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PTSD Therapy and Trauma Counselling in Surrey, BC

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PTSD therapy and trauma counselling at Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback in Surrey, BC support individuals experiencing the lasting effects of trauma, including hypervigilance, anxiety, emotional numbness, intrusive memories, sleep difficulties, and relationship challenges. Our Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) use evidence-based approaches such as EMDR therapy, neurofeedback, mindfulness, process oriented psychotherapy, and trauma-informed counselling to help clients process traumatic experiences, improve nervous system regulation, and move toward healing and resilience through both in-person and online counselling across BC. Book online or telephone counselling.

Counselling for Trauma: Your Path to Recovery Begins Here

Trauma can leave deep emotional wounds that affect your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. Whether it stems from a single distressing event or ongoing experiences, its impact can feel overwhelming—leaving you anxious, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode.

You don’t have to carry this alone. At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, we provide trauma-informed therapy that helps you process the past, regulate overwhelming emotions, and rebuild a sense of safety and control. With compassionate, evidence-based care, healing is possible.

If you’re struggling with the weight of trauma, we’re here to guide you on your path to recovery.

Understanding PTSD and Trauma

Trauma is not just something that happens to you—it’s something that happens inside you. When you experience overwhelming stress or distressing events, your brain and body may struggle to process what happened, leaving lasting emotional and physical effects.

What Causes Trauma?

Trauma can result from a wide range of experiences, including:

Signs That PTSD or Trauma May Be Affecting You

Unresolved trauma can show up in unexpected ways, often long after the event itself. For some people, PTSD symptoms are connected to unresolved childhood trauma or early experiences that still feel active in the present. You may notice:

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, or chronic stress
  • Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts
  • Feeling numb, disconnected, or emotionally overwhelmed
  • Avoiding certain people, places, or situations
  • Difficulty trusting others or feeling unsafe
  • Unexplained physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or tension

These responses are not a sign of weakness—they are your brain’s way of protecting you. But over time, they can hold you back from fully living. The good news is that healing is possible.

At Sojourn, we use specialized trauma therapies to help you process past experiences, reduce emotional distress, and regain a sense of calm and resilience.

How Counselling for Trauma can Help

Trauma changes the way we think, feel, and interact with the world. However, with the right support, healing is possible. At Sojourn, we provide a variety of trauma-focused therapies that address both the emotional and physical effects of trauma, helping you reconnect with your true self and live a more peaceful, empowered life.

Our Approach to Trauma Counselling

We understand that no two people experience trauma in the same way. That’s why we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs. Some of the therapies we use include:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A structured therapy that may help the nervous system process traumatic memories so they feel less overwhelming in the present
  • Neurofeedback: Non invasive brain training that provides real time feedback to support nervous system regulation and resilience
  • AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy): An experiential approach that helps you safely access and process emotion within a supportive therapeutic relationship
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Grounding and awareness practices that help calm the body and build tolerance for difficult emotions
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) & Emotionally Focused Therapy: Practical approaches for shifting unhelpful thought patterns and strengthening emotional connection and security

Why Trauma Counselling Works

Trauma counselling works by creating a safe space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. It helps you make sense of what happened, process the emotions, and find new ways of coping. As you begin to understand and reframe your trauma, you’ll gain greater emotional resilience, peace of mind, and improved relationships with others.

Trauma counselling is not about erasing the past—it’s about helping you move forward with the tools and support you need to live a fulfilling life.

Signs You May Benefit from Trauma Counselling

Trauma doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. You might not even realize that past experiences are affecting your present life. However, if you’re struggling with any of the following, trauma counselling can help:

When trauma is rooted in early relationships or repeated relational harm, attachment wounds and relational trauma may also be part of the picture. If the event was recent and the reactions began within the past month, counselling for acute stress disorder may be the more relevant starting point.

Emotional & Psychological Signs:

  • Persistent anxiety, panic attacks, or depression
  • Feeling numb, detached, or emotionally overwhelmed
  • Mood swings, irritability, or difficulty controlling emotions
  • Trouble trusting others or maintaining relationships

Cognitive & Behavioural Signs:

  • Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares
  • Avoiding certain people, places, or situations
  • Feeling “stuck” in survival mode (hypervigilance, fear, or shutdown)
  • Using unhealthy coping mechanisms (substance use, self-isolation)

Physical Signs of Trauma:

  • Chronic fatigue or body tension
  • Headaches, digestive issues, or other unexplained pain
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares, restless sleep)
  • Feeling constantly on edge or easily startled

If you recognize yourself in any of these symptoms, know that healing is possible. Trauma therapy provides the tools and support needed to break free from survival mode and start living with greater peace and confidence.

Why Choose Sojourn for PTSD and Trauma Therapy?

At Sojourn, we understand that healing from trauma is not a one-size-fits-all journey. That’s why we offer personalized, evidence-based therapy designed to meet your unique needs. Here’s why individuals trust us for trauma therapy:

From Our Blog

For people whose trauma responses show up strongly in the body, such as hypervigilance, chronic tension or shutdown, we also offer somatic therapy, a body based, trauma informed approach that can be used on its own or alongside EMDR.

1. Trauma-Specialized Therapists

Our counsellors have extensive training in trauma-informed care, using approaches like EMDR, neurofeedback, AEDP, and mindfulness-based therapies to support deep healing. We understand the complexities of trauma and tailor our approach to your specific experiences.

