Trauma-Informed Approaches Therapists in Canada

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, sarah anne (they/them), am a queer, neurodivergent, non-binary registered clinical counselor residing on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) nations. in my therapy practice i use a creative blend of internal family systems (parts work) and somatic therapies to support individuals, couples, and multi-partner relationships to connect to themselves and others with curiosity, compassion, and clarity. many of my clients are queer, non-monogamous, neurodiverse, or kinky, and i aim to provide an inclusive space for anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with self, others, and spirit. my approach to sexuality is non-pathologizing and pleasure-centered. spiritually, i hold a non-dual and animate worldview, which supports me to approach therapy from a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of body and environment. i’m delighted to be offering ketamine-assisted-therapy in collaboration with field trip health and am currently completing the requirements to be an approved psilocibin-assisted-therapy provider with therapsil. outside of work, you’ll find me playing with clay, drinking tea mindfully, wandering in the woods, taking a dance class, and reading books.

Starting therapy is daunting. Existing in this world is not easy! There is much uncertainty and hurt. I congratulate you for taking the initial steps to find the right fit for you. I believe that everyone has the right to healing and community. We heal in community. The work I do with my clients in essence is relational. The work you will do in therapy is a radical act of self-advocacy in a world that often demands from us productivity and perfectionism. As a social justice activist, yogi, and post-modernist my approach to healing work is holistic. I aspire to go beyond the medical model and do not conform to what the norm demands from us. As your therapist, I engage with you curiously to go deeper, exploring many aspects as you unpack the layers of your narratives. Healing can only begin when we separate who we are from our problems. Coming from a bi-cultural background, I believe the narratives we have to speak to our individualistic and collective experience of events. It is vital to look within and around the communities to which we belong. I can provide services in Hindi, Punjabi, and English. My goal as a therapist is to facilitate mindful exploration of your trauma in a safe, collaborative, and open space. I want to hear your stories. Revisiting painful, challenging, and stressful stories can be a complex process. You are not alone! We work at your pace to restore your agency so that you can reclaim the narratives that serve your interpersonal growth and well-being. Through a trauma-informed lens, together, we can unpack: Anxiety and Low Moods Addictions Abuse Sexuality Social Anxiety Self-esteem and self-worth Burnout Challenges around social justice advocacy and activism Fear and hopelessness Body Image Self-Care Chronic Illness Ableism Navigating bi-cultural reality and expectations Relationships Perfectionism ADHD Feelings of isolation My approach is multi-faceted, and I will be combining traditional talk therapy with somatic psychology practices. I believe movement is essential for our healing and self-regulation. With virtual sessions, I want us to acknowledge that we are present with each other in our whole bodies and not just our floating heads. Therefore, I invite you to get in touch with your senses and body through practices such as tapping exercises or body scans. I will also lean on my mindfulness philosophy to help guide a process through which you can access inner wisdom, be present in the here and now, to release your traumas, and narratives which no longer serve you. My mental health work background is grounded in traditional Vedic-Yoga practices, Buddhist psychology, and Western psychology. Over the last decade, I have strived to do collective healing work through my activism and mental health aid for community members. I am committed to supporting you on your healing journey with great compassion. At this time, I can only see clients that are currently residing in Canada. I wish to express gratitude, and acknowledgment that I currently live, work and play in the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Tsleil-waututh Nations.

Are you feeling overwhelmed or stuck and unsure of how to move forward, or unsure even what you are needing. You might feel like you need to have it all figured out, juggling academic or career pressures, navigating relationships, and trying to understand and define who you are. The weight of these expectations and pressures can feel overwhelming, leading to anxiety, self-doubt, and even burnout. I specialize in helping students, youth and young adults navigate the unique challenges of this stage of life. Let's work together to understand what you need and support you! I believe that when we validate our hard and our challenges and begin to explore how those challenges effect the present version of us, then we truly start to heal and can begin to work toward a more authentic connected self! I have a passion for working with people. I truly believe that every person has the innate ability to grow and change and live a happy and fulfilling life! Together we can work towards your goals and create the changes you deserve!

