Somatic Therapy and Counselling in Vancouver

Browse videos, and choose your best match based on availability, and most of all, fit.

Tiles of headshot of First Session therapists

Therapists

Nisha Thakkar

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Cambridge, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Nisha Thakkar

Nisha Thakkar

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
$160/session
Trauma processing, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Burnout, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Childhood trauma, Navigating challenging relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, PTSD, Couples, Relationships, Grief and Loss
Trauma processing, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Burnout, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Childhood trauma, Navigating challenging relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, PTSD, Couples, Relationships, Grief and Loss

Lauren Browman

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Lauren Browman

Ashley Wass

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Essex, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Ashley Wass

Ashley Wass

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
$150/session
Boundaries and boundary setting, Relationships, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Anxiety, Burnout, Emotional regulation, Stress, Break-up recovery, Dating challenges, People pleasing, Women's Health, Relationship anxiety, Deep connections, Grief and Loss
Boundaries and boundary setting, Relationships, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Anxiety, Burnout, Emotional regulation, Stress, Break-up recovery, Dating challenges, People pleasing, Women's Health, Relationship anxiety, Deep connections, Grief and Loss

Kate Newby

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Calgary, AB)
Virtual Sessions in AB, BC, MB, and SK.
Waitlist
Show More
Kate Newby

Kate Newby

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
$130/session
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Identity and Self-Exploration, 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
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Identity and Self-Exploration, 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

C. Nicole MacLeod

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Unionville, ON)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
Show More
C. Nicole MacLeod

C. Nicole MacLeod

Registered Psychotherapist
she/ her
$170/session
ADHD, Neurodiversity, Family issues, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Attachment, Bipolar Disorder, Body Dysmorphia, Borderline Personality Disorder, Brain injury, Building Self-Care Routines, Children/Teens, Conflict resolution, Couples, Depression, Emotional regulation, Eating disorders, Familial and social relationships, Giftedness Issues, Learning disabilities, LGBTQ2IA+, Managing ADHD symptoms, Mindfulness Practices, Trauma, Grief and Loss
ADHD, Neurodiversity, Family issues, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Attachment, Bipolar Disorder, Body Dysmorphia, Borderline Personality Disorder, Brain injury, Building Self-Care Routines, Children/Teens, Conflict resolution, Couples, Depression, Emotional regulation, Eating disorders, Familial and social relationships, Giftedness Issues, Learning disabilities, LGBTQ2IA+, Managing ADHD symptoms, Mindfulness Practices, Trauma, Grief and Loss

Molly McBride

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Chilliwack, BC)
Virtual Sessions in MB, NU, YT, NT, BC, SK, and NL.
Waitlist
Show More
Molly McBride

Molly McBride

Registered Clinical Counsellor
$150/session
Nervous system regulation, Addiction, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Befriending the Nervous System, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Meaning and purpose, Negative thinking and ruminating, OCD, PTSD, Self Destructive Behaviour, Spirituality, Trauma processing, Workplace stress
Nervous system regulation, Addiction, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Befriending the Nervous System, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Meaning and purpose, Negative thinking and ruminating, OCD, PTSD, Self Destructive Behaviour, Spirituality, Trauma processing, Workplace stress

Anna Loch

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vancouver, BC)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
Show More
Anna Loch

Anna Loch

Registered Clinical Counsellor
$155/session
Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Christian counselling, Couples Therapy, Eating disorders, Early childhood, Cultural Challenges, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Mind-body connection, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Trauma processing, Stress, Neurodiversity, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Infertility
Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Christian counselling, Couples Therapy, Eating disorders, Early childhood, Cultural Challenges, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Mind-body connection, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Trauma processing, Stress, Neurodiversity, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Infertility

Rima Sehgal

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, YT, NU, MB, and SK.
Waitlist
Show More
Rima Sehgal

Rima Sehgal

Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
$190/session
Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, BIPOC, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Maternal mental health, Men's issues, Parenting, Relationships, School challenges, Trauma, Workplace stress, Grief and Loss
Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, BIPOC, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Maternal mental health, Men's issues, Parenting, Relationships, School challenges, Trauma, Workplace stress, Grief and Loss

Lotus Huyen Vu

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Regina, SK)
Virtual Sessions in SK, ON, AB, BC, and MB.
Waitlist
Show More
Lotus Huyen Vu

