Abuse - Emotional, Physical, Sexual Somatic Approaches

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.

Somatic Approaches

Somatic approaches to therapy recognize the mind-body connection and focus on addressing psychological issues through bodily experiences. By incorporating techniques such as body awareness, breathwork, and sometines movement, these approaches help individuals access and process stored emotions and trauma. This value lies in their ability to foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healing.  Some therapies like "somatic experiencing" require specialized training and certification.  Please ask your therapist whether he/she has sprecialize training and in which approaches.

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

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

Carole Gaato

Ph.D., R.Psych
With more than 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, I sometimes lose touch with just how daunting the task of finding your "right" therapist can be. Just so you know, as registered psychologists and... Read more

Bruce Avery

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Bruce Avery, I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and I’m the founder of Avery Therapy Centre. I work with a wide range of people who may seek increased perspective, self-understanding, and... Read more

Robyn Kozak

M.Ed., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Whether it is struggles with trauma, anxiety, pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, relationships, or mood, I support individuals with identifying what they want to be different in their life and co-creating a... Read more

Meghan Hodgson

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hello - I'm Meghan, a Registered Clinical Counsellor living and practicing in Vancouver, BC, also known as the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-... Read more

Sarajoy David

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Audio on profile
The focus of my service is the teaching of emotional self-care skills.  I draw upon leading edge therapies in facilitating each person's journey to self-awareness, healing and empowerment. This self-exploration... 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

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

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

Lillian Kelly

M.A., RCC
I see clients online. from anywhere Frustrated? Unhappy with your relationship? Are you repeating painful patterns in your relationship, and in your life? I can help you create the changes that you long for! You... Read more

Geoff Williams

M.S.W., RCC
It takes courage to engage with therapy and self improvement. So please, let me commend you, and express that it is my privilege to work with you.   My name is Geoff Williams and I am of English, Scottish,... 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

Carly Degenstein

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! And Hello :) I'm Carly - an RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) that's had the honor of working as a therapist for over 5 years now. I run a private practice that... Read more

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

Krista Sao

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people who have a desire for change but are unsure where to start. If you want life to be more fulfilling, but you feel held back by fear, guilt, or shame. You’ve engaged in new behaviours but... Read more

Chelsie Pilon

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you tired of repeating the same limiting patterns in your life? Does anxiety, overwhelm, or depression feel like a constant battle for you? Maybe you feel stuck, confused and alone. My name is Chelsie Pilon, and I... Read more

Amrita Dhoot

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! Do you come from a family with complex dynamics and feel like people don’t quite understand you? Have these experiences led to you being anxious, and struggling to trust yourself or others? My unique... Read more

Lisa Webster

M.A., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
  What makes Lisa stand out is her warm personality and her straight forward approach. With gentleness and humour, she guides clients to find their own insights, while providing tools and teaching techniques... 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

Molly Mo

M.Ed., RCC
Molly Liwen Mo M.Ed., R.C.C., LCP., CP., TEP My name is Molly. I provide services in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese. Call me at 6049159111 or email me to enhance and create the lifestyle... Read more
Barbara Clay is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#3074) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Counselling Psychology. Barb has additional registration with the Crime... 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

Zoe Nichele

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome, I’m Zoe! I work with people seeking freer self-expression, deeper authenticity, and calmer presence in life. The people I work with are often struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or life... 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

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

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

Mark Giesbrecht

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Do you need professional help to make changes that will improve your life or relationships?  Mark Giesbrecht is currently offering online video therapy through a secure online portal made for... Read more

Candice Seligman

MCP, CCC
    • Online booking
Are you feeling ready for a deeper layer of healing? I am a somatic soul-based therapist who approaches therapy and healing from an embodied, compassionate, empowering, trauma-informed, and holistic perspective. By... Read more

Kirsten Sherlock

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, located in Port Moody, BC. I offer 1:1 private counselling and online workshops for people to step into their personal power as they learn how to both find their true voice and how... Read more

Huda Sajjad

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
About Me My practice is grounded in an approach that is holistic and collaborative. I believe that all people have the ability to heal and grow. I offer my clients support and guidance to access and trust their inner... 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