Trauma and PTSD Therapists in V1E

Come to the counselling cabin on my peaceful mountain farm to experience specialized trauma treatment & counselling for: children 3+, adults, families, First Responders, parents. I am trained & experienced in equine & animal-assisted therapy, child-centered play therapy, EMDR for adults & experiential, sensory Playful EMDR for children. I specialize in working with children living with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioural disorders, history of abuse/complex family systems: adoption, foster care, blended families, divorce/separation. The counselling cabin and eco-therapy program area features walking trails & mountain views.

Welcome- I am a registered social worker (#13233) with a master's degree in social work and postgraduate training in the area of mental health and trauma. I am honored to be part of the team at the Shuswap Clinical Counselling Center and welcome the opportunity to join children, youth and families in a therapeutic counselling relationship.

My name is Valerie Dessaulles and I am a registered clinical counsellor (RCC). I have over ten years in the helping profession initially as a paramedic and now as a counsellor. Trauma comes in many forms and presents in different ways; it can be difficult to pinpoint what caused symptoms or even what they may be. The first step is to acknowledge that you are not feeling yourself and that you want help to get your life back together. It would be my pleasure to walk alongside you as we navigate this new territory and figure out what you need from counselling. It can be really hard to reach out, but know that you set the pace.

I help people with deep unhappiness, relationship difficulties, family issues, traumatic experiences, chronic pain, and many other physical and emotional symptoms. I work with people to identify the causes of deep unhappiness and kindle healing. We work together to grow your tolerance for emotion and ability to be genuine with others. I help people to heal after accidents & unhappy past events. I have specialized training in treating occupational trauma endorsed by the BCPFFA. I am approved with many extended health providers as well as Crime Victims Assistance Program, FNHA, Community Futures, VAC, WCB and ICBC.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a licensed private practice based in Kamloops, B.C., offering counselling services for youth, adults, couples and families. Areas of practice include, marital/relationship difficulties (communication and trust), relationship therapy for families, parenting concerns, life transitions, anxiety/panic disorder, trauma, depression, substance use, disturbing thoughts, and adolescence concerns of self-harm, peer relations, sexuality, self-esteem and parent/teen conflict.

I have a Masters degree of Science in Mental Health Counselling and am registered with the BBCACC as a RCC. I am certified in traumatic stress studies, Neurofeedback, & HeartMath Biofeedback. I have completed basic (EMDR) training and advanced training in EMDR for suicidal clients and self-harming behaviours as well as complex PTSD and dissociative disorders. I employ evidenced based modalities such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma focused sensorimotor psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and Neurofeedback. In my practice there are two counsellors, two neurofeedback technicians and a therapy dog (St. Bernard).

People are invited to draw from their own experiences and knowings to make decisions about how they wish to lead their lives. When we are up against problems in our lives, we often feel disconnected from what we desire most for ourselves. Issues never exist in isolation but are always influenced by their context. Life can be messy and I am here to talk about all of it. Some conversations I have with people include topics of trauma, violence, isolation, relationships, negative stories about self-worth, sexual assault, and suicidal thoughts. 'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you'- Maya Angelou

As a grief and trauma counsellor, I am passionate about helping you on your healing journey. Trauma takes on many shapes and forms. As a result, we feel disconnected, alone, unsafe, lacking trust and can experience various trauma-related symptoms like anxiety, depression, anger and other emotional issues; our relationship with self is often affected, and we may engage in self-loathing, guilt, shaming, self-rejection and other behaviours. I am here to help you discover the path to safety within you and your environment, hold space while you navigate grief and emotions, and accompany you through the meaning-making.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Does it feel like it takes too much energy to just get out of bed? Do you want to feel you have more control of your life? For the past 15 years I have supported Indigenous and non-Indigenous children, youth and adults with issues related to anxiety, depression, substance use, grief and loss, sexuality, social struggles, and trauma related to residential schools. I am passionate about helping you overcome obstacles to the success in life that you want and deserve. I believe that healing is a holistic journey that takes all aspects of your life into account, and doesn't focus on only one part or symptom.

It is inevitable that at some point in our lives we will all experience stress in one of its many forms. Difficulties with relationships, jobs, loss, health, trauma and even the relentlessness of a fast-paced lifestyle can lead us to feel overwhelmed and even helpless. Our bodies are designed to allow us to cope with the typical stressors that we come up against in daily life. Unfortunately, the systems we use to manage challenges sometimes become overwhelmed or fail to function in an optimal manner, this can lead to symptoms that can be difficult to manage alone.

