Healing from trauma doesn’t folow a straight line. It takes time, safety, and the right kind of support. Whether you’re dealing with childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, medical trauma, or loss—there are many ways to find mental health support for trauma and begin the healing process.
In this post, we’ll outline different ways to find mental health support for trauma. You don’t need a diagnosis to seek help. You just need a starting point.
1. Find Mental Health Support for Trauma: Talk Therapy with a Licensed Therapist
The most common and effective path to find mental health support for trauma is to work with a trauma-informed therapist. Not all therapists specialize in trauma, so it’s important to ask the right questions:
- Do they use trauma-focused modalities like EMDR?
- Are they trained in somatic work or nervous system regulation?
- Do they offer a safe, non-judgmental space?
Grigore Counselling has clinicians that are trained in evidence-based trauma care. You can search by location, online therapy options, or by specific therapy modalities.
2. EMDR Therapy for Trauma
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the most effective trauma treatments. It works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel overwhelming.
It’s not talk therapy—it’s structured, focused, and research-backed. EMDR can help reduce symptoms like:
- Flashbacks
- Intrusive thoughts
- Emotional numbness
- Hypervigilance
- Chronic shame
If you’ve tried traditional talk therapy and still feel stuck, EMDR might be the right next step.
3. Group Therapy or Peer Support
Sometimes healing happens best in community. Group therapy or trauma-focused support groups allow you to connect with others who share similar experiences.
You don’t have to share everything. Just being in a space where others understand can reduce shame and isolation. Look for:
- Trauma-specific groups
- Grief or abuse recovery groups
- Gender-specific support
- Indigenous community-led healing circles (especially important in Northern communities)
4. Find Mental Health Support for Trauma: Online Counselling Options
If you’re in a remote area or don’t feel comfortable attending therapy in person, online therapy is a valid and effective choice.
We offer online trauma counselling for clients across BC, the Northwest Territories, and beyond. You’ll still receive personalized, confidential support—just from the comfort of home.
5. Somatic-Based Therapy
Trauma lives in the body. Somatic therapies focus on reconnecting with physical sensations, helping regulate the nervous system, and releasing stuck trauma responses.
These may include:
- Somatic Experiencing
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
- Yoga-based trauma therapy
- Breathwork or grounding exercises
Not all therapists offer somatic modalities, so it’s important to ask if this is part of their approach.
6. Culturally Safe & Identity-Aware Therapies
Finding a therapist who respects your cultural background, identity, or spiritual beliefs can make the process safer and more effective. For Indigenous clients, for example, therapy that includes an understanding of historical and intergenerational trauma is critical.
Therapists like Lacey Poltorasky in Yellowknife, who is part Tahltan, offer culturally rooted care for Northern and Indigenous clients.
7. Books, Podcasts, and Self-Help Resources
If therapy feels too big a step right now, start with psychoeducation. Understanding trauma can help you name what you’re feeling and decide how to move forward. We recommend:
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
- Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine
- What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Many therapists also offer free guides, workshops, or trauma webinars on their sites.
When to Reach Out for Help
If you’re experiencing any of the following, support can help:
- Sleep issues
- Intrusive memories
- Avoidance
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty trusting others
- Unexplained chronic pain
You don’t have to carry trauma alone. Reach out to us and take the first step toward healing.
FAQ
How do I know what kind of trauma therapy is right for me?
Start by identifying your main symptoms—are they emotional, physical, relational? Then, look for a therapist who uses a modality suited to those symptoms. EMDR, CBT, and somatic therapies are commonly effective.
Can I do trauma therapy even if I don’t remember everything?
Yes. Many trauma therapies, including EMDR, work with feelings, body sensations, and beliefs—not just memories.
How long does trauma therapy take?
It varies. Some people feel better in weeks. Others need months. The process is individual and based on your history, support system, and therapy frequency.
Is online trauma therapy effective?
Absolutely. Virtual therapy has been proven effective, especially when guided by a qualified trauma-informed therapist.
What if I’m scared to talk about my trauma?
You don’t have to tell your story all at once. A good therapist will work at your pace, building trust and safety first.
