TRAUMA THERAPY IN VANCOUVER

When the Past Won't Let Go

Understanding Trauma

Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms your ability to cope. It can leave a lasting impact on how you think, feel, and respond to the world around you. Trauma isn’t just about the event itself—it’s about how your mind and body process and carry the experience, often affecting daily life and relationships in ways that may feel hard to understand or control.

Homa Papaei

Common Symptoms

Physical

Fatigue, insomnia, heightened startle response, or chronic pain.

Emotional

Feelings of shock, denial, anxiety, or fear.

Behavioral

Avoidance of reminders of the event, withdrawal from others, or irritability.

Cognitive

Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, or difficulty concentrating.

My Techniques for Trauma Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

(IFS) is a way of understanding the different parts of yourself that might be struggling after trauma. It helps you gently explore the parts of you that feel hurt or scared and the parts that try to protect you, even if they don’t always do it in the best way. By learning to care for these parts, IFS helps you heal from the inside out and feel more whole and balanced.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

(TF-CBT) is a type of therapy that helps you understand and work through the difficult thoughts and feelings caused by trauma. It teaches you practical skills to manage emotions, face painful memories in a safe way, and replace negative thoughts with healthier ones. TF-CBT is designed to help you heal and feel stronger over time

Attachment-based therapy

Attachment-based therapy focuses on how your early relationships, especially with caregivers, affect the way you connect with others today. It helps you understand and heal patterns of fear, mistrust, or insecurity that may have developed after trauma or difficult experiences. By building healthier connections and trust, this therapy helps you feel more secure in your relationships and within yourself.

Somatic Experiencing

It is a therapy that helps you heal from trauma by focusing on how it’s stored in your body. Instead of just talking about what happened, it helps you notice and release physical tension, like tightness or restlessness, that can build up after a traumatic experience. This process helps you feel calmer, more grounded, and safe in your body again

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

(DBT) has proven effective for depression involving intense emotional ups and downs. It combines mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills to help manage emotions and improve relationships. DBT is particularly helpful for individuals struggling with depression that involves self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

What’s on your mind?

How can therapy help me heal from trauma?

Moving forward with resilience and confidence after trauma is not just possible—it’s entirely achievable through therapy. Our work together will focus on helping you rebuild a sense of safety, process the impact of trauma, and develop tools to manage overwhelming emotions. Therapy provides a supportive space where healing and growth become a reality, empowering you to create a brighter, more balanced future.

Is it necessary to talk about the traumatic event in detail?

No, it’s not necessary to talk about the traumatic event in detail. Our focus in therapy is not on reliving the experience but on helping you heal from its effects. We’ll work together to process your emotions, build coping skills, and regain a sense of control and safety, all without needing to revisit the specifics unless you feel comfortable doing so.

Can therapy help with physical symptoms caused by trauma, like tension or restlessness?

Yes, therapy can help with the physical symptoms of trauma, such as tension, restlessness, or feeling on edge. Trauma often affects both the mind and body, and therapy focuses on techniques to release stored tension, calm the nervous system, and promote a sense of physical and emotional balance. By addressing these symptoms, therapy helps you feel more grounded and in control.

Can therapy help with PTSD symptoms?

Yes, therapy is effective in treating PTSD. We'll work on managing symptoms, reducing distress, and improving your ability to function in daily life.

I am Homa Papaei

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). I strive to be a wholehearted, centered, and compassionate counsellor, drawing from over fifteen years of experience supporting individuals to connect with themselves. I firmly believe that each person has the capacity to navigate through their negative thoughts or experiences and find meaning in their lives. My role as a counsellor is to collaboratively explore with my clients the various aspects of their lives and understand how these pieces interconnect.

Licensed by Province of British Columbia

I speak English, Farsi and Turkish

Graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC)

Read reviews of those
who I helped

I met Homa in 2020 and have continued to work with her since. I met her when I was at a very low place in my life. She was very understanding, kind and empathetic. Homa worked with me and uncovered layers that I did not even know of. A lot of who I am is all thanks to Homa. She continues to help me achieve my goals after helping me get out of my lows. Her support has helped me achieve new heights in my career and personal life. I would highly recommend her to anyone. Her vast knowledge and experience is unbeatable!

Name is hidden, 36 years old

My therapist has been an incredible support, providing a sturdy foundation for my progress. Her flexibility in adopting a logical approach, tailored to my needs, has been essential in guiding my healing journey.

Name is hidden, 44 years old

Homa is exceptional. I have been to other counsellors & stopped due to sessions not really accomplishing my needs. Homa’s style and plans have greatly helped me reach my counselling goals.

Name is hidden, 28 years old

I went to Homa Papaei in one of the darkest times of my life. I felt like my health and my job were coming down on me. From the few session we had she helped me incredibly to stop blaming myself for everything and to love myself. To put myself first. Thank you Homa.

Name is hidden, 58 years old

Working with Homa has been an incredibly positive experience. Her kindness and understanding create a supportive environment where sessions flow smoothly. She has a remarkable ability to grasp what you're expressing and offers valuable insights and guidance that truly make a difference. I have gained so much personal growth through our sessions. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking effective therapy

Name is hidden, 31 years old

In three years of therapy with Homa, I've dealt with stress and relationships while also uncovering more about myself. Homa's support in a non-judgmental environment has really helped me grow personally. I'm very thankful for her commitment to my happiness.

Name is hidden, 61 years old

I faced severe depression last year for the first time in my life. ... Her guidance helped me to develop a deeper awareness of my mental state and gave me the tools to help myself in the future.

Name is hidden, 46 years old

Name is hidden, 44 years old