Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Vancouver, BC
Are you overwhelmed by memories that won't fade? Do nightmares frequently disrupt your sleep? Are you anxious or depressed and can't figure out why? Trauma overwhelms the mind and the body, often leaving you stuck and unable to fully engage in life or fully connect with your authentic self. EMDR Therapy tailored to your needs can unburden your nervous system and allow you to gain a sense of safety, ease, creativity and connection. Take the first step - reach out today!
Are you overwhelmed by memories that won't fade? Do nightmares frequently disrupt your sleep? Are you anxious or depressed and can't figure out why? Trauma overwhelms the mind and the body, often leaving you stuck and unable to fully engage in life or fully connect with your authentic self. EMDR Therapy tailored to your needs can unburden your nervous system and allow you to gain a sense of safety, ease, creativity and connection. Take the first step - reach out today!
Chelsea McGowan
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5Y
Waitlist for new clients
I work alongside clients who feel disconnected from others or themselves, but can't seem to push through the barriers of what it is that they are unsatisfied with; with people who want more out of their relationship with themselves, others, and life. My clients often talk about their emotions as being too big or having conflicting parts within. I focus on finding not only strategies, but understanding and insight into past experiences - enabling to not only manage your experiences but feel deep fulfillment as well. As you understand the early experiences that shaped you, we then have choices over who you want to be moving forward.
I work alongside clients who feel disconnected from others or themselves, but can't seem to push through the barriers of what it is that they are unsatisfied with; with people who want more out of their relationship with themselves, others, and life. My clients often talk about their emotions as being too big or having conflicting parts within. I focus on finding not only strategies, but understanding and insight into past experiences - enabling to not only manage your experiences but feel deep fulfillment as well. As you understand the early experiences that shaped you, we then have choices over who you want to be moving forward.
I'm passionate about working with individuals who feel they don't fit into conventional counselling spaces, such as those in the queer/poly/kink community, sex workers, and those with labels such as BPD.
My aim as a therapist is to create a safe and non-judgemental environment in which you feel comfortable talking about any thoughts, feelings, or experiences regardless of how embarrassing or shameful you believe them to be, and be met with acceptance, warmth, and respect.
I'm passionate about working with individuals who feel they don't fit into conventional counselling spaces, such as those in the queer/poly/kink community, sex workers, and those with labels such as BPD.
My aim as a therapist is to create a safe and non-judgemental environment in which you feel comfortable talking about any thoughts, feelings, or experiences regardless of how embarrassing or shameful you believe them to be, and be met with acceptance, warmth, and respect.
Shivani Wells-Shaw Clinical Counselling
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B
Shivani Wells-Shaw Clinical Counselling is a team of highly skilled registered therapists and graduate intern counsellors offering online and in-person appointments in Downtown Vancouver. We specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms with a focus on EMDR therapy, IFS, and somatic therapy. If you're experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, dissociation, chronic pain, flashbacks, or PTSD, we're here to help! Together we will discover the source of your issues and treat your symptoms at their roots. We can't change the past, but together we can repair it!
Shivani Wells-Shaw Clinical Counselling is a team of highly skilled registered therapists and graduate intern counsellors offering online and in-person appointments in Downtown Vancouver. We specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms with a focus on EMDR therapy, IFS, and somatic therapy. If you're experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, dissociation, chronic pain, flashbacks, or PTSD, we're here to help! Together we will discover the source of your issues and treat your symptoms at their roots. We can't change the past, but together we can repair it!
As you go along in life, do you find yourself switching between different moods and hijacked by so many contradictory feelings and impulses that feel out of your control or conscious awareness? You may wish to live life more fully and meaningfully while you find yourself inhibited or limited with struggles between your wish for involvement in ordinary life and fear of leaving the house, mistrust of relationships, or hopelessness about future. In dealing with these personal challenges, you may feel flooded and severely anxious or in trying to disconnect or deny these responses, may feel chronically depressed and alienated from self.
As you go along in life, do you find yourself switching between different moods and hijacked by so many contradictory feelings and impulses that feel out of your control or conscious awareness? You may wish to live life more fully and meaningfully while you find yourself inhibited or limited with struggles between your wish for involvement in ordinary life and fear of leaving the house, mistrust of relationships, or hopelessness about future. In dealing with these personal challenges, you may feel flooded and severely anxious or in trying to disconnect or deny these responses, may feel chronically depressed and alienated from self.
