Our Trauma Therapy Services

Step 1: Your First Session with Us

Welcome to Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching. We're glad you're here. Taking the first step toward healing takes courage, and we want to make sure your initial experience with us feels safe, welcoming, and genuinely supportive.

What Happens During Your First Session

Your first session is about getting to know each other. This is not a time for pressure or rushing. We create space for you to share what brought you here, at whatever pace feels right for you.

• Building Safety and Trust: We begin by establishing a therapeutic relationship grounded in respect and safety. Your comfort matters.
• Understanding Your Story: Through conversation, we learn about your experiences, what you're facing right now, and what matters most to you.
• Exploring Your Strengths: We identify the strengths and values you already possess. These become part of your healing foundation.
• Setting Directions Together: We work collaboratively to understand what healing looks like for you and what you hope to achieve.
• Introducing Our Approach: We explain how trauma informed care works and how we'll support you using evidence based methods tailored to your needs.

Our Therapeutic Approach

We draw from several healing methods, always customized to what works best for you. These include Internal Family Systems work, somatic approaches, cognitive behavioural methods, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy. The combination we use depends entirely on your unique situation and what resonates with you.

Session Details

What to Expect

Your first session will feel different from what you might imagine therapy to be. There's no clinical checklist or formal interrogation. Instead, think of it as a meaningful conversation with someone trained to listen deeply and understand trauma.

You'll be asked about your background, what brought you to seek support, and what you're hoping for. You might share as much or as little as feels comfortable. There's no pressure to disclose traumatic details right away. Healing happens at your pace.

Kotone, your Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, will explain how the work ahead might look. She'll answer your questions honestly. You'll leave your first session with a clear sense of direction and knowing that you have a partner in your healing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to share everything about my trauma in the first session?

No. Your first session is about building trust and understanding what you need. You share what feels safe to share. The deeper work unfolds naturally over time.

What if I feel emotional during the session?

That's completely okay. Emotions are welcome here. We're trained to support you through whatever comes up. There's no such thing as 'too much' emotion in our space.

How do I know if this approach is right for me?

That's exactly what your first session helps determine. We'll discuss whether our methods align with what you're looking for. If something doesn't feel right, we'll talk about it openly.

What happens after the first session?

We'll discuss next steps together. Some people book weekly sessions. Others prefer a different rhythm. You have choice in how we proceed.

Is everything I share confidential?

Yes, with very few exceptions. We maintain strict confidentiality. The only times we would share information are if there's risk of serious harm to you or someone else, or if legally required. We'll explain these boundaries clearly.

Do you accept insurance?

We work with major insurance providers including Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross. Coverage may be available based on your individual policy. We recommend checking with your provider about your specific benefits.

What if I'm nervous about online sessions?

Many people worry about this at first. Online sessions are just as effective as any other format. We use secure, encrypted platforms to protect your privacy. You'll have the same quality of connection and support.

How much does the first session cost?

Pricing information is available in our services section. We also offer sliding scale options for those who need them. We believe cost shouldn't be a barrier to healing.

Ready to Begin?

Your first step is simple. You can reach out to us in a few ways.

Book Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

Before committing to a full session, you can have a brief conversation with Kotone to discuss your needs and see if we're a good fit. This is a chance to ask questions and get a feel for working together.

Contact Us

• Phone: 778-321-6058
• Email: info@turningtidestoday.com
• Online Booking: Book your session here
• Website: www.turningtidestoday.com

We're Here to Support You

Healing from trauma is possible. It doesn't happen overnight, but it happens. Our trauma informed counselling services serving Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, and throughout British Columbia are designed to meet you where you are and support your journey forward.

Whether you're dealing with complex trauma, PTSD, relationship challenges, or life transitions, we're here. Your first session is the beginning of something meaningful.

Take that step. Reach out. We're ready to listen.

Step 2: Your Intake and Goal-Setting Journey

Welcome to the second step of your healing journey with Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching. This is where we truly get to know you, understand what brought you here, and together create a roadmap for your recovery and growth.

What Happens During Your Intake Session

Your intake session is a warm, conversational meeting designed to help us understand your unique story. This isn't a clinical interrogation. It's a collaborative conversation where you share what feels right, at your own pace, and we listen with genuine care and respect.

