Complex Trauma Counselling
Counselling for the effects of repeated or relational trauma, with attention to trust, emotional overwhelm, self-worth and the patterns that continue to affect daily life.
Making sense of experiences that have built up over time
You may find it difficult to explain your concerns through one event. Perhaps earlier relationships involved fear, instability, neglect or repeated hurt. You may notice yourself expecting rejection, working hard to avoid conflict, feeling responsible for other people’s reactions, or finding closeness difficult even when you want connection. Counselling offers space to explore your own experience and what you would like to change.
The effects of trauma vary. Experiences described as complex trauma can involve difficulties with emotions, trust and the way a person sees themselves. Complex PTSD has specific diagnostic criteria; a history of repeated adversity does not, by itself, establish that diagnosis. The National Center for PTSD explains these distinctions. You can begin a conversation about support without choosing a diagnostic label for yourself.
What you might want help with
- Feeling overwhelmed, on guard, emotionally distant or disconnected from yourself.
- Harsh self-criticism, shame, or feeling that your needs do not matter.
- Patterns of withdrawing, pleasing others, anticipating conflict or struggling with boundaries.
- Understanding how earlier experiences affect relationships and present-day choices.
- Developing ways to respond when familiar situations bring up strong reactions.
These are examples of concerns to discuss, rather than a checklist for diagnosis. Your counsellor can help clarify the focus of the work and whether other or additional professional support would be appropriate.
A collaborative pace and a clear direction
Early sessions can focus on what is happening in your life now, what helps you feel supported, and what you hope counselling will make room for. You and your counsellor can discuss practical ways to respond to distress alongside exploration of emotional and relationship patterns. You have a choice in what you share, and can ask about the purpose of an exercise or approach.
The work is adapted to your circumstances. Goals might include communicating a boundary, recognizing an automatic protective response, making sense of difficult feelings, or building a different relationship with yourself. Your feedback helps shape the pace, methods and direction of sessions. No fixed number of appointments or particular outcome is promised.
Meet Jonathan and Joel
Jonathan Hers identifies complex trauma, emotional regulation, attachment and self-worth as areas of interest. His work draws on EMDR, attachment-informed therapy and AEDP, with IFS informing his understanding of emotions and inner patterns. Jonathan works with adolescents and adults, with much of his clinical work focused on adults.
Joel Meszaros has a primary focus on adults and couples navigating complex trauma, relationship difficulties, and grief and loss. His relational work draws on experiential and attachment-based approaches, including EFIT, AEDP and IFS-informed work. Ask each counsellor how they would approach your particular concerns.
Joel has completed an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) externship.
Choose the right support and format
This page focuses on repeated and relational trauma patterns. You can also explore our general trauma counselling information and compare approaches through the team profiles. A consultation can help you ask about experience, pacing, the kinds of support offered and whether the fit feels right.
Online appointments are available across BC, subject to counsellor fit and availability. Wellspring’s current in-person office is in Vancouver, by appointment through select counsellors; confirm the individual counsellor’s format before booking. Joel’s profile lists virtual sessions. A free 15-minute consultation is an introduction to discuss fit; regular therapy appointments are separate, paid sessions. Review fees and policies and confirm coverage for your chosen counsellor’s designation with your insurer.