Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Kelowna, BC
As a counsellor as well as an intuitive clinical hypnotherapist, I empower you to remember how great you truly are. You have your answers, sometimes we need a way to see the answers that are right in front of us.
As a counsellor as well as an intuitive clinical hypnotherapist, I empower you to remember how great you truly are. You have your answers, sometimes we need a way to see the answers that are right in front of us.
I work with men who may be struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety or a loss of their sense of self that is impacting their relationship to others and with themselves.
Accepting new male clients. Do you feel disconnected from yourself, your relationship/friendships in life? Are you struggling under what feels like a mountain of burdens you've been carrying? I help men reconnect the relationship they have with themselves and start to build a healthier and more connected life. Do you feel you've had to bury your emotions in order to get through life? Have you experienced situations in your lifetime that has caused you to create survival strategies that are causing you or others harm now? I get it. It feels exhausting to keep it all in to hold it together.
I work with men who may be struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety or a loss of their sense of self that is impacting their relationship to others and with themselves.
Accepting new male clients. Do you feel disconnected from yourself, your relationship/friendships in life? Are you struggling under what feels like a mountain of burdens you've been carrying? I help men reconnect the relationship they have with themselves and start to build a healthier and more connected life. Do you feel you've had to bury your emotions in order to get through life? Have you experienced situations in your lifetime that has caused you to create survival strategies that are causing you or others harm now? I get it. It feels exhausting to keep it all in to hold it together.
Jocelyn Watson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RCC
10 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y
Waitlist for new clients
If you’re living with the pain of religious trauma, complex PTSD, OCD, or a strained relationship with food and your body, you may feel disconnected from yourself, from others, or from your values.
In my work with clients I often use EMDR (working toward level 2 certification), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (ECFT). I also integrate CBT techniques for tinnitus or hyperacusis. My style is collaborative and relational - I believe therapy works best when we tailor it to your needs, values, and strengths.
If you’re living with the pain of religious trauma, complex PTSD, OCD, or a strained relationship with food and your body, you may feel disconnected from yourself, from others, or from your values.
In my work with clients I often use EMDR (working toward level 2 certification), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (ECFT). I also integrate CBT techniques for tinnitus or hyperacusis. My style is collaborative and relational - I believe therapy works best when we tailor it to your needs, values, and strengths.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Level II), and I also bring depth to the counselling room with over 15 years of experience in health care as a Registered Pharmacist.
I am trained in Compassionate Inquiry under Dr. Gabor Maté. I incorporate Polyvagal Theory into my sessions which helps one understand their nervous system and how to reshape it. I utilize the Emotional Freedom Technique for trauma processing, anxiety, stress, and more. I am also certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy for chronic pain.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Level II), and I also bring depth to the counselling room with over 15 years of experience in health care as a Registered Pharmacist.
I am trained in Compassionate Inquiry under Dr. Gabor Maté. I incorporate Polyvagal Theory into my sessions which helps one understand their nervous system and how to reshape it. I utilize the Emotional Freedom Technique for trauma processing, anxiety, stress, and more. I am also certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy for chronic pain.
I am an Attachment and Trauma Specialist well versed in navigating this terrain with both individuals and couples.
In your darkest moments, there can be the most vibrant growth; "But how?". A lot of people find themselves asking this very question, and if you've found yourself here today, I gather that you're trying to find an answer to; How to heal, how to forgive, how to change, how to bond, how to break-free, and step into the truest version of yourself. I'm here to tell you that there is a way.
I am an Attachment and Trauma Specialist well versed in navigating this terrain with both individuals and couples.
In your darkest moments, there can be the most vibrant growth; "But how?". A lot of people find themselves asking this very question, and if you've found yourself here today, I gather that you're trying to find an answer to; How to heal, how to forgive, how to change, how to bond, how to break-free, and step into the truest version of yourself. I'm here to tell you that there is a way.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by trauma, abuse of any kind, or a significant life event, you may be struggling with its lasting effects.
With over 30 years of experience, I specialize in trauma recovery using EMDR therapy, endorsed by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for trauma. EMDR helps the brain process traumatic memories, allowing them to heal so they feel less intense and overwhelming. I also incorporate other therapeutic techniques based on your individual needs.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by trauma, abuse of any kind, or a significant life event, you may be struggling with its lasting effects.
