Counselling for Relational or Attachment Trauma in Vancouver
Trauma can leave traces—in the body, in your sense of safety, in how you relate to others.
Healing isn’t about erasing what happened, but learning how to integrate your experiences and move forward with greater ease and self-trust.
What are the impacts of relational or attachment trauma?
When we’ve been hurt in relationships — especially early ones — it can shape how we see ourselves and what we expect from others. These patterns often continue into adulthood, showing up in how we love, connect, and protect ourselves.
You might notice:
Feeling anxious, on edge, or “too much” in relationships
Difficulty trusting others or letting people get close
A pull to please, caretake, or keep the peace — even at your own expense
Feeling unworthy, unseen, or like you have to earn love
Repeating familiar patterns of distance, conflict, or disconnection
A sense of emptiness or numbness when things feel calm
Trouble identifying or expressing your own needs
Feeling stuck between wanting closeness and fearing it
You might identify as having an anxious, avoidant, or insecure attachment “style,” but despite such self-knowledge, are unable to break familiar patterns
Avoiding painful emotions through busyness, work, substances, or other numbing strategies
Feeling frequently dysregulated or outside of your “window of tolerance”
Facing the impact of trauma can feel overwhelming. It’s common to want to push it aside or keep moving forward without looking back. Healing asks for courage — but it doesn’t mean diving in all at once. With care and support, it’s possible to begin making sense of what’s happened at a pace that feels safe for you. I would be honoured to do this deep work with you.
How Counselling Can Help with Relational or Attachment Trauma
Trauma counselling offers a space to slowly make sense of what’s happened, without pressure or judgment. Together, we work at a pace that feels safe — helping you reconnect with your body, your emotions, and your sense of self. Therapy does not look the same for everyone. Some people feel called to explore their past and their childhoods, whereas other people prefer to stay oriented in the present and focus on how their trauma shows up in their everyday life.
Over time, trauma counselling can help you:
Feel more grounded and present, rather than feeling continually caught in survival mode
Recognize and shift painful patterns that were once protective but that are now holding you back from the life you long for
Build trust and self-esteem
Feeling more connected to your body, feeling safe in your body, and learning to use your body as a resource
Cultivate a deep sense of compassion for the parts of you that did what they had to do to survive
Feel more at-ease in your relationships with other people