Complex trauma requires specialized care. Browse therapists who understand CPTSD and watch their intro videos to find someone who can support your healing journey.
Complex trauma, sometimes called Complex PTSD or CPTSD, develops from prolonged or repeated traumatic experiences—often beginning in childhood or involving ongoing situations like abuse, neglect, or captivity. Unlike single-incident trauma, complex trauma can affect how you see yourself, relate to others, and regulate emotions in profound ways.
Working with a therapist who understands complex trauma is essential. On First Session, you can browse therapists who specialize in trauma-informed care. Watch their intro videos to find someone whose approach feels safe, and book online when you're ready. All therapists on our platform have had their credentials verified during onboarding.
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Victoria Gabriele
Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Etobicoke, )
Virtual Sessions in AB and ON.
Waitlist
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Victoria Gabriele
Registered Social Worker
Offers Free Consultation
$160/session
ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anger Management, Attachment wounds, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Coping Skills, Dating challenges, Emotional regulation, Health anxiety, Life transitions, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Negative thinking and ruminating, OCD, Panic attacks, PTSD, Trauma processing, Work-Life Balance, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions
ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anger Management, Attachment wounds, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Coping Skills, Dating challenges, Emotional regulation, Health anxiety, Life transitions, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Negative thinking and ruminating, OCD, Panic attacks, PTSD, Trauma processing, Work-Life Balance, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Behavioural Issues, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Christian counselling, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Depression, Dissociation, Dreams, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Meaning and purpose, Trauma, Suicidal ideation, Substance Use, Shadow Work, PTSD
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Behavioural Issues, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Christian counselling, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Depression, Dissociation, Dreams, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Meaning and purpose, Trauma, Suicidal ideation, Substance Use, Shadow Work, PTSD
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Ontario, Nunavut, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Yukon
Andrew Fawcett
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Pender Island, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC, MB, SK, YT, and NT.
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Andrew Fawcett
Registered Clinical Counsellor
he/him
Offers Free Consultation
$130/session
Befriending the Nervous System, Ecopsychotherapy, Attachment wounds, Brain injury, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Mental Decolonization, Nature-Based Spirituality, Parenting, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Sex therapy, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dreams, Imposter syndrome, Men's issues, Neurodiversity, Cultural Challenges, Chronic Illness
Befriending the Nervous System, Ecopsychotherapy, Attachment wounds, Brain injury, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Mental Decolonization, Nature-Based Spirituality, Parenting, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Sex therapy, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dreams, Imposter syndrome, Men's issues, Neurodiversity, Cultural Challenges, Chronic Illness
British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
Vanessa Liu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, NT, YT, NU, AB, BC, NL, and SK.
Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut
Michelle Brewer
Counselling Therapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Edmonton, AB)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
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Michelle Brewer
Counselling Therapist
she/her/hers
Offers Free Consultation
$210/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, ADHD, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, College or University Coaching, Break-up recovery, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Eating disorders, Fertility, Group Therapy, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative body image, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, People pleasing, Personal Growth, Trauma, Women's Health
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, ADHD, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, College or University Coaching, Break-up recovery, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Eating disorders, Fertility, Group Therapy, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative body image, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, People pleasing, Personal Growth, Trauma, Women's Health
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Kate Newby
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Calgary, AB)
Virtual Sessions in AB, BC, MB, and SK.
Waitlist
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Kate Newby
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Offers Free Consultation
$130/session
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Life transitions, Navigating challenging relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Sexuality and gender issues, Dissociation, Nervous system regulation, Emotional regulation, Trauma processing, Attachment wounds, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Suicidal ideation, Familial and social relationships, Break-up recovery, Bullying, People pleasing, Boundaries and boundary setting, School challenges, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Caregivers, Mind-body connection, Meaning and purpose, Self-esteem, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Life transitions, Navigating challenging relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Sexuality and gender issues, Dissociation, Nervous system regulation, Emotional regulation, Trauma processing, Attachment wounds, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Suicidal ideation, Familial and social relationships, Break-up recovery, Bullying, People pleasing, Boundaries and boundary setting, School challenges, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Caregivers, Mind-body connection, Meaning and purpose, Self-esteem, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
ADHD, Relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Coming out and identity, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Dating challenges, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Neurodiversity, Intergenerational trauma, Parenting, Relationship anxiety, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Sexuality and gender issues, Self-Criticism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Identity and Self-Exploration
ADHD, Relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Coming out and identity, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Dating challenges, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Neurodiversity, Intergenerational trauma, Parenting, Relationship anxiety, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Sexuality and gender issues, Self-Criticism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Identity and Self-Exploration