Being in the nexus of something means you are right in the middle of it hence, easy to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of things coming at you. At Nexus, I will work with you within the context of a nonjudgmental, collaborative and healing therapeutic relationship to parse out and clearly see the interwoven links and connections that contribute to how you experience, perceive and interpret life's challenges, difficulties and obstacles. By understanding these connections, we can separate what is important to you and focus on your goal(s) to improve your mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Being in the nexus of something means you are right in the middle of it hence, easy to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of things coming at you. At Nexus, I will work with you within the context of a nonjudgmental, collaborative and healing therapeutic relationship to parse out and clearly see the interwoven links and connections that contribute to how you experience, perceive and interpret life's challenges, difficulties and obstacles. By understanding these connections, we can separate what is important to you and focus on your goal(s) to improve your mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Trying to cope with the pressures and stresses of life leaves us anxious, depressed, and disconnected from ourselves and others. Many of us fall into self-sabotaging behaviours or repeat unhealthy relationships. Many of us face the limitations of psychiatric treatment and are forced to carry the weight and stigma of diagnosis. Many of us struggle simply to maintain our creativity and our sense of self against overwhelming pressures to conform or perform. We all need the chance to check in and process our feelings and reactions, to work through the struggles of our personal history, and find new and creative ways to move forward.
Trying to cope with the pressures and stresses of life leaves us anxious, depressed, and disconnected from ourselves and others. Many of us fall into self-sabotaging behaviours or repeat unhealthy relationships. Many of us face the limitations of psychiatric treatment and are forced to carry the weight and stigma of diagnosis. Many of us struggle simply to maintain our creativity and our sense of self against overwhelming pressures to conform or perform. We all need the chance to check in and process our feelings and reactions, to work through the struggles of our personal history, and find new and creative ways to move forward.
Life has been hard for a long time. In some ways, you are very successful. You were managing things until now. But today, it's hard to understand why you can't manage it anymore. Loneliness feels like a constant companion. You might have depression, anxiety, flashbacks, panic attacks, ADHD, an eating disorder, chronic physical symptoms or more. Together, we can address those issues. We can help you get to a new place of feeling connected and present, for the first time.
Life has been hard for a long time. In some ways, you are very successful. You were managing things until now. But today, it's hard to understand why you can't manage it anymore. Loneliness feels like a constant companion. You might have depression, anxiety, flashbacks, panic attacks, ADHD, an eating disorder, chronic physical symptoms or more. Together, we can address those issues. We can help you get to a new place of feeling connected and present, for the first time.
The human experience is infinite in complexity, diversity and meaning. The nature of concerns bringing a person into therapy can be too — It’s rarely as simple as a behaviour, a diagnosis, a relationship problem or a life event. I have over a decade of experience helping people work through a range of concerns including: difficulty in relationships, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, BPD, C-PTSD, and Bereavement/ Suicide Bereavement. If any of these present a struggle for you in your life, or the life of a loved one whom you support, I would be honoured to hear from you and work together towards finding some healthy, sustainable relief.
The human experience is infinite in complexity, diversity and meaning. The nature of concerns bringing a person into therapy can be too — It’s rarely as simple as a behaviour, a diagnosis, a relationship problem or a life event. I have over a decade of experience helping people work through a range of concerns including: difficulty in relationships, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, BPD, C-PTSD, and Bereavement/ Suicide Bereavement. If any of these present a struggle for you in your life, or the life of a loved one whom you support, I would be honoured to hear from you and work together towards finding some healthy, sustainable relief.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Counselling Supervisor. My practice is guided by extensive experience working with people coming from various socioeconomic backgrounds as well as many years of serving the most vulnerable communities in Vancouver’s DTES. While my approach is integrative of modern theories and techniques, it heavily relies on Psychodynamic theories and practice. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a highly individualized treatment whose goal is not only to alleviate the most obvious symptom. It relies on the fact that our personalities are uniquely shaped by several developmental stages.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Counselling Supervisor. My practice is guided by extensive experience working with people coming from various socioeconomic backgrounds as well as many years of serving the most vulnerable communities in Vancouver’s DTES. While my approach is integrative of modern theories and techniques, it heavily relies on Psychodynamic theories and practice. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a highly individualized treatment whose goal is not only to alleviate the most obvious symptom. It relies on the fact that our personalities are uniquely shaped by several developmental stages.
With a childhood spent observing the ins and outs of human behavior, my fascination with psychology sparked at an early age. Most of my clients are dealing with trauma, narcissistic abuse, challenging relationships, substance use, workplace difficulties, and emotional distress. I also work with individuals with neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, and giftedness) and personality disorders (narcissism, borderline, and antisocial).
