Trauma and PTSD Therapists in St John's, NL
See all counsellors in St John's
Dara Counselling and Wellness
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
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.

Melissa Bruce
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW
Verified
Verified
I use a
trauma
-informed, strengths-based approach that uses aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you gain an understanding of your situation and develop the tools necessary for you to manage whatever life throws at you.
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.

Kara Pinksen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, BSW, MSW
Verified
Verified
My approach is informed by extensive experience and training, and I have specialization in
Trauma
, Addiction, and Mental Health.
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.
St John's, NL A1B
& Online

Brenna McClintock
Counsellor, MC, MA, RPQ, CCC, ND
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Therapies I use can safely support
trauma
processing throughout your pregnancy, or when you are caring for your children.
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.

Jessica Cowan Royle
Counsellor, BSc, MEd, CCC, ND
Verified
Verified
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.
St John's, NL A1E
& Online

Kelly Lynn Piercey
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
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.
Waitlist for new clients

Arlene M Penney
Registered Social Worker, BA,BSW, MSW,RSW, RP,ND
Verified
Verified
I am an experienced
Trauma
Informed Clinical Therapist & Naturopath who combines traditional, alternative & complimentary therapies that embody healing. Critical to my unique approach is the integration of the Polyvagal Theory, ensuring you “feel safe”. This bottom-up approach is necessary to healing. My training & bodywork practices include Craniosacral Therapy & Energy Healing. I am also training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). Sessions aid in the treatment & healing of a variety of conditions & symptoms including stress, emotional pain,
trauma
, shame, anger, anxiety, depression, grief & chronic pain.

Jim McGeragle
Pre-Licensed Professional, CCTP, HT, ND
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
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
.
Waitlist for new clients

Anna McCully
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My training has been focused on working with
trauma and PTSD
, though the approaches I use can be helpful with a variety of presenting concerns.
My practice is compassionate, dedicated to seeing you in your complexity, and flexible. I enjoy developing genuine relationships built on care, openness and respect and will work with you to create a therapy that fits your values and preferences.

Samantha Corcoran
Counsellor, MA, CCC, ND
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
) and I work primarily with anxiety, depression 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 Hutchings
Counsellor, BEd, BSpEd, MEd
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
She has completed additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the neurobiology of
trauma
.
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.
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Waitlist for new clients

Ellie Jones
Counsellor, MEd, CCC, CCTP-II
Verified
Verified
I am a certified clinical
trauma
professional (II), who is internal family systems informed and certified in accelerated resolution therapy.
Sometimes life leaves us stuck and wondering how to move forward. Our pasts influence present experiences in so many different ways, and the answers to the challenges we face often lie within. You might be looking to process a specific event or maybe you have patterns in your relationships and want to change how you connect with the world around you. No matter what your reason for coming to therapy, we will figure out how to move forward together toward your goals.

Lisa Denty
Counsellor, MA, BNRN, CCC, ND
Verified
Verified
My style of therapy is
trauma
-informed, client-centred, and evidenced-based.
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.

Emma Chafe
Counsellor, MCAT, CCC, RMT
Verified
Verified
As a
trauma
focused Art Therapist I use movement, meditation, and art making to enable a different kind of relationship with difficult experiences.
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.

Sabrina Batt
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MC, RSW, CCC
Verified
Verified
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.

Kayla Baker
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
As a registered social worker, I provide counselling services to youth, adults, couples, and families who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression,
trauma
, addictions, work-related issues, and changes in relationships.
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.

Lance Jackson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
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.

Brandon St Croix
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
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.

Jessica Ferro
Psychologist, MC:AT, RPsych
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
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.
Waitlist for new clients

Catherine Phinney
Counsellor, MA, MACP, CCC, RCT-C
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I have substantial experience treating complex
trauma
.
One of the consequences of stress is re-experiencing it in the mind and body, leaving us depleted and disconnected from life. Intense reactions can be confusing and distressing. Making sense of our experiences, putting them in perspective, and changing unhelpful ways of thinking, behaving, and coping increases our resilience. I welcome individuals from all walks of life and have a particular interest in survivors of sexual violence and exploitation; first responders, frontline workers, military, veterans and their families; survivors of adverse childhood experiences; workplace stress and life transitions; and older adults.
See more therapy options for
Trauma and PTSD Counsellors
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.