Trauma and PTSD Therapists in St John's, NL

Trauma occurs many ways – abuse, accidents, divorce, death and it can suck the life right out of you. Maybe you’ve had sleepless nights and restless mornings and it does not feel worth it to get out of bed. Maybe you've thought of harming yourself or possibly had suicidal thoughts. Trauma can affect all parts of your life; your relationships, your ability to work, your ability to feel safe and happy. Sometimes you feel like all is well and that you have dealt with it. You feel fine and 6 months later it feels like it just happened, It is possible to get your life back. Reach out, I can help.

I have years of experience working with individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their everyday lives and feel they need a little extra support. Some of my clients may struggle with mental illness on a regular basis, while others may be faced with circumstances that contribute to situational increase in stress. The effects of both can have short- or long-term effects. I have experience working with children, youth and families who are navigating pathways through addiction, mental health concerns, post-traumatic stress , life transitions or work-related stress injuries, just to name a few.

Thank you for visiting my profile. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work and nearly 20 years experience offering therapy to individuals, couples and families. Reaching out for therapy can be difficult. It can create feelings of anxiety or shame, or a fear of being misunderstood or judged. I believe that therapy should be a non-judgmental, collaborative experience, where you can comfortably uncover and confront the obstacles preventing you from living the life you deserve. My goal is to provide a non- judgmental, compassionate, trauma -informed, queer positive, gender affirming, respectful space that is inclusive to all.

I have a supportive, responsive and compassionate approach to therapy. I believe you are the expert in your own story, and my goal in therapy is to create a relationship built on trust and respect where you feel accepted and challenged to grow in new and meaningful ways. I support people in processing many kinds of concerns, including anxiety, depression, anger, panic, PTSD , developmental trauma , birth trauma and other experiences. I integrate trauma processing therapies like Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, inner child, parts work and other person-centred approaches to support you in healing and working toward your goals.

I know that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming and i'm so glad that you're here. I work with children, teens, young adults and adults. With adults, I work to explore new ways to cope with old patterns that are no longer serving them. I also work with folks to help them understand and process the stories and emotional experiences that have left them feeling stuck. This allows choice for people to move toward a life that is deeply connected to their values. My work with children (5-10), teens and families is focused on trauma , anxiety and depression and is informed by my advanced trainings in Play Therapy, ACT and EFFT.

Kelly's past work has focused on trauma , sexual abuse, mental health, anxiety, family and/or relationship dynamics, parenting children and youth, behaviour modification, and life transformations. Her counselling is trauma informed/client-centered with treatment modalities that include; Accelerated resolution therapy, internal family systems, Cognitive and Dialectical behaviour therapy, and mindfulness. Kelly believes and commits to strong therapeutic relationships that validate clients' lived experiences with the focus on personal growth.

Jim believes that therapy should be targeted and effective, and that with the right tools, many challenges can be resolved sooner than we think. He understands that therapy is not meant to be a life-long engagement, but rather a collaborative process that creates a foundation for an authentic life. Jim is trained in Brainspotting, counselling hypnotherapy, and in working with complex trauma . He has been working in mental health since 2013. Currently, he specializes in working with men on issues related to chronic pain and physical injury, post-traumatic and workplace stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma .

Reaching out to start therapy can be anxiety-provoking. It's important to me that you feel comfortable in session and we build a trusting relationship as it's the foundation of therapeutic success. My aim is to help you understand why you feel or behave in the ways that you do and find helpful coping strategies to live a more meaningful life. Therapy goals are based on your priorities and values. In sessions, we will discuss how your feelings, thoughts, trauma or current stressors are impacting your life. I incorporate mindfulness, self-compassion, somatic regulation and value-based actions to work towards your goals.

Challaina is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) who holds a master's degree in Counselling Psychology from Memorial University. She is also a member of The Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Canada. Challaina has extensive experience working with children and their families, both within the education system and the public health domain. Within the area of counselling, Challaina has experience with individuals of various ages who are experiencing a range of mental health concerns and life challenges. She has experience with child developmental and supporting parents and their children through challenging life events.

Supporting people to thrive is one of my passions. I strive to ensure each client I meet feels safe, heard, valued and understood. My training and experience make me a great fit to support individuals affected by trauma , anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic pain and illness, health concerns, grief, burnout, compassion fatigue, relationship issues, ADHD, eating disorders, parenting, life transitions, pre and post-natal concerns, and other topics related to health and wellbeing.

If you're feeling lost, exhausted, overwhelmed, trapped in a limiting pattern, or if you're dealing with an experience that you know, or are coming to realize, has been a trauma for you - there is a way to move forward. I help folks develop the insight and skills to act from choice rather than from habit, defense, or survival. Life can be uniquely challenging when you have experiences that are atypical, however that difference shows up. The right support for your mental health is going to be just as unique. I work with people to find a balance that enables them to be in choice and invest themselves towards their goals. ​ ​

If you need support, a safe place, and have the desire to challenge the parts of your life that are not working for you, I would love to hear from you. I help people understand and change what is stopping them from living the life they want. This can include mental health issues, challenging life transitions, trauma , and unhealthy relationships with themselves and others. I specialize in Post-Concussion Syndrome and chronic pain, I help clients gain understanding and confidence so they can navigate the physical, emotional, relational, sleep, and cognitive impacts of PCS and pain.

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Do you spend your time dwelling on the past, or worrying about the future? Are you experiencing difficulties that keep you from living the life you want to live? We all face hurdles that prevent us from living a more meaningful life and, as your therapist, I can help.

If you feel like therapy hasn’t worked for you or you’re feeling overwhelmed by trauma , depression, loneliness, or misunderstood, or your having issues with your interpersonal relationships (marriage, intimate partner, friends family) then you’ve come to the right place. I also enjoy helping men who are trying to find their place in the world and themselves.

In developing a safe and respectful environment, I strive to help clients feel comfortable to start the journey of recovery from addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD , and/or anger. I understand the journey of recovery from substance use disorders is not easy but I am here to support clients towards their goals. I also understand life transitions of individuals, especially athletes and how mental health is a large component of an athlete's identity.

Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, stress, relationship issues, life/career transitions, low self-esteem, work/life imbalance, or trauma ? Or are you seeking more fulfillment out of life? If so, I am here to help. I am a registered psychologist offering virtual counselling to adults in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador. Work with me from the comfort of your home, with your pets around, and without the added time and stress of travel.