Dialectical Behavioural Therapy group for those suffering from the effects of trauma and complex mental health disorders who wish to gain the skills to lead a life worth living.
Trauma and mental illness rob us of crucial skills in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and the ability to live in the present.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy group for those suffering from the effects of trauma and complex mental health disorders who wish to gain the skills to lead a life worth living.
A Return to Love is a trauma-informed Women’s Healing Circle designed for women and gender-diverse people seeking deeper self-understanding and healing. This circle gently integrates body-based awareness, self-compassion practices, and feminine wisdom within a relational group setting. Women gather together to experience the power of the feminine, to share their stories, and to experience connection through healing rituals, poems, song and meditation. The group runs for three Saturday mornings 10am to 1pm. Date: April 11, 18, 25, 2026 Location: IN PERSON, North Nanaimo, BC. LIMITED TO 6 PEOPLE
I specialize in trauma and its related impacts, including grief, anxiety, depression, and addiction.
A Return to Love is a trauma-informed Women’s Healing Circle designed for women and gender-diverse people seeking deeper self-understanding and healing. This circle gently integrates body-based awareness, self-compassion practices, and feminine wisdom within a relational group setting. Women gather together to experience the power of the feminine, to share their stories, and to experience connection through healing rituals, poems, song and meditation. The group runs for three Saturday mornings 10am to 1pm. Date: April 11, 18, 25, 2026 Location: IN PERSON, North Nanaimo, BC. LIMITED TO 6 PEOPLE
In this 6-week Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion course, you will learn some of the principles and practices of mindful self-compassion, so you can better relate to and care for yourself, both physically and emotionally. Research has shown that these techniques can help improve our emotional well-being, improve our ability to cope with life’s challenges, lower levels of anxiety and depression, promote healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and lead to more satisfying personal relationships. The course is a heartfelt, nurturing program to explore mindfulness and self-compassion. Information and registration at www.compassioninspiredhealth.com
In this 6-week Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion course, you will learn some of the principles and practices of mindful self-compassion, so you can better relate to and care for yourself, both physically and emotionally. Research has shown that these techniques can help improve our emotional well-being, improve our ability to cope with life’s challenges, lower levels of anxiety and depression, promote healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and lead to more satisfying personal relationships. The course is a heartfelt, nurturing program to explore mindfulness and self-compassion. Information and registration at www.compassioninspiredhealth.com
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy group for those suffering from the effects of trauma and complex mental health disorders who wish to gain the skills to lead a life worth living.
Trauma and mental illness rob us of crucial skills in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and the ability to live in the present.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy group for those suffering from the effects of trauma and complex mental health disorders who wish to gain the skills to lead a life worth living.
More Groups Nearby
The emphasis of this group/workshop is to support new therapists in building confidence in experiential exercises to use with clients. You will learn and practise experiential techniques for working with some common client presenting concerns of low self-esteem, inner critic, relationship conflicts and childhood trauma. If you have been wanting to deepen your own satisfaction with your client sessions and help your clients to create meaningful change in their lives, then talk therapy is not enough. This group is offered online or in-person. Rolling start date depending on demand. See my website for details.
We have found that past trauma often plays a role in current symptoms.
The emphasis of this group/workshop is to support new therapists in building confidence in experiential exercises to use with clients. You will learn and practise experiential techniques for working with some common client presenting concerns of low self-esteem, inner critic, relationship conflicts and childhood trauma. If you have been wanting to deepen your own satisfaction with your client sessions and help your clients to create meaningful change in their lives, then talk therapy is not enough. This group is offered online or in-person. Rolling start date depending on demand. See my website for details.
This group is intended for men who have survived various forms of trauma and are looking for group support, as well as a way to process and share their story. There are two group phases with each phase consisting of 10 sessions. The first phase focuses on safety and stabilization; which includes coping skills, psychoeducation around the impacts of trauma and a safe environment to explore the healing process. The second phase focuses on continuing to provide a safe place for survivors to share and process their stories and to reintegrate these experiences into the survivor’s life story.
