Find a Therapist for Complex Trauma
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.
Jessica Sloan
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
Jessica Sloan
Registered Psychotherapist
She\Her
ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Somatic Therapy, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Caregiver burnout, Fertility, PTSD, Nervous system regulation, Highly Sensitive Person, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Trauma processing, Self-esteem, Prenatal care, People pleasing, Pregnancy, Assertiveness, Insomnia, Perfectionism, Empowerment, Emotional regulation, Goal Setting, General Mental Health, Maternal mental health, Career Stress, Imposter syndrome
ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Somatic Therapy, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Caregiver burnout, Fertility, PTSD, Nervous system regulation, Highly Sensitive Person, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Trauma processing, Self-esteem, Prenatal care, People pleasing, Pregnancy, Assertiveness, Insomnia, Perfectionism, Empowerment, Emotional regulation, Goal Setting, General Mental Health, Maternal mental health, Career Stress, Imposter syndrome
Tanasha Wilkinson
Registered Social Worker
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Tanasha Wilkinson
Registered Social Worker
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Childhood trauma, Trauma, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Anger Management, Building Self-Care Routines, Break-up recovery, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Depression coping skills, Domestic violence, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Intergenerational trauma
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Childhood trauma, Trauma, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Anger Management, Building Self-Care Routines, Break-up recovery, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Depression coping skills, Domestic violence, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Intergenerational trauma
Corey Lesperance
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Corey Lesperance
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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
Andrew Fawcett
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in BC, MB, SK, YT, and NT.
Waitlist
Andrew Fawcett
Registered Clinical Counsellor
he/him
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
Justin Leung
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Justin Leung
Registered Psychotherapist
He/Him
Trauma, Dissociation, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), ADHD, Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Depression, Confidence, Existential questions, Emotional Numbness, Emotional regulation, Identity and Self-Exploration, Masculinity, Intergenerational trauma, Break-up recovery, PTSD, Self Destructive Behaviour, Spirituality, Self-Criticism, Trauma processing
Trauma, Dissociation, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), ADHD, Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Depression, Confidence, Existential questions, Emotional Numbness, Emotional regulation, Identity and Self-Exploration, Masculinity, Intergenerational trauma, Break-up recovery, PTSD, Self Destructive Behaviour, Spirituality, Self-Criticism, Trauma processing
Ariella Boehm
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, BC, MB, NL, NT, NU, SK, and YT.
Waitlist
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Ariella Boehm
Registered Psychotherapist
she/her
ADHD, Anxiety, Familial and social relationships, Anger Management, Boundaries and boundary setting, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Court Mandated Counselling, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Effective communication, Family issues, Goal Setting, Intergenerational trauma, Interpersonal dynamics, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Maternal mental health, Motivation, Navigating challenging relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parenting, Personal Growth, Relationships, Self-Criticism, Self-esteem, Self-Regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal)
ADHD, Anxiety, Familial and social relationships, Anger Management, Boundaries and boundary setting, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Court Mandated Counselling, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Effective communication, Family issues, Goal Setting, Intergenerational trauma, Interpersonal dynamics, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Maternal mental health, Motivation, Navigating challenging relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parenting, Personal Growth, Relationships, Self-Criticism, Self-esteem, Self-Regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal)
Diane Brussell
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
Diane Brussell
Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her, We/Us
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Befriending the Nervous System, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness Practices, Navigating challenging relationships, PTSD, Transformative dream work, Somatic Therapy, Personal Growth, Trauma processing
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Befriending the Nervous System, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness Practices, Navigating challenging relationships, PTSD, Transformative dream work, Somatic Therapy, Personal Growth, Trauma processing
Vanessa Liu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Virtual Sessions in ON, NT, YT, NU, AB, BC, NL, and SK.
Waitlist
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Vanessa Liu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Cultural Challenges, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Attachment trauma, Anger, Attachment, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Relationship anxiety
Cultural Challenges, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Attachment trauma, Anger, Attachment, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Relationship anxiety
Mariya Garnet
Pre-Licensed Professional
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, AB, SK, MB, NL, YT, NT, and NU.
Waitlist
Mariya Garnet
Pre-Licensed Professional
She/Her
Existential questions, Spirituality, Somatic Therapy, Addiction, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Trauma, Shadow Work, Self-esteem, Self-Development, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Connecting with your Inherent Power, Depression, Identity and Self-Exploration, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Psychedelic therapy, Nature-Based Spirituality, People pleasing, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Intergenerational trauma, Relationships, Emotional Numbness
Existential questions, Spirituality, Somatic Therapy, Addiction, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Trauma, Shadow Work, Self-esteem, Self-Development, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Connecting with your Inherent Power, Depression, Identity and Self-Exploration, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Psychedelic therapy, Nature-Based Spirituality, People pleasing, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Intergenerational trauma, Relationships, Emotional Numbness
Michelle Brewer
Counselling Therapist
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
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Michelle Brewer
Counselling Therapist
she/her/hers
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
Kate Newby
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in AB, BC, MB, and SK.
Waitlist
Kate Newby
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
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
Lotus Huyen Vu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Virtual Sessions in SK, ON, AB, BC, and MB.
Waitlist
Lotus Huyen Vu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Addiction, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Behavioural Issues, Borderline Personality Disorder, Caregiver burnout, Aging, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Thought Restructuring, Negative thinking and ruminating, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Mindfulness Practices, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Addiction, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Behavioural Issues, Borderline Personality Disorder, Caregiver burnout, Aging, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Thought Restructuring, Negative thinking and ruminating, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Mindfulness Practices, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
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What is Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?
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.