Trauma-Informed Counselling
Healing Together, Strengthening Bonds
When one family member experiences trauma, it often ripples through the whole household. Family relationships can also be a source of stress or past hurt. Trauma-informed family counselling creates a safe and supportive space for families to address challenges, improve communication, and rebuild connection—together.
What Makes Trauma-Informed Family Counselling Different?
Traditional family counselling focuses on improving relationships, resolving conflict, and building healthier patterns. Trauma-informed family counselling adds the recognition that trauma impacts how each person relates, communicates, and copes—sometimes in ways that are unseen but deeply felt.
Key differences include:
Safety for every family member – Sessions are structured to ensure that all voices are heard and respected.
Compassion and respect – Experiences are approached with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and zero judgment.
Understanding trauma’s impact – Past or ongoing trauma is acknowledged as part of the family’s story.
Pacing and choice – Families move at a pace that feels manageable, with collaboration guiding each step.
Focus on nervous-system regulation – Learning calming tools together reduces reactivity and fosters harmony.
Context matters – Family dynamics are explored within cultural, generational, and systemic contexts.
Who Is Trauma-Informed Family Counselling For?
This type of counselling may be helpful for families who are:
Coping with the effects of abuse, neglect, or violence
Navigating grief, medical trauma, or sudden loss
Experiencing intergenerational or cultural trauma
Managing conflict, disconnection, or breakdowns in communication
Supporting a child, teen, or adult family member who has experienced trauma
Feeling stuck in repeated patterns that create stress or tension
Family counselling is not about assigning blame—it’s about creating understanding, safety, and stronger relationships.
Approaches We May Use
Depending on your family’s needs, therapy may include:
Trauma-informed communication skills: Learning how to listen, validate, and respond with compassion.
Family systems therapy: Exploring patterns within the family and supporting healthier dynamics.
Emotion regulation skills: Helping family members calm their nervous systems during stress or conflict.
EMDR (individual or conjoint): Supporting family members in processing past experiences that affect relationships.
Attachment-focused approaches: Building trust and connection between parents, children, and extended family.
Mindfulness and grounding practices: Creating shared tools for calm and resilience.
Ask your counsellor for more information about any of these approaches. Or check our Resources Page for links to informational websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all family members need to attend?
Not necessarily. Sometimes healing starts with a few family members and expands over time. We’ll work with whoever is ready.
Will we have to discuss painful events as a group?
Only if it feels safe and appropriate. Often, the focus is on building skills, understanding, and trust before exploring past events.
Is trauma-informed family counselling only for families in crisis?
No. Many families benefit from this support even if they’re not in crisis—it can strengthen relationships, improve resilience, and prevent future conflict.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
Families have the power to heal together. Trauma-informed family counselling offers a space to reconnect, rebuild trust, and move forward with greater compassion.
If you’d like to learn more, or explore whether this support is right for your family, please reach out:
Phone: (778)715-0112
Email: info@willowbarkwellness.com
Or book a complimentary 15 minute consultation with any of our counsellors to see if they’re the right fit for you.