on building success and helping clients flourish rather than merely reducing distress. Her clinical repertoire includes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CASE Approach for Risk/Suicide Assessment, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Somatic Experiencing/Body Awareness Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Clinical Hypnosis. Owning to her mixed ethnic heritage, she is a native speaker of English, Mandarin, and Hokkien, and has conversational-level skills in Japanese and Cantonese.

My name is Micah, and I identify as a female first-generation immigrant. s a Filipino-Canadian, I am motivated to create a safe space for other people of colour individuals to feel fully seen and heard. Concurrently over the last 16 years, I have spent 5 years working with the elderly community (specifically those with dementia and Alzheimer’s), 5 years in healthcare helping families work through grief and loss, 11 years working with adults with acquired brain injury, and 10 years working under a social service capacity with youth across Bangladesh, Africa, India, and Nepal. In my professional identity thus far, I have gained valuable insights and skills that have contributed to my therapeutic journey. As a result, I have developed a holistic and person-centered approach to therapy that integrates evidence-based, strength-based, mindfulness, and somatic-based practices. I believe this approach best equips me to meet your specific concerns and needs. To me, therapy is a space where we can explore, discover, and tackle distressing thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that may be holding you back. In our sessions, you can expect me to provide you with tangible tools and strategies to foster meaningful change, and to create opportunities to experience vulnerability in a safe space. Our work together will focus on raising awareness in the present moment so that you may accept and live a life full of clarity and authenticity.

I have a Masters degree in Counselling (MC) and work as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in the province of British Columbia offering online sessions. I have specialized training in trauma and AEDP therapy. As someone who has struggled with overwhelming emotions, self-confidence and anxiety in the past, I know that change happens when we are in the presence of empathetic and emotionally present other. Whatever life challenges you are navigating, my hope is to create a safe and non-judgemental space to experience the parts of you that want to be seen. I will always put your best interest in the forefront of my work. I base my approach on evidence-based, trauma-informed, and collaborative practice. My therapeutic orientation is Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), incorporating concepts from mindfulness-based, body-based, and internal parts work theories. I use an empathetic stance to understand my clients and work with them to develop perspective, resilience, healing, and skill development that can be utilized long after therapy is complete. Walking alongside another human to witness their deepest joys and sorrows is a privilege that I do not take lightly. I am honoured each time an individual chooses to develop a trusted relationship with me.

I am a first(ish) generation Canadian, originally from western Ukraine. I work primarily with folks who moved to Canada or have family that has moved to Canada from other places. The clients that find me a good fit want somebody who is comfortable with diverse perspectives, and is somebody they can connect with, versus strictly being someone who provides educational resources and exercises. This is what I strive to be as a therapist, to "get" my clients and where they are coming from, so that our work together is anchored in understanding and trust. My practice is highly influenced by attachment theory, relational/interpersonal therapy and family systems theory. This means that we look at struggles you're facing not only on an individual level, but also with the goal of helping you find relationships of care and support in your everyday life. If you're interested in working with me, reach out and I'd be happy to schedule a free consultation call with you.

I’m Amber (she/her); I am an Asian, settler, cisgender woman living and practicing on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I welcome diverse clients of all cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. I appreciate that we all come with unique stories and histories, and I think it is important to recognize and celebrate how these shape the way that we experience the world. I feel honoured and privileged to walk alongside my resilient clients in their personal healing journeys. I am passionate about EMDR, art therapy, play therapy, and other trauma-informed practices because of their potential to support the transformation and healing of both ourselves and our communities. My role is to hold space for you to come as you are and for your experiences to be met with compassion, curiosity, and tenderness. I believe that we all have the capacity to heal and grow especially in relation to others. Together through our work, we can begin to undo the aloneness that often comes with having negative experiences. I have a deep compassion and respect for the experiences that my clients entrust in me and through a collaborative approach, I hope to honour your lived experiences. Together we will establish a direction in our work that feels supportive of your goals and values. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, my Bachelor of Education, and my Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology at UBC. I have additional training in the areas of trauma, attachment theory, emotion-focused therapy, and narrative approaches. In addition to counselling, I have also worked as an elementary school teacher in Vancouver. I have a special appreciation for the unique challenges experienced by children, adolescents, and their families. I believe connection, non-judgement, and trust are vital to building a strong therapy relationship.I think every piece of ourselves is important and together we will work with, rather than against, your experiences and emotions. It is important to me that you feel both safe and empowered throughout this entire process. In my spare time you can find me curled up with my dog Yuki watching musicals and reading fantasy novels.