During this time, Kotone will explore several important areas with you:

• Your trauma history and how it has affected your life today
• Current challenges you're facing, whether emotional, relational, or practical
• Your strengths, resilience, and what has helped you survive until now
• Your support system and life circumstances
• Any physical or mental health concerns that might be relevant to your healing
• What you hope to achieve through counselling

We also use this time to understand how trauma shows up in your body and mind. Some people experience anxiety or hypervigilance. Others struggle with emotional numbness or difficulty trusting. There's no right or wrong way to experience trauma, and we meet you exactly where you are.

Getting to Know Your Unique Healing Path

As we talk together, we're also learning about your values, your hidden strengths, and what matters most to you. This information becomes the foundation for everything that follows. Your healing won't look like anyone else's healing, and that's exactly how it should be.

We may use some gentle check-in tools to help us understand patterns in your emotional life. Think of these as friendly conversations rather than tests. We might ask about your sleep, your ability to focus, how you manage difficult emotions, or how trauma has affected your relationships. These conversations help us see the full picture of your experience.

What to Bring and Prepare for Your Intake

You don't need to bring much, but here's a helpful checklist to prepare:

Understanding Our Intake Approach

Our intake process is grounded in trauma informed care. This means we understand that trauma affects how people relate to others, how they feel in their bodies, and how they process information. We create safety first. We move at your pace. We never pressure you to share more than you're ready to share.

We also recognise that many people who have experienced trauma have developed incredible strengths. You've survived. You've adapted. You've found ways to keep going. We want to understand and build on those strengths from day one.

Setting Goals Together

Once we understand your story, we move into goal-setting. This is where your vision for healing becomes real and actionable.

Together, we'll identify what healing looks like for you. For some people, it means reducing nightmares or managing anxiety. For others, it's rebuilding trust in relationships, finding joy again, or simply feeling safe in their own body. Your goals are uniquely yours.

We use a collaborative approach to goal-setting. Kotone won't tell you what you should work on. Instead, you'll explore together what matters most to you right now. What would change if this goal was achieved? How would your daily life be different? What small steps could get you there?

These goals become your north star. They guide which therapeutic approaches we use, how we structure your sessions, and how we measure progress over time.

Common Concerns About the Intake Process

Will I have to share my whole trauma story right away?

No. Your intake is about understanding the shape of your experience, not reliving it in detail. You share what feels safe. If something feels too raw or overwhelming, you can pause or skip it. Healing happens at your pace, not ours.

What if I don't remember everything or I'm not sure how to explain it?

That's completely normal. Trauma affects memory and how we process information. Kotone is skilled at helping you find words for experiences that might feel wordless. You don't need to be articulate or organised. Just be honest about what you can and can't remember.

Will what I share be kept private?

Absolutely. Everything you share is confidential and protected. The only exceptions are if you're in immediate danger, a child is being harmed, or a court order requires disclosure. We'll explain our confidentiality policies clearly so you know exactly how your information is protected.

What if I don't feel comfortable with Kotone?

The therapeutic relationship matters enormously. If after your first session you don't feel like a good fit, that's okay. We can discuss it openly, and we can help you find another counsellor who might be a better match. Your comfort and trust come first.

How long does the intake session take?

Your intake session is typically 50 minutes, just like your regular counselling sessions. This gives us enough time to have a real conversation without feeling rushed.

What Happens After Your Intake

After your intake, Kotone will reflect on everything you've shared. She'll think about which therapeutic approaches might serve you best. Internal Family Systems therapy, somatic experiencing, cognitive behavioural approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy are all tools in our toolkit. We'll use what works for you.

You'll receive a brief follow-up email summarising what you discussed and the goals you've identified together. This gives you a chance to reflect and add anything you might have forgotten to mention.

Your second session will begin the actual therapeutic work. You'll have a clear sense of direction, and you'll know that Kotone understands your story and is committed to supporting your healing.

Ready to Begin?

Your intake session is an important step, but it's just the beginning. What matters most is that you're here, you're ready to explore healing, and you're willing to do the work. That takes courage.

