trauma counselling in Victoria, bc
Trauma can profoundly impact every aspect of your life, creating lasting effects that extend far beyond the original experience.
Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, death, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, or other life-altering events, professional trauma therapy offers a pathway to healing and recovery. In Victoria, BC, specialized trauma-informed counselling provides evidence-based treatments that address both the psychological and physical impacts of traumatic experiences.
Understanding that trauma lives in both the mind and body, effective trauma therapy utilizes multiple therapeutic modalities to create comprehensive healing. This webpage explores three powerful approaches—EMDR, AEDP, and Somatic Therapy—that have revolutionized trauma treatment and helped countless individuals reclaim their lives from trauma's grip.
Understanding Trauma and Its Complex Effects
Trauma occurs when an individual experiences or witnesses events that are physically or emotionally harmful, overwhelming their ability to cope. These experiences can range from single incidents like accidents or sexual assault to prolonged exposure such as childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, or ongoing neglect. The impact of trauma extends beyond the initial event, often creating lasting changes in how individuals think, feel, and relate to the world around them.
When trauma occurs, the brain's natural information processing system can become disrupted, leaving traumatic memories fragmented and unintegrated. This disruption often results in symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, anxiety, depression, and dissociation. Many trauma survivors also experience difficulties with trust, intimacy, and emotional regulation that can persist long after the traumatic event.
Sexual trauma, including sexual assault and sexual abuse, carries unique psychological impacts that require specialized understanding and treatment approaches. Survivors of sexual violence often experience complex trauma responses that affect their sense of safety, self-worth, and ability to maintain healthy relationships. The shame and stigma often associated with sexual trauma can create additional barriers to healing, making trauma-informed therapy essential for recovery.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) represent a significant area of trauma that profoundly impacts adult mental health and well-being. ACEs include experiences such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, domestic violence, and parental substance abuse or mental illness. Research shows that ACEs are surprisingly common, with nearly two-thirds of adults reporting at least one adverse childhood experience.
The groundbreaking ACE Study revealed strong correlations between childhood trauma and adult health problems, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and chronic physical conditions. Children who experience multiple ACEs are at significantly higher risk for developing complex trauma responses that can persist throughout their lives without appropriate intervention.
Complex trauma, also known as C-PTSD, develops from prolonged, repeated trauma, particularly during childhood when the brain and nervous system are still developing.
Unlike single-incident trauma, complex trauma affects core aspects of identity, emotional regulation, and relational capacity. Survivors of childhood trauma often struggle with difficulties in attachment, self-concept, and managing intense emotions.
In Victoria, BC, trauma therapists recognize that addressing complex trauma and childhood experiences requires specialized approaches that go beyond traditional PTSD treatment. The therapeutic relationship becomes particularly crucial for individuals with childhood trauma, as it may represent their first experience of consistent safety and attunement.
EMDR, AEDP, and Somatic Therapy approaches are particularly effective for complex trauma because they address the developmental impacts of early trauma. These therapies help rebuild the fundamental capacities for safety, connection, and self-regulation that may have been disrupted by adverse childhood experiences.
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Taylor Evans-Kawchuk recognizes that trauma affects each individual differently, and effective treatment must be tailored to address the specific needs and circumstances of each survivor. Trauma therapy focuses not only on reducing symptoms but also on helping individuals reclaim their sense of agency, safety, and connection to others.
EMDR: Transforming Traumatic Memories Through Bilateral Stimulation
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) represents one of the most researched and effective trauma therapy approaches available today. Developed in the late 1980s, EMDR has been extensively studied and validated as an evidence-based treatment for trauma-related conditions, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR therapy works by helping the brain's natural healing processes complete the psychological processing of traumatic experiences. During trauma, the brain's information processing system can become overwhelmed, leaving memories stored in fragmented ways that continue to trigger intense emotional and physical reactions. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements—to help integrate these traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge and allows them to be stored more adaptively.
The EMDR process follows a structured eight-phase protocol that ensures safety and stability throughout treatment. Initial phases focus on history-taking, preparation, and teaching coping strategies, while later phases involve the actual processing of traumatic memories. This careful, phased approach makes EMDR particularly effective for complex trauma cases, including survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse.
For individuals seeking EMDR therapy in Victoria BC, the treatment offers several distinct advantages. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require detailed verbal recounting of traumatic events, making it accessible for survivors who struggle to articulate their experiences. The therapy also tends to produce results more quickly than many other approaches, with many clients experiencing significant symptom reduction within a relatively short timeframe.