I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in the beautiful Vancouver, Canada. As someone who grew up with minimal exposure to mental health and living under the pressures of being "perfect," I've learned different ways to reframe, extend compassion, and embrace mistakes. Outside of counselling, I'm also an avid lover of video games, ultimate frisbee, and all things food.

Specializing in LGBTQIA*, ENM, Kink, Sex Workers, and Psychedelic Integration. I launched Nested Heart Counselling in 2013 in response to calls from within the local polyamorous community for mental health support that didn’t require further education about unconventional identities. It’s always been important to me to shout my acceptance for unconventionality from the rooftops, rather than hope word would travel underground in a way that perpetuates stigma. Even with this philosophy, it took time for me to proudly display my body modifications - now clients tell me all the time that this kind of bravery is part of the reason they show up in the first place! It would be hypocritical of me to encourage you to live authentically and not arrive in session doing so myself. We have a whole team available for you, check out our website to learn more.

I have close to 20 years of experience in the social work field (from child protection, medical social work (including ER, Maternity, medical units). My last 3 years have been spent working on an Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at a local hospital. I pride myself in helping and working with families whose loved ones are struggling with mental illness and addictions as well as post partum depression. I also directly work with individuals suffering from same. I have lots of experience working with neurodivergent individuals both through work and personal life. I am very passionate in working with new blended families and love helping immigrants and children of immigrants (understanding the many unique family dynamics that this can cause). I myself am a first generation immigrant to Canada. I have many years of experience working with youth, including high risk youth. I have extensive experience working with our Indigenous population. I currently offer in person, virtual as well as walk and talk therapy in White Rock/South Surrey area. I am an approved FNHA provider. Remember, seeking counselling is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step toward self-care and improvement. It's an investment in your mental and emotional health, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life. I offer a free 15 minute consultation. Please request by either text messaging or emaling me.

Have you ever rushed out the door only to realize you forgot something or spilled coffee all over yourself? Have you ever said to yourself, “I'm tired of feeling this way/ I shouldn’t be feeling like this,” yet the feelings persist and sometimes come back stronger? These may seem like two distinct, unrelated instances I am raising, but I parallel them with how we often approach our problems: we tend to want to rush through them or judge ourselves for having the emotions and reactions to the difficulties life tosses at us. I’m here to propose an alternative: your feelings are valid, no matter what you’re seeking help for. We rarely move through life with intention and space to slow down and reflect. I see counselling as a dedicated space created for you by you to get curious about yourself, tend to the parts that need some fine-tuning and updates, and process some uncomfortable emotions that the outside world doesn’t always give space for. I offer 15-minute complimentary consultations for all clients who are interested in working with me. Looking up therapists is a big step – in my opinion, you are already halfway from where you began to where you would like to be!

Are you a highly motivated individual in all aspects of your life, but always feel yourself falling short? Do you find that your pursuit of success often comes at the cost of your own well-being and fulfillment? Do you just want to reconnect with your inner self and body and gain more trust in who you are? I'm here to offer you a safe space to practice letting go—a space where you can navigate the complexities of your demanding life without sacrificing your mental and emotional well-being. My name is Nish and I'm so happy that you're here. I'm a registered social worker with 10 years experience, and I'm here to help you get through high stress, anxiety, self-doubt and burnout. I specialize in helping high-stress professionals struggling with burnout and work-life balance. Using CBT, EFT, and Somatic Attachment Therapy, I provide tools to manage stress, set boundaries, and reconnect with yourself. Together, we’ll work on building resilience and finding balance, so you can thrive both personally and professionally. I have an office in Yaletown and work evenings.

