First Responders Therapists in Vancouver, BC
I am a registered clinical counsellor and nurse with frontline experience in emergency and inpatient psychiatry working with both adults and children
I specialize in communication issue, relational conflict, substance use, challenges related to family relationships, and the long-term impact of childhood trauma. My work focuses on identifying patterns formed through early experiences, strengthening emotional regulation, and supporting healthier ways of coping and relating.
I am a registered clinical counsellor and nurse with frontline experience in emergency and inpatient psychiatry working with both adults and children
I specialize in communication issue, relational conflict, substance use, challenges related to family relationships, and the long-term impact of childhood trauma. My work focuses on identifying patterns formed through early experiences, strengthening emotional regulation, and supporting healthier ways of coping and relating.
I'm trained in EMDR and trauma-informed care, supporting first responders, individuals, couples, and families to feel understood, safe, and empowered
If you have ever understood exactly why you do something and still found yourself doing it anyway, that gap between knowing and changing is exactly where EMDR works. I am Megan, a therapist specialized and certified in EMDR, offering integrative, trauma-informed therapy for individuals, couples, and families. My approach is warm, collaborative, and genuinely human. We move at your pace, build on your strengths, and work together toward healing what actually matters to you.
I'm trained in EMDR and trauma-informed care, supporting first responders, individuals, couples, and families to feel understood, safe, and empowered
If you have ever understood exactly why you do something and still found yourself doing it anyway, that gap between knowing and changing is exactly where EMDR works. I am Megan, a therapist specialized and certified in EMDR, offering integrative, trauma-informed therapy for individuals, couples, and families. My approach is warm, collaborative, and genuinely human. We move at your pace, build on your strengths, and work together toward healing what actually matters to you.
For over a decade, I’ve worked in the mental health and addictions field, supporting first responders, healthcare workers, and other high-functioning individuals through trauma, depression, anxiety and other challenges.
I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Toronto, and while I’m deeply grounded in evidence-based therapies, I don’t believe healing happens through worksheets alone. My approach blends solid clinical tools with real conversations.
For over a decade, I’ve worked in the mental health and addictions field, supporting first responders, healthcare workers, and other high-functioning individuals through trauma, depression, anxiety and other challenges.
I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Toronto, and while I’m deeply grounded in evidence-based therapies, I don’t believe healing happens through worksheets alone. My approach blends solid clinical tools with real conversations.
Have you been thinking about therapy for a while? That's normal. Most men do. Maybe your partner suggested it, a relationship is under strain, or a pattern around gambling, alcohol, or avoidance has become hard to ignore. Whatever brought you here, I'm glad you found me.
I'm a therapist & founder of Men in Mind Therapy. I work with all genders, but focus on supporting men who feel stuck, behind, disconnected, or frustrated in their relationships. Many men feel they need to be a pillar of support for others, but don't have places where they can be honest about what they are carrying. My approach is calm, direct, & down to earth.
Have you been thinking about therapy for a while? That's normal. Most men do. Maybe your partner suggested it, a relationship is under strain, or a pattern around gambling, alcohol, or avoidance has become hard to ignore. Whatever brought you here, I'm glad you found me.
I'm a therapist & founder of Men in Mind Therapy. I work with all genders, but focus on supporting men who feel stuck, behind, disconnected, or frustrated in their relationships. Many men feel they need to be a pillar of support for others, but don't have places where they can be honest about what they are carrying. My approach is calm, direct, & down to earth.
I work with military, veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, Indigenous populations, and others facing trauma, PTSD, addictions, burnout, grief, and major life transitions.
“The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you figure out why.” — Mark Twain
Therapy is not about labels or being told what to do. It is about understanding yourself, making meaningful choices, and creating lasting change. I believe people are more than their symptoms, diagnoses, or past experiences. Whether you are facing trauma, addiction, burnout, grief, relationship challenges, or major life transitions, therapy can help you better understand your story, build resilience, and move forward with greater clarity, purpose, and direction.
I work with military, veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, Indigenous populations, and others facing trauma, PTSD, addictions, burnout, grief, and major life transitions.
“The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you figure out why.” — Mark Twain
Therapy is not about labels or being told what to do. It is about understanding yourself, making meaningful choices, and creating lasting change. I believe people are more than their symptoms, diagnoses, or past experiences. Whether you are facing trauma, addiction, burnout, grief, relationship challenges, or major life transitions, therapy can help you better understand your story, build resilience, and move forward with greater clarity, purpose, and direction.
