Counselling for Trauma & PTSD
We'll help you get through it.
Trauma is anything that overwhelms you to the point where you can’t cope, it doesn’t have to be something big but can be little things that add up over time. Whether you experienced or witnessed trauma years ago, just recently, or the trauma has been ongoing, you might be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. This can manifest in a number of symptoms, including nightmares, panic attacks, and anxiety. Often, these symptoms become so extreme they begin to control your life. But it doesn’t need to be this way.
If you are experiencing PTSD as a result of an overwhelming situation you experienced or witnessed, the PTSD counsellors at Covalent Counselling are waiting to guide you on a path to healing. Our counsellors create open, stable, and safe environments where you can explore the feelings and thoughts you may have been holding in or haven’t felt safe sharing elsewhere. In addition to this safe and healing environment, our counsellors use a number of therapeutic techniques, including EMDR, somatic therapies, self regulation skills, CBT and others on your path to recovery.
Contact Covalent Counselling today to learn more about our counselling services for trauma and PTSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
PTSD counselling (or trauma and PTSD counselling) is a specialised form of therapy focused on helping individuals who have experienced trauma and are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Unlike general counselling, which may address a variety of life stresses, trauma counselling specifically addresses the effects of overwhelming events (whether single incidents or cumulative) and works to help clients process trauma, rebuild safety and coping skills, and reduce symptoms of PTSD such as flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance or avoidance.
You might benefit from trauma and PTSD counselling if you’ve experienced or witnessed a distressing event and are dealing with symptoms such as:
- recurring unwanted memories or nightmares of the event
- strong emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the trauma
- avoidance of people, places or things that trigger memories
- feeling detached, emotionally numb or persistently anxious
- panic attacks or difficulty regulating your emotions
If these symptoms interfere with your daily life, relationships or ability to function, seeking trauma counselling in Nanaimo can be a meaningful step.
At Covalent Counselling in Nanaimo, our trauma counselling specialists draw from evidence-based modalities including:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Somatic (body-oriented) therapies
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed CBT
- Self-regulation and nervous system coping skills
These approaches aim to help you process traumatic memories, regulate emotional and physical responses, restore a sense of safety and rebuild resilience.
Yes. Our practice offers counselling for PTSD and trauma counselling in Nanaimo (and surrounding areas), providing a safe, confidential space where you can work with a trained counsellor. Whether you’re seeking in-person support or prefer a hybrid/online option, we are equipped to help you on your journey.
The length of therapy varies depending on your individual situation, the severity and duration of your trauma, and your specific goals for healing. Some clients may see meaningful progress in a few months with focused trauma and PTSD counselling; others may engage in longer-term work. What you can expect is a collaborative process: initial assessment, stabilizing safety and coping skills, processing trauma, and integrating healing into daily life. Your counsellor will help you plan a timeline suited for you.
That’s quite common. Trauma doesn’t always lead to a formal PTSD diagnosis, yet it can still have profound effects on your well-being. In trauma counselling, the focus is less on labels and more on the impacts you’re experiencing (e.g., intrusive thoughts, emotional dysregulation, feeling stuck). During your first session, your counsellor will explore your history and current symptoms and determine whether counselling for PTSD (or broader trauma counselling) is the right fit.
Starting is straightforward. Reach out via phone or online booking to schedule an initial intake. During this session you’ll discuss your background, what brings you in (trauma, PTSD symptoms, or related concerns), goals for counselling, and what approach feels right for you. From there we schedule regular sessions and tailor the trauma counselling plan to your needs.