Research consistently demonstrates EMDR's effectiveness for trauma recovery. Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown that EMDR can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, with many participants no longer meeting diagnostic criteria after completing treatment. The therapy's ability to address both cognitive and somatic aspects of trauma makes it particularly valuable for comprehensive trauma recovery.
EMDR is especially beneficial for trauma survivors who experience anxiety related to their traumatic experiences. The therapy helps reduce anxiety by processing the underlying traumatic memories that fuel anxious thoughts and behaviors, leading to more lasting relief than symptom management approaches alone.
AEDP: Healing Through Authentic Emotional Connection
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) offers a unique approach to trauma therapy that emphasizes the healing power of authentic emotional connection within the therapeutic relationship. Developed by Diana Fosha, AEDP recognizes that trauma fundamentally disrupts our capacity for connection and trust, and that healing occurs through corrective emotional experiences that take place in relationship.
AEDP therapy focuses on accessing and processing core emotions that have been blocked or suppressed as a result of trauma. Many trauma survivors, particularly those who experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault, develop sophisticated defense mechanisms to protect themselves from overwhelming emotions. While these defenses serve an important protective function, they can also prevent access to the natural healing emotions that promote recovery and growth.
The AEDP approach emphasizes moment-to-moment tracking of emotional experience, helping clients reconnect with their authentic emotional lives. Therapists trained in AEDP work to create a safe, attuned relationship where clients can risk being vulnerable and experiencing the full range of their emotions without fear of judgment or retraumatization.
For trauma survivors in Victoria, BC seeking AEDP therapy, this approach offers particular benefits for addressing relational trauma and attachment injuries. Sexual trauma often creates profound disruptions in the ability to trust and connect with others, and AEDP's focus on relational healing can help repair these injuries. The therapy's emphasis on transformation and post-traumatic growth makes it valuable for survivors ready to move beyond symptom reduction toward comprehensive healing.
AEDP also effectively addresses the anxiety that often accompanies trauma by helping clients develop new patterns of emotional regulation and self-compassion. Through the corrective experience of being truly seen and accepted by their therapist, clients begin to internalize new ways of relating to themselves and others that reduce anxiety and promote resilience.
The somatic awareness inherent in AEDP work complements other body-based approaches, making it an excellent component of integrative trauma treatment. Counsellors practicing AEDP in Victoria BC often combine this approach with other modalities to address the full spectrum of trauma's impact on mind, body, and spirit.
Somatic Therapy: Healing Trauma Through the Body
Somatic Therapy and Somatic Experiencing (SE) represent crucial components of comprehensive trauma treatment, recognizing that trauma creates lasting changes in the nervous system and that healing must address the body as well as the mind. These approaches are particularly valuable for trauma survivors, who often experience disconnection from their bodies as a protective mechanism.
Somatic Experiencing, developed by Peter Levine, focuses specifically on the nervous system's response to trauma. This approach recognizes that traumatic experiences can leave the nervous system stuck in states of hyperarousal (fight-or-flight) or hypoarousal (freeze or collapse). Through gentle, body-aware interventions, Somatic Experiencing helps complete interrupted defensive responses and restore natural nervous system regulation.
Traditional talk therapy, while valuable, primarily engages the cognitive centers of the brain and may not fully address the somatic symptoms that often persist after trauma. Somatic Therapy approaches work directly with the body's wisdom and innate healing capacity, helping clients develop new patterns of nervous system regulation that support long-term recovery.
For individuals receiving Somatic Therapy in Victoria BC, sessions typically involve careful attention to bodily sensations, movements, breathing patterns, and other somatic experiences. The therapy works slowly and gently, always respecting the client's boundaries and current capacity. This approach is particularly valuable for trauma survivors who feel unsafe in their bodies or who experience chronic anxiety, hypervigilance, or dissociation.
Somatic approaches also address the shame and self-blame that often accompany sexual trauma. By helping survivors develop positive relationships with their bodies and physical sensations, Somatic Therapy supports comprehensive healing that includes empowerment and embodied resilience.
The integration of somatic awareness with trauma processing can significantly enhance the effectiveness of other therapeutic approaches. Many trauma therapists in Victoria BC incorporate somatic principles into their EMDR and AEDP work, creating more comprehensive treatment that addresses trauma's impact on all levels of human experience.
Integrative Trauma Treatment: Combining Therapeutic Approaches
Recognizing that trauma affects individuals in complex, multifaceted ways, many trauma specialists in Victoria BC utilize integrative treatment approaches that combine elements of EMDR, AEDP, and Somatic Therapy. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that effective trauma recovery often requires multiple therapeutic modalities working together to address the full spectrum of trauma's impact.