I work with people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by patterns affecting their emotions, relationships, or sense of self. Clients often come in navigating trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, shame, grief, addiction, or life transitions. I offer a warm, relational space where we slow things down, make sense of what’s happening, and build insight alongside practical tools. I also take an active, engaged approach in sessions, offering reflection and gentle challenge when helpful to support meaningful change.
I work with people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by patterns affecting their emotions, relationships, or sense of self. Clients often come in navigating trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, shame, grief, addiction, or life transitions. I offer a warm, relational space where we slow things down, make sense of what’s happening, and build insight alongside practical tools. I also take an active, engaged approach in sessions, offering reflection and gentle challenge when helpful to support meaningful change.
You have often been the only one, or one of very few, in rooms and systems that weren't built for you. You've spent years proving yourself and quietly absorbing the cost of making others comfortable (on top of doing your actual job). You might carry moral injury, vicarious trauma, and institutional betrayal, along with a bone-deep exhaustion that time-off hasn't been able to touch.
Talk therapy hasn't been enough - your body and mind are still holding the tension. Using EMDR alongside attachment and mindfulness-based approaches, I will help you process what words alone can't reach, so you can find your way back.
You have often been the only one, or one of very few, in rooms and systems that weren't built for you. You've spent years proving yourself and quietly absorbing the cost of making others comfortable (on top of doing your actual job). You might carry moral injury, vicarious trauma, and institutional betrayal, along with a bone-deep exhaustion that time-off hasn't been able to touch.
Talk therapy hasn't been enough - your body and mind are still holding the tension. Using EMDR alongside attachment and mindfulness-based approaches, I will help you process what words alone can't reach, so you can find your way back.
Raymond Xu - Intrinsic Journey Counselling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I started my career as a paramedic and remain involved.
I view therapy as an "intrinsic journey" of self-discovery and growth. It's a relational process between the client & therapist, and, the client with themself. Some of the techniques I draw upon include CBT, CPT, ACT, DBT, IFS, somatic tools, psychodynamic approach, and mindfulness. We will work together at feeling out what works for you.
I started my career as a paramedic and remain involved.
I view therapy as an "intrinsic journey" of self-discovery and growth. It's a relational process between the client & therapist, and, the client with themself. Some of the techniques I draw upon include CBT, CPT, ACT, DBT, IFS, somatic tools, psychodynamic approach, and mindfulness. We will work together at feeling out what works for you.
Hi There! I’m Gillian, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BCACC. My journey as a counsellor has been shaped by supporting individuals facing anxiety, trauma, shame, addiction, relationship hurts and emotional overwhelm. I also have extensive experience working alongside survivors of violence and abuse. I believe that even when life’s challenges leave you feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you have an inherent capacity to heal and thrive with the right support. You'll find that I approach each session with compassion and curiosity, often encouraging clients to do the same for themselves.
Hi There! I’m Gillian, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BCACC. My journey as a counsellor has been shaped by supporting individuals facing anxiety, trauma, shame, addiction, relationship hurts and emotional overwhelm. I also have extensive experience working alongside survivors of violence and abuse. I believe that even when life’s challenges leave you feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you have an inherent capacity to heal and thrive with the right support. You'll find that I approach each session with compassion and curiosity, often encouraging clients to do the same for themselves.
Life can be rich and rewarding, yet also bring moments that leave us feeling stuck, anxious, or unsure of how to move forward. While we can’t always control what happens, we can choose how we respond and care for ourselves along the way. Therapy offers a space to heal, learn, and grow at your own pace. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel truly seen and understood. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and help you reconnect with your confidence, clarity, and sense of direction.
Life can be rich and rewarding, yet also bring moments that leave us feeling stuck, anxious, or unsure of how to move forward. While we can’t always control what happens, we can choose how we respond and care for ourselves along the way. Therapy offers a space to heal, learn, and grow at your own pace. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel truly seen and understood. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and help you reconnect with your confidence, clarity, and sense of direction.
Finding someone you're comfortable with is the goal, my experience relates to these populations: First Responders, Front of Line Workers, Indigenous Individuals, ADHD, Grief, Deconstruction/ De-conversion, PMDD, & Woman's Health.