This group is intended for men who have survived various forms of trauma and are looking for group support, as well as a way to process and share their story. There are two group phases with each phase consisting of 10 sessions. The first phase focuses on safety and stabilization; which includes coping skills, psychoeducation around the impacts of trauma and a safe environment to explore the healing process. The second phase focuses on continuing to provide a safe place for survivors to share and process their stories and to reintegrate these experiences into the survivor’s life story.
This group is intended for men who have survived various forms of trauma and are looking for group support, as well as a way to process and share their story. There are two group phases with each phase consisting of 10 sessions. The first phase focuses on safety and stabilization; which includes coping skills, psychoeducation around the impacts of trauma and a safe environment to explore the healing process. The second phase focuses on continuing to provide a safe place for survivors to share and process their stories and to reintegrate these experiences into the survivor’s life story.
Hosted by Sandra S. Neil
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC, RCC
Group meets in Gibsons, BC V0N
This group is intended for men who have survived various forms of trauma and are looking for group support, as well as a way to process and share their story. There are two group phases with each phase consisting of 10 sessions. The first phase focuses on safety and stabilization; which includes coping skills, psychoeducation around the impacts of trauma and a safe environment to explore the healing process. The second phase focuses on continuing to provide a safe place for survivors to share and process their stories and to reintegrate these experiences into the survivor’s life story.
Online Groups
Learn more about this transformative series of workshops where we delve into a variety of arts mediums, including clay, creative writing, journaling, visual arts and fun games that challenge the imagination and foster a sense of creativity. Join me as we investigating the depths of the subconscious and discover our inner wisdom through integrative healing and arts exploration. Trauma-informed and body-centered.
Hosted by Tracey Gramm - Inner Wisdom Counselling
Counsellor, BA, RTC, EXat, CDP
Group meets in Surrey, BC V3S
Working from a trauma informed, body-centered perspective, I specialize in PTSD, stress management, anxiety, depression and life transitions.
Learn more about this transformative series of workshops where we delve into a variety of arts mediums, including clay, creative writing, journaling, visual arts and fun games that challenge the imagination and foster a sense of creativity. Join me as we investigating the depths of the subconscious and discover our inner wisdom through integrative healing and arts exploration. Trauma-informed and body-centered.
We offer a holistic, somatic approach to therapy that gently supports the healing of your mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in compassion and curiosity, our work honours your body’s natural wisdom and capacity to heal, guiding you back to a place of calm, connection, and inner balance. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and create space for your innate resilience, clarity, and wholeness to emerge. This is a journey back to your most embodied, authentic self.
Through somatic interventions and internal resources we will release stored trauma with the intention to promote relief, empowerment, and a deeper connection to yourself and your relationships.
We offer a holistic, somatic approach to therapy that gently supports the healing of your mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in compassion and curiosity, our work honours your body’s natural wisdom and capacity to heal, guiding you back to a place of calm, connection, and inner balance. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and create space for your innate resilience, clarity, and wholeness to emerge. This is a journey back to your most embodied, authentic self.
Self-love is something that we are often not taught in school. Learn more about how to open up to that space of self-compassion and love, where you are given the opportunity to unravel the voice of the inner critic. Instead, this workshop helps to address the voice of your loving guide – the wise presence that looks out for you and wishes only the best for you. Discovering this voice and encouraging its presence helps to soften the way we view our life, and guide you towards a more positive outlook.
Hosted by Tracey Gramm - Inner Wisdom Counselling
Counsellor, BA, RTC, EXat, CDP
Group meets in Surrey, BC V3S
Working from a trauma informed, body-centered perspective, I specialize in PTSD, stress management, anxiety, depression and life transitions.
Self-love is something that we are often not taught in school. Learn more about how to open up to that space of self-compassion and love, where you are given the opportunity to unravel the voice of the inner critic. Instead, this workshop helps to address the voice of your loving guide – the wise presence that looks out for you and wishes only the best for you. Discovering this voice and encouraging its presence helps to soften the way we view our life, and guide you towards a more positive outlook.
In this group we work on unraveling our 'inner critic'. Working towards self-compassion, rather than self criticism. This is beneficial as it helps us resist shame and self blame. I use the works of Kristen Neff, Pema Chodron and Tara Brach in this group. ** OFFERING, APRIL 2026** FNHA and CVAP funding approved.