With a childhood spent observing the ins and outs of human behavior, my fascination with psychology sparked at an early age. Most of my clients are dealing with trauma, narcissistic abuse, challenging relationships, substance use, workplace difficulties, and emotional distress. I also work with individuals with neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, and giftedness) and personality disorders (narcissism, borderline, and antisocial).
Meet Our Dissociative Disorders (DID) Counsellors
Our clients enter into therapy because they are seeking greater happiness, fulfillment, and balance in their life. They may be navigating stress, trauma, relationship challenges, or major life transitions and are ready to heal, grow, and build resilience. They’re looking for understanding, clarity, and tools to cultivate positive emotions, mindfulness, and deepen their connections with others. At HFCC, we offer evidence-based, holistic approaches that honour the mind-body connection, empowering clients to rediscover their strengths and foster lasting well-being within themselves and their communities.
Our clients enter into therapy because they are seeking greater happiness, fulfillment, and balance in their life. They may be navigating stress, trauma, relationship challenges, or major life transitions and are ready to heal, grow, and build resilience. They’re looking for understanding, clarity, and tools to cultivate positive emotions, mindfulness, and deepen their connections with others. At HFCC, we offer evidence-based, holistic approaches that honour the mind-body connection, empowering clients to rediscover their strengths and foster lasting well-being within themselves and their communities.
You aren't meant to go it alone. We make sense of ourselves through our connection with others. Learning to pay attention to your ways of being in this world, without judgment or shame, is modeled in healthy relating. Many of us haven't experienced or seen healthy relationships. We find ourselves repeating behaviors we dislike or reacting to mistreatment. Relationships are as unique as the individuals engaged in them, meaning one-size-fits-all answers do not exist to resolve differences. Replacing prominent cultural beliefs that disrupt intimate connection and learning skills to be with discomfort can change everything for us.
You aren't meant to go it alone. We make sense of ourselves through our connection with others. Learning to pay attention to your ways of being in this world, without judgment or shame, is modeled in healthy relating. Many of us haven't experienced or seen healthy relationships. We find ourselves repeating behaviors we dislike or reacting to mistreatment. Relationships are as unique as the individuals engaged in them, meaning one-size-fits-all answers do not exist to resolve differences. Replacing prominent cultural beliefs that disrupt intimate connection and learning skills to be with discomfort can change everything for us.
I believe that all problems that seem to defy solutions are directly affected – even determined - by how you experience and relate to yourself and others. Exploring the psychological meaning and emotional sense you attach to your specific internal struggles, feelings, and experiences can bring new insights and creative changes to your life. I am deeply committed to facilitating a safe, trusting relationship that can help you heal, grow, and become more fully yourself. I work with a wide range of individuals and couples, focusing on helping people create healthy and fulfilling lives in their internal and external worlds.
I believe that all problems that seem to defy solutions are directly affected – even determined - by how you experience and relate to yourself and others. Exploring the psychological meaning and emotional sense you attach to your specific internal struggles, feelings, and experiences can bring new insights and creative changes to your life. I am deeply committed to facilitating a safe, trusting relationship that can help you heal, grow, and become more fully yourself. I work with a wide range of individuals and couples, focusing on helping people create healthy and fulfilling lives in their internal and external worlds.
Elena is a licensed Social Worker with 11 years of experience working with people experiencing challenges with depression, stress, burnout, trauma or a family situation, the death of a loved on. I aim to assist you in exploring the twists and turns of your thoughts and feelings, making the journey to well-being a little easier. I have trained in several evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. At our Counseling Center, we have experienced, licensed psychotherapists, psychologists and social workers available to work with you.
Elena is a licensed Social Worker with 11 years of experience working with people experiencing challenges with depression, stress, burnout, trauma or a family situation, the death of a loved on. I aim to assist you in exploring the twists and turns of your thoughts and feelings, making the journey to well-being a little easier. I have trained in several evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. At our Counseling Center, we have experienced, licensed psychotherapists, psychologists and social workers available to work with you.
If you are looking for a therapist that not only helps you with insight but supports you with positive change and taking action to improve your life I may be a great fit. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, relationships, depersonalization, motivation, life transitions, and career counselling. I have a deep passion for mental health and know what it feels like to think the dark times will not get better. I know hope can keep us going I am here to connect to you not only as your therapist but on a human to human level to help you in what you come to seek therapy for.
