Trauma Counselling in Vancouver

Healing begins with feeling safe. We’re here to help you take the next step.

Trauma can leave lasting emotional, psychological, and even physical scars. It can show up in the form of anxiety, depression, flashbacks, emotional numbness, or difficulty trusting others. Whether your trauma is recent or happened years ago, the effects can stay with you — making it hard to feel safe, connected, or in control.

At Watermark Counselling in Vancouver, we provide trauma-informed therapy that helps you heal at your own pace. Our compassionate therapists are trained to work with trauma gently and respectfully — creating a safe space for you to begin processing what’s happened and building toward a better future.

We offer both in-person sessions at our Vancouver office and secure online therapy across British Columbia.

Trauma refers to any distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms your ability to cope. It can be a single incident, such as an accident or assault, or ongoing, such as childhood neglect or an abusive relationship.

Types of trauma can include:

• Acute trauma – from a one-time event (e.g., car accident, natural disaster)

• Chronic trauma – from repeated exposure to distress (e.g., domestic violence, bullying)

• Complex trauma – prolonged exposure during early life, often in relationships

• Developmental trauma – trauma that interferes with childhood development

• Intergenerational trauma – trauma passed down through family or cultural lineage

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) – a formal diagnosis involving persistent symptoms after trauma.

Common trauma symptoms include:

• Hypervigilance or constant sense of danger

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories

• Emotional numbness or dissociation

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Irritability, guilt, or shame

• Physical symptoms like fatigue or muscle tension

Even if you can’t “name” your trauma, your body and mind may still be carrying it.

How Trauma Therapy Can Help

What Is Trauma?

How Trauma Therapy Can Help

Trauma therapy helps you process difficult experiences safely, rebuild your sense of control, and learn healthy coping strategies. At Watermark Counselling, our trauma-informed approach includes:

• Creating safety and stability

• Regulating emotional and nervous system responses

• Processing and integrating traumatic memories

• Building resilience and reclaiming your sense of self

Some of the evidence-based methods we may use include:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

• Somatic experiencing and body-based techniques

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Mindfulness and grounding strategies

• Narrative therapy to help you reframe your story

The pace of therapy is always tailored to you. We won’t force anything — instead, we walk with you one step at a time.

Our Approach to Trauma Counselling

We believe trauma therapy must be gentle, respectful, and deeply attuned to your needs. At Watermark, our therapists are trained to recognize the ways trauma lives in both the mind and the body. We prioritize:

• Trust and safety – A consistent, secure space with no pressure to “perform”.

• Cultural awareness – Respect for your personal identity, history, and values.

• Collaboration – You’re the expert in your life; we’re here to support and guide.

• Transparency – We explain the therapeutic process every step of the way.

Your experience is valid. You deserve a space to unpack it without judgment.

What to Expect in Sessions

We know it can feel scary to start trauma therapy. That’s okay. Here’s what to expect:

In your first session:

We know it can feel scary to start trauma therapy.You’ll meet with your therapist to share what brings you in and talk about what’s been going on in your life. You’ll never be pressured to talk about painful memories before you’re ready. We’ll also explore your goals for therapy — whether that’s managing symptoms, improving relationships, or simply feeling more grounded. That’s okay. Here’s what to expect:

In ongoing sessions:

As trust builds, you may begin to process specific experiences. This can involve storytelling, visualization, body-awareness techniques, or emotional regulation strategies. We move at your pace, ensuring you feel supported throughout.

Sessions may also focus on:

• Understanding how trauma affects your body and brain

• Identifying triggers and learning how to manage them

• Reconnecting with yourself, your values, and your sense of worth

Who Is Trauma Counselling For?

Trauma therapy is for anyone who has experienced a distressing or overwhelming event — even if it happened years ago or seems “small” on the surface.

You might benefit from trauma counselling if:

You’re easily startled or always “on edge”
You experience nightmares or flashbacks
You avoid people, places, or situations that remind you of something
You struggle with self-worth, trust, or identity after trauma
You feel stuck in the past and can’t move forward

Trauma shows up in many ways — and healing looks different for everyone. Whether you’re coping with a specific event or can’t quite explain why things feel off, therapy can help.

In-Person and Online Trauma Therapy in Vancouver

Healing should be accessible. That’s why we offer:

In-person counselling at our Vancouver clinic — a quiet, welcoming space designed for comfort and
Online trauma therapy across BC — fully confidential sessions you can attend from home

Whether you prefer face-to-face connection or the convenience of virtual care, we’re committed to making therapy safe, flexible, and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I have to talk about what happened right away?

No. Trauma therapy happens at your pace. Building trust and emotional safety is always the first priority. You are in control of how much you share and when.

2. How long does trauma therapy take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people benefit from short-term work, while others explore their trauma over a longer period. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine what feels right.

3. What if I don’t remember everything clearly?

That’s okay. Many people have gaps in memory or feel disconnected from their past. Therapy can help you make sense of your experience without needing a perfect timeline.

4. Can trauma therapy help with physical symptoms like fatigue or pain?

Yes. Trauma often lives in the body. Our therapists may incorporate somatic tools that address physical stress and tension alongside emotional healing.

5. Do you offer EMDR or other specialized trauma treatments?

Yes — several of our therapists are trained in trauma-specific modalities such as EMDR, somatic therapy, and trauma-informed CBT. Let us know your preferences and we’ll help match you with the right fit.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma alone. At Watermark Counselling, we’re here to walk beside you — with care, clarity, and compassion.

Whether you're ready to dive in or just testing the waters, we invite you to reach out. We’ll meet you where you are.

When the Past Feels Too Present

Interested in our internship program?

We are currently accepting applicants for January 2026. Prospective students interested in interning with Watermark, please send a CV and cover letter to hello@watermarkcounselling.ca .