Lotus Huyen Vu

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
$160/session
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, Identity and Self-Exploration, Life transitions, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Thought Restructuring, Negative thinking and ruminating, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Mindfulness Practices, Grief and Loss
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, Identity and Self-Exploration, Life transitions, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Thought Restructuring, Negative thinking and ruminating, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Mindfulness Practices, Grief and Loss

Ciara Williams

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Greater Sudbury, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Ciara Williams

Ciara Williams

Registered Social Worker
she / her
$150/session
Trauma, Relationships, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Depression, Existential questions, Emotional regulation, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Neurodiversity, Oppressive family dynamics (e.g. emotional, physical or spiritual abuse or neglect), People pleasing, PTSD, Spirituality, Trauma processing
Trauma, Relationships, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Depression, Existential questions, Emotional regulation, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Neurodiversity, Oppressive family dynamics (e.g. emotional, physical or spiritual abuse or neglect), People pleasing, PTSD, Spirituality, Trauma processing

Michelle Belitzky

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Montreal, QC)
Virtual Sessions in QC and ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Michelle Belitzky

Michelle Belitzky

Registered Social Worker
she/her
$170/session
Anxiety, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Couples, Depression, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Life transitions, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Family Conflict, Emotional Numbness, Relationships, Familial and social relationships, Navigating challenging relationships, Identity and Self-Exploration, Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Couples, Depression, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Life transitions, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Family Conflict, Emotional Numbness, Relationships, Familial and social relationships, Navigating challenging relationships, Identity and Self-Exploration, Grief and Loss

Sharissa Woon Sam

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Brampton, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Sharissa Woon Sam

Jennifer Henderson

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Kitchener, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON and BC.
Waitlist
Show More
Jennifer Henderson

Jennifer Henderson

Registered Social Worker
They/She
$160/session
LGBTQ2IA+, Trauma processing, Emotional regulation, Trauma, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dissociation, Familial and social relationships, Navigating challenging relationships, Nervous system regulation, Neurodiversity, People pleasing, PTSD, Self Destructive Behaviour, Sexuality and gender issues, Suicidal ideation, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Stress, Grief and Loss
LGBTQ2IA+, Trauma processing, Emotional regulation, Trauma, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dissociation, Familial and social relationships, Navigating challenging relationships, Nervous system regulation, Neurodiversity, People pleasing, PTSD, Self Destructive Behaviour, Sexuality and gender issues, Suicidal ideation, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Stress, Grief and Loss

Kim Dawson

Registered Psychologist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Victoria, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC.
Waitlist
Show More
Kim Dawson

Kim Dawson

Registered Psychologist
$225/session
Couples Therapy, Trauma processing, Psychedelic therapy, Anxiety, Befriending the Nervous System, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Depression, Dreams, Emotional regulation, Infertility, Insomnia, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Meaning and purpose, Mind-body connection, Nature-Based Spirituality, Mindfulness Practices, Navigating challenging relationships, PTSD, Shadow Work, Thought Restructuring, Overwhelm, Grief and Loss
Couples Therapy, Trauma processing, Psychedelic therapy, Anxiety, Befriending the Nervous System, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Depression, Dreams, Emotional regulation, Infertility, Insomnia, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Meaning and purpose, Mind-body connection, Nature-Based Spirituality, Mindfulness Practices, Navigating challenging relationships, PTSD, Shadow Work, Thought Restructuring, Overwhelm, Grief and Loss

Kelly Budenz

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vaughan, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Kelly Budenz

Kelly Budenz

Registered Social Worker
she/her
$175/session
Anxiety, Depression, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Anger Management, Behavioural Issues, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Assertiveness, Children/Teens, Caregivers, Empowerment, Emotional regulation, Mindfulness, School challenges, Self harm, Suicidal ideation, Stress, General Mental Health, Parenting
Anxiety, Depression, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Anger Management, Behavioural Issues, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Assertiveness, Children/Teens, Caregivers, Empowerment, Emotional regulation, Mindfulness, School challenges, Self harm, Suicidal ideation, Stress, General Mental Health, Parenting

Ghazal Ghoddousi

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Richmond Hill, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, BC, MB, and SK.
Waitlist
Show More
Ghazal Ghoddousi

