Counselling Approaches for Anxiety, Trauma & Relationships in Coquitlam
As a clinical counsellor in Coquitlam, BC, I use a variety of approaches that show effectiveness for anxiety, depression, trauma and more. Each of these clinical approaches has evidence-based positive impact. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method, I tailor our work together based on what you are going through — whether that’s anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck in old patterns.
My work is grounded in both "talk-based" (CBT, attachment) and "body-based" (somatic, EMDR) approaches. I am at helping you not only understand your experiences but also create meaningful, lasting positive change. Below, you will find an overview of these therapeutic approaches and how each one can support different concerns.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a practical, goal-oriented approach that focuses on the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones.
CBT is especially effective if you find yourself stuck in cycles of overthinking, worry, or self-criticism. Together, we work to build awareness of these patterns and develop tools to shift them.
CBT can help with:
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Negative self-talk
Polyvagal Theory Informed Therapy
Polyvagal-informed therapy is based on understanding how your nervous system responds to safety and threat.
If you often feel anxious, shut down, or on edge, your nervous system may be stuck in a protective state.
This approach helps you:
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understand your body’s responses
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build a sense of safety
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regulate emotional and physiological states
This approach can help with:
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Burnout and overwhelm
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Feeling “stuck” or shut down
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps you better understand, process, and transform your emotional experiences. Rather than avoiding or suppressing emotions, this approach supports you in working through them in a safe and guided way.
EFT is particularly helpful in understanding patterns in relationships and emotional responses.
EFT can help with:
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Relationship challenges
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Emotional awareness
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Attachment patterns
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Self-esteem
Somatic Interventions
Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body. Many of our experiences — especially stress and trauma — are stored in the nervous system, not just in thoughts.
This approach helps you tune into physical sensations, release tension, and gently process experiences that may feel stuck.
Somatic therapy can help with:
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Feeling disconnected or numb
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy designed to help process and resolve traumatic or distressing experiences.
It works by using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping) to help the brain reprocess memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity.
I am currently completing training in EMDR and may integrate elements of this approach where appropriate.
EMDR can help effectively with:
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Distressing memories
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Anxiety related to past experiences
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Finding freedom from past pain
Attachment Based Therapy
Attachment-based therapy focuses on how early relationships and life experiences shape the way you connect with others today. These patterns — often called attachment styles — can influence how you experience closeness, trust, communication, and emotional safety in relationships.
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling anxious in relationships, pulling away when things get too close, or repeating the same patterns over and over, attachment-based work can help you understand why.
Attachment-based therapy can help with:
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Relationship challenges and conflict
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Fear of abandonment or rejection
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Difficulty trusting others
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Emotional closeness and vulnerability
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Repeating unhealthy relationship patterns
How I Choose the Right Approach for You
You don’t need to know which therapy approach is “right” for you before starting counselling. Part of my role is to help guide that process and offer the right method to reach your goal and foster your healing.
We’ll work together to understand your goals and hopes, and tailor our sessions using these approaches from my toolbox that best support your needs, preferences, and pace.
Therapy FAQ
What is the most effective approach for anxiety symptoms?
There isn’t a single “most effective” therapy for anxiety, as different approaches work for different people. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely used to help identify and change anxious thought patterns, while somatic and polyvagal-informed therapies focus on calming the nervous system and reducing physical symptoms of anxiety. In many cases, a combination of approaches is most effective. In our work together, we’ll tailor therapy to your specific needs and find strategies that help you feel more grounded, supported, and in control.