Trauma Therapy and Counselling | Haven Wellness Collective

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, 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, 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.

Our Trauma Counselling Services

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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions should I expect?

The number of sessions required for trauma counselling varies based on each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. Generally, clients attend weekly sessions for a few months to a year, or more, depending on the severity of the trauma and their progress in therapy. Your therapist will discuss a tailored treatment plan with you during your initial consultation.

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, our therapists will help you gain insight into your trauma, develop coping strategies, and build resilience for lasting change.

How do I know if trauma counselling is right for me?

If you’ve experienced a traumatic event or have ongoing symptoms related to trauma, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or difficulty in relationships, trauma counselling may be beneficial for you. It is essential to find a therapist who specializes in trauma and with whom you feel comfortable. We encourage you to schedule an initial consultation to determine if our services are a good fit for your needs.

Contact Us

At Haven Wellness Collective, our compassionate and experienced therapists are dedicated to providing effective, evidence-based treatments to individuals impacted by trauma. 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.