Find Healing & Reclaim Your Life From Trauma

Trauma Counselling

Explore counsellor experience and profiles

Some Wellspring counsellors to explore for trauma counselling. Review each profile and confirm your location, appointment format and current fee before booking.

  • Alistair Gordon

    A published author in trauma treatment for military veterans, Alistair is clinically trained in EMDR, Therapeutic Enactment and Emotion-Focused Therapy. His individual adult practice combines practical regulation skills with experiential work on emotional patterns, beliefs and core needs.

  • Dr. Przemyslaw Kaczmarek

    Dr. K pairs doctoral training in Clinical Psychology with extensive experience supporting survivors of significant early-life trauma and sexual abuse. His broad clinical perspective includes neurodivergence and relationship concerns, with counselling in English and Polish.

  • Kaitlin Rai

    Completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR training, additional EMDR/parts-work training and Levels 1 and 2 Family Systems training distinguish Kaitlin’s background. She brings this combination to complex trauma, attachment wounds and recurring relationship patterns.

  • Laura Tamutis

    Laura combines EMDR, Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy, parts work and mindfulness. This combination connects work on painful experiences with emotional needs and protective responses, with separate online counselling options for BC and Ontario.

  • Jonathan Hers

    Advanced training in EMDR, AEDP and Attachment Theory anchors Jonathan’s work with complex trauma, attachment and self-worth. His structured process combines compassionate support with active emotional work. Ministry and chaplaincy experience also informs optional work with spiritual trauma.

Compare the full Wellspring team. A free 15-minute consultation is an introduction to discuss fit; ongoing counselling sessions are separate, paid appointments.

If past experiences keep affecting how you feel, react or connect with others, a first conversation can help you explore what you need from counselling. At Wellspring, you can compare counsellors and choose someone whose experience and way of working fit your preferences.

We offer online counselling across our Canadian service locations. In-person appointments are available with select clinicians at our Vancouver office, 3665 Kingsway, #300. Confirm the format and current availability with your chosen counsellor before booking.

Compare counsellor profiles and photos, or use our optional AI matching assistant. A free 15-minute consultation is a chance to ask about fit, availability and next steps; it is separate from paid counselling. See our fees and insurance information before booking.

Trauma Counselling in Vancouver

Counselling for trauma

What is trauma?

Trauma is a personal emotional response to events or experiences that feel overwhelming. It can result from a single distressing incident, like an accident or loss, or ongoing situations, such as abuse or neglect. Trauma affects how we feel and can disrupt our sense of safety and stability. It can change how we see ourselves, others, and life, creating a solid emotional and psychological impact.

Trauma is complex because it affects each person differently. Two people can experience the same event but respond in unique ways. Factors like previous experiences, emotional strength, support from others, and current life situations influence how trauma is felt and its long-term effects. For some, trauma may lead to intense feelings of fear, anxiety, or withdrawal. For others, it could appear as physical issues like tiredness, chronic pain, or trouble focusing.

Trauma is not a sign of weakness; it is a normal response to severe stress. Recognizing this can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help. Healing from trauma takes time, patience, and the proper support. Effective therapies include EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and somatic practices, which can help people process their experiences and recover.

Signs and Symptoms of Trauma

While everyone reacts differently to traumatic events, common symptoms may include:

  • Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts;
  • Emotional swings, such as sudden intense fear or anxiety;
  • Avoidance of people, places, and activities that remind you of the trauma;
  • Physiological reactions like increased heart rate or sweating
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering details about the traumatic event.
Trauma Counsellors | Wellspring Counselling in BC

Start with a free 15-minute consultation

The many faces of Trauma

  • “Big T” Trauma: Traumatic events such as accidents, abuse, or loss can lead to PTSD or complex trauma, resulting in flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional overwhelm.
  • “Little t” Trauma: Neglect, bullying, shaming, or feeling chronically unsafe can leave lasting imprints on your nervous system, leading to anxiety, insecurity, and difficulty trusting.
  • Core Shame & Guilt: Trauma often creates deep-seated feelings of being flawed or responsible for bad things. This can hinder relationships and self-worth.