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.

Whether you’re struggling with stress, relationship issues, trauma, or burnout, therapy is a space where you can feel heard, validated, and empowered to make meaningful changes. My approach to therapy involves exploring all parts of your life and uncovering the hidden emotions and meanings. I believe therapy is a reflection of real life, where the challenges, patterns, and growth we experience in session often reflect our everyday experiences. Whether you’re struggling with stress, relationship issues, trauma, or burnout, therapy is a space where you can feel heard, validated, and empowered to make meaningful changes. My approach to therapy involves exploring all parts of your life and uncovering the hidden emotions and meanings. I believe therapy is a reflection of real life, where the challenges, patterns, and growth we experience in session often reflect our everyday experiences. I take an integrative approach, meaning I tailor therapy to your unique needs. Though I use a variety of therapeutic modalities, the most meaningful work happens when we co-create a personalized approach. That often means taking pieces from different methods and using your strengths to form a puzzle that fits your unique life story. You are the expert in your own life, and my role is to guide and support you. Let’s explore how we can work together toward meaningful discovery and growth! If you feel we are a good match, feel free to connect for a free 15-minute consult where we can discuss your goals and ways I can support!

You’ve learned to hold it all together; for family, for culture, for survival. You’re insightful, but tired. Maybe it’s anxiety, burnout, people-pleasing, or the quiet weight of not feeling fully seen. You want space to exhale and to feel understood. My clients seek clarity, regulation, and belonging. Together, we’ll explore the patterns you’ve inherited, the ones you’re ready to let go of, and the parts of you waiting to feel at home. I offer culturally responsive, neurodivergent-affirming therapy with a deep understanding of identity, belonging, and the impact of cultural and family systems on emotional well-being. My approach is integrative and person-centered, drawing from ACT, IFS, CBT, and mindfulness to support emotional regulation, self-trust, and meaningful change. Starting therapy is vulnerable, especially if you're used to managing on your own. You don’t have to carry everything alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of where to begin, I’m here to support you. Let’s work together to explore what healing, safety, and alignment might look like for you.

I support individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, grief, trauma, life transitions, and relationship concerns. No matter what brings you to therapy, I aim to help you deepen self-awareness and develop practical strategies that help build resilience and promote healing. As a therapist, my approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep respect for your lived experience. I offer client-centered care that draws from strengths-based and trauma-informed modalities, working with you to build a therapy plan that reflects your values, goals, and vision of wellness. My priority is to foster a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered to be your authentic self. My educational background includes a Masters in Counselling Psychology, Masters in Anthropology, and Bachelors in Psychology and Cinema. I possess additional training in several evidence-based and trauma-focused therapeutic modalities. Together, we will design an approach that is tailored to your unique needs and preferences, and one that delivers meaningful results. I worked in public, private, and creative sectors before transitioning to counselling, where I gained experience as a crisis responder and in employment and career advising. My diverse professional experiences along with my own mental wellness journey help me to provide well-rounded support that is grounded in continuous self-reflection.

Do you have a story you feel you need to share with someone? Maybe it’s your first time opening up, or maybe you tried before, but just never quite felt heard. If there’s something inside of you that needs telling, I’m here to hear you out. I often work with clients who suffer from depression, trauma, anxiety and relationship issues. I can also be particularly helpful to clients who’ve felt they haven’t gone deep enough in therapy, who tend towards dissociation or intellectualization, or who find themselves between cultures—immigrants, children of immigrants, people from interfaith families, and "third culture kids." I practice psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is based on the premise that the more we understand about ourselves, the more freedom we have to make new choices. If you’ve ever felt stuck without knowing exactly why, or even if you understand why but can’t quite seem to change things, psychodynamic psychotherapy can be immensely helpful. Life can be deeply painful, but it can also be joyous. I aim to be witness to all of you without judgment, so that you can come to know yourself more fully, and therefore have all the more freedom to choose not only how to respond to what life throws at you, but also what life it is you want to live.