Ghazal Ghoddousi

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
$150/session
Identity and Self-Exploration, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Life transitions, Childhood trauma, Self-Criticism, People pleasing, Negative thinking and ruminating, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Depression, Boundaries and boundary setting, Behavioural Issues, Cultural Challenges, Interpersonal dynamics, Navigating challenging relationships, Building Meaningful Connections
Identity and Self-Exploration, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Life transitions, Childhood trauma, Self-Criticism, People pleasing, Negative thinking and ruminating, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Depression, Boundaries and boundary setting, Behavioural Issues, Cultural Challenges, Interpersonal dynamics, Navigating challenging relationships, Building Meaningful Connections

Sabrina Sibbald

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Burlington, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Sabrina Sibbald

Sabrina Sibbald

Registered Social Worker
she/her
$160/session
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
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

Shannon Bradley

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Burk's Falls, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Shannon Bradley

Shannon Bradley

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
$140/session
Anger, Emotional regulation, Confidence, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Goal Setting, Maternal mental health, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, Parenting, Performance anxiety, School challenges, Self-Development, Separation anxiety, Thought Restructuring, Social anxiety, Attachment, Trauma, Sexuality and gender issues, Grief and Loss
Anger, Emotional regulation, Confidence, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Goal Setting, Maternal mental health, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, Parenting, Performance anxiety, School challenges, Self-Development, Separation anxiety, Thought Restructuring, Social anxiety, Attachment, Trauma, Sexuality and gender issues, Grief and Loss

Calum Ramsay

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Victoria, BC)
Virtual Sessions in MB, NT, YT, NU, BC, and SK.
Waitlist
Show More
Calum Ramsay

Calum Ramsay

Registered Clinical Counsellor
He/Him
$150/session
Anxiety, Self-esteem, Life transitions, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anger, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Couples Therapy, Depression, Emotional regulation, Identity and Self-Exploration, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Masculinity, Men's issues, Mental performance, Meaning and purpose, Negative thinking and ruminating, Perfectionism, Sports Performance, Attachment, Self-Criticism, Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Self-esteem, Life transitions, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anger, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Couples Therapy, Depression, Emotional regulation, Identity and Self-Exploration, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Masculinity, Men's issues, Mental performance, Meaning and purpose, Negative thinking and ruminating, Perfectionism, Sports Performance, Attachment, Self-Criticism, Grief and Loss

Ryan Yellowlees

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Victoria, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC and AB.
Waitlist
Show More
Ryan Yellowlees

Ryan Yellowlees

Registered Clinical Counsellor
He/Him/His
$100/session
Disability, Chronic Illness, Caregivers, Chronic and acute illness, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Empowerment, Motivation, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Stress, Men's issues, Masculinity, Depression, Depression coping skills, Conflict resolution, Relationships, People pleasing, Family Conflict, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Effective communication, Physical Disability, Grief and Loss
Disability, Chronic Illness, Caregivers, Chronic and acute illness, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Empowerment, Motivation, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Stress, Men's issues, Masculinity, Depression, Depression coping skills, Conflict resolution, Relationships, People pleasing, Family Conflict, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Effective communication, Physical Disability, Grief and Loss

Kaitlin Klimosko

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Victoria, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC, AB, SK, MB, and YT.
Waitlist
Show More
Kaitlin Klimosko

Kaitlin Klimosko

Registered Clinical Counsellor
she/her
$150/session
Anger Management, ADHD, Attachment, Anxiety, Building Meaningful Connections, Childhood trauma, Conflict resolution, Depression, Trauma, Court Mandated Counselling, Eating disorders, Stress, Burnout, Assertiveness, Dating challenges, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Men's issues, Parenting, Self-Regulation
Anger Management, ADHD, Attachment, Anxiety, Building Meaningful Connections, Childhood trauma, Conflict resolution, Depression, Trauma, Court Mandated Counselling, Eating disorders, Stress, Burnout, Assertiveness, Dating challenges, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Men's issues, Parenting, Self-Regulation

Jola Mecani

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Pickering, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Jola Mecani

Jola Mecani

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$165/session
Emotional regulation, Intergenerational trauma, Childhood trauma, Anger, Attachment, Attachment trauma, Anxiety, Break-up recovery, Children/Teens, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Social anxiety, Cultural Challenges, Early childhood, Emotional Numbness, Familial and social relationships, Dissociation, Maternal mental health, Interpersonal dynamics, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Life transitions, Grief and Loss
Emotional regulation, Intergenerational trauma, Childhood trauma, Anger, Attachment, Attachment trauma, Anxiety, Break-up recovery, Children/Teens, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Social anxiety, Cultural Challenges, Early childhood, Emotional Numbness, Familial and social relationships, Dissociation, Maternal mental health, Interpersonal dynamics, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Life transitions, Grief and Loss
A man and woman sitting at a table looking at a phone

Therapy is hard work.