Our trauma informed approach means we'll walk this path together, honouring your resilience every step of the way.

Ready to book your intake session? You can schedule online through our booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling. If you have questions before booking, reach out to us at info@turningtidestoday.com or call 778-321-6058.

We're here, and we're ready to support your healing journey.

Step 3: Therapy Sessions and Treatment

You've identified your goals and begun building your foundation for healing. Now comes the heart of your journey: engaging in consistent, compassionate therapy sessions designed specifically for your trauma recovery.

What to Expect in Your Sessions

Each session with our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor lasts 50 minutes. This time is entirely yours, structured to support your healing at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

Your Session Flow

The Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Healing from trauma isn't one-size-fits-all. We draw from several evidence-based approaches, tailoring them to what resonates with you and what your nervous system needs.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS): This approach recognises that within each of us are different parts, each with its own perspective and protective role. Through IFS, we help you understand these parts with compassion and find greater internal harmony.
• Somatic Experiencing: Trauma lives in the body. We work with your physical sensations, breath, and movement to help your nervous system complete the healing process that may have been interrupted during your traumatic experience.
• Cognitive Behavioural Methods: We gently explore the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping you recognise patterns and develop new, more helpful ways of thinking.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Rather than fighting against difficult emotions, we help you develop flexibility and move toward what truly matters to you, even while uncomfortable feelings are present.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: This approach strengthens your emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance, and ability to navigate intense moments with greater ease and self-compassion.

Between Sessions: Your Healing Continues

The work doesn't stop when our session ends. What you do between sessions is equally important to your recovery.

Reflective Practices

You'll be invited to keep a journal where you notice your emotional responses, what triggers them, and where you feel sensations in your body. This isn't about perfection or detailed writing. It's about building awareness of your own patterns and responses.

Grounding and Regulation Exercises

We'll teach you practices you can do at home to help your nervous system settle. These might include breathing techniques, body awareness exercises, or gentle movements. These are tools you can use whenever you need them, whether that's during a difficult moment or as part of your daily routine.

Skill Building and Practice

Depending on what we're working on, you might practise new coping strategies, explore your values more deeply, or work with specific techniques we've introduced in session. Think of these as experiments in your own life, not homework in the traditional sense.

Between-Session Email Support

You can reach out via email between sessions if something comes up that you'd like to reflect on or if you need encouragement as you practise what we've discussed. This keeps the connection alive and helps you feel supported throughout your week.

Community Connection

We encourage participation in our CPTSD support group or therapy book club. Hearing from others who understand trauma, sharing your own experiences, and learning together creates a sense of belonging that accelerates healing.

Tracking Your Progress

How do we know if therapy is working? We pay attention to what matters most to you.

In our early sessions together, we'll have conversations about what healing looks like for you. What would be different? How would you feel in your body? What would you be able to do that you can't do now? These become your personal markers of progress.

Throughout your therapy, we'll check in regularly about these goals. You might notice that you're sleeping better, that situations that used to overwhelm you feel more manageable, that your relationships feel safer, or that you're experiencing more moments of peace. These are real, measurable signs of healing.

After sessions, we can provide you with written reflections on what we discussed and what emerged. This helps you see your own progress over time and reinforces the insights you're gaining.

Your Role in This Process

Therapy is a collaboration. You're not a passive recipient of treatment. You're an active participant in your own healing.

You decide what to share and what pace feels right. You let us know what's working and what isn't. You bring your own wisdom about yourself to every session. And you honour your own needs, even if that means adjusting our approach or taking breaks when you need them.

Our role is to create a safe space, offer tools and perspectives, and walk alongside you. Your role is to show up, to be curious about your own experience, and to trust yourself even when healing feels uncertain.

Ready to Begin?

Our trauma-informed counselling services are available online, making it easy to access support from wherever you are across British Columbia and beyond. Whether you're in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, or any community in between, we're here to support your healing journey.

To book your first session or to discuss how we can best support you, please visit our online booking platform.

Book Your Session Now

You've already taken the most important step by deciding to heal. We're honoured to support you through the journey ahead.

