Trauma Therapy in Vancouver for Healing at Your Own Pace
You have probably been carrying this for a long time. It may go back to childhood. It may follow an assault, a car accident, or a relationship that hurt you. Maybe you have told yourself you should be past it by now.
Trauma therapy in Vancouver with Naomi Kolinsky, M.Ed., RCC, starts from a kinder place. What happened to you was real, your reactions make sense, and healing is possible. Naomi has supported trauma survivors for more than 20 years, and her office is at 750 West Broadway.
When the past keeps showing up in the present
Trauma does not always look like a memory. Sometimes it looks like nightmares, flashbacks, or panic that arrives out of nowhere. Sometimes it looks like feeling numb, on edge, or ashamed, or having trouble trusting people who are safe. Many people also reach for alcohol, drugs, or other ways to get relief from the pain, or notice old patterns repeating in their relationships.
If you live with post-traumatic stress, or you are not sure what to call what you are going through, you are welcome here. You do not need a diagnosis to ask for help.
How trauma therapy in Vancouver works with Naomi
Trauma therapy is counselling that focuses on how overwhelming experiences stay in the mind and body, and how to help them settle. Naomi is trained in three evidence-based approaches and will talk with you about which one fits your story. Many clients use more than one over time. You can read more about EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems on her services page.
EMDR
Naomi is EMDR Level 1 certified and often uses it for single-incident trauma, such as an assault or a car accident. EMDR helps your brain reprocess a distressing memory so it loses its charge and stops feeling like it is happening now. The World Health Organization recognizes EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
For complex or repeated childhood trauma, Naomi often turns to IFS. This model sees the mind as made up of parts, each with its own role, and many of those parts formed to protect you. In sessions you get to know them with curiosity, and you begin to heal the parts that carry the oldest pain.
Somatic therapy
Trauma lives in the body as well as the mind. Naomi has completed more than 235 hours of training with the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. This body-based approach pays attention to sensation, movement, and breath, and Naomi asks your permission before each step. You stay in charge of the pace.
Who Naomi works with
Naomi’s focus is women’s trauma, including childhood abuse, sexual assault, and relationship abuse. She also supports adults of all genders who are healing from car accidents, violence, and other harm. As a queer, neurodivergent counsellor, she offers neuroaffirming and queer-affirming care, and you will never be asked to explain or defend who you are. Her feminist, trauma-informed approach puts your safety and your choices first.
Training and experience of your Vancouver trauma therapist
Naomi holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from UBC and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (registration number 3208). She began her private practice in 2011 while working in non-profit counselling, including addictions counselling at Share Family and Community Services and the Victims of Incest and Sexual Abuse Counselling program at Family Services of Greater Vancouver. She has practised full time since 2020. Read more about Naomi’s background and training.
What to expect in your first sessions
Step 1: A first conversation
Naomi asks what brought you in and what you hope will change. You do not need to tell the whole story, and you will never be pushed to share more than feels manageable.
Step 2: Building steadiness
Before any deep trauma work, you and Naomi build skills for staying grounded, so you have steady footing when difficult material comes up.
Step 3: Working through it
When you are ready, you work with the memories, body sensations, and beliefs that trauma left behind, using the approach that fits you best. You and Naomi check in on your progress along the way.
Sessions are 50 minutes.
What healing can look like
Every person’s goals are different. Many people come to trauma therapy hoping to sleep more easily, feel less on guard, stop reliving what happened, feel safer in their body, or build relationships that feel steadier. Naomi works toward the goals you set. Results vary from person to person, and the pace is yours.
Trauma therapy FAQ
What is trauma therapy?
Trauma therapy is a form of counselling that helps people recover from the lasting effects of overwhelming or harmful experiences, such as abuse, assault, accidents, or neglect. It works with both your thoughts and your body’s responses.
Do I have to tell you everything that happened?
No. Trauma therapy does not require you to retell every detail. Naomi helps you find ways to work at a pace that feels safe.
How long does trauma therapy take?
It depends on your history and your goals. A single recent event often takes less time to work through than complex or repeated childhood trauma. Naomi checks in with you regularly about how therapy is going.
How much does trauma therapy in Vancouver cost?
Session rates, including a sliding scale for clients in financial need, are listed on the fees page. If your trauma is connected to a car accident or a crime, funding through ICBC, the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP), or the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) may be available. Contact Naomi to ask how it applies to your situation.
Where is Naomi’s office?
Naomi’s office is at #1418 – 750 West Broadway in Vancouver. She sees clients from West Broadway, Cambie, Fairview, Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano, and South Granville.