Finding the right therapist shouldn’t be. Over 10,000 Canadians found their new therapist with First Session.

Frequently asked therapy questions

What is somatic therapy? How can therapists and counsellors treat mental health issues?

Modality is the word for the techniques or methods a counsellor might use during your sessions. Most counsellors will draw from a few different core modalities. You should always feel free to ask them how they intend to approach your sessions and to explain these techniques to you. Two major modality categories are: cognitive (mind) and somatic (body).

Under the cognitive or talk therapy umbrella is CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) When you start CBT therapy, a counsellor will help you understand distorted thinking patterns and how those distortions inspire certain behaviours and emotions. CBT typically takes place over a set number of appointments and often involves journaling or “homework” between sessions.

DBT therapy is an iteration of CBT and other psychotherapy techniques. It’s often ideal for those who engage in impulsive behaviour, have self-destructive habits or have a higher emotional response to life’s challenges. “Dialectical” in this case means two truths existing at once—I am having a hard time and I am working on this every day. People who benefit from DBT tend to need to move away from “all-or-nothing” thinking that can prompt intense emotional responses. DBT often involves group counselling.

Somatic therapy addresses the ways in which our bodies respond to stress. When we’re in danger, we go into a fight, flight or freeze response. When we’re stressed for long periods of time, we can become stuck in these modes and it can put a lot of (sometimes unconscious) duress on our minds and bodies. Once you start connecting the way your body reacts to your feelings and stressors, you can start to learn how to be more aware and move out of that “danger zone”. This will help calm the nervous system and your mind. 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) falls under the somatic therapy umbrella, and is rooted heavily in neuroscience. EMDR involves the counsellor helping their client or patient identify and recall specific traumatic memories while guiding their eyes through movements, such as with a pen or finger. Traumatic memories can cause unwanted symptoms such as anxiety or panic, and this could be totally unconscious to us. In theory, EMDR allows our brain to make new connections to a memory to reprogram, or process, that memory. EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD.  

What mental health problems can therapists and counsellors treat?

We know that many of those who visit First Session are looking for anxiety therapy or depression therapy. If you’re not sure where to start, try thinking about the other reasons you’re seeking counselling. For instance, you may be struggling with the loss of a loved one, so you’ll start by searching for grief therapy. Through the counselling process, it’s common to uncover new information about yourself to better target your needs along the way.

Some other popular specialization categories on First Session include: 

What are the different designations of therapists and counsellors?

Psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers are the three primary types of therapists in Vancouver that are regulated by law. Regulated counsellors and therapists have education and training requirements, and they are certified/licensed and overseen (governed) by regulatory bodies called colleges

Psychotherapists, counsellors or counselling therapists are not overseen by law in British Columbia—regulations are coming soon in BC for the title of Counselling Therapist. In the meantime, credible practitioners will belong to self-governed professional associations. When looking for counselling therapists (i.e. psychotherapists) in British Columbia today, look for certified practitioners with credentials such as Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC). Keep in mind there are other trusted credentials in British Columbia for counselling therapists—take some time to review them and their requirements if you come across other certifications. 

In fact, regulations for the title of psychotherapist or counselling therapist vary province-to-province so it’s always important to ensure you’re receiving counselling from a credible practitioner in your region. You could also receive psychotherapy/counselling therapy from a psychologist or social worker. 

First Session carefully vets all therapists and counsellors to ensure they meet requirements in their region and are certified by the correct legal or credible self-governing bodies.

Psychiatrists hold a medical degree, they can diagnose medical disorders and prescribe medication. They are most typically seen via doctor’s referral.

Educated at a PhD level, psychologists can also diagnose mental illnesses and disorders, but they cannot prescribe medication. Those with the title of “psychology associate” will have a master’s degree. Psychologists in Vancouver sometimes continue to work in academia and research, or they might work directly with clients for counselling therapy. They will approach counselling with their academic and scientific viewpoint on human behaviour and cognition (how our brains work).

It’s a common misconception that social workers only work in hospital or community service settings. However, Registered Social Workers are counsellors and can provide counselling therapy—meaning you can book counselling directly with a social worker, including on First Session. Registered Social Workers (RSW) have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree (MSW). Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSW) have at least a master’s degree as well as additional training and certification that allows them to diagnose mental health disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). You’ll find Registered Social Workers in Vancouver listed on First Session. 