Do you want to reduce the pain and suffering in your life? I have vast knowledge and experience working with people struggling with chronic pain, trauma, emotional neglect, grief and persistent depression/anxiety. This knowledge comes from lived experience, professional education and expertise, and continuous learning and research to help you overcome your unique challenges and improve your quality of life. I have an honest, empathetic, and collaborative style to explore, understand, and bring awareness to the underlying causes of your current challenges. I see my role as a compassionate witness and guide, helping you with your healing journey and building you towards a better future. I strive to ensure you feel understood and heard as we work together to bring healing to your life. I'll provide knowledge and skills to further your understanding of your struggles, promote healing, and get you to a better place. As we work together, I desire to see you achieve your goals and get the most out of your life. Some of the benefits my clients have received are: - Reduction in pain, pain flares, and pain intensity. - Improved coping and more in control of their lives. - Better boundaries, improved self-care, increased function, and better quality of life - Reduction of trauma triggers, trauma symptoms, and trauma's effect on their lives. - Increase in self-confidence, self-worth, self-esteem, and self-value. - Reduction in people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-critical tendencies. - Increased awareness and knowledge. - Fewer feelings of sadness, anger, emptiness, shame, and guilt. - Enhanced spiritual and social connections. - Improved sleep and ability to relax. - Reduced distress from grief and loss. When you're ready to get more out of life, I'm ready to help. Please book a free 15-minute consultation on my booking page (accessed through my website) or email me to find out how I can help you.

Do you struggle with anxiety that affects your relationships, work, or school? Do you feel exhausted, unmotivated, and overwhelmed by everything you need to do, and don't feel good enough? Do you wonder if you'll ever feel like you used to? We often put our needs last, justifying this by telling ourselves we have too much to accomplish first. Not addressing your depression, anxiety, or past trauma can lead to isolation, ruin your self-esteem, and make day-to-day life harder than it needs to be. However, there are ways to navigate these personal burdens and make life hopeful again, and you don't have to do it alone. I believe in a trauma-focused, strength-based approach and utilizing evidence-based practice to help you learn how to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and heal from trauma. By creating a safe space where you are not only heard but truly understood, you can start your transformative path towards a more fulfilling life. Providing individual online psychotherapy and an individualized DBT skills program, you will learn how to change negative self-talk, manage emotions, navigate relationships. Getting started is often the hardest part, and therapy help you create a holistic toolkit to enjoy happier, more fulfilling relationships, prioritize yourself, and feel lighter overall. Book a free consultation to take the first step towards a brighter, hopeful future.

Warm Greetings! I am grateful that you are here and recognize your innate strength to choose to be here. I work with clients who are navigating through their relationships with self, others, and the world. This may show up in different ways and intensities, and/or in multiple areas of life, and I value the intersectionality, complexity and uniqueness that comes with addressing and exploring your life and experiences with you. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, or stress. Maybe you are wanting to rebuild trust and compassion towards yourself or navigate transitions in your life or changes in relationships. Or perhaps you want to work through some things from your past that are showing up in the present. My clinical philosophy when sitting with clients aligns with curiosity, recognition, collaboration, warmth, and space. The approach I take is based in a strong belief that you have the answers within and that our time together can be a space to explore and build. I joyfully honour your choice and your voice taking up the therapeutic space. You’ve got this, and I’m here with you. Some more about me: I am a cis, able-bodied, woman, born and raised in so-called Vancouver BC, with Indian ancestry. I am a second-gen, racialized settler living and working on the unceded and traditional lands of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō) nations. Outside of my counselling work, I enjoy laughing with loved ones and connecting to practices and activities that spark creativity and joy.

My work is grounded on the perspective that how we story our lives is incredibly powerful, and it is through these stories that we make sense of the world, ourselves, and our experiences. Some stories are helpful and empowering, and some stories can cause us to feel frustrated, and helpless. Part of the work is to examine the stories that we have told ourselves, and give ourselves permission and space to create a new story that better fits who we are and who we are becoming. I’m excited to meet you and hear the stories you will share. I would love nothing more than to walk with you on your journey towards transformative healing and discovery.