Abuse - Emotional, Physical, Sexual Gestalt Therapy

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.

Gestalt Therapy, Somatic Transformation

Gestalt Therapy helps clients to understand the connection between their physical bodies and emotional states. When a person understands their internal motivations, it is easier to understand the external behaviours and reactions. Gestalt Therapy can help a client to develop that awareness through self-discovery. It will empower a client to develop coping skills to help him or her through stressful situations.

Gestalt Therapy beliefs that we all have all the answers within us, and it can help us to develop a greater sense of acceptance, of ourselves and of other people. As such, Gestalt Therapy can help people to improve relationships, improve decision making and gain confidence. It is a useful approach for dealing with a range of psychological issues, including PTSD, addiction, anxiety, tension and depression.

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

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

Ruby Willems

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Life is messy, difficult, and confusing and if you are here, you are likely seeking relief and support in your struggle. My hope is that you find a therapist who is a good fit for you. I welcome you to arrange a phone... Read more

Renee Bartkiewicz

M.A., RCC
  Renee Bartkiewicz is both a Registered Clinical Counsellor and an Art Therapist. In her inclusive, creative, and collaborative practice, she sees individuals that present with a variety of  issues... Read more

Carla Dassinger

Psy.D., R.Psych
Dr. Dassinger will be providing secure online video counseling during COVD-19. Dr. Carla Dassinger graduated with her doctorate in clinical psychology from Midwestern University in the greater Chicago area. She has... Read more

Tannis Hugill

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
I am a Dance-movement and Drama Therapist, BC Clinical Counsellor and Spiritual Director with an MA in Somatic Psychology. I bring over thirty-five years of experience to my work with individuals, groups, adolescents... Read more

Nathalie Chang

MCP:AT, RCC
I practice an integrative, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approach, including Art Therapy, Somatic Experiencing Therapy, and Mindfulness practice. I am passionate about helping people who have experienced traumas... Read more

Chantal Bernard

M.C., RCC
Taking the step to seek the support of a counsellor for yourself or for your loved one is a step toward positive change. Counselling is an opportunity to express yourself and share your experiences in confidence and... Read more

chelsea mcgowan

MCP, RCC
I am a passionate therapist, teacher, and dancer. I bring these elements into the work I do, and the love I have to see people develop a deeper relationship to self and in turn others. I am not a “blank slate... Read more

Nicole Persall

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Nicole Persall is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and holds a master's degree in Counselling Psychology. Nicole provides online counselling to individuals and... Read more

Naomi Kolinsky

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you finding it hard to get past events that happened to you long ago? Do you find yourself turning to food, alcohol, drugs, or relationships to escape painful feelings and cope with your life? Do you find... Read more
    • Online booking
Through an inclusive, collaborative and trauma-informed lens, Shauna has a vested interest in helping clients learn about stress and related disorders, trauma, and healthy sexuality during various adult life stages so... Read more

Larissa Szlavik

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Humans are amazing, complex beings. Life is messy. I am prepared to talk about all of it. Often the conversations I am engaged in with folks include topics of trauma, abuse, colonial violence, sexual assault, and... Read more

Maxine Larmour

M.C., RCC
My name is Maxine (she/her/hers). I am an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and Registered Clinical Counsellor. I use EMDR therapy to help individuals working through trauma related issues such as PTSD, sexual... Read more

Delyse Ledgard

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Article(s) on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
To be understood, seen, feel the comfort of another’s presence is the heart of therapy.  With over 30 years of experience, I have encountered and worked with people from all walks of life helping... Read more

Marco Ma

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a compassionate and dedicated Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 17221) affiliated with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. With the expertise in individual and couple therapy, I tailor my... Read more

Lorill Drummund

M.Ed., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Article(s) on profile
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#0921) working in BC since 1994 as a therapist, group facilitator, and instructor. My primary focus is working with couples to break through their ... Read more

Lyne Piche

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Article(s) on profile
Dr. Lyne Piché is a Registered Psychologist working in South Surre, BC. Her services are offered in both French and English. She has many years experience working with people who have sexual difficulties, sexual... Read more

Margaret Brennan

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Hello. My name is Maggie and I am a Registered Psychologist offering virtual services in BC.  As a fellow human being I understand how messy, challenging and painful life can be. Drawing on my training and... Read more

Sho sho O

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTSI) from Hong Kong. I specialize in helping clients heal from traumatic... Read more

Jolene Bloomfield

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I have always felt called to become a counsellor. I’m naturally inclined to see the light and goodness inside people. Helping people to reconnect to that goodness, to their own ‘Self’ is part of the... Read more

Sarah Corrin

M.A., RCC
Somatic Psychotherapy: Resolution and Transformation of Trauma by listening to the Wisdom of our Bodies - Reclaiming Wellbeing, Vitality and Joy   It takes courage to explore one’s inner world... Read more

Debbie Day

M.A., RCC
Debbie Day has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Debbie is a Registered Clinical counselor (1519) with BC Association of Clinical Counselors. She has... Read more

Katie Johnson

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I believe that each person is capable of healing and producing growth and transformation in their life. People continually overcome difficult experiences in life and are able to accomplish more than they can imagine. I... Read more
    • Online booking
Bronwyn is a caring and compassionate psychotherapist in private practice in Vernon, BC. She offers an approach which is uniquely tailored to each client and their therapeutic goals.  Ranging from Eastern... Read more

Amie Anderson

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR EMDR THERAPY - Amie Anderson (She/Her) is a Registered Social Worker (RSW), Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Clinical Supervisor holding a Masters Degree in Social Work from the... Read more

Sandra Neil

M.A., RCC
Starr Wellness & Recovery BILINGUAL - ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS - Youth, Parent, Family and Adults. Through my 2 decades of counselling experience, I have come to believe that a better understanding of ourselves is... Read more

Clara Morgan

M.S.W., RSW
Clara is an RSW and an RCC.  She is a therapist who provides a safe, non-judgmental, and LGBTQIA2S+ affirming space for all of her clients to share and explore their stories. She is compassionate and... Read more

Natalie Hansen

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Walking with you through life's challenges Natalie is a caring and competent Individual and Couples Therapist in Uptown New Westminster. With over 17 years of counselling experience and a Master... Read more

Bianca Rucker

Ph.D., RMFT
    • Audio on profile
    • Article(s) on profile
Bianca Rucker uses a brief model of psychotherapy and/or clinical hypnosis to help individuals and couples who experience sexual or relationship difficulties. Dr. Rucker is a CAMFT Approved Supervisor and Mentor.... Read more

Sophia Mivasair

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people seeking to build confidence, clarity, and calm in their lives. You might struggle to express yourself, and be understood in important relationships. You might be stuck on a treadmill of tired patterns... Read more
Together we can work through what is holding you back from having the life you hope for. I believe this is worth doing at any age, and any stage of life or relationship. It is never too late to find out who you... Read more