Trauma Therapy in Burnaby: Your Complete Guide to Healing and Recovery
Find expert trauma therapy services in Burnaby, BC. Our licensed therapists specialize in evidence-based trauma treatments including EMDR, PE, IFS and somatic approaches.
Understanding Trauma: What It Is and How It Affects You
Trauma refers to what happens in your body during, and after an event, rather than the event itself. Events that are experienced as traumatic are typically characterized by an inability to take the necessary actions to protect yourself, a loss of choice and a feeling of powerlessness. Experiencing trauma can negatively impact your sense of safety and sense of self, as well as your ability to regulate your emotions, navigate relationships, or function in daily life.
If you're searching for trauma therapy in Burnaby, understanding these effects is the first step toward healing. Our Burnaby trauma therapists work with clients throughout the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, New Westminster, and Richmond.
How Trauma Affects the Brain and Body
Trauma affects the nervous system, especially the brain regions responsible for fear, memory, and emotional regulation:
The amygdala — which is the area of the brain that detects threats and triggers the body's fear response (fight, flight, or freeze) — becomes hyperactive, keeping the brain in a constant state of alert (fight-or-flight mode).
The hippocampus — which helps form and organize memories, and places them in context (e.g., time and location) — has difficulty distinguishing past traumatic events from present experiences.
The prefrontal cortex — which is responsible for thinking, decision-making, and regulating emotions and behaviour — loses strength, making it harder to manage emotions and think rationally.
These changes often lead to symptoms such as:
Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts
Anxiety, panic attacks, or depression
Emotional numbness or dissociation
Difficulty trusting others or forming relationships
Chronic pain or somatic symptoms
Understanding these effects can help normalize your experience and motivate you to seek support through trauma counselling in Burnaby.
Types of Trauma We Treat in Burnaby
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma results from a single, isolated incident such as a car accident, natural disaster, or violent crime. While the event may be brief, its psychological impact can be profound and long-lasting. Our Burnaby trauma therapists can help you heal, so that you are not continually impacted in the present by what you experienced in the past.
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma, also known as developmental trauma, occurs when someone experiences repeated or prolonged traumatic events, often during childhood. This type of trauma can result from ongoing abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence. Complex trauma therapy in Burnaby requires a more comprehensive approach that addresses the deep-rooted effects on personality development and attachment patterns.
Historical and Intergenerational Trauma
Some individuals carry the effects of trauma that occurred to previous generations or entire communities. Historical trauma affects groups who have experienced collective violence, oppression, or cultural destruction. Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of trauma effects from parents to children. Our specialized trauma therapists in Burnaby are trained to address these unique challenges.
Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma occurs when individuals are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others through their work or personal relationships. This type of trauma commonly affects healthcare workers, first responders, therapists, social workers, and family members of trauma survivors. Our Burnaby trauma counsellors focus on processing secondary traumatic stress and developing healthy boundaries and coping strategies.
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy in Burnaby is a form of mental health treatment focused on helping individuals process and heal from the emotional and psychological effects of traumatic experiences. It aims to:
Reduce trauma-related symptoms
Restore a sense of control and safety
Strengthen emotion regulation and coping skills
Rebuild trust and connection with self and others
Trauma therapy is personalized and may involve different treatment modalities depending on your needs and trauma history.
Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy Approaches Used by Our Burnaby Clinicians
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Burnaby
EMDR therapy in Burnaby is one of the most widely recognized trauma therapy techniques. During EMDR sessions, clients focus on traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing for healthier integration.
Research consistently shows EMDR's effectiveness for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. Many clients in Burnaby experience significant improvement in just a few sessions, making EMDR an efficient trauma therapy option.
Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy
PE is a highly effective trauma therapy that helps individuals gradually confront trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations they have been avoiding. This approach is based on the principle that avoidance maintains trauma symptoms, while controlled exposure helps reduce fear and anxiety over time.
During PE therapy sessions in Burnaby, clients work with their therapist to systematically approach trauma-related triggers through imaginal exposure (revisiting traumatic memories in a safe environment) and in-vivo exposure (gradually engaging with avoided situations or places).
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Somatic trauma therapy in Burnaby integrates cognitive, emotional, and physical processing. This method recognizes that trauma affects the entire nervous system and focuses on helping clients become aware of their body's responses to traumatic memories and triggers.