With over 30 years of experience, I specialize in trauma recovery using EMDR therapy, endorsed by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for trauma. EMDR helps the brain process traumatic memories, allowing them to heal so they feel less intense and overwhelming. I also incorporate other therapeutic techniques based on your individual needs.
I specialize in the treatment of trauma, substance abuse, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, self-harm and other emotion regulation difficulties.
I integrate an attachment theory framework with emotion focussed, cognitive/dialectical behavioral, mindfulness-based therapies and EMDR to provide care that is sensitive, individualized and client-centred.
I specialize in the treatment of trauma, substance abuse, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, self-harm and other emotion regulation difficulties.
I integrate an attachment theory framework with emotion focussed, cognitive/dialectical behavioral, mindfulness-based therapies and EMDR to provide care that is sensitive, individualized and client-centred.
Whether you are navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or big life changes, I am here to help you find a way forward.
I primarily focus my practice on working with neurodivergence, trauma, and couples therapy. Many people are just finding out that they may be neurodivergent and are realizing that the usual strategies are not working for them. We can work together to understand your past, unmask the you that might have been buried, and create a life that truly supports you.
Whether you are navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or big life changes, I am here to help you find a way forward.
I primarily focus my practice on working with neurodivergence, trauma, and couples therapy. Many people are just finding out that they may be neurodivergent and are realizing that the usual strategies are not working for them. We can work together to understand your past, unmask the you that might have been buried, and create a life that truly supports you.
In a heart-centred, gentle, emotionally safe, trauma-sensitive and supportive way, together we will explore and help you see and access your healing, wisdom, and growth.
I am an EMDR and IFS therapist. I have walked alongside individuals who experience emotional pain, attachment wounds, inability to connect, chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, infertility, loneliness, isolation, shame, guilt, loss, grief, fear, frustration, sense of not belonging, losses of identity, lack of self-compassion and purpose.
In a heart-centred, gentle, emotionally safe, trauma-sensitive and supportive way, together we will explore and help you see and access your healing, wisdom, and growth.
I am an EMDR and IFS therapist. I have walked alongside individuals who experience emotional pain, attachment wounds, inability to connect, chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, infertility, loneliness, isolation, shame, guilt, loss, grief, fear, frustration, sense of not belonging, losses of identity, lack of self-compassion and purpose.
They’re exhausted from holding too much for too long, navigating relationship ruptures, chronic stress, trauma, or major transitions while trying to keep it together on the outside.
Sessions integrate counselling, somatic practices, trauma-informed education, and optional energetic healing. The focus is practical and compassionate. We work with your body and your mind to strengthen stress tolerance, interrupt old patterns, and build grounded confidence so life feels more manageable and more like your own again.
They’re exhausted from holding too much for too long, navigating relationship ruptures, chronic stress, trauma, or major transitions while trying to keep it together on the outside.
Sessions integrate counselling, somatic practices, trauma-informed education, and optional energetic healing. The focus is practical and compassionate. We work with your body and your mind to strengthen stress tolerance, interrupt old patterns, and build grounded confidence so life feels more manageable and more like your own again.
Grief, trauma, anxiety, broken relationships, and disconnection with those you love most is exhausting.
Though life is painful, I recognize that each story is unique and utilize different therapeutic modalities in order for you to understand yourself and live with renewed possibility. I primarily focus on grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, life stages, self-esteem, ADHD, and relational connection working with individuals, couples, families and children.
Grief, trauma, anxiety, broken relationships, and disconnection with those you love most is exhausting.
Though life is painful, I recognize that each story is unique and utilize different therapeutic modalities in order for you to understand yourself and live with renewed possibility. I primarily focus on grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, life stages, self-esteem, ADHD, and relational connection working with individuals, couples, families and children.