I enjoy working with CPTSD, PTSD and integrating EMDR to support clients.
In this group we work on unraveling our 'inner critic'. Working towards self-compassion, rather than self criticism. This is beneficial as it helps us resist shame and self blame. I use the works of Kristen Neff, Pema Chodron and Tara Brach in this group. ** OFFERING, APRIL 2026** FNHA and CVAP funding approved.
come meet others whose brain works like yours! in this group you will learn to identify, express and take charge of your emotions. through conversation, art and expressive exercises, you will learn to better understand your emotional needs and limits and to identify patterns of reactivity. you'll have a chance to meet others who like you feel things deeply. being part of a group helps you learn more about yourself and your relationships with others. groups run year round for both youth and adults. **feb group FULL. reach out to join waitlist for april 2025 group**
i offer steady, non-pathologizing support for queer folks, trauma survivors, and neurodivergent souls who've been told they're too much, too sensitive, too confusing
come meet others whose brain works like yours! in this group you will learn to identify, express and take charge of your emotions. through conversation, art and expressive exercises, you will learn to better understand your emotional needs and limits and to identify patterns of reactivity. you'll have a chance to meet others who like you feel things deeply. being part of a group helps you learn more about yourself and your relationships with others. groups run year round for both youth and adults. **feb group FULL. reach out to join waitlist for april 2025 group**
Join us for a free monthly trauma-informed yoga class for all members of the community, led by Osha Hagon, RCC. All abilities welcome! Osha is trained in trauma-informed yoga therapy and will work with you through a series of accessible and safe poses. Her classes are centred around connecting with your body in a safe way and tapping into our innate ability to heal through bodywork. Bolsters, blocks, and blankets will be provided. Please bring your own mat or let us know if you will need one provided for you. These groups are limited to 8 participants.
Join us for a free monthly trauma-informed yoga class for all members of the community, led by Osha Hagon, RCC. All abilities welcome! Osha is trained in trauma-informed yoga therapy and will work with you through a series of accessible and safe poses. Her classes are centred around connecting with your body in a safe way and tapping into our innate ability to heal through bodywork. Bolsters, blocks, and blankets will be provided. Please bring your own mat or let us know if you will need one provided for you. These groups are limited to 8 participants.
Pacific Maple Psych Centre offers in person and virtual group therapy in Vancouver, BC. Our small groups provide a supportive and confidential space to work on anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship challenges while connecting with others facing similar struggles. Using evidence based approaches, members learn practical coping skills, gain insight into emotional patterns, and receive supportive feedback from both the therapist and group members. Many people find group therapy especially helpful for feeling less alone, building confidence in social situations, and developing healthier ways of relating to others.
Mickey Stein works with clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, and developmental concerns including autism and ADHD.
Pacific Maple Psych Centre offers in person and virtual group therapy in Vancouver, BC. Our small groups provide a supportive and confidential space to work on anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship challenges while connecting with others facing similar struggles. Using evidence based approaches, members learn practical coping skills, gain insight into emotional patterns, and receive supportive feedback from both the therapist and group members. Many people find group therapy especially helpful for feeling less alone, building confidence in social situations, and developing healthier ways of relating to others.
This 4-week virtual therapy group is designed for adults experiencing chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty feeling grounded and steady. Many participants notice these challenges are connected to a sensitized nervous system shaped by prolonged stress or past trauma. The group focuses on nervous system regulation and somatic awareness using trauma-informed psychotherapy principles. Sessions are structured, educational, and gently paced, emphasizing stabilization, increased bodily awareness, and practical tools to support regulation in daily life. Rather than intensive emotional processing, this group prioritizes safety, containment, and skill-building within a supportive group setting. Next group: June 2026. Link below.
This approach supports healing from relational and developmental trauma.
This 4-week virtual therapy group is designed for adults experiencing chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty feeling grounded and steady. Many participants notice these challenges are connected to a sensitized nervous system shaped by prolonged stress or past trauma. The group focuses on nervous system regulation and somatic awareness using trauma-informed psychotherapy principles. Sessions are structured, educational, and gently paced, emphasizing stabilization, increased bodily awareness, and practical tools to support regulation in daily life. Rather than intensive emotional processing, this group prioritizes safety, containment, and skill-building within a supportive group setting. Next group: June 2026. Link below.
