Trauma & PTSD Therapy in Port Coquitlam

How Trauma Lives in Your Body (Not Just Your Mind)

Trauma reshapes your biology. When survival mode (fight/flight/freeze) gets locked “on,” even small stressors – a honking car on Mary Hill Bypass, a crowded grocery store at Port Coquitlam Centre – can trigger overwhelming reactions. You might experience:

Physical Signs:

• Chronic pain or tension (clenched jaw, stiff shoulders) with no medical cause.

• Hypervigilance – constantly scanning rooms for “danger,” leaving you exhausted.

• Shutdown or dissociation – feeling “zoned out” or disconnected during conflict.

Emotional Signs:

• Flashbacks or nightmares that make the past feel vivid and current.

• Guilt or shame that clings despite knowing the trauma wasn’t your fault.

• Feeling “broken” or “too damaged” to heal.

Behavioural Signs:

• Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma (like skipping walks around Hyde Creek Trail if that’s where it happened).

• Self-sabotage – pushing people away or numbing with substances to mute the pain.

• Overreacting to minor stressors (a partner being late feels life-threatening).

Why “Just Talk About It” Isn’t Enough

Trauma memories aren’t stored like regular ones. They get trapped in the brain’s amygdala (the “alarm center”) and body, bypassing rational thought. This is why:

• Talking about the event might retraumatize you, flooding your system.

• You can’t “logic” your way out of triggers – your body reacts faster than your mind.

• Coping strategies like avoidance or people-pleasing keep you stuck in survival mode.

EMDR and somatic therapy work differently. They help your nervous system complete the survival response frozen in time, so your body learns, “The threat is over. I’m safe now.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if what happened to me was "bad enough" to be considered trauma?

You know if what happened to you was trauma if it left you feeling overwhelmed, scared, or changed how you see yourself or the world, it doesn't matter if others think it was "bad enough." When people ask if their experience was "bad enough" to be trauma, I tell them that your brain doesn't judge whether something qualifies as traumatic. If it felt overwhelming or life-threatening to you at the time, then it was real trauma. Things like emotional abuse, bullying, accidents, or even medical procedures can be traumatic if they left you feeling helpless or afraid.

What's the difference between trauma and PTSD?

The difference between trauma and PTSD is that trauma is what happened to you, while PTSD is how your brain and body might respond afterward when they're having trouble processing what happened. Everyone who experiences trauma doesn't automatically develop PTSD, and that's completely normal. PTSD means those trauma symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling constantly on edge have stuck around for more than a month and are making daily life really hard.

What should I expect in my first trauma therapy session?

What you should expect in your first trauma therapy session is a safe space focused on helping you feel comfortable and in control. Your first trauma therapy session is about building trust and understanding what brought you to therapy, not diving into traumatic details right away. We'll talk about what you're hoping will change and what therapy might look like for you. You don't need to worry about what to expect in your first trauma therapy session - there's no pressure to share anything you're not ready to talk about.

Is it normal to feel worse before I feel better in trauma therapy?

Yes, it's completely normal to feel worse before you feel better in trauma therapy , this actually shows that the healing process is working. When you feel worse before better in trauma therapy, it's often because your nervous system is starting to process things it's been pushing down. Think of it like cleaning out an infected wound - it might hurt more at first, but it's part of getting better. We'll prepare you for this and give you lots of tools to manage those tougher days.

Can trauma therapy help me if I don't remember much about what happened?

Yes, trauma therapy can absolutely help you even if you don't remember much about what happened, your body remembers even when your mind doesn't. When you don't remember trauma clearly, it's often because your brain protected you by blocking out those memories. But trauma therapy, especially somatic approaches, works with how the trauma is stored in your nervous system and body, not just your conscious memories. You don't need to remember everything to heal from what happened.

What if I'm scared that trauma therapy will open up things I can't handle?

If you're scared that trauma therapy will open up things you can't handle, that fear makes perfect sense , your brain is trying to protect you from more pain. When people worry about trauma therapy opening things up, I remind them that good trauma therapy is designed to help you handle difficult feelings, not overwhelm you. We'll build your coping skills first, go super slowly, and you're always in control of the pace. Many people find that facing their trauma in a safe space actually makes it feel less scary over time.

Can trauma therapy help me stop having nightmares and flashbacks?

Yes, trauma therapy can definitely help you stop having nightmares and flashbacks, these are some of the main things we work on in trauma treatment. When trauma therapy helps with nightmares and flashbacks, it's because we're helping your brain understand that the danger is over. EMDR is especially good for reducing flashbacks because it helps your brain file away the traumatic memory properly so it stops feeling like it's happening right now. Most people notice their nightmares and flashbacks getting less intense or frequent within a few weeks of starting trauma therapy.

Is it normal for trauma to affect my relationships?

Yes, it's completely normal for trauma to affect your relationships , trauma changes how safe you feel with other people. When trauma affects relationships, it might show up as having trouble trusting people, feeling like you need to be perfect so no one leaves you, or keeping everyone at arm's length to protect yourself. These are normal ways your brain tries to keep you safe after being hurt. In trauma therapy, we'll work on helping you feel safe in relationships again without having to keep your guard up all the time.

What is somatic therapy and how does somatic therapy help with trauma?

Somatic therapy focuses on how trauma gets stored in your body, and somatic therapy helps with trauma by teaching you to notice and release that stored tension and fear. When people ask "what is somatic therapy for trauma," I explain that trauma doesn't just live in your thoughts, it lives in your muscles, breathing, and nervous system. Somatic therapy for trauma helps you learn to track sensations in your body, release stuck survival energy through things like shaking or breathing techniques, and use grounding tools to help your nervous system calm down when it's stuck in "danger mode."

How can I find a therapist who understands the trauma issues I face?

Look for therapists who work with trauma and understand the extra challenges you might face based on your background or experiences. It's helpful to find someone who gets how your family or culture might affect how you deal with difficult experiences. Therapists like Zahra Lakhdhir and Suki O'Huallachain create a safe space where you can work on healing without judgment.

Are You Ready to Move Past These Symptoms?

Healing from trauma is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Serenity Counselling, we provide a safe, supportive space to process your experiences and reclaim your life.

Ready to take the first step?—Book a free consultation.

Somatic Therapy: Healing the Body’s Memory
Trauma lives in your posture, breath, and nervous system. Somatic therapy helps you:

• Track Sensations: Notice where fear, anger, or numbness show up physically (e.g., a racing heart, cold hands).

• Release Stuck Survival Energy: Shaking, crying, or breathing techniques discharge trapped fight/flight energy.

• Reclaim Safety: Use grounding tools (feeling your feet on the floor at Blakeburn Lagoons, orienting to the present) to calm your nervous system.

Together, EMDR and Somatic Work Help You:

• Reduce flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional overwhelm.

• Feel calm in your body during triggers (e.g., loud noises, conflict).

• Rebuild trust in yourself and others.

  Imagine…

  • Walking through your neighbourhood without scanning for threats.

  • Sleeping deeply, waking up rested instead of wired.

  • Setting boundaries with confidence, knowing your needs matter.

  • Feeling at home in your body – no more numbness, panic, or shame.

  Read More: How EMDR Therapy Can Help Heal Trauma