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Maria Legault
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Oakville, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Maria Legault
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
she, her, elle, la
Offers Free Consultation
$145/session
Self-esteem, Anxiety, Workplace stress, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Attunement, Befriending the Nervous System, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Career Stress, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Cultural Challenges, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Wellness Counselling, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Trauma processing, Women's Health, Creativity, Empowerment, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative body image
Self-esteem, Anxiety, Workplace stress, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Attunement, Befriending the Nervous System, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Career Stress, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Cultural Challenges, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Wellness Counselling, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Trauma processing, Women's Health, Creativity, Empowerment, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative body image
Mind-body connection, Childhood trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Familial and social relationships, Intergenerational trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Nervous system regulation, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Dissociation, Self-Criticism, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Boundaries and boundary setting, Attachment wounds, Grief and Loss
Mind-body connection, Childhood trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Familial and social relationships, Intergenerational trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Nervous system regulation, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Dissociation, Self-Criticism, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Boundaries and boundary setting, Attachment wounds, Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Trauma, People pleasing, Attachment trauma, Befriending the Nervous System, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Childhood trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Mind-body connection, BIPOC, Emotional regulation, Break-up recovery, Dissociation, Low mood, Social anxiety, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness, Nervous system regulation, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety, Trauma, People pleasing, Attachment trauma, Befriending the Nervous System, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Childhood trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Mind-body connection, BIPOC, Emotional regulation, Break-up recovery, Dissociation, Low mood, Social anxiety, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness, Nervous system regulation, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Identity and Self-Exploration
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, NL, NT, NU, YT, and SK.
Waitlist
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Cayla Townes
Registered Psychotherapist
she/her
Offers Free Consultation
$170/session
Attachment trauma, Life transitions, Self-esteem, Attachment wounds, Aging, Anxiety, Depression, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Childhood trauma, Workplace stress, Self-Development, Stress, Relationships, Perfectionism, People pleasing, Overwhelm, Meaning and purpose, Caregiver burnout, Chronic and acute illness, Imposter syndrome, Separation and divorce, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Attachment trauma, Life transitions, Self-esteem, Attachment wounds, Aging, Anxiety, Depression, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Childhood trauma, Workplace stress, Self-Development, Stress, Relationships, Perfectionism, People pleasing, Overwhelm, Meaning and purpose, Caregiver burnout, Chronic and acute illness, Imposter syndrome, Separation and divorce, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Ontario, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Saskatchewan
Alisha Kandler
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Kelowna, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC.
Waitlist
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Alisha Kandler
Registered Clinical Counsellor
she/her
Offers Free Consultation
$160/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), ADHD, Adoption, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Childhood trauma, Transitioning into Adulthood, Depression, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Life transitions, Health anxiety, People pleasing, Intergenerational trauma, Workplace stress, Trauma processing, Negative thinking and ruminating, Nervous system regulation, PTSD, Grief and Loss
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), ADHD, Adoption, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Childhood trauma, Transitioning into Adulthood, Depression, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Life transitions, Health anxiety, People pleasing, Intergenerational trauma, Workplace stress, Trauma processing, Negative thinking and ruminating, Nervous system regulation, PTSD, Grief and Loss
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Complex PTSD develops from prolonged, repeated trauma—often in situations where escape was difficult or impossible, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity. In addition to typical PTSD symptoms, CPTSD often includes difficulty regulating emotions, negative self-perception, challenges with trust and relationships, and feeling disconnected from yourself or others.
How can therapy help with complex trauma?
Many people find that therapy provides a safe space to process traumatic experiences at their own pace, develop skills for managing intense emotions, work through patterns that developed as survival responses, and build a healthier sense of self. Healing from complex trauma takes time, but therapy can provide essential support throughout the journey.
What types of therapy help with CPTSD?
Several approaches can help with complex trauma, including trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, somatic therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Your therapist will work with you to find approaches that feel safe and effective for your unique situation. Healing is not one-size-fits-all, and the pace is always guided by what feels manageable for you.
How do I find a therapist for complex trauma?
On First Session, you can browse therapists who list complex trauma, CPTSD, or trauma-informed care as specialties. Watch their intro videos to get a sense of their warmth and approach—finding someone who feels safe is especially important for this work. Learn more about what makes a good therapist.
How long does it take to heal from complex trauma?
Healing from complex trauma is a gradual process that looks different for everyone. Because complex trauma affects so many aspects of life, therapy is often a longer journey than for single-incident trauma. However, many people begin to notice meaningful shifts even in early stages of treatment. Your therapist will support you at a pace that feels safe.
How do I get started?
Browse therapists on First Session who specialize in complex trauma and CPTSD. Watch their intro videos to find someone whose approach resonates with you, then book a session online. Many therapists offer free consultations so you can ask questions before committing. Reaching out for support takes courage—you deserve care that understands what you've been through.