During sensorimotor psychotherapy sessions, our Burnaby therapists help clients notice physical sensations, posture, and movement patterns that may be connected to their trauma. By working with the body's natural healing mechanisms, clients can process traumatic experiences at a somatic level, often leading to profound and lasting change.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is a trauma therapy model that views the mind as naturally consisting of multiple parts, each with its own feelings, beliefs, and behaviours. Trauma can cause these parts to become polarized or extreme in their roles. IFS therapy helps clients access their core Self and heal wounded parts.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Trauma
ACT for trauma in Burnaby helps individuals develop psychological flexibility and learn to accept difficult thoughts and emotions rather than avoiding them. This approach focuses on helping clients identify their core values and commit to actions that align with those values, even in the presence of traumatic memories or symptoms.
Rather than trying to eliminate trauma-related thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches clients mindfulness skills and acceptance strategies. This trauma therapy approach emphasizes living a meaningful life despite the presence of trauma symptoms.
Signs You Might Benefit from Trauma Therapy in Burnaby
Recognizing when you might need trauma counselling in Burnaby is crucial for beginning the healing process. Common signs include:
Persistent nightmares or flashbacks
Avoiding places or situations that remind you of the traumatic event
Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from others
Experiencing sudden mood changes or anger outbursts
Having difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Physical symptoms can also indicate the need for trauma therapy. These might include chronic pain, digestive issues, headaches, or unexplained medical problems. Many trauma survivors also experience anxiety, depression, or substance abuse issues as they attempt to cope with their experiences.
If you find yourself reliving traumatic events, feeling constantly on edge, or unable to form healthy relationships, trauma therapy in Burnaby can provide the specialized support you need to heal and move forward.
What to Expect in Trauma Therapy in Burnaby
Beginning trauma therapy can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can help reduce anxiety about starting treatment. Your first sessions with a Burnaby trauma therapist will typically involve building a therapeutic relationship with your counsellor and discussing your history and current symptoms. Your therapist will explain their approach and work with you to develop treatment goals.
Trauma therapy often begins with stabilization techniques to help you feel safe and grounded. This might include learning breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or other coping strategies. Once you feel more stable, your therapist will guide you through processing traumatic memories using evidence-based techniques.
The pace of trauma therapy varies for each individual. Some people experience relief relatively quickly, while others need more time to work through complex trauma. Your Burnaby trauma therapist will work with you at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.
Benefits of Professional Trauma Therapy in Burnaby
Professional trauma therapy in Burnaby offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond symptom reduction. Many clients report:
Improved relationships
Better emotional regulation
Increased self-confidence
Greater sense of control over their lives
Healthier coping strategies
Ability to process difficult emotions
Creating meaning from their experiences
Research shows that trauma therapy is highly effective, with many evidence-based approaches demonstrating significant success rates. The skills learned in therapy often provide lasting benefits, helping individuals build resilience and maintain their progress long after treatment ends.
Finding the Right Trauma Therapist in Burnaby
Choosing the right trauma therapist in Burnaby is crucial for successful treatment. Look for licensed mental health professionals who specialize in trauma and have specific training in evidence-based trauma therapy approaches. Many therapists list their specializations and treatment methods on their websites or professional profiles.
Consider factors such as:
The therapist's experience with your type of trauma
Their therapeutic approach
Whether you feel comfortable with them during an initial consultation
Location and accessibility in Burnaby
Insurance coverage
Some therapists, including ours, offer brief phone consultations to help you determine if they're a good fit for your needs.
Trauma Therapy Services Available in Burnaby and Surrounding Areas
Our trauma therapy services in Burnaby extend throughout the Lower Mainland, including:
Vancouver trauma therapy
New Westminster trauma counselling
Richmond trauma treatment
Coquitlam trauma therapy
Surrey trauma counselling
We understand that trauma affects individuals differently, and we're committed to providing culturally sensitive and inclusive care to all members of our diverse Burnaby community.
Taking the First Step: Trauma Therapy in Burnaby
If you're considering trauma therapy in Burnaby, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Trauma therapy offers hope and healing for even the most difficult experiences. With the right therapist and evidence-based treatment approaches, you can work through traumatic experiences and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.
The journey of trauma recovery is unique for each individual, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Professional trauma therapy in Burnaby provides the support, tools, and guidance necessary to heal from trauma and reclaim your life.
Contact a Burnaby Trauma Therapist Today
Take the first step today by reaching out to a qualified trauma therapist in Burnaby. Our experienced clinicians are here to support you on your healing journey with compassionate, evidence-based care.
Ready to begin your healing journey? Contact us at Being and Becoming Counselling and Wellness Services today to schedule your free consultation.