An integrative trauma treatment plan might begin with somatic interventions to establish nervous system regulation and body awareness, providing a foundation of stability for deeper therapeutic work. Once clients feel more grounded and resourced, EMDR can be introduced to process specific traumatic memories that continue to cause distress. Throughout this process, AEDP principles of authentic emotional connection and relational healing inform the therapeutic relationship, ensuring that healing occurs within a safe, supportive context.
The flexibility of integrative trauma therapy allows counsellors to adapt their approach based on each client's unique needs, trauma history, and current life circumstances. Some survivors may benefit more from body-based interventions initially, while others may be ready to begin memory processing work. Skilled trauma therapists assess and adjust treatment approaches as healing progresses, ensuring that therapy remains responsive to the client's evolving needs.
This personalized approach is particularly valuable for complex trauma cases, including survivors of childhood sexual abuse or those who have experienced multiple traumas throughout their lives. Integrative treatment recognizes that healing is not linear and that different therapeutic approaches may be needed at different stages of recovery.
The Importance of Trauma-Informed counselling and care
Regardless of the specific therapeutic modalities used, trauma-informed care principles form the foundation of effective trauma therapy. Trauma-informed counselling recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and creates therapeutic environments that promote safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.
For trauma survivors, especially those who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse, feeling safe and in control within the therapeutic relationship is essential for healing. Trauma-informed therapists in Victoria BC understand the importance of transparency about treatment processes, respect for client boundaries, and the need to avoid re-traumatization through therapeutic interventions.
Trauma-informed care also recognizes the intersection of trauma with other life experiences, including cultural identity, systemic oppression, and social determinants of health. Effective trauma therapy acknowledges these broader contexts and works to address trauma within the full complexity of each individual's life experience.
Beginning Your Healing Journey
Recovery from trauma is a courageous journey that requires patience, support, and guidance. While the path may feel overwhelming at times, effective trauma therapy offers hope for comprehensive healing and post-traumatic growth. With the right therapeutic support and your commitment to the healing process, it's possible to move from surviving to thriving.
If you're ready to begin your healing journey with a Registered Clinical Counsellor and specialized trauma therapist in Victoria, BC, Taylor is accepting new patients for in-person and online counselling. You can schedule a free consultation today.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength and trauma therapy offers evidence-based pathways to recovery that honour your experience while supporting your movement toward greater freedom, safety, and connection. Your healing journey matters, and professional support can make all the difference in reclaiming your life and moving forward with hope and resilience.
Ready to Schedule a Free Consultation?
Hi, I’m Tay
I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) living and working on Lekwungen territory in Victoria, BC. When I’m not with clients, you can find me feverishly clacking away on my laptop like Carrie Bradshaw, hand-building ceramics, hosting dinner parties, and wandering through the woods or beach with my dog, Marzy.
I’m your gal if you want a therapist who affirms your brilliance, guides you through emotions with compassion and warmth, and lovingly holds you to the life you deserve.
I’m currently accepting new clients for in-person and online therapy.
If you’d like to explore my therapy offerings, please book a free consultation or email hello@tay-evans.com.
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Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Bachelor of Kinesiology
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Anxiety & Depression
Breaking Family Cycles Childhood Pain
Confidence & Self-Worth
Chronic Stress & Shame
Codependency & People Pleasing
Disordered Eating & Body Image
Grief & Loss
Healing Trauma (PTSD, Sexual & Complex)
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AEDP Institute
AEDP’s Greatest H.I.T.S.
Getting Started with AEDP
5-Day Immersion (Level One)
Treating Eating Disorders with AEDP
Essential Skills Training (Level Two)
Somatic Experiencing International
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Training (In Progress)
EMDR Basic Training
When There Are No Words (EMDR for Preverbal Trauma)
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy
EFIT Level One
Introduction to EFIT with Dr. Sue Johnson
Gottman Institute
Level One and Two (In Progress)
3-Day DBT Training with Katelyn Baxter-Musser
200-Hour Meditation and Breathwork Teacher Training with The Lab
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Ally Maz and Ashley Brodeur
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with The SATTVA School of Yoga
Cost
15-minute consultation: free
50-minute Individual Counselling: $160
75-minute Individual Counselling: $225
75-minute Couples Counselling: $250
For EMDR therapy, 75-minute sessions are generally recommended.
Please note: Taylor does not offer direct billing at this time. Registered Clinical Counsellors often receive coverage through extended health-care benefits. If you would like to seek reimbursement for counselling services, please inquire with your extended benefit provider. Thank you.