Top Specialities: trauma, anxiety, attachment issues I believe our life events shape us into who we are today. We weren’t BORN with an inner critic, perfectionism, or people-pleasing tendencies! Something happened in our lives that taught us those behaviours. Maybe we learned that it’s less painful to avoid confrontation than to risk rejection or failure. Maybe we learned that to ensure safety, we must be hypervigilant, constantly looking out for threats. Those behaviours likely helped you survive at one time, but now, they might be causing chronic anxiety, difficulties in your relationships, and low self-esteem. I will help you understand your emotions and unlearn beliefs and coping behaviours that are no longer serving you. We’ll learn how your past and present experiences are contributing to the issues you want to let go of, and carve a path forward. Therapy can help you process your experiences and develop coping skills to manage your reactions and emotions. I have experience helping with anxiety/stress/burnout, trauma, relationship/attachment issues, self-esteem, depression, emotion regulation, and borderline personality disorder. I’m especially passionate about treating developmental/attachment trauma to improve self-esteem, foster safety and security, and move towards secure attachment patterns. My Approach/Style As a therapist, I have a friendly, authentic, and warm demeanour. I believe a strong connection with your therapist is of crucial importance, so I take extra care to ensure I’m understanding your needs and perspective. (This doesn’t mean I’ll never challenge you!). I’m also happy to share appropriate information about my own life if helpful and relevant. I believe everyone has inner wisdom and resilience. I respect your autonomy, so I will always support you in coming to your own conclusions and finding your own solutions. But I also don’t shy away from sharing different insights and perspectives, or giving guidance and advice if needed. Types of Therapy After spending some time getting to know you, I’ll apply the therapy techniques that best suit your concerns. I use techniques informed by schema therapy, inner child work, IFS, ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, mindfulness, and attachment theory. I am also trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy, which is an evidence-based and WHO-recommended treatment for trauma and PTSD. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out for a free consultation! *Please note, I am located in Toronto, and my working hours are as follows: Tuesday and Wednesday: 11am-7pm Eastern Time Thursday: 1pm-7pm Eastern time Friday: 10am-5pm Eastern Time

Hey there, I'm Jan! I offer a safe, non-judgmental, and unbiased space for therapy and counseling in an easy-going, relatable way. I have done my BSc in Psychology at the VU Amsterdam and finished my MSc in Clinical Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam. I have worked as a therapist/counselor in Cape Town, South Africa which exposed me to working with diverse groups of people. I have finished my Master's thesis on mindfulness practice and its effects on students in regards to burnout and fatigue. However, I am also trained in motivational interviewing, ACT, and CBT with a constant drive to keep learning. I believe that having a great therapeutic relationship is really important for a good outcome in therapy. I aim to be the therapist that doesn’t recite word for word what they learned in university textbooks but one that integrates therapeutic techniques into tailored sessions all while making it feel natural and comfortable for the client. The first intake session is always free! Ask me about my student rate!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or struggling to balance different parts of yourself? Maybe you’ve felt misunderstood or like your needs aren’t being fully seen. You might also be dealing with relationship challenges or difficult emotions. Trying to meet the expectations of family, society, culture, work, and your own inner standards can add extra pressure. Holding multiple identities can make this even more complex. As a queer woman of colour, I can relate to how challenging this can be. I’m passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ and racialized individuals, as well as folks from all walks of life. Together, we’ll work to create a space where you can feel heard and supported as you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re seeking understanding, practical tools, or a safe space to process difficult emotions, we’ll go at your pace to find what feels most helpful for you. Life can be tough, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If this resonates with you, let's connect for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit.