Step 4: Completion and Ongoing Support

You've reached a significant milestone in your healing journey. This final step focuses on recognising your progress, planning for sustained wellness, and ensuring you have the support you need moving forward.

Evaluating Your Progress

As we approach completion of your structured therapy work, we take time to reflect on how far you've come. This isn't about clinical measures or formal assessments. Instead, we have meaningful conversations about what you've noticed in your own life.

You might recognise changes like these:

• You're sleeping better and feeling more rested
• Difficult emotions feel more manageable when they arise
• Your relationships feel safer and more connected
• You're making decisions that align with your values
• Memories that once felt overwhelming are becoming less intrusive
• You're engaging in activities that bring you joy
• You feel more grounded in your body and present in your life

These real, lived experiences are what matter most. They're the true measure of healing.

Signs You're Ready for Completion

There's no single timeline for trauma recovery. Everyone's journey is unique. However, you might be ready to transition from regular sessions when you notice:

• You're using your coping tools independently and effectively
• You feel equipped to handle difficult emotions without becoming overwhelmed
• You've processed significant traumatic material and feel a sense of integration
• Your relationships are improving and you're setting healthy boundaries
• You're experiencing more days where trauma isn't at the forefront of your mind
• You feel confident in your ability to move forward
• You have a clear understanding of your triggers and how to respond to them

We'll discuss these signs together. Your counsellor will never rush you toward completion. This decision is collaborative, and your readiness matters completely.

Maintenance Strategies for Long-Term Wellness

Completing structured therapy doesn't mean your healing journey ends. It evolves. We'll work together to create a personalised maintenance plan that keeps you grounded and resilient.

Daily practices might include grounding techniques, journaling, movement, or mindfulness. These aren't complicated rituals. They're simple, sustainable habits that help you stay connected to yourself.

Weekly or monthly check-ins with yourself give you space to notice patterns and honour your progress. You might reflect on what's working well and what needs attention.

Seasonal or as-needed sessions offer flexibility. Many clients find value in returning for a few sessions during challenging times or major life transitions. This isn't failure. It's wisdom. You know yourself now, and you know when you'd benefit from additional support.

Community connection remains powerful. Our CPTSD support group and therapy book club continue to be available. Many clients find that ongoing peer support deepens their healing and prevents isolation.

Ongoing Support Options Available to You

Your relationship with Turning Tides doesn't end when your regular sessions do. We offer several ways to stay connected and supported.

Your Maintenance Plan

Before we complete your structured work, we'll create a personalised maintenance plan together. This document becomes your roadmap for ongoing wellness.

Your plan includes the coping tools that work best for you. It identifies your early warning signs and what to do when you notice them. It lists the people and resources you can turn to. It reminds you of your strengths and how far you've come.

This plan is practical. It's written in your own words. It's something you can return to whenever you need grounding or direction.

Celebrating Your Achievement

Healing from trauma takes courage. It requires you to face difficult emotions, challenge old patterns, and trust in the possibility of change. You've done this work. You've shown up for yourself, even when it was hard.

That deserves recognition.

The fact that you're reading this means you've moved through significant steps. You've developed awareness. You've learned new skills. You've begun to integrate your experiences. You've reconnected with parts of yourself that trauma had touched.

This is profound work. And you've done it.

Moving Forward with Confidence

As you step into this next phase, remember that healing isn't linear. You might have days when old patterns surface or difficult emotions return. This doesn't mean you've failed. It means you're human, and you're navigating a complex life.

The difference now is that you have tools. You have understanding. You have a sense of what helps you feel safe and grounded. You have community. You have access to support whenever you need it.

Our trauma informed care serving Vancouver and across British Columbia remains available to you. Whether you need ongoing group support, occasional sessions, or simply the knowledge that we're here, you're never truly alone in this journey.

Ready to Begin or Continue Your Healing?

If you're ready to book your first session or explore our ongoing support options, we're here to help. Our online booking platform makes it simple to schedule at a time that works for you.

Book your session now at: https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

Or reach out directly to discuss what ongoing support might look like for you. We're here to walk alongside you, for as long as you need us.

Your healing matters. Your progress is real. Your future is bright.