Sara provides client-centered counselling services for children, youth, adults, and couples. She offers an eclectic approach to counselling, utilizing different therapies that are personally suited for her clients based on their personalities and difficulties. It is her belief that all people have the ability to heal and make positive changes to their lives. With empathy and validation, she integrates skills within these sessions to create a safe, relaxed, and confidential environment. Sara’s main orientation of practice is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Sara provides client-centered counselling services for children, youth, adults, and couples. She offers an eclectic approach to counselling, utilizing different therapies that are personally suited for her clients based on their personalities and difficulties. It is her belief that all people have the ability to heal and make positive changes to their lives. With empathy and validation, she integrates skills within these sessions to create a safe, relaxed, and confidential environment. Sara’s main orientation of practice is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Deb specializes in working with anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, complex trauma, traumatic brain injuries and neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and Autism.
Deb has more than 20 years of experience in the field. She has worked in private practice counselling for several years. Furthermore, she has worked with autism and developmental disabilities agencies, cancer centre, adolescent and adult psychiatry units and emergency department mental health teams.
Deb specializes in working with anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, complex trauma, traumatic brain injuries and neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and Autism.
Deb has more than 20 years of experience in the field. She has worked in private practice counselling for several years. Furthermore, she has worked with autism and developmental disabilities agencies, cancer centre, adolescent and adult psychiatry units and emergency department mental health teams.
Some of my areas of focus include working with veterans, first responders, health care workers, male survivors of sexual violence, suicidal ideation and self-harm, people dealing with the impact of trauma and PTSD, late in life ADHD diagnosis, chronic illness, as well as major life transitions.
I believe one of the most courageous things you can do is begin to understand your own story. I remember what it feels like to be on your side of the couch, overwhelmed by the idea of sharing my most vulnerable stories. When we've hit (or passed) the point of burnout, or we have a stressful experience like a loss or traumatic event, it can be hard to imagine finding joy or fulfillment again. You deserve a space to discover your strengths, make sense of your experiences, and find a meaningful path forward.
Some of my areas of focus include working with veterans, first responders, health care workers, male survivors of sexual violence, suicidal ideation and self-harm, people dealing with the impact of trauma and PTSD, late in life ADHD diagnosis, chronic illness, as well as major life transitions.
I believe one of the most courageous things you can do is begin to understand your own story. I remember what it feels like to be on your side of the couch, overwhelmed by the idea of sharing my most vulnerable stories. When we've hit (or passed) the point of burnout, or we have a stressful experience like a loss or traumatic event, it can be hard to imagine finding joy or fulfillment again. You deserve a space to discover your strengths, make sense of your experiences, and find a meaningful path forward.
At Empowered Solutions Counselling, we believe that disconnection from our true selves often stems from past trauma.
Do You Say You're Fine, But Your Body Tells a Different Story? Let’s Uncover What’s Really Going On!
As a clinician, I draw from both top-down (mind-based) and bottom-up (body-based) approaches to support healing and integration. We might explore your thoughts and patterns to make sense of your experiences, or gently work with the nervous system to release what has been held in the body. My work is grounded in somatic therapy, relational connection, and the belief that healing happens not just through insight, but through lived, safe experiences—one step at a time. Therapy with me is paced, compassionate, and experiential.
At Empowered Solutions Counselling, we believe that disconnection from our true selves often stems from past trauma.
Do You Say You're Fine, But Your Body Tells a Different Story? Let’s Uncover What’s Really Going On!
As a clinician, I draw from both top-down (mind-based) and bottom-up (body-based) approaches to support healing and integration. We might explore your thoughts and patterns to make sense of your experiences, or gently work with the nervous system to release what has been held in the body. My work is grounded in somatic therapy, relational connection, and the belief that healing happens not just through insight, but through lived, safe experiences—one step at a time. Therapy with me is paced, compassionate, and experiential.
I'm a Registered Social Worker with seven years of clinical experience and a deep commitment to supporting people through complex or painful life experiences, especially grief, trauma and anxiety.
Outside of therapy, I spend a lot of time outdoors—cycling, hiking, or just slowing down by the water. Nature is where I feel most grounded, and I often bring that connection into the work I do with clients.
I'm trained in EMDR, CBT, somatic approaches, and IFS. Depending on your needs, we’ll draw from these tools to suit your needs best.
I'm a Registered Social Worker with seven years of clinical experience and a deep commitment to supporting people through complex or painful life experiences, especially grief, trauma and anxiety.
Outside of therapy, I spend a lot of time outdoors—cycling, hiking, or just slowing down by the water. Nature is where I feel most grounded, and I often bring that connection into the work I do with clients.