Clinical Director of Afterglow Psychotherapy, Korrenne Jensen is a Registered Psychotherapist & offers CRPO Supervisor with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Additionally, holds Honours Bachelor of Arts with emphasis on Psychology, Social Work & Sociology. Korrenne has had a variety of life experiences that has taken her around the world working with individuals from different cultures, orientations & demographics. The mind cannot ease stories that our bodies believe. Using therapies that take a bottom up approach helps us connect with our bodies about subjects that our brains cannot rationalize.
Finding someone you're comfortable with is the goal, my experience relates to these populations: First Responders, Front of Line Workers, Indigenous Individuals, ADHD, Grief, Deconstruction/ De-conversion, PMDD, & Woman's Health.
Clinical Director of Afterglow Psychotherapy, Korrenne Jensen is a Registered Psychotherapist & offers CRPO Supervisor with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Additionally, holds Honours Bachelor of Arts with emphasis on Psychology, Social Work & Sociology. Korrenne has had a variety of life experiences that has taken her around the world working with individuals from different cultures, orientations & demographics. The mind cannot ease stories that our bodies believe. Using therapies that take a bottom up approach helps us connect with our bodies about subjects that our brains cannot rationalize.
I provide trauma-informed therapy and EMDR for first responders, paramedics, firefighters, police, and other high-stress professionals.
I have training in trauma therapy, EMDR, and nervous system regulation, with an interest in high-stress professions. I use emotion-focused and somatic therapy, parts work, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support healing, coping, and resilience. I also provide guidance in relationship communication, stress management and burnout recovery.
I provide trauma-informed therapy and EMDR for first responders, paramedics, firefighters, police, and other high-stress professionals.
I have training in trauma therapy, EMDR, and nervous system regulation, with an interest in high-stress professions. I use emotion-focused and somatic therapy, parts work, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support healing, coping, and resilience. I also provide guidance in relationship communication, stress management and burnout recovery.
She further has experience with emergency management personnel, family systems, and executive leadership coaching.
Kate is a compassionate and empathetic clinical counselor who understands that taking the first step into counseling can feel overwhelming. She recognizes that many people may not always know where to begin their journey toward healing, and she is committed to providing a supportive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed space where individuals can feel safe and heard.
Kate’s approach is grounded in the belief that collaboration, psychological safety, and trust are essential components of effective therapy. She strives to create an inclusive environment where clients of all backgrounds feel respected and valued.
She further has experience with emergency management personnel, family systems, and executive leadership coaching.
Kate is a compassionate and empathetic clinical counselor who understands that taking the first step into counseling can feel overwhelming. She recognizes that many people may not always know where to begin their journey toward healing, and she is committed to providing a supportive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed space where individuals can feel safe and heard.
Kate’s approach is grounded in the belief that collaboration, psychological safety, and trust are essential components of effective therapy. She strives to create an inclusive environment where clients of all backgrounds feel respected and valued.
You might look like you’re holding it together on the outside, but inside feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted. Maybe you’ve been through experiences that still live in your body (tightness, anxiety, numbness) even after years of trying to “talk it through.”
You may be navigating trauma, chronic stress, migration, illness, or systems that were never built with you in mind. You want more than coping strategies and you want to feel safer in your body, more present in your relationships, and less controlled by the past. I work especially well with adults who haven’t found relief in traditional talk therapy.
You might look like you’re holding it together on the outside, but inside feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted. Maybe you’ve been through experiences that still live in your body (tightness, anxiety, numbness) even after years of trying to “talk it through.”
You may be navigating trauma, chronic stress, migration, illness, or systems that were never built with you in mind. You want more than coping strategies and you want to feel safer in your body, more present in your relationships, and less controlled by the past. I work especially well with adults who haven’t found relief in traditional talk therapy.
First Responders, Students, Individuals and Couples are treated in the areas of communication, relationships, life balance, stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and trauma.
Elizabeth holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology/Psychotherapy, a Masters in Education, a DEC in Social Science Studies, and training and work experience in the Military and Emergency Services. Her work experience includes 20 years of certified training for the workplace and general public in physical and mental health for safety and prevention.
First Responders, Students, Individuals and Couples are treated in the areas of communication, relationships, life balance, stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and trauma.