Hello! I am a Registered Psychologist and have a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary. As a therapist, I am passionate about providing a safe, non-judgmental, and empathic space where you can feel supported and heard. My approach is very collaborative; I believe that therapy thrives through a strong therapeutic relationship. Working together, we will draw upon your strengths and values to set goals that are meaningful to you. I hope to help you cultivate more self-compassion, acceptance, and connection in your life. I practice with respect and inclusiveness towards people from all backgrounds and cultures.

I am a Registered Master of Social Work graduate. I work from a Narrative Therapy and Response-Based Practice approach. I have worked with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief & loss and complex relationships. I have 5+ years of experience working with individuals navigating complex and dynamic relationships. This includes working with couples facing intense conflicts, infidelity, separation, and divorce. I tailor my approach to each unique relationship, actively collaborating with each couple or family to fully understand, assist, and promote healing in their most significant relationships.

Traumatic experiences, a significant life transition, grief/loss or stress resulting from work, family, and/or relationship challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and yearning for a sense of joy. Regardless of your age or stage in life, if left unattended these common life experiences can effect our mental wellness and lead to anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Reaching out for support from a professional counsellor can be the first step towards change. Guided by your goals and hopes, we will create an approach that feels manageable to you to bring more meaning, calm, and fulfillment back into your life. You will feel heard.

Couple and Family Counselling is the focus of my practice. Relationship dynamics can be complex. I work with couples and family members in a collaborative and non-judgmental way to identify what is working and what is not within the family system. I also specialize in working with trauma, first responders (BCEHS and the RCMP) and with individuals who have experienced, witnessed, or perpetrated violence. I believe the details of my clients lived experiences are important and I will work hard to understand clients responses, and the larger context. I have over 10 years’ experience working with individuals, couples, and families.

Being human is messy and sometimes life can be difficult to navigate alone. When things unravel and you are feeling overwhelmed, defeated, or stuck, you deserve to be fully heard and accepted. Through creating a foundation of trust and utilizing evidence-based approaches, I can help you to move in new directions, overcome the impact of difficult life experiences, and shape lasting positive changes. Rather than providing short-term superficial solutions to your concerns, I am committed to supporting you to get to the heart of the matter and resolving the root causes of your distress.

I bring my over 30 years of experience with counselling to you, offering culturally safe, trauma informed and evidence based treatments. We will build on your skills and strengths, working together and drawing from community to obtain the results you want from counselling. I am influenced by a number of therapeutic modalities, but my approach is based on being person-centered, meaning that I strive to understand the client’s point of view, and create a relationship that is caring, genuine and non-judgmental. I have specialized training in Trauma/PTSD treatment, ADHD, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based CBT, and ACT. EMDR.

I presently exclusively offer online sessions while working closely with a dedicated team at Strength Counselling Services. I'm dedicated to championing transformative change for those seeking a richer quality of life. Navigating life's challenges, be it with youth or adults, CNM relationships, family dynamics, or facing grief, trauma, anxiety, or depression, demands expertise. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or grappling with personal or relational difficulties, know that you're not alone. I bring empathy, understanding every journey's uniqueness. My approach is rooted in nonjudgmental, social justice, and equity principles.

We recognize that relationships are hard! We also tend to do the same things over and over, even though they are not working! Our clients are looking for support in their most important relationships. They may be needing this in the form of individual, couple, or family therapy. Our clients may also be seeking support for trauma, issues of violence, first responder support, EMDR, and holistic supports. Our clients want an individual approach that recognizes the unique details of their lives, experiences, and relationships matter! We offer in-person sessions in Kamloops, Salmon Arm, and Merritt and virtual sessions from anywhere!

Life events, world events, and growing day to day demands and stressors can challenge the limits of our resilience. That can make coping and dealing with everyday life harder and usual skills and resources can feel like they are dormant. You are probably here because you recognize you might need someone to join you on your path to growth and meeting your goals. You might be working hard on your relationships and need extra support along the way. Perhaps you are struggling with mental health and need a place to process your thoughts and feelings and find the tools that help you get back control and your true sense of self.