I'm trained in EMDR, CBT, somatic approaches, and IFS. Depending on your needs, we’ll draw from these tools to suit your needs best.
Unprocessed, and painful life events (repetitive and/or single event traumas) can manifest on the surface as distressing mental, emotional & physical experiences, however with ART we can treat the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms, creating LASTING change.
Do you find yourself circling around the same issues, or struggling to overcome one particular problem, despite a lot of effort to change? I get how exhausting and sometimes hopeless that place can feel. I work with my clients to drill to the core of what is perpetuating current issues, so that together we create not just coping, but healing. By treating problems at this root level, clients often report having a sense of freedom beyond what they've experienced before. I utilize a combination of therapeutic techniques, however my specialization is in Accelerate Resolution Therapy (ART).
Unprocessed, and painful life events (repetitive and/or single event traumas) can manifest on the surface as distressing mental, emotional & physical experiences, however with ART we can treat the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms, creating LASTING change.
Do you find yourself circling around the same issues, or struggling to overcome one particular problem, despite a lot of effort to change? I get how exhausting and sometimes hopeless that place can feel. I work with my clients to drill to the core of what is perpetuating current issues, so that together we create not just coping, but healing. By treating problems at this root level, clients often report having a sense of freedom beyond what they've experienced before. I utilize a combination of therapeutic techniques, however my specialization is in Accelerate Resolution Therapy (ART).
My main area of focus includes individuals with complex trauma, attachment difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more.
I always focus on taking a non-judgmental, trauma-informed and empathetic approach to provide a safe and trustworthy environment with clients. I pull from a number of modalities, including, Strengths-based perspective, Animal Assisted therapy, Somatic therapy, and a Bio Psychosocial approach to capture a holistic image of my clients to name a few.
My main area of focus includes individuals with complex trauma, attachment difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more.
I always focus on taking a non-judgmental, trauma-informed and empathetic approach to provide a safe and trustworthy environment with clients. I pull from a number of modalities, including, Strengths-based perspective, Animal Assisted therapy, Somatic therapy, and a Bio Psychosocial approach to capture a holistic image of my clients to name a few.
I've also worked with clients focusing on issues of self-esteem, relationship challenges, developmental trauma, stress, and life transitions.
Whether you are looking to improve your relationships, focusing on personal growth, or healing from past wounds, you are in the right place. I believe that we have all that we need to heal ourselves within us, but sometimes we need the help of a compassionate person, such as a counsellor, in reconnecting to that part of ourselves. If you've been feeling isolated with your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, know that you are not alone even though it may seem that way at times.
I've also worked with clients focusing on issues of self-esteem, relationship challenges, developmental trauma, stress, and life transitions.
Whether you are looking to improve your relationships, focusing on personal growth, or healing from past wounds, you are in the right place. I believe that we have all that we need to heal ourselves within us, but sometimes we need the help of a compassionate person, such as a counsellor, in reconnecting to that part of ourselves. If you've been feeling isolated with your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, know that you are not alone even though it may seem that way at times.
My work is client-centred, strengths-based, relational, and trauma-informed.
Welcome! Kathryn Kriitmaa here, I'm grateful that your search has led you here. Many of us experience overwhelming emotions that we can’t make sense of, struggle with unhealthy outlets for emotional safety, have insecurities in our relationships when our needs don’t get met, and find it safer at times to hide our real selves from others. Together, we'll collaborate to expand your self-awareness, take intentional action towards your goals, and gently look inward to deeply nurture the parts of you that need healing. My approach is integrative and holistic, attending to your psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
My work is client-centred, strengths-based, relational, and trauma-informed.
Welcome! Kathryn Kriitmaa here, I'm grateful that your search has led you here. Many of us experience overwhelming emotions that we can’t make sense of, struggle with unhealthy outlets for emotional safety, have insecurities in our relationships when our needs don’t get met, and find it safer at times to hide our real selves from others. Together, we'll collaborate to expand your self-awareness, take intentional action towards your goals, and gently look inward to deeply nurture the parts of you that need healing. My approach is integrative and holistic, attending to your psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
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Nearby Trauma and PTSD Counsellors Searches for Kelowna
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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.