Elizabeth holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology/Psychotherapy, a Masters in Education, a DEC in Social Science Studies, and training and work experience in the Military and Emergency Services. Her work experience includes 20 years of certified training for the workplace and general public in physical and mental health for safety and prevention.
As an ex first responder, supporting first responders and their families is a passion of mine and I have undergone occupational awareness certification to further support in this area which can also include suicide bereavement.
I have a broad educational background that includes social work, child and youth care, and sociology in addition to psychology which allows me to utilize integrative support when needed. I believe in healing the whole body and am guided by CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS parts work and somatic healing. I am certified in occupational awareness for first responders.
As an ex first responder, supporting first responders and their families is a passion of mine and I have undergone occupational awareness certification to further support in this area which can also include suicide bereavement.
I have a broad educational background that includes social work, child and youth care, and sociology in addition to psychology which allows me to utilize integrative support when needed. I believe in healing the whole body and am guided by CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS parts work and somatic healing. I am certified in occupational awareness for first responders.
If you are struggling with trauma, life transitions, relationships, anxiety/depression, I am here to support you virtually or in person on the North Shore. My counselling philosophy is to witness your journey with curiosity and to empower you to make change. We may unpack past experiences through a trauma-informed, client-centered lens, develop tools for navigating big emotions, or process current/past life challenges. I am committed to inclusive, neurodiverse-affirming, culturally-aware care, and welcome clients from all backgrounds. You are unique, and your counselling experience should be too.
If you are struggling with trauma, life transitions, relationships, anxiety/depression, I am here to support you virtually or in person on the North Shore. My counselling philosophy is to witness your journey with curiosity and to empower you to make change. We may unpack past experiences through a trauma-informed, client-centered lens, develop tools for navigating big emotions, or process current/past life challenges. I am committed to inclusive, neurodiverse-affirming, culturally-aware care, and welcome clients from all backgrounds. You are unique, and your counselling experience should be too.
I specialize in supporting first responders and their families.
My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and attachment-based. I integrate perspectives from nervous system regulation, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. I specialize in EMDR Recent Traumatic Event Protocol (RTEP) and attachment. I am also a provider with First Responder Health and offer Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) support.
I specialize in supporting first responders and their families.
My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and attachment-based. I integrate perspectives from nervous system regulation, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. I specialize in EMDR Recent Traumatic Event Protocol (RTEP) and attachment. I am also a provider with First Responder Health and offer Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) support.
Are you feeling anxious, emotionally drained, or stuck repeating the same patterns in your relationships? Maybe you find yourself putting others first, second-guessing yourself, avoiding conflict, or feeling emotionally drained from trying to keep everything together. These patterns can affect how you relate to yourself and others, often leaving you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to create lasting change. As a counsellor in Vancouver, I work with individuals and couples across BC who are navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, low self-worth, emotional overwhelm, and patterns that feel difficult to shift.
Are you feeling anxious, emotionally drained, or stuck repeating the same patterns in your relationships? Maybe you find yourself putting others first, second-guessing yourself, avoiding conflict, or feeling emotionally drained from trying to keep everything together. These patterns can affect how you relate to yourself and others, often leaving you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to create lasting change. As a counsellor in Vancouver, I work with individuals and couples across BC who are navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, low self-worth, emotional overwhelm, and patterns that feel difficult to shift.
If you’re feeling stuck in painful patterns, weighed down by anxiety, grief, or past trauma, or struggling to connect in your relationships, you’re not broken—you’re human. Many of the people we work with at Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre feel like they’re carrying emotions too big to hold alone. They’ve spent years trying to push through, make sense of it all, or just "be strong," only to find themselves exhausted, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward.
We go beyond traditional talk therapy to tackle the root causes of your struggles, not just the symptoms.
If you’re feeling stuck in painful patterns, weighed down by anxiety, grief, or past trauma, or struggling to connect in your relationships, you’re not broken—you’re human. Many of the people we work with at Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre feel like they’re carrying emotions too big to hold alone. They’ve spent years trying to push through, make sense of it all, or just "be strong," only to find themselves exhausted, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward.
We go beyond traditional talk therapy to tackle the root causes of your struggles, not just the symptoms.
See more therapy options for Vancouver
Nearby First Responders Counsellors Searches for Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Delta
- New Westminster
- North Vancouver
- Pitt Meadows
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Richmond
- Surrey
- West Vancouver
- White Rock
First Responders Counsellors
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.