2. A Safe and Supportive Environment

Healing requires safety, trust, and compassion. Our therapists provide a non-judgmental space where you can process your experiences at your own pace. We move gently, ensuring you feel supported, not overwhelmed.

3. Evidence-Based and Holistic Approaches

Trauma affects both the mind and body. That’s why we integrate therapies like neurofeedback, alongside well-researched approaches like EMDR and mindfulness, to help regulate your nervous system and reduce distressing symptoms.

4. In-Person & Online Therapy Options

We offer flexible appointment options, including both in-person counselling at our Surrey, BC clinic and secure virtual sessions so you can access trauma therapy from the comfort of your home. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.

What to Expect in Trauma Therapy

1. Getting Started

Starting trauma therapy can feel intimidating, but you are not alone. Our approach is gentle, compassionate, and tailored to your pace. Here’s what you can expect when working with a trauma-informed therapist at Sojourn Counselling:

2. Your First Session

In your first session, we focus on building trust and safety. You won’t be pressured to talk about anything you’re not ready for. Instead, your therapist will:

  • Building emotional regulation skills: to help you feel more grounded
  • Identifying triggers and patterns so you can regain control over your responses
  • Processing traumatic memories safely through approaches like EMDR, neurofeedback, and mindfulness-based therapies

3. Processing and Healing at Your Own Pace

As therapy progresses, we guide you through healing in a way that feels right for you. This may include:

4. Moving Forward with Strength and Resilience

Trauma therapy isn’t just about processing the past—it’s about creating a future where you feel safe, strong, and connected. As you heal, you may notice:

  • Greater emotional balance and reduced anxiety
  • Stronger, healthier relationships
  • A renewed sense of self-confidence and empowerment

You don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode. Healing is possible, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Start Your Healing Journey Today

Trauma does not define you—healing is possible. You don’t have to carry the weight of past experiences alone. With the right support, you can regain a sense of peace, safety, and control over your life. At Sojourn Counselling, we are committed to walking alongside you on your healing journey. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, past trauma, or emotional disconnection, our trauma-informed therapists provide the compassionate, evidence-based care you need.

Take the First Step:

Getting started is simple. Review our counsellors’ profiles, choose a therapist whose approach and availability fit your needs, and book online at a time that works for you.

  • Book Online – choose a therapist whose approach and availability fit your needs to help you feel more grounded
  • Meet Our Trauma Therapists – Find a counsellor who specializes in trauma recovery
  • Contact Us – we’re happy to answer any questions and help you find a good fit

Therapists Who Support PTSD and Trauma Recovery

Everyone on our team is trained to support clients living with trauma. These therapists have particular training and experience in trauma therapy and EMDR:

For many people, the first step in PTSD therapy is stabilization: learning to steady the nervous system before working directly with traumatic memories. Our DBT informed counselling teaches those emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills and can be paired with EMDR when the time is right; teens can also access DBT for teens.

Loretta Thorgeirson

MEd, RCC

EMDR and neurofeedback provider who works with children, youth, and adults, supporting anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, and neurodivergent clients.

Book with Loretta   View profile

Tarnia Pickard

MEd, RCC

More than 20 years of experience with children, youth, and families. Tarnia’s trauma work draws on EMDR, CBT, DBT, IFS, and family systems, and she accepts CVAP referrals.

Book with Tarnia   View profile

Jonathan Wieser

MA-MFT, RCC-ACS, RMFT

Practising since 2010, Jonathan provides EMDR, neurofeedback, and emotionally focused approaches for trauma, anxiety, and relationship distress.

Book with Jonathan   View profile

Katherine Ouano

MEd, RCC

Formal DBT training (Levels 1 and 2) and 25 years with children, youth, adults, and families. Katherine teaches the emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills that help stabilize the nervous system before and alongside trauma processing, and is also a neurofeedback provider. Evening and weekend appointments.

Book with Katherine   View profile

Prefer to browse the whole team? View all therapist profiles and availability.

From Our Blog

Related reading from our counsellors:

Please note that counselling is not an emergency service. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. For urgent mental health support in Canada, you can call or text 9-8-8, any time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does trauma therapy take?

Healing is different for everyone, so there is no single timeline. As a general guide, clinical guidelines such as NICE describe trauma-focused therapies like trauma-focused CBT and EMDR as typically running 8 to 12 sessions, with more sessions often recommended after multiple or prolonged trauma. Complex and childhood trauma usually involve a longer, phased course that begins with safety and stabilization before processing memories. Your therapist will review progress with you regularly and pace the work to suit your needs and goals.

No. Trauma therapy moves at your pace. You are never required to share details of traumatic events before you’re ready. Therapy focuses on building safety, emotional regulation, and resilience before processing difficult experiences.
Yes. Trauma can affect you long after the event itself. Even if your experiences happened in childhood or many years ago, therapy can help you process them, reduce distress, and regain control over your emotions and well-being.

If your trauma began early in life, our childhood trauma therapy page explains how we work with developmental and complex trauma.

Your therapist will help you develop coping tools to manage emotions safely. Approaches like mindfulness, grounding exercises, and neurofeedback can help regulate your nervous system so that therapy feels manageable and supportive, not overwhelming.
Many extended health plans cover counselling services with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). At Sojourn Counselling, we offer direct billing to many insurance providers through Telus eClaims. Even if we aren’t able to direct bill your insurer, plans that cover RCC or RMFT services may still reimburse you — please check with your provider for details on your coverage.
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