Trauma Therapy
Support for Trauma at Cognitive Counselling
Trauma is more than a past event—it’s an emotional and physiological experience that can leave lasting effects on the mind, body, and spirit. Whether caused by a single event or a series of distressing experiences, trauma can overwhelm your ability to cope and affect how you relate to yourself, others, and the world around you.
At Cognitive Counselling, we specialize in trauma-informed therapy that prioritizes safety, compassion, and empowerment. We meet you where you are, helping you process your experiences at your own pace and rebuild a sense of emotional and physical security.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma can arise from events such as:
-
Accidents or medical emergencies
-
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
-
Natural disasters or violence
-
Significant loss or grief
-
Childhood neglect or complex relational trauma
Everyone responds to trauma differently, and its effects can show up days, months, or even years after the event. Our goal is to help you gently explore the impact of trauma and find meaningful pathways to healing.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Trauma may show up emotionally, cognitively, physically, or in relationships. Common symptoms include:
-
Intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
-
Avoidance of reminders or emotional numbing
-
Persistent fear, guilt, shame, or detachment
-
Hypervigilance, irritability, or difficulty sleeping
-
Emotional dysregulation or sudden mood swings
-
Physical symptoms like headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or chronic tension
-
Struggles with relationships or difficulty trusting others
These are not signs of weakness—they are normal responses to overwhelming experiences. With the right support, recovery is possible.
How Therapy Can Help: Trauma-Informed Strategies
At Cognitive Counselling, we offer a compassionate and structured approach to trauma therapy, using evidence-based techniques that support your emotional and nervous system healing.
Therapy may include:
-
Safety and Stabilization
Establishing emotional and physical safety is the foundation of trauma recovery. We prioritize creating a secure, supportive space where you feel grounded and in control. -
Trauma-Informed Care
We approach your experience with sensitivity and understanding, recognizing how trauma shapes thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. -
Psychoeducation
Learn how trauma impacts the brain and body, helping you better understand your symptoms and feel less alone in your experience. -
Trauma Processing
When ready, we gently explore and process painful memories using approaches such as EMDR, somatic therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), always at your pace. -
Sensorimotor and Somatic Approaches
Address trauma stored in the body through movement, breathwork, and body-based awareness to support full-spectrum healing. -
Narrative Therapy
Reclaim your voice and identity by making sense of your story and integrating the experience in a way that empowers you. -
Cognitive Restructuring
Identify and shift harmful beliefs shaped by trauma—such as “I’m not safe” or “I’m not worthy”—into more compassionate, grounded truths. -
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques
Develop tools to regulate distress, manage triggers, and return to the present moment when anxiety arises. -
Attachment-Based Therapy
Explore how trauma has affected your relationships and build stronger, healthier interpersonal connections through trust and emotional safety.
You Deserve to Heal
Trauma can disconnect you from yourself and others—but healing reconnects you to your strength, your story, and your sense of self. At Cognitive Counselling, we’re here to help you move forward with compassion, clarity, and the support you need to thrive.
When you’re ready, we’re here. Contact us to learn more or schedule your first session.
