Trauma Counselling

You Carry the Weight of Crisis. But Who Helps You Process What You've Lived Through?

You're trained to respond when lives are on the line. Whether you're a paramedic, nurse, firefighter, ER doctor, police officer, military member, or public safety professional, your role often exposes you to the worst moments of people's lives.

The job requires strength, but it also takes a toll. You may be living with:

Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
Irritability, anxiety, or emotional numbness
Trouble sleeping or feeling safe
A sense that you're always "on"—and never off duty

The truth is: you're human. And even the strongest people need space to process.

You're Not Alone in This

I offer trauma-informed care to people who've experienced overwhelming or life-altering events through their work. Therapy can help you feel grounded, safe, and supported again—not by erasing what's happened, but by helping you carry it differently.

Here’s how we’ll work together:

Start with a safe connection – We'll build a relationship grounded in trust and compassion, at a pace that feels right for you.
Gently explore and release – We'll work through your experiences without overwhelm, addressing symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, emotional shutdown, and guilt or shame.
Regain your ground – You'll learn grounding skills for when you're triggered, techniques to calm your nervous system, and boundaries and communication tools to protect your time and energy.

With the right support, it's possible to:

✓ Feel less reactive and more grounded
✓ Reconnect with yourself and others
✓ Rediscover your purpose and resilience
✓ Carry the weight of your work without it costing you everything

You've faced more than most, and healing is within reach.

Want to know more about who I work with and how I approach this work? Visit Counselling for Helping Professionals →

Ready to take the next step? Book a free 15-minute consultation →

Testimonials

“Our clients struggle with a variety of complex mental health and addiction issues, behavioral problems and medical conditions. Nicole has put in a tremendous effort into the development and implementation of a program that meets the unique needs of our clients and enriched their overall treatment and recovery. Nicole works with care and compassion on the complex issues of our clients providing creative solutions in an independent and effective manner. She has developed strong therapeutic relationships with the clients, and has been helpful in the development of treatment plans and provided quality Yoga Therapy for our centre. In my opinion, she is an excellent Yoga teacher and therapist and is dedicated to her professional work.”

Steven Henne, MA, RCC, Clinical Practice Lead, Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addictions
“Down to earth. Engaging. Delightful sense of humor. Experienced. Knowledgeable. All these words capture my experience of Nicole–as a person and as a teacher. As a practicing yogi and as a student of yoga, I love my classes with Nicole. As a psychologist, I continue to refer patients, clients, and friends to her because I value what working with Nicole can add to person’s life and healing journey.”

– Eva DeHaas, Ph.D., Registered Psychologist, Yoga Student
“I have known Nicole and her work as a yoga therapist for many years. Nicole and I have collaborated in the past in delivering an exercise program to patients with chronic depression. Her work with this vulnerable group is most impressive. I receive nothing but positive endorsements from my patients who work with her. I continue to regularly encourage physical activity for my patients and if yoga is the intervention they prefer – the go-to person in our community is Nicole.”

Ron Remick, MD, FRCP(C), Medical Director, Lookout Housing and Health Society
“Nicole is a very grounded, intelligent, friendly, and often funny teacher. She has the ability to teach from a place of real education, both in terms of what she’s done, and what she’s experienced in her own life. She knows how to set students at ease and create a space for them where they can learn and grow on their own terms. I loved learning from her, and I love working with her!”

Julie Peters, Studio Director at Ocean & Crow Yoga/Space
“Nicole has worked with me one on one, doing therapeutic yoga. She is knowledgeable, patient and creative as a teacher and yoga therapist. She is attentive to all my physical limitations and has improved my flexibility and strength tremendously. She is committed to excellence in all of her practice. It has been a joy to work with her.”

Jurhee Zimmerman, R.N. B.Sc.N., M.Ed., Executive and Team Coach
“As an education consultant, I have a caseload of children who have sustained an acquired brain injury and who continue to experience both physical and psychological complexities as a result of accidents. Nicole has proved to be an essential member of a multidisciplinary team as her work addresses both physical and psychological domains through her work as a yoga therapist. She is sensitive and extremely flexible in her approach, tailoring her work to the uniqueness of each child. In every situation in which she has worked the client expressed extensive positive regard for both her and the results of their efforts. She is a forerunner in her field!”

J. Zarudzka M.Ed.
“Your authenticity is your power. Your passion is contagious. Your commitment and accessibility (emotional and spiritual) is inspiring. You facilitate with fact and insight. A wonderful experience.”

Participant, The Therapeutic Relationship Training, Ajna Yoga Victoria, BC, 2014

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Trauma Counselling

You Carry the Weight of Crisis. But Who Helps You Process What You've Lived Through?

Here’s how we’ll work together:

“Your authenticity is your power. Your passion is contagious. Your commitment and accessibility (emotional and spiritual) is inspiring. You facilitate with fact and insight. A wonderful experience.”