Considering EMDR for trauma?

EMDR therapy includes assessment, preparation and ongoing review. A clinician trained in EMDR can discuss whether it is suitable for your needs and agree on a pace with you. There is no single session count that applies to everyone.

Read about EMDR therapy and its eight phases, or compare Wellspring counsellors who offer EMDR. The profiles include photos and individual booking links. Ask about the clinician’s training, experience with your concerns and current session options.

For online sessions, choose a private space and ask how to pause or reconnect if your video connection drops. For an in-person appointment, confirm availability at the Vancouver office before booking.

Read what to expect at your first EMDR appointment for questions about preparation, pace and the first conversation.

The benefits of Trauma Counselling

Trauma counselling offers a safe space for people to deal with and heal from difficult experiences. It helps individuals recover, whether their trauma comes from a single event or long-term challenges. Counselling can be an essential step toward healing. Here are some key benefits of trauma counselling:

  • Processing Painful Memories: Trauma counseling helps people deal with painful memories in a supportive and safe setting. This process can lessen the strong emotions connected to those memories, making them feel less overwhelming over time.
  • Restoring Emotional Balance: Trauma can hurt emotional health, causing feelings like fear, anxiety, anger, or sadness. Counseling helps people understand and manage these emotions, helping them feel more stable and in control.
  • Building Coping Skills: Counsellors help people learn practical skills to manage stress and strong emotions. These skills let individuals handle daily life more effectively and build resilience.
  • Improved Relationships: Trauma can harm personal relationships and lead to feelings of isolation or conflict. Counseling helps people rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen their connections with others.
  • Reducing Symptoms of PTSD and Anxiety: Trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and cognitive-behavioral therapy can effectively reduce symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and feeling overly alert. This helps improve a person’s quality of life significantly.
  • Fostering Self-Understanding and Growth: Counseling allows people to examine how trauma has affected their identity, beliefs, and actions. This understanding often helps them grow and feel more empowered.

Getting trauma counseling is a brave step toward healing. Through it, individuals can regain their safety, rebuild confidence, and move forward with optimism.

How can Wellspring Counselling help with Trauma?

You and your counsellor can discuss what is affecting you now, what you hope will change and what would help you feel comfortable in sessions. You can ask how they work, what preparation they recommend and how you will review progress together.

Training and approaches vary by clinician. Read the individual profiles and discuss the options with your counsellor rather than choosing a therapy by its name alone.

Wellspring was founded in 2016 by Alistair Gordon, MA, RCC, a UBC Adjunct Professor, published author and developer of CorMorphosis™ Psychotherapy and Core Needs Therapy™ (CNT). His approach is structured, practical and collaborative. Each team member brings their own training, experience and personality.

Counsellors who work with complex trauma

If repeated or difficult relationships have affected your trust, self-worth or sense of safety, explore our complex trauma counselling page. Alistair Gordon, Dr. K, Kaitlin Rai, Ashi Tomar, Laura Tamutis, Jonathan Hers and Joel Meszaros work with complex trauma. Our team page lets you compare their approaches and choose online or in-person care.

Our Approach: Compassionate, Effective, Personalized

  • Start with your priorities: Discuss what you want help with and how past experiences affect your present life.
  • Agree on the pace: Ask about preparation, coping strategies and how to pause or adjust the work.
  • Choose an approach together: Talk about how your counsellor’s training and methods relate to your concerns and preferences.
  • Review progress: Share what is helping, what feels difficult and what you may want to change about the plan.

Affiliations

Our Memberships

RCC Logo | Wellspring Counselling Inc.
A designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
Emdria Logo | Wellspring Counselling Inc.

Clients Say

Testimonials

Mr. Gordon is someone that captures the spirit and the heart of active engagement. He is empathic, genuine and incorporates action and creative problem solving into his practice. I have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Gordon as an effective career and personal counsellor.

NA

I had no experience with therapy and was unsure of the whole process. Alistair made everything very accessible and unintimidating. It was clear that he puts quite a lot of effort and preparation into every session. I'm so glad that I decided to do this, and could not have asked for a better person to help me with this. I would highly recommend Alistair to anyone who has ever thought that they might benefit from talking to a professional.