If you’re finding it hard to connect with others, feeling stuck in painful relationship patterns, or overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or sadness, you’re not alone. Many of the struggles we face are not flaws or signs of failure. They are often adaptations to past experiences where emotional needs, like being comforted, feeling safe, accepted, or truly heard, weren’t fully met. I work with adults navigating relationship challenges, low mood, overthinking, uncertainty about themselves, or difficulties with focus and restlessness. These experiences can be influenced by many factors, such as ADHD, burnout, identity-related stress, or difficult past experiences. You might notice patterns like shutting down, feeling easily overwhelmed, or being misunderstood in your closest relationships. These are often protective responses that once helped you cope, but are now getting in the way of the life and relationships you want. My approach is grounded in a trauma-informed lens and an understanding that mental health is shaped by many layers—our biology, environment, culture, and early relationships. I also pay close attention to how the nervous system responds to stress and safety, helping you make sense of your emotional reactions with more compassion and less shame. Clients often share that they feel relieved when their struggles finally start to make sense. I walk alongside you with warmth and respect as we explore your experiences with curiosity, not judgment. My hope is to help you reconnect with parts of yourself that feel lost, hurt, or misunderstood. Together, we’ll build healthier emotional responses, uncover strengths buried beneath survival patterns, and move toward a life and relationships that feel more secure, fulfilling, and aligned with who you are.

Life can feel overwhelming when your mind won't slow down, when a habit has taken hold, or when burnout has quietly emptied you out. I work with adults navigating ADHD, addiction, suicidal thoughts, and work/life burnout — offering a grounded, judgment-free space to untangle what's been weighing on you. For many women, ADHD goes undiagnosed for years — mistaken for anxiety, depression, or "being too sensitive." That long road of masking and self-doubt leaves real marks. Having ADHD myself, I bring genuine understanding of what it's like to live with a busy, overstimulated mind. As an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), I blend the emotional depth of therapy with the practical focus of coaching. I use CBT, DBT, and ADHD-focused approaches to address both emotional patterns and real-life skills — in sessions that are structured, flexible, and ADHD-friendly. Areas I work with: rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), emotional dysregulation, executive dysfunction, procrastination, ADHD burnout and late diagnosis, addiction (substances, gambling, pornography, social media) and affected family members, suicidal ideation, workplace and life burnout, perfectionism, men's issues, and relationship challenges. You're not broken. Let's build something that actually works for you.

As a counseling psychology graduate student and mental health professional, I provide human-centered approach to supporting individuals navigating trauma, addiction, career transitions, and life's challenging moments. With a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University, a Graduate Certificate in Addiction Treatment from Georgian College, and dual bachelor's degrees in psychology and biology from Macalester College, my practice is grounded in both scientific understanding and compassionate care. I have worked across community mental health, career counseling, and peer support settings.

I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and have several years of experience working within community mental health settings. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals facing challenges related to substance use, homelessness, depression, anxiety, burnout, stress, trauma, and systemic barriers. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for the resilience and strength individuals demonstrate while navigating difficult life circumstances. My work has shaped a compassionate and client-centred approach that is rooted in empathy, respect, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity. I understand how trauma, chronic stress, and experiences of marginalization can significantly affect emotional and psychological well-being. Because of this, I am committed to creating a supportive, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful growth and healing. I take a holistic and strengths-based approach to counselling, recognizing that every person brings unique experiences, abilities, and inner resources to the therapeutic process. I believe in working collaboratively with clients, allowing them to guide their journey while supporting them in developing practical coping tools, building resilience, and fostering greater self-awareness. My goal is to help individuals enhance their emotional well-being, improve their quality of life, and create sustainable, positive change.

I support clients navigating anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss, relational difficulties, burnout, and perfectionism. I work with clients to develop a more compassionate understanding of themselves and their experiences, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward a life that reflects their authentic self and values. I offer low-cost sessions for individuals through the Full Circle Program at Design Your Life Centre as a student therapist working under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Thomas. This program is for individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford therapy. My approach is rooted in humanistic and person-centred principles, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I bring a warm, nonjudgmental, and grounded presence to my work. I am committed to creating a space where you feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences and emotions and to supporting you, with patience and genuine belief in your capacity to change, as you work toward the life you want to lead.