Abuse and trauma counselling is an evidence-based approach to helping individuals process the pain of past abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological.
Signs
Abuse can leave marks long after it ends, and many people carry them quietly. It may be time to reach out when the effects show up in your sleep, your body, your relationships or how you see yourself.
How counselling helps
Early on
With your counsellor, you make sense of how the abuse affected you, at a pace you choose. You decide what to share and when.
As you go
You and your counsellor practise ways to calm flashbacks, panic and racing thoughts, so daily life can feel more steady.
Over time
You work on trust, boundaries and how you see yourself, so the past can have less hold on your choices and relationships.
Where
About
Abuse and trauma counselling is an evidence-based approach to helping individuals process the pain of past abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological. It can provide helpful strategies for managing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks and avoidance behaviour.
No matter how much time has passed since the abuse occurred, can help people heal their wounds by providing them with a safe space to discuss their feelings and experiences openly and honestly. Through, individuals can learn new coping strategies, develop greater self-awareness, and reconnect with their true selves in meaningful ways.
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Practicum Student
FAQs
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If what happened still affects your sleep, your mood, your relationships or how you feel about yourself, counselling may help. The abuse does not have to be recent, and you do not have to prove it was serious enough. Many people reach out years later, when they feel ready, and that is a good time to start.
No, you choose what to share and when. Many people start by talking about how they feel today, such as poor sleep or feeling on edge, before they talk about the past, if they ever do. Your counsellor will check in with you often and go at a pace that feels safe for you.
Yes, counselling can help with abuse from any time in your life, including childhood. Abuse in the past can shape how you handle stress, trust and closeness as an adult. Your counsellor can help you understand those links and find kind, practical ways to care for yourself now.
Yes, you can meet your counsellor online from anywhere in BC, or in person at one of our offices. Some people feel safer talking from home, while others prefer a space away from home. Our intake team suggests counsellors who fit what you need, your language, your budget and where you want to meet, and we offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video.
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), or call 911 if you are in danger. Counselling is not an emergency service, so please reach out to these lines right away rather than waiting for a session. When you feel ready, our counsellors are here to support you with what comes next.