EH

I am a young professional which for a long time now, has struggled with anxiety, insecurity, and difficulty in finding effective life coping mechanisms. Alistair was referred to me by a friend and upon the first meeting, I found Alistair to be empathetic, compassionate and intuitive. I have now been seeing Alistair regularly for 6 months and through that time my anxiety has significantly decreased, I have found effective methods of dealing with stress, found support dealing with identity issues, as well as finding inner strength to get through a tough break up. Alistair again and again, went the extra mile -thank you Alistair for your candor, openness and a safe space to get support. Thank you for playing such a large role in keeping me healthy and positive.

KL

I have been working with Alistair Gordon as my counsellor at Wellspring for almost 6 months now and cannot begin to tell you how far I have come with his help. I have tried working with other counsellors and therapists in the past but never really found one that clicked for me. I always felt judged, unsupported, and rushed at those appointments until I booked my first appointment with Wellspring and with Allistair. To anyone on the fence about booking an appointment or engaging in therapy: if you are willing to do the work, you couldn't ask for a better partner in your healing journey.

ER

When I decided to find a counsellor, I tried to find someone that I could relate to, someone that is like-minded and down-to-earth and with Alistair I really found the right person. He uses an integrative approach, showed me techniques to relax and get aware of my emotions, and helped me see things in a new perspective. Of course this is an ongoing process but I enjoy meeting and working with Alistair every time. The downtown office is a very neutral place - not too intimate, not too clinical - which is helpful to overcome apprehension, especially the first couple of times. What I find remarkable is that Alistair almost always knows what I'm trying to say, even if I can't put it into words. Working with Alistair helped me a lot and it was the right decision to put my trust in him.

MA

Alistair really cares about you the person, and I could really feel him trying to tackle my challenges. He was also very available for off-session contact via text and email. I think he did a great job with confronting me where I needed it. Alistair always could remember the important peoples' names in my personal life, which really helped with talking about my problems. I really felt like I was talking to a friend.

MS

Alistair is an awesome counsellor. He has been so helpful in working with me through some tough times in my life. He's always been available to chat with me in-between sessions. I'd recommend Alistair to anyone - he's really the ideal counsellor in my view.

JG

I enjoy how sessions are collaborative where I can take the lead for the direction of what we talk about, and at the same time I know that Alistair will offer helpful guidance and insight along the way. I also like how we focus on the future instead of just the past. I find this to be empowering and helpful to move forward in life.

RM

Alistair is an awesome counsellor. He has been so helpful in working with me through some tough times in my life. He's always been available to chat with me in-between sessions. I'd recommend Alistair to anyone - he's really the ideal counsellor in my view.

JG

I have always felt very comfortable with Alistair. He has a calming presence, and you can tell he cares about being the best counsellor for you. He helps you with all aspects of your concern, and is always able to help me find a solution to the problem I'm having.

SD

Alistair is an exceptionally talented counsellor and has always demonstrated strong ethics, great compassion, wisdom and respect for others. I highly recommend him as a counselling practitioner.

MB

Choose your next step

Explore trauma counselling

Online counselling or in-person appointments in Vancouver

Our Vancouver office is at 3665 Kingsway, #300. In-person appointments are available with select clinicians. Ask your chosen counsellor about their current format and availability before booking.

If you live in North Vancouver and prefer online sessions, see our North Vancouver trauma counselling information. For broader information, explore our counselling services and therapeutic approaches.

Find a counsellor your way, or book a free 15-minute consultation. A consultation is a chance to discuss fit; it is separate from a paid counselling session. Review fees and insurance information before starting.

For free learning resources from Alistair Gordon, explore our Self-Help Videos and Self-Help Articles.

Burnaby Counselling Services | Wellspring Counselling Inc.
Online counselling for Vancouver

Vancouver office — by appointment

Online counselling is available across our Canadian service locations. In-person sessions are available in Vancouver with select counsellors. Confirm your counsellor, appointment time and meeting location before visiting.