Seeking Safety is an evidence-based, present-focused counseling model to help people attain safety from trauma and/or substance abuse. It can be conducted in group (any size) and/or individual modality. It is an extremely safe model as it directly addresses both trauma and addiction, but without requiring clients to delve into the trauma narrative (the detailed account of disturbing trauma memories), thus making it relevant to a very broad range of clients and easy to implement. (Taken from Treatment Innovations)
I am certified in various modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Counselling, and CRAFT.
Seeking Safety is an evidence-based, present-focused counseling model to help people attain safety from trauma and/or substance abuse. It can be conducted in group (any size) and/or individual modality. It is an extremely safe model as it directly addresses both trauma and addiction, but without requiring clients to delve into the trauma narrative (the detailed account of disturbing trauma memories), thus making it relevant to a very broad range of clients and easy to implement. (Taken from Treatment Innovations)
"Archetypal Music Psychotherapy: A Depth Approach to the Creative Expressive Arts" is a new international depth-based method of psychotherapy which focuses on self-exploration and developing personal insight through creative expressive processes. This group is certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors and is designed to address issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss. Contact Joel Kroeker for more details about a local group meeting in your area or to gain access to join the online AMP community.
"Archetypal Music Psychotherapy: A Depth Approach to the Creative Expressive Arts" is a new international depth-based method of psychotherapy which focuses on self-exploration and developing personal insight through creative expressive processes. This group is certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors and is designed to address issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss. Contact Joel Kroeker for more details about a local group meeting in your area or to gain access to join the online AMP community.
Nursing asks you to give everything — and it’s normal for your mind and body to feel the strain. This multi-session program helps nurses understand how ongoing stress shapes the nervous system and teaches simple, evidence-based practices to reset, recharge and recover after tough shifts. Over the series you’ll build practical tools to calm your body, steady your emotions and reconnect with your purpose, using the latest research in stress and resilience. Created and led by a former ICU nurse turned counsellor, this is a skills-driven path to feeling stronger at work and at home.
Nursing asks you to give everything — and it’s normal for your mind and body to feel the strain. This multi-session program helps nurses understand how ongoing stress shapes the nervous system and teaches simple, evidence-based practices to reset, recharge and recover after tough shifts. Over the series you’ll build practical tools to calm your body, steady your emotions and reconnect with your purpose, using the latest research in stress and resilience. Created and led by a former ICU nurse turned counsellor, this is a skills-driven path to feeling stronger at work and at home.
This nature-based group for children and youth pairs nature-based activities with storytelling and other expressive arts approaches. It is designed to strengthen coping and resilience in children who have been through common causes of stress such as the divorce of parents, moving home, the illness of a loved one or bullying. It can also be used in the aftermath of large-scale crises to prevent and treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
This nature-based group for children and youth pairs nature-based activities with storytelling and other expressive arts approaches. It is designed to strengthen coping and resilience in children who have been through common causes of stress such as the divorce of parents, moving home, the illness of a loved one or bullying. It can also be used in the aftermath of large-scale crises to prevent and treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Group Supervision/Consultation for 2 – 4 participants: Talking through our client concerns with other professionals can give us the strength to persevere in our own growth and learning, and light the path forward. My goal is always to empower you, “the helpers” to feel confident, effective and well supported. I offer clinical supervision and consultation to individuals and small groups of beginning, intermediate and experienced counselling professionals. Discounts available for students and therapists who identify as BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+ See my website for details and for workshops and individual supervision. Looking forward to connecting with you!
We have found that past trauma often plays a role in current symptoms.
Group Supervision/Consultation for 2 – 4 participants: Talking through our client concerns with other professionals can give us the strength to persevere in our own growth and learning, and light the path forward. My goal is always to empower you, “the helpers” to feel confident, effective and well supported. I offer clinical supervision and consultation to individuals and small groups of beginning, intermediate and experienced counselling professionals. Discounts available for students and therapists who identify as BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+ See my website for details and for workshops and individual supervision. Looking forward to connecting with you!
See more therapy options for Nanaimo
Trauma and PTSD Support Groups
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.