Our PTSD Treatment Services

Step 1: Initial Contact and Getting Started with PTSD Treatment

Taking the first step toward healing from PTSD is an act of courage. At Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, we understand that reaching out can feel overwhelming. That's why we've designed our initial contact process to be welcoming, straightforward, and completely focused on your comfort and needs.

How to Begin Your Journey

Getting started is simple. You have several ways to connect with us:

• Book Online: Visit our secure booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling to schedule your free 20-minute consultation
• Call Us: Reach out directly at 778-321-6058 to speak with someone who understands
• Email: Send us a message at info@turningtidestoday.com and we'll respond promptly
• WhatsApp: Connect with us via WhatsApp at 778-321-6058 for a more casual first conversation

What to Expect in Your First Conversation

Your free 20-minute consultation is designed to help us understand what brought you to us and to answer any questions you might have. During this time, you'll have a chance to:

• Share what you're experiencing in whatever way feels comfortable
• Learn about how we work and our approach to healing from trauma
• Ask questions about the process, timing, and how we can support you
• Determine if our services are the right fit for your needs

This conversation is completely confidential. There's no pressure, no judgment, and no obligation to continue. We simply want to listen and help you understand your options.

Our Trauma Informed Approach to PTSD

Our trauma informed care recognises that PTSD affects each person differently. Kotone Frankowski, our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, brings specialised knowledge in trauma recovery. She holds a certification from Evergreen Certificates in trauma work and has spent five years helping people move through PTSD toward healing.

We use evidence based approaches including Internal Family Systems therapy, somatic experiencing, cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy. What this means in practice is that we meet you where you are and use the methods that work best for your unique situation.

Service Delivery Options

We offer flexible ways to receive support:

• Online Sessions: Connect from anywhere in British Columbia or internationally through secure video conferencing
• Flexible Scheduling: Sessions that work around your life and your healing pace
• Standard Session Length: Our individual sessions are 50 minutes, giving you dedicated time for your healing

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started

Q: Will my information be kept private?A: Absolutely. Everything you share is held in strict confidence. We follow all privacy laws and professional standards to protect your information. The only exceptions are situations where there's immediate danger to you or someone else, which we would discuss with you.

Q: What if I'm nervous about talking to someone?A: That's completely normal. Many people feel nervous before their first session. Your free consultation gives you a chance to get a feel for how we work without any commitment. You're in control of the pace and what you share.

Q: How much does treatment cost?A: We offer affordable individual sessions with flexible payment options. We also 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. A sliding scale option is available for those who need additional support.

Q: Do you accept insurance?A: Yes, we accept several major insurance providers. However, coverage varies by plan. We recommend checking with your insurance company about your specific coverage. We can help you understand the process and advocate for you if needed.

Q: What if I can't attend in person?A: Online sessions work beautifully for PTSD treatment. Many people find them more comfortable because they can be in a safe space of their choosing. Our secure video platform ensures your privacy and allows for the same quality of care as in person sessions.

Q: How long does treatment usually take?A: This varies from person to person. Some people benefit from short term support for specific issues. Others prefer ongoing care as they work through their healing journey. We'll discuss what makes sense for you during your consultation.

Q: What if I'm not sure if I have PTSD?A: You don't need a diagnosis to reach out. If you're experiencing distressing symptoms after a difficult experience, we can help. During your first session, we'll explore what you're going through and discuss whether PTSD treatment is the right path forward.

Q: Can I bring a support person to my first session?A: We can discuss this during your consultation. For individual sessions, we typically work one on one to create a safe space for you to explore your experience. However, we're happy to talk about what would help you feel most comfortable.

Q: What if I need help between sessions?A: We provide between session email support so you can reach out if you need guidance or have questions. We're here to support your healing journey, not just during scheduled sessions.

Our Commitment to You

We believe healing from PTSD is possible. We've seen people move from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to rediscovering their strength and resilience. Our role is to create a safe, supportive space where that healing can happen at your pace.

We're committed to:

• Meeting you with genuine compassion and without judgment
• Respecting your pace and your choices throughout treatment
• Using evidence based methods that have helped many people recover from PTSD
• Keeping everything you share completely confidential
• Being transparent about how we work and what to expect

Geographic Service Area

Our trauma informed PTSD treatment is available throughout British Columbia. Whether you're in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George, or any community across the province, we can support you through online sessions. We also serve clients internationally.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your healing journey begins with a single conversation. There's no rush, no pressure, and no judgment. When you're ready, we're here.

Book your free 20-minute consultation today:

• Online Booking: https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling
• Phone: 778-321-6058
• Email: info@turningtidestoday.com
• WhatsApp: 778-321-6058

You can also learn more about our PTSD and trauma services at https://www.turningtidestoday.com/cptsd-support or visit our main website at https://www.turningtidestoday.com.

A Final Word

If you're reading this, you've already taken an important step by considering treatment. That takes strength. We're honoured to walk alongside you as you move toward healing. Your story matters. Your recovery matters. And you deserve support from people who truly understand.

Step 2: Your First Session with Us

Welcome to the intake and goal-setting phase of your journey with Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching. This is where we get to know you, understand what brings you here, and begin mapping out a path forward together.

What Happens in Your First Session

Your first session lasts 50 minutes and creates the foundation for everything that follows. This is a conversation, not an interrogation. We'll explore your story, listen to what matters most to you, and start building trust in a safe space.

During this time, Kotone will:

• Welcome you with genuine warmth and without judgment
• Listen to what brought you here and what you hope to achieve
• Learn about your background, relationships, and current challenges
• Discuss how you prefer to work and what support looks like for you
• Begin understanding your values and the strengths you already possess
• Explain how our trauma informed approach works and what to expect moving forward

Preparing for Your First Session

You don't need to prepare extensively. However, having thought about a few things beforehand can help you feel more grounded and make the most of your time.

What to Think About Before You Arrive

• What is the main concern or challenge you want to address?
• When did you first notice this pattern or difficulty?
• What have you already tried that has helped, even a little?
• What would feel different or better in your life if things shifted?
• Are there specific relationships or situations that feel most challenging right now?

What to Bring

• A valid form of identification
• Your insurance card if you plan to submit claims
• Any relevant medical or mental health history you're comfortable sharing
• A notebook if you like to jot down thoughts during or after sessions
• An open mind and willingness to explore

Technical Setup (for online sessions)

• A quiet, private space where you feel safe to talk
• A device with a working camera and microphone
• A stable internet connection
• Tissues nearby, just in case
• A glass of water

Understanding Our Intake Conversation

We use what we call a collaborative intake conversation rather than formal questionnaires or clinical forms. This means we talk naturally about your life, your concerns, and your hopes. As we get to know each other, we're also learning about patterns, strengths, and areas where you'd like to grow.

Think of it like this: instead of filling out a checklist, we're having a genuine dialogue. You'll share what feels important, and Kotone will listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help you see connections you might not have noticed before.

The Goal-Setting Process

By the end of your first session, you and Kotone will begin outlining what success looks like for you. This isn't about setting rigid targets. It's about discovering what matters most and creating a direction that feels meaningful.

How We Set Goals Together

Goals emerge from conversation. You might say something like 'I want to feel less anxious in social situations' or 'I want to understand why I react the way I do in relationships.' Kotone helps you clarify what that actually means and what small steps could move you toward it.

Your goals might include:

• Healing from past trauma or difficult experiences
• Building healthier relationship patterns
• Developing better ways to manage difficult emotions
• Discovering your values and what truly matters to you
• Moving through a life transition with more confidence
• Understanding yourself more deeply
• Creating a life that feels more aligned with who you are

These goals shift and evolve as you progress. That's completely normal and actually a sign that you're learning and growing.

Common Concerns About the Intake Process

Will I have to share everything at once?

No. You share what feels safe and manageable. Healing happens at your pace. If something feels too vulnerable in the first session, you can always revisit it later when you feel more grounded.

What if I don't know what I want to work on?

That's more common than you might think. Many people come in knowing something feels off but not exactly what. Through conversation, clarity emerges. Kotone is skilled at helping you discover what's underneath the surface.

Will you judge me for what I share?

Never. Turning Tides operates from a place of deep respect and understanding. Whatever you've experienced, whatever you're struggling with, you're met with compassion and without judgment.

What if I get emotional?

That's welcome and safe. Emotions are information. They tell us what matters. If you feel tears coming, that's okay. Kotone creates space for that.

How long does the intake process take?

Your first session is 50 minutes. Sometimes clarity about goals and direction emerges in that first conversation. Sometimes it takes a second or third session. There's no rush.

What Happens After Your First Session

After your session, you'll receive a follow-up email summarizing what you discussed and the initial direction you're heading. This gives you time to reflect and ask any questions that come up.

You'll also schedule your next session. Many people find that meeting regularly, whether weekly or every other week, helps create momentum and consistency in their healing journey.

Between sessions, you have email access to Kotone if something comes up or you want to share a thought that feels important.

Our Therapeutic Approach

Kotone draws from several evidence-based approaches, all woven together in a way that feels natural and supportive. These include Internal Family Systems work, somatic approaches that honour your body's wisdom, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. What this means in practice is that your therapy is tailored to you. Some sessions might focus on understanding patterns in your thinking. Others might involve noticing what your body is telling you. Some might explore your relationships and how you connect with others.

All of it is grounded in trauma informed care, which means we understand that many people have experienced difficult things, and we work in ways that feel safe and empowering.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Everything you share is confidential. Your privacy is protected by professional standards and legal requirements. The only exceptions are situations involving immediate danger to yourself or others, or if a child is being harmed. Kotone will always be transparent about these limits.

Insurance and Payment

Our services may be covered by your insurance provider. We accept claims from Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross. Coverage depends on your individual policy, so we recommend checking with your provider about what's included.

We accept payment via credit card or PayPal. If cost is a concern, sliding scale options are available. Let's talk about what works for you.

Ready to Begin?

Your first session is an invitation to step into a space where you're truly seen and supported. There's no pressure to have everything figured out. You just need to show up with openness and a willingness to explore.

If you have questions before your session, reach out. We're here to help you feel as comfortable as possible.

Book your first session through our online booking platform:

https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

Or contact us directly at info@turningtidestoday.com or 778-321-6058 if you'd like to discuss your needs before booking.

We look forward to meeting you and beginning this journey together.

Step 3: Active Treatment and Healing Work

You've completed your initial sessions and established a solid foundation for your healing journey. Now we move into the heart of the therapeutic process. Step 3 is where meaningful change happens. This is where you'll develop new skills, process difficult experiences, and build the resilience that leads to lasting transformation.

What Happens During Your Sessions

Each session with our trauma informed counselling services serving all of British Columbia follows a thoughtful structure designed to support your healing.

The Opening (First 5 to 10 minutes)

We begin by checking in on how you've been since our last time together. You'll share what's been on your mind, what's shifted, and what feels most pressing right now. This isn't about rushing through formalities. It's about understanding where you are emotionally and what we need to focus on today.

The Core Work (30 to 35 minutes)

This is where the real transformation happens. Using approaches grounded in Internal Family Systems, we'll explore the different parts of yourself and how they're responding to your experiences. We might work with somatic techniques, which means paying attention to what your body is telling you. We'll use cognitive strategies to help you notice and gently shift thought patterns that no longer serve you. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps you clarify what truly matters to you and move toward those values even when difficult emotions arise. Dialectical Behavior Therapy teaches you practical skills for managing intense feelings and building a life worth living.

Throughout this work, we honour your pace. There's no pressure to process everything at once. Healing unfolds gradually, and that's exactly as it should be.

Building Skills and Practising New Ways (10 to 15 minutes)

Toward the end of each session, we focus on concrete skills you can use in your daily life. You might learn grounding techniques to use when you feel overwhelmed. We might practise communication approaches you want to try with someone important to you. We'll talk about what you want to work on before we meet again, and I'll support you in identifying small, achievable steps.

Closing and Planning Ahead (Final 5 minutes)

We'll summarize what we've explored together and what you're taking forward. You'll leave with clarity about what to focus on this week and when we'll connect next.

Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Our trauma informed care available across British Columbia draws on several evidence-based methods, each chosen because research shows they genuinely help people heal from complex trauma and PTSD.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps you understand the different protective parts of yourself and how they're working to keep you safe. By developing compassion for these parts, you can access a deeper wisdom within yourself that knows how to heal.
• Somatic approaches recognise that trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. We pay attention to physical sensations, tension, and what your nervous system is communicating. This helps you develop a more peaceful relationship with your own body.
• Cognitive work involves noticing the stories your mind tells you and gently exploring whether those stories are actually true. You'll learn to question automatic thoughts and develop a more balanced perspective.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy teaches you to make peace with difficult emotions rather than fighting them. You'll clarify your deepest values and take meaningful action aligned with what matters most to you.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy provides practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. These are tools you can use immediately when life feels overwhelming.

What You'll Work On Between Sessions

The real healing happens in your life, not just in the therapy room. That's why we collaborate on meaningful practices you can do between our sessions.

Reflective Journaling

Writing is a powerful way to process emotions and track patterns. You might journal about what triggered you during the week, what you noticed about your reactions, or what you're grateful for. There's no right way to do this. It's simply a space for your thoughts and feelings to flow onto the page.

Grounding and Calming Practices

You'll learn techniques to use when you feel anxious, triggered, or overwhelmed. These might include breathing exercises, sensory awareness practices, or mindfulness techniques. The goal is to help your nervous system settle and return to a state of safety.

Practising New Skills

If we've worked on communication strategies, you might practise these with someone you trust. If we've explored a new way of responding to a particular situation, you'll experiment with it in your daily life and notice what happens. These small experiments build confidence and create real change.

Values Reflection

You might spend time thinking about what truly matters to you. What kind of person do you want to be? What relationships do you want to nurture? What brings you joy? These reflections help align your daily actions with your deepest values.

Reading and Resources

Depending on what we're working on, I might share articles, excerpts, or book recommendations. These resources deepen your understanding and give you language for what you're experiencing. Some clients find it helpful to read about others' healing journeys or to learn more about trauma and how it affects the brain and body.

Noticing and Observing

Sometimes the homework is simply to notice. Notice what triggers you. Notice what helps you feel calmer. Notice moments of joy or connection. This awareness itself is healing and gives us valuable information to work with in our next session.

How We Track Your Progress

Progress in therapy isn't always linear, and that's completely normal. Some weeks you'll feel significant shifts. Other weeks might feel quieter. Both are part of the healing process.

We track progress through ongoing conversations. At the beginning of each session, we'll discuss what's shifted since we last met. Are you noticing changes in how you respond to triggers? Are relationships feeling different? Is your sense of yourself evolving? These reflections help us see the real progress you're making, even when it feels subtle.

I might ask you to reflect on specific areas you identified as important in your early sessions. How are things in those areas now? What's better? What's still challenging? This collaborative reflection keeps us focused on what matters most to you.

You'll also notice progress in your daily life. You might find yourself responding to situations differently. You might feel more at ease in your body. You might experience more moments of peace or connection. These real-world changes are the truest measure of healing.

Between-Session Support

You're not alone between our sessions. Our counselling and life coaching services serving British Columbia include post-session follow-up emails. If something comes up during the week that you want to process, or if you have questions about the work we're doing, you can reach out via email. I'll respond thoughtfully, and we can explore what's happening or plan how to address it in our next session.

This email support keeps the therapeutic relationship alive and helps you feel held even when we're not meeting face to face.

Your Role in This Process

Healing is a collaboration. You bring your lived experience, your wisdom about yourself, and your commitment to change. I bring training, tools, and a deep belief in your capacity to heal.

You're in charge of your pace. If something feels too intense, we slow down. If you want to explore something more deeply, we go there. If you have ideas about what might help, we try them. Your voice matters in every session.

This is your healing journey. I'm here to support and guide you, but the courage and the work are yours.

Ready to Begin Step 3?

If you're ready to move into active treatment and begin this meaningful work, we'd be honoured to support you. Book your first session through our online booking platform and take the next step toward the healing and peace you deserve.

Book Your Session Now

Step 4: Progress Evaluation and Completion

You have reached an important milestone in your healing journey. Step 4 is about recognising how far you have come, evaluating your progress, and preparing for the next chapter of your life with the tools and insights you have gained.

Understanding Your Progress

Throughout your time working with our trauma informed care services at Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, you have been building something meaningful. We measure progress not just by symptom reduction, but by the shifts you notice in how you move through the world.

Progress looks like:

• Moments when old triggers feel less overwhelming
• Relationships that feel safer and more connected
• The ability to sit with difficult emotions without being consumed by them
• Increased clarity about who you are and what matters to you
• Greater confidence in your capacity to handle life's challenges
• A sense of hope that was not there before

Signs You May Be Ready for Completion

Readiness for completion is deeply personal. There is no single timeline. However, you might notice you are ready when:

The Completion Conversation

Completion is not something that happens to you. It is something we explore together. In your final sessions, we will reflect on your journey. We will celebrate the specific changes you have made. We will acknowledge the courage it took to show up for yourself.

This conversation helps ensure that completion feels right for you, not premature or forced. It also gives us the chance to discuss what comes next.

Maintenance Strategies for Long-Term Wellness

Healing does not end when sessions end. It evolves. The practices and insights you have developed become part of how you live.

Building Your Personal Wellness Plan

We will work together to create a maintenance strategy tailored to your life. This might include:

• Daily or weekly practices that keep you grounded (mindfulness, journaling, movement, time in nature)
• Recognising your early warning signs when stress is building
• The specific coping tools that work best for you in different situations
• How to reach out for support when you need it
• Regular check-ins with yourself about how you are doing

Staying Connected to Community

Our CPTSD support groups and therapy book club remain available to you. Many clients find that ongoing connection with others who understand their journey provides valuable perspective and normalisation. These groups meet regularly and offer a space where you belong, whether you are actively in individual therapy or maintaining your wellness independently.

Our therapy book club serves clients across British Columbia and beyond, meeting online to explore healing through literature and shared reflection. This is an affordable way to stay engaged with your growth.

Follow-Up and Ongoing Support Options

Completion does not mean goodbye. It means transition.

Maintenance Sessions

Many clients benefit from occasional check-in sessions. This might be monthly, quarterly, or as needed. These sessions help you stay on track and address any new challenges that arise. Think of them as tune-ups rather than ongoing therapy.

Returning When Life Shifts

Life brings new chapters. Major transitions, unexpected losses, or new challenges may bring you back. That is not failure. That is wisdom. Our door remains open. You already know how to work with us, and we know your story. Returning is often easier and more focused than starting fresh.

Between-Session Email Support

If you transition to maintenance sessions or after completion, you can reach out via email between appointments with questions or reflections. We respond within two business days, offering guidance and perspective when you need it most.

Access to Our Community Resources

You will always have access to our online support groups and book club. These provide ongoing connection and learning without the commitment of individual sessions.

Celebrating Your Achievement

Take a moment to recognise what you have accomplished. You came to us carrying pain, trauma, or struggle. You showed up week after week. You were vulnerable. You tried new things. You challenged old patterns. You learned about yourself.

That is extraordinary.

The person you are now is different from the person who started. You carry the same history, but you relate to it differently. You have more choices. More peace. More hope.

What Happens Next

After your final session, we will send you a summary of the work you have done and the strategies we have developed together. This becomes your reference guide. You can return to it whenever you need grounding or clarity.

We will also discuss the best way to stay in touch. Whether that is through occasional maintenance sessions, participation in our support groups, or simply knowing you can reach out when life calls for it, we remain part of your support system.

Ready to Move Forward

Our trauma informed care services serving all of British Columbia, including Vancouver, the Okanagan, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, and communities across the province, are designed to meet you where you are. If you are approaching completion or thinking about your next steps, we are here to support that transition thoughtfully.

You have done the work. Now you get to live it.

Ready to book your completion conversation or explore maintenance options?

Connect with us through our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling or reach out directly at info@turningtidestoday.com or 778-321-6058.

Our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Kotone Frankowski, and the team at Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching are honoured to have been part of your healing journey.