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.

Harry Stefanakis

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
Dr. Harry Stefanakis holds a doctorate degree in psychology and is registered with College of Psychologists of BC (#1489). He is an experienced counselor and educator who communicates effectively with both humour and... Read more

David Renaud

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people experiencing difficult problems. Such problems go by many names, and may be new or old, but all share the common trait of stubbornly obstructing our happiness. You might feel depressed, anxious, or... Read more

Zakia Ovington

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
As a dedicated therapist at Future Focus Therapist, my practice is centered on fostering emotional well-being, nurturing authentic self-leadership, and facilitating trauma recovery. I understand that each client's... Read more

Amanda Thiessen

M.S.W., RSW
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your emotional experience, you have come to the right place. Maybe you've never tried therapy before, things have finally come to a head, and you're ready to seek help.... Read more

Chris Nicol

M.A., RCC
I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Talk Therapist with over 12 years of lived experience in addiction, over 20 years of professional experience, and I offer telephone-based and online individual therapy... 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

Gillian Curtis

MCP, RCC
Hi there, I'm Gillian! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#22672) and hold a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. If you’re here, know that you’ve taken a huge step... Read more

Laura Lansdell

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
I am currently accepting new client and have availability for in-person, virtual or telephone appointments Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you need more support or access to new resources? Whatever you are going... Read more

Radha Ortiz

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
You don’t have to struggle with what you’re going through alone. Whether you want to heal or push yourself to grow, I want to build a strong relationship with you so that we can better understand your... Read more

Monique Wong

M.Ed., RCC
No one needs to be alone and feel isolated during difficult times. Let’s have a conversation to work together to explore and practice different coping strategies and get the support you need.  Monique is a... 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

Lisa Roberts

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
My clients have said "counselling with you feels different". Likely, because it is often matter of fact, to the point, humour infused and honest. I am your biggest cheerleader, but I will hold you accountable... Read more

Susan Baum

Ph.D., R.Psych
"When we are no longer able to change a situation—we are challenged to change ourselves." Victor Frankl To have my clients take up the challenge to change—that is the power I try to help... Read more

Virginia McConchie

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Waitlist for new clients. My name is Virginia and I am a Registered Social Worker and Therapist. I work with individuals over the age of 18 who may be struggling with trauma, anxiety, existential questions, life... Read more

Rana Hakami

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am Registered Clinical Counsellor and educator supporting individuals navigate planned and unexpected educational, career, and life transitions. Everyone approaches change with a unique set of values, beliefs, and... Read more

Rob Roy

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered clinical psychologist working exclusively by video.  Therefore, I am available to see clients who live anywhere in British Columbia.  I provide treatment services for people with... Read more

Stephenie Torpey

M.C., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
We all have the potential to make meaningful changes to build a life worth living well.  I have specialized training in helping adults with various concerns such as trauma/PTSD, anxiety (general, social, panic... Read more

Valerie MacNeil

M.Ed., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Are you experiencing overwhelming emotions, unwanted thoughts, challenging relationships, codependency, unhelpful habits or addiction? You are not alone, anyone can benefit from counselling at some point in their lives... Read more

Rosalyn Best Clark

M.Couns., RCC
Rosalyn Best, MoC, RCC #8656. Ros Best is passionate about counselling because she has so often witnessed its transformative power. She offers couples counselling, and counselling for life transitions, trauma, cancer... Read more

Jonathan Carter

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
**ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS **NO REFERRAL NECESSARY When we set out on life's journey we all have expectations of what life is going to give us and how life is going to turn out. We all have a sense of how... Read more

Kimi Combow-Gill

M.Ed., RCC
Kimi has a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and is bound by... Read more

Anne Siegenberg

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Journey with Anne to discover and appreciate your own unique self. With Anne as your counselor you will have the opportunity to identify and transform some of the internalized negative... Read more

Sarah Mordell

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Curious about therapy but feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to start? Let's walk through it together. Finding someone who seems like a good fit for you is an important start. But reflecting on what you'... Read more

Kathryn McInroy

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Kathryn believes that counselling is a collaborative process between the client(s) and their counsellor, and treats the relationship as a partnership. She uses a strengths-based and solution-focused approach to help her... Read more

Christina McGill

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Christina’s work with clients focuses on helping them connect with their innate capacity to heal, supporting them to learn to trust themselves, and developing their ability to reflect on their inner self.... Read more

Elise Durante

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
  Hi there! My name is Elise, and I am taking on new clients for virtual/online counselling. With two decades of counselling experience, I’m committed to delivering compassionate and impactful... 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

Paula Bude

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Paula Bude (MEd., C.C.C., R.C.C., C.Hyp.) is asking you to consider: "what if this imperfect moment is the gateway into everything I want?".  Therapy with Paula is an invitation to deepen... Read more

Heidi Kwok

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
I am an integrative therapist who believes in the power of combining spirituality and psychotherapy to support individuals on their healing journey. I understand that humans are complex beings, and that healing goes... Read more

Nicole Lam

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor devoted to guiding individuals on their healing journeys through improving overall wellness and building strong relationships. I strive to bring a unique blend of cultural insight... Read more