If you are looking for a therapist that not only helps you with insight but supports you with positive change and taking action to improve your life I may be a great fit. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, relationships, depersonalization, motivation, life transitions, and career counselling. I have a deep passion for mental health and know what it feels like to think the dark times will not get better. I know hope can keep us going I am here to connect to you not only as your therapist but on a human to human level to help you in what you come to seek therapy for.
I am a Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers and I work with Individuals, Couples and Families. Interventions focus on acute and chronic symptomatic and characterological manifestations of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family conflicts, emotional dysregulation, self or other destructive behaviors, trauma & PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder and crises.
I am a Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers and I work with Individuals, Couples and Families. Interventions focus on acute and chronic symptomatic and characterological manifestations of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family conflicts, emotional dysregulation, self or other destructive behaviors, trauma & PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder and crises.
Do you ever feel like something is holding you back in life? Maybe you feel a sense of disconnection with yourself or aspects of your life? Or that part of you isn't able to move forward from a past experience? Oftentimes we may have an idea of where we want to go and how to get there, but we struggle with being able to take action. This could be for a variety of reasons, and our work together will help you explore the underlying thoughts, beliefs, and/or emotions that might contribute to feeling stuck or disconnected.
Do you ever feel like something is holding you back in life? Maybe you feel a sense of disconnection with yourself or aspects of your life? Or that part of you isn't able to move forward from a past experience? Oftentimes we may have an idea of where we want to go and how to get there, but we struggle with being able to take action. This could be for a variety of reasons, and our work together will help you explore the underlying thoughts, beliefs, and/or emotions that might contribute to feeling stuck or disconnected.
Do you feel STUCK? When we feel stuck we start to question our life’s purpose and often start to doubt past and future decisions. Feeling stuck can often lead to confusion, hopelessness, fear, paralysis and lack of motivation. These experiences can generally cause anxiety, panic, depression and generally a low quality of life. Although these feelings can be incredibly painful and may lead you to feel helpless, it’s important to remind yourself that with the right support, you can change your life.
Do you feel STUCK? When we feel stuck we start to question our life’s purpose and often start to doubt past and future decisions. Feeling stuck can often lead to confusion, hopelessness, fear, paralysis and lack of motivation. These experiences can generally cause anxiety, panic, depression and generally a low quality of life. Although these feelings can be incredibly painful and may lead you to feel helpless, it’s important to remind yourself that with the right support, you can change your life.
Dr. Limbos is a registered psychologist who specializes in child psychology, working with children, youth and their families. Our objective is to help children realize their full potential through psychological assessment and treatment. Dr. Limbos has a broad range of experience in clinical and school psychology and will conduct a comprehensive assessment, and formulate a treatment plan for children who present with issues including the following: learning disabilities, giftedness, developmental/intellectual disabilities, autism, ADHD, behavior difficulties, depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, self-esteem, divorce, and substance abuse. Dr. focuses on providing timely and professional services for children, adolescents and their families.
Dr. Limbos is a registered psychologist who specializes in child psychology, working with children, youth and their families. Our objective is to help children realize their full potential through psychological assessment and treatment. Dr. Limbos has a broad range of experience in clinical and school psychology and will conduct a comprehensive assessment, and formulate a treatment plan for children who present with issues including the following: learning disabilities, giftedness, developmental/intellectual disabilities, autism, ADHD, behavior difficulties, depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, self-esteem, divorce, and substance abuse. Dr. focuses on providing timely and professional services for children, adolescents and their families.
See more therapy options for Vancouver
Nearby Dissociative Disorders Counsellors Searches for Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Delta
- New Westminster
- North Vancouver
- Pitt Meadows
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Richmond
- Surrey
- West Vancouver
- White Rock
Dissociative Disorders (DID) Counsellors
How does therapy for dissociative disorders work?
Dissociation may be triggered by stress or other upsetting circumstances, and therapy can address the traumatic events at the core of an individual’s dissociation. Understanding why a person may dissociate can help the therapist and the individual come up with alternative methods of coping. A person with a dissociative disorder may get stuck on negative thinking, for example, and treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy is a gold standard for breaking such thinking. And dialectical behavior therapy, for example, can help a person manage their anguish through better emotion regulation.
Which therapies are best for dissociative disorders?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, schema therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful memories and past traumas. These therapies work to integrate an individual's different identities into one person.
Are there specific medications for dissociation?
There are no specific medications prescribed for dissociative disorders. However, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and/or panic often co-occur in dissociative disorders. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for any accompanying symptom—which may include antipsychotics like aripiprazole, antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines.
How often and how long are therapy sessions?
Like any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. There are still other patients, especially those who have co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, who may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months.