Sexual Violence Counselling in Burnaby
Sexual Violence Counselling in BC
Starting sexual violence counselling is similar to driving. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed of being in the driver’s seat, as you may worry you will be judged or criticized. Some days, you may not trust yourself, and on other days, you may not feel capable. However, you are capable and equipped to get behind the wheel. I sit next to you in the passenger seat, ensuring you are safe, heard, validated, and supported as you drive. With your permission, we will unpack and process the sexual violence you experienced. You can pull over, slow down, or change lanes at any time. Driving home after your counselling session, you feel seen, heard, validated, and supported. I empower you to make decisions and regain control of your life in a safe and supportive space.
I am a registered clinical counsellor (#19428) dedicated to supporting individuals who have experienced sexual violence or abuse.
I support you in healing from the sexual violence you experienced, and we unpack how it impacts your life. This happens in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space in Burnaby and online. You may struggle with going to work, taking care of yourself, meeting your basic needs, or spending time with loved ones. I work with you to help you overcome your struggles, meet your own needs, and strengthen your relationship with yourself.
At Ease Counseling in Burnaby, I offer individual, in-person, and online sexual violence and abuse counselling for adults and youth. I work with you to help you achieve your goals and improve your mental health.
As your counsellor, I ensure you feel seen, heard, validated, and accepted. Starting your healing journey takes courage, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Understanding Sexual Violence
When supporting female survivors, I explain that women from a diverse range of backgrounds experience sexual violence or abuse. Statistically, women experience sexual violence more than men in Canada. In some cases, the perpetrator is an intimate partner or ex-partner. It can also be someone a survivor knows well and trusts.
At Ease Counseling in Burnaby provides a safe space to share and heal from the sexual violence you experienced.
Loved ones or friends may not be aware that you experienced sexual violence. You may not have disclosed it to your boss, and you may not wish to report it to the RCMP, but it may still impact many aspects of your life. For example
- You may feel embarrassed and ashamed that you experienced sexual violence.
- You may blame yourself, or you may find that the people around you hold you responsible and are not very supportive.
- You may struggle to sleep, experience insomnia, or have night terrors.
- You may struggle to meet your basic needs.
Symptoms of Sexual Violence
Sexual violence can impact individuals in different ways. Some examples include:
- You may struggle to socialize with friends and find yourself avoiding social gatherings.
- You feel ashamed and judge yourself for what you experienced.
- You may struggle to feel safe, which can leave you feeling on edge and unable to relax.
- You may be fearful of work colleagues finding out and judging you.
- You may be fearful of disclosing what happened to loved ones, as you worry they will not believe you.
At Ease counselling in Burnaby provides a nonjudgmental, kind, and compassionate space to help you heal from the sexual violence or abuse you experienced. Together, we focus on your needs, which may include the following:
- Building a strong sense of self and a healthy relationship with yourself. Including self-acceptance, self-love, self-compassion, and forgiveness.
- Understanding that you are not to blame for the perpetrator’s behaviour and that you are not responsible for what they did.
- Identifying and prioritizing your needs and wants. Focusing on self-care also helps reduce feelings of shame and guilt.
- Treating yourself with kindness and patience rather than judgment or criticism.
Benefits of Sexual Violence Counselling
- Connection
Sexual violence counselling in Burnaby focuses on strengthening your connection with yourself. In counselling, I provide a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and to create a new narrative. One in which they are not to blame. Some individuals feel disconnected from family members or friends as a result of the sexual violence or abuse they experienced. We focus on strengthening existing connections and establishing new ones. Some survivors feel depressed, isolated, and lonely. When you feel depressed, you may also struggle with negative self-talk, low mood, and energy. Other individuals feel anxious and experience panic attacks. In counselling, we process your experiences, which helps you feel less anxious and depressed. I also share strategies to help you cope when your anxiety or depression surfaces.
- Explore
Sexual violence counselling in Burnaby explores how the sexual violence or abuse you experienced impacts your life. We explore how it impacts your thoughts, feelings, view of self, and relationships with others. We also identify triggers and how you react or respond when triggered. Individuals who have experienced sexual violence or abuse sometimes blame themselves and have negative self-talk. I support you in gently challenging negative thoughts and cultivating a kinder, more compassionate inner dialogue. Some survivors of sexual violence or abuse experience shame and disbelief. We process this loss and work together to rebuild confidence and self-worth. I also talk about tactics perpetrators use and explain how, in many cases, the perpetrator is someone the survivor knows well and trusts. I reinforce to clients that they are not to blame for what they experienced.
- Heal
Sexual violence counselling in Burnaby helps you heal from the violence or abuse you experienced. You may struggle with feelings of shame, embarrassment, blame, anger, and sadness. You may find it challenging to go to work, socialize with friends or family, and engage in once-enjoyable activities. You may not feel comfortable disclosing what you experienced with those closest to you, which means you may not have the support you need. We work together to unpack past experiences and heal them so that they are no longer triggering. We can not change what happened, but we can change how you feel about it. We work together to build your sense of self-esteem and self-worth. Some clients struggle with sleep, recurring nightmares, panic attacks, and depression. In counselling, we focus on this, your coping mechanisms and strategies to help you regain control.
Why choose At Ease Counselling?
- Client-driven approach
- At Ease Counselling sessions focus on meeting you where you are and working at your pace, alongside you, with compassion, kindness, and curiosity, both in Burnaby and online.
- Evidence-based modalities
- At Ease Counselling Services, I incorporate evidence-based modalities in every session. I am trained in various evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Each of these modalities equips me to support your unique needs, and we work together to achieve your counselling goals.
- Anti-oppressive practice
- At Ease Counselling understands the impact of inequality and oppression when supporting you in a safe, non-judgmental, inclusive space in Burnaby and online. People from all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations, including 2SLGBTQI+, are welcome.
Ready to start your healing journey? Sexual violence counselling in Burnaby is here to support and help you process your experience and heal. You are in safe hands at At Ease Counselling.
