Some experiences leave a mark that doesn’t fade easily. You might feel on edge, have trouble sleeping, or notice emotions hitting you out of nowhere. Even when things seem fine around you, something inside can still feel heavy. If you live in Burnaby and you’ve been carrying this weight for a while, you might already be looking for someone who can help.
A trauma counsellor in Burnaby can help you figure out where those feelings are coming from and how to work through them, at your own pace. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Understanding Trauma and How Does It Affect You?
Trauma can come from many places—an accident, a difficult relationship, sudden loss, abuse, or even years of stress. It doesn’t always show up right away. Sometimes it stays in your body and mind without you knowing it. You might notice:
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling anxious all the time
- Sudden anger or sadness
- Pulling away from friends or family
- Feeling numb or disconnected
- Physical pain without a clear reason
These are all signs that something inside you is asking for attention. You are not weak or broken. It’s a sign that your body is holding more than it can carry right now.
What Does a Trauma Therapist Do?
A trauma therapist helps you understand how trauma is affecting you. They don’t push you to talk about everything at once. Instead, they go at your pace. They help you feel safe, calm, and in control before anything else.
Therapists who work with trauma often use a few different ways to help, like:
- Talking Therapy: You speak about your feelings and experiences, and the therapist helps you sort through them.
- Somatic Therapy: This focuses on how your body holds onto stress and how you can release it. It’s gentle and body-based.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A well-known method that helps your brain process old, painful memories in a new way.
- Mindfulness and Breathing Work: Helps you feel more grounded and calm when things feel too much.
The goal isn’t to forget what happened. It’s to feel stronger and more in control of your life again.
How Trauma Therapy Can Help You
You don’t have to live with that tight chest, racing mind, or constant fear. Working with a therapist helps you:
- Sleep better
- Feel more calm and less tense
- Understand your feelings
- Feel safe in your own body
- Build stronger relationships
- Set better boundaries
- Make better choices
People often say they feel “lighter” after a few sessions. It’s not magic, and it takes time, but healing does happen. You start feeling more like yourself again.
Who Should See a Trauma Therapist?
Anyone who has been through a hard time and still feels the effects can benefit. Even if the event happened years ago, it can still be in your body and mind. Talking to a therapist might help if you:
- Were in a car crash or serious accident
- Experienced violence, abuse, or neglect
- Lost someone suddenly
- Had a tough childhood
- Facing a breakup or divorce that shook you
- Feel anxious or down most of the time
You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Starting therapy early can help prevent deeper problems later on.
What Happens in a Therapy Session?
Your first session is usually about getting to know each other. You talk about what’s been going on, and the therapist asks gentle questions to learn how they can help. You don’t have to share anything you’re not ready to talk about.
Future sessions might include:
- Talking through thoughts and feelings
- Learning calming exercises
- Gentle body awareness work
- Thinking about your past only when you feel safe to do so
There’s no pressure to be perfect or say the right thing. Therapy is your space.
You Are in Control
One of the best parts of trauma therapy is that it moves at your pace. You can ask questions, say no, or ask to pause if things feel too much. Your therapist will respect that.
You’re not alone in this. Many people are going through the same things and are reaching out for help too.
How Long Does It Take?
Everyone is different. Some people feel better after a few months. Others might need longer. What matters is that you feel supported the whole way. The process isn’t about rushing. It’s about making real, lasting change that sticks.
How to Choose the Right Therapist
Look for someone who:
- Has experience working with trauma
- Makes you feel safe and heard
- Goes at your pace
- Offers different kinds of therapy if needed
It’s okay to try a session or two and see how it feels. You’re not locked in. You deserve to feel comfortable with the person you’re working with.
What If You’re Nervous?
That’s okay. It’s normal to feel unsure at first. You can even start with a short phone call. Many therapists offer free 15-minute calls so you can ask questions and get a feel for them. You can talk about what’s been going on and see if they might be a good fit.
A Gentle Path Toward Feeling Better
Finding a trauma counsellor in Burnaby could be one of the best things you do for yourself. It’s a way to take care of your body and mind. The goal isn’t to change who you are—it’s to help you move forward from what hurt you.
If you’re unsure where to start, Tulua Therapy is a local place where caring therapists focus on trauma and offer gentle approaches like somatic therapy.