You can book counselling appointments on First Session with social workers, psychologists and certified counselling therapists in Vancouver.

What are therapy insurance coverage and payment options?

“How much does therapy or counselling cost?” is often one of the first questions that come to people’s minds when they’re thinking about counselling.

In general, counselling can run anywhere from $50 to $300+ per session, and sessions are usually an hour. The counsellor’s title, level of education and years of experience will impact their session fees. For example, new counselling therapists may charge around $50 per session, but a psychologist who holds a PhD and has 10 years of experience may charge closer to the $200 to $350 range. Some counsellors offer a reduced rate in certain cases. 

If you’re in BC, there are unfortunately not a lot of options for counselling covered by provincial healthcare plans (MSP). Generally, visits to the family doctor or psychiatrist for medication (via doctor referral) or accessing mental health services after entering a clinic or hospital setting will be covered by MSP. The provincial government does have a resources page available with a number of affordable and accessible mental health care options.

Your out-of-pocket costs can be significantly reduced if you have therapy and counselling coverage by workplace insurance benefits. Every workplace package and policy is different, so it’s best to check your benefits booklet or speak to the provider directly to fully understand your coverage and how to file claims. Usually a certain amount of each session is covered up to a maximum dollar amount, and you’ll pay up front and submit your receipt as a claim for reimbursement later.

If you’re seeking therapy or counselling and you do not have workplace benefits but need assistance, there are affordable and sliding scale counselling options offered by some (not all) counsellors. This may allow you to pay lower rates if you are facing financial hardship.

What types of appointments can you book with therapists and counsellors?

You can book virtual or in-person counselling by getting in touch directly with a counsellor’s office, or you can easily book counselling appointments through First Session

When you choose to book in-person counselling in Vancouver, you could see your counsellor in a variety of settings. Ask them about the space in which they practice. You could be going to their home office, to an office space shared with other counsellors, or a different kind of private office. Online counselling in Vancouver lets you meet with counsellors on your phone, computer, or tablet. For online meetings, your counsellor may have a specific digital platform they prefer, or you might connect with them on Google Meet, Zoom or another tool.

There are also 24/7 free counselling hotlines, such as HeretoHelp. Most likely, you’ll speak with a Registered Nurse (RN) and they’ll offer talk therapy over the phone or direct you to additional resources. These calls are completely confidential.

If you’re not totally sure a counsellor is right for you, consider doing a free counselling consultation in Vancouver. While not all counsellors offer these, it’s a good way to assess whether or not you’d like to work with a specific counsellor. Either way, First Session includes video interviews with all of our partner counsellors to help you get introduced to them before booking an appointment.

Who can book appointments with therapists and counsellors?

Anyone is able to book an appointment with a therapist or counsellor in BC. You can book appointments for yourself for individual therapy to chat one-on-one with a counsellor. If you’d like to seek counselling for you and your partner, or tackle issues with your whole family, you might search for couples and marriage therapy or family therapy

You can also browse counsellors on First Session in the following categories:

There are also quickly growing practices for historically underrepresented demographics. A counsellor will be trained for, or belong to, a particular community; they’re trained to understand challenges and obstacles particular to that group. With First Session, you can search using filters for terms such as LGBTQ2IA+ therapy or BIPOC therapy.

How does somatic therapy differ from traditional talk therapy in Vancouver?

Somatic therapy in Vancouver sets itself apart from traditional talk therapy through its unique approach that focuses on the body's sensations, movements, and non-verbal cues to facilitate healing and self-awareness, offering a holistic alternative to the more verbally oriented methods found in conventional counseling.

Is somatic therapy an effective option for overcoming trauma in Vancouver?

For individuals in Vancouver dealing with trauma, somatic therapy emerges as a beneficial alternative. This therapeutic approach integrates the mind and body, focusing on the physical responses associated with trauma. By doing so, it helps individuals to release pent-up tension, enhance self-awareness, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Somatic therapy in Vancouver is facilitated by trained professionals who create a safe and supportive environment for individuals dealing with trauma, enabling them to process and heal from their traumatic experiences.

What are the techniques involved in somatic therapy in Vancouver?

Somatic therapy in Vancouver encompasses a diverse array of techniques such as mindful awareness, breathing exercises, guided movement, and touch, all aimed at restoring balance between the mind and body and promoting holistic well-being.

Ready to talk?

Use First Session to find the best therapist for you.