Online PTSD Counselling

PTSD can make something that happened in the past feel very present.

You may know logically that you're safe while your mind or body continues to respond as though the danger has not fully passed.

PTSD counselling can provide a steady place to understand those responses, work with what continues to affect you and move at a pace that feels manageable.

Navigate Wellness offers virtual PTSD counselling to adults in BC and select provinces and territories.

Book a Consultation

What can PTSD look like?

PTSD can affect people differently. You may experience:

  • intrusive memories

  • nightmares

  • flashbacks

  • hypervigilance

  • feeling easily startled

  • avoiding reminders of what happened

  • emotional numbness or disconnection

  • difficulty sleeping

  • irritability

  • difficulty concentrating

  • guilt or shame

  • feeling unsafe even when you know you are not currently in danger

Why can trauma still feel present?

After a traumatic experience, certain situations, sensations, thoughts or reminders may continue to trigger strong responses.

Sometimes that reaction feels clearly connected to the original experience. Other times, you may notice yourself shutting down, becoming highly alert or feeling overwhelmed before you consciously understand why.

Counselling can help you explore these patterns without assuming you should simply be able to “move on.”

How can PTSD counselling help?

Your counselling may involve:

  • understanding trauma responses

  • developing ways to feel more grounded in the present

  • exploring triggers and patterns

  • processing distressing experiences at a manageable pace

  • working with beliefs connected to the trauma

  • rebuilding trust in yourself

  • finding greater flexibility in how you respond

Approaches we may use for PTSD:

EMDR

EMDR is a structured therapy approach that may be used to process distressing experiences and memories associated with trauma.

Learn about EMDR →

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT may help you examine thoughts, beliefs and behaviours that have developed around the traumatic experience and how they affect you now.

Learn about CBT →

PTSD and complex trauma are not always the same thing

PTSD is a specific clinical diagnosis associated with trauma-related symptoms.

Complex trauma generally describes the impact of repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences and may involve broader patterns involving relationships, emotional regulation, identity and self-worth.

There can be overlap between the two, but they are not interchangeable.

Learn about Complex Trauma Counselling →

Frequently asked questions about PTSD counselling

  • No. You can seek counselling for trauma-related symptoms whether or not you have received a formal PTSD diagnosis.

  • No. Counselling can move at a pace that feels manageable. You and your counsellor can decide together what to discuss and when.

  • Yes. Navigate Wellness offers virtual PTSD counselling to eligible clients.

  • EMDR is one approach that may be considered for people experiencing PTSD or trauma-related symptoms. Whether it is appropriate depends on the individual.

  • PTSD refers to a specific group of trauma-related symptoms, while complex trauma often describes the broader impact of repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences.

You don't have to force yourself to “get over it”

Trauma responses can make sense even when they no longer feel helpful.

Counselling can give you space to understand what is happening and work toward feeling more present, connected and able to choose how you respond.

Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation