Abuse - Emotional, Physical, Sexual Family Systems

Abuse - Emotional, Physical, Sexual

The area of abuse counselling includes both physical, emotional and sexual abuse therapy effectively conducted in a safe and caring environment. While not visible on the outside, emotional abuse is also a form of assault which, if left untreated, can leave lifelong emotional scars. Abusers often use intimidation to create guilt and fear to make the victim feel ashamed and isolated from other people.
 
● The symptoms of physical abuse are usually the easiest to see, with victims making excuses for scars and bruises.
● Children who are sexually abused will often have an age-inappropriate knowledge of sexuality and may even suffer from sexualy transmitted diseases, or pregnancy.
● Emotional abuse often goes hand-in-hand with either sexual, and or physical abuse. The victim will usually display a poor self-esteem, anxiety, withdrawal from social interactions, lack of trust, pessimism, and suicide attempts, to name but a few.
 
Abuse is often carried through generations, causing victims to become abusers, too. However, abuse can be stopped.
 
Therapists in this directory use a range of approaches to address abuse victims to deal with their fears, anxiety and feelings of shame. They can also help perpetrators to put an end to the abuse.  Psychologists and counsellors utilize a variety of approaches to help victims  heal from sexual, emotional or physical abuse. Couples,  group and family therapy can often be helpful.
 
If you need a counsellor or psychologist to help you address the effects of abuse, you can search through the list of names below to find a professional with the approach best suited to your situation.

Family Systems, Spiritual Counselling

Family Systems therapy is a type of counselling specific to helping interpersonal relationships within a family system. Family Systems counselling is facilitated by marriage and family therapists who work with the various family combinations, including siblings, couples, parent and child, or step families.

The principle of family systems counselling is to help each individual to first learn to understand his or her own emotions, and how to manage interpersonal relationships effectively, as that influences all future relationships. Once family members understand themselves and the emotional system within the family, it is easier to be flexible in relationships with family  members, marriages, community, school and other relationships.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Family Systems Therapies, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Spiritual Counselling incorporates the different uses and understandings of spirituality that are in use today. In Spiritual Counselling, the word spirit refers to the essence of living.

Some people see spirituality as a set of rituals or traditions, while others follow a different faith. These beliefs are handed down from previous generations, or in some cases, people are drawn to a religion.

Spiritual Counselling encompasses all of that, as well as a person's personal well-being and that of other people. It incorporates beliefs, values, associations, arts, culture, worship, meditation and purpose. Therapists use Spiritual Counselling to help clients to connect with their own spiritual beliefs and communities. They will also point out issues where spiritual beliefs, relationships or practices might be contradicting values, beliefs or goals.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Spiritual Counselling, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Darcee Cooper

M.S.W., RSW
I am both a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and have been practicing as a social worker since 2002.  I have extensive experience working with: trauma, chronic medical... Read more

Linda Lin

MCP:AT, RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that every person who comes in the room has unique stories and lived experiences they bring in, so I orient the therapy depending on the your needs. I also recognize the limitations and barriers BIPOC and... Read more

Mary Munro

M.A., RCC
I can help. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in Vic West, close to downtown.  Counselling can help you function better.  You may feel calmer and more effective, or find insights, meet... Read more

Suzy Davis

M.A., RCC
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to all prospective clients. I am currently accepting new clients for virtual sessions only, sliding fee scale available upon inquiry.  My approach to counselling is... Read more

Ashley Shankar

M.S.W., RCSW
I’m a cis South Asian woman. My Masters in Social Work from the University of British Columbia has granted me the opportunity to work extensively in diverse community mental health settings. I work with... Read more

Ellen Ivity

Ph.D., R.Psych
Hello, I am currently accepting new clients for counseling, as well as for ASD and ADHD assessments.  I offer an individualized approach to therapy to support you in achieving your goals. I integrate several... Read more

Lindsay Faas

M.A., RCC
Lindsay is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. She is the Owner and Director of ThriveLife Counselling & Wellness, as well as full time Clinical Counsellor... Read more

Jennifer Scott

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Please note I am now offering virtual counselling by phone or video as well as in-person counselling. Many clients have found virtual counselling just as effective as in-person counselling. I welcome you to give it... Read more

Shelley Ugyan

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 15 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as  psychodynamic... Read more

Melina Baum Singer

M.A., RCC
*Offering video and in-person sessions  *Free 20 minute introductory session  Located in Vancouver B.C., Melina is a registered clinical counsellor and member of the B.C. Association of Clinical... Read more

Daphne Georghiou

MFT, RCC
Get help from a seasoned, clinically trained psychotherapist in Vancouver, with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples and families cultivate inner balance and create a path to finding joy in... Read more

Jordan Penner

M.A., RCC
Jordan has been helping people access their strengths and overcome challenges for the past 15 yearsl; with a focus on building skills that create lasting solutions.  True change comes from... Read more

Kevin Erickson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
In a world that constantly demands more, finding your stride in both personal and professional spheres can be a challenging journey. If you're someone who feels you're not quite showing up as the best version of... Read more

Tricia Antoniuk

M.S.W., RSW
Imagine finding Hope & Passion in your Life... If you feel stuck or frustrated, in emotional pain or a struggling relationship, counselling can help. With respect and patience we will discover how you can meet... Read more

Glenda Wallace

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Do you want to change the patterns in your important relationships?  Do you seek more balance in your life?  Do you need a safe place to be heard?  Through our conversations, you will broaden your... Read more

Daeniela Bheaumont

M.Ed., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
I am a registered psychologist (College of Psychologist of BC #651) and have been a member of the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology since 1990.  I received my Masters degree in Counseling... Read more

Allison Rice

M.A., RCC
Allison Rice (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, with over 20 years of experience, who works with clients in offices in Vancouver and Courtenay, BC. Splitting her time between the city of Vancouver... Read more

Janna Straley

M.A., RCC
Janna's focus is on the treatment of Eating Disorders as well as anxiety, depression and family related issues. She has numerous years of experience working with individuals, couples and families and advocates a... Read more

Kayla Fleming

MC, RCC
Providing phone and video/virtual counselling to clients across British Columbia, I work with children, youth and adults, and support both individuals and couples. When you come for a session... Read more

Debra Seeley

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello! I’m Debbie, from Inner Harmony Counselling Registered Social Worker (MSW & RSW), Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) I am currently offering both remote, and or in person counselling... Read more

Tanya Switucka

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling to be the best version of yourself?   Are you seeking tools to manage life in a way that allows more enjoyment and contentment?  I offer a direct and action-oriented approach utilizing... Read more

Suzanne Kyra

M.A., RCC
With over 30 years of experience, Suzanne Kyra, M.A., Registered Clinical Counsellor, Suzanne Kyra is a highly sought after counsellor in the North Shore, Port Moody, and Coquitlam area. She is also an... Read more

Olga Shchedrinskaya

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Having worked as a counsellor in a non-profit organization, private practice, and a mental health clinic, I bring more than 10 years of experience to my work with with individuals, couples, and families. My primary... Read more

Rhianna Williams

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello, my name is Rhianna Williams, RCC (#19779), MACP, BCYC I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC. I offer virtual, in-person and walk-and-talk counselling in Squamish BC. I hold a master’s... Read more

Amy Rappaport

M.S.W., RCC
Welcome! I work with people experiencing a variety of life transitions and life struggles.  A stressful life event, life change, or a recent loss can make it feel like your bottom has fallen out from under... Read more

Fernanda Souza

Ph.D. (cand), RCC
Challenging events? Life changes? Overwhelmed? Stressed? Needing balance?  Struggling with anxiety, relationships, depression, grief, decisions, performance?  Looking forward to getting to where you want to be... Read more

Denise Carter

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Life can be complicated no matter what your age is. Managing life transitions such as becoming a teenager or young adult, a parent, or change in any life routine can be difficult. You may be experiencing stress, anxiety... Read more

Claire McMillan

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hi and thanks for stopping by! I'm Claire (she/her) and I've recently relocated to the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver. I was previously offering in-person office sessions while in Vancouver, and will now be... Read more

Jas Lachar

M.S.W., RSW
Sometimes our mental well-being suffers because we have had a major life transition such as starting or finishing university, becoming a new parent, taking a new position at work, moving or Covid-19. Transitions are... Read more

Tanya Dang

M.Ed., CCC
Tanya is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria. Her focus has been working with youth and adults to face their fears and to find direction... Read more