Rebecca Berman

Trauma impacts how we see the world, navigate through our experiences and connect in our relationships.  The lives we live are built upon the lessons we learn in our families, cultures, peer groups, and in the greater society/world in which we live.   

As a granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I grew up witnessing, but not understanding, how the violence perpetuated against my family members affected my own lived experiences.  I have gained an understanding of how my own intersecting identities as a white, Jewish, cisgender woman living as an uninvited settler on Indigenous land impact how I perceive the world around me.

We are not the product of a single experience or relationship, but sometimes one can feel so overwhelming that it overtakes all the others.  As we build our relationship together, I welcome you to bring your entire self (or whatever feels safe) to the counselling process.  Together, we can explore what you already know about yourself and build on that insight to find strategies that will make more sense in your daily life.   

Using EMDR, somatic, neuro-diverse informed, and trauma-informed practices, we will work to reconnect and strengthen your ways of coping.  We can not erase the difficult events that have occurred, but together we can reduce the impact they have on your daily functioning.  

I have 15 years of experience supporting folks through crisis and trauma.  Some of my most specialized areas of support: 

• Trauma recovery
• Adverse childhood experiences
• Sexual assault and inter-partner violence
• Addictions
• Burnout
• Anxiety 
• Depression

I am a Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers (#11907) and a member of the BC Association of Social Workers.  I have a Bachelor's of Social Work from McGill and a Counselling Certificate from Vancouver Community College.  I provide counselling from a trauma-informed, collaborative, and anti-oppressive approach. 

When not in the counselling room, you may find me exploring my most recent craft discovery, watching something funny, or walking through one of the many beautiful parks in the Lower Mainland. 

It is important that you feel comfortable with the person that is supporting you. I welcome you to ask me questions that would relate to your counselling experience.