As a trauma counsellor and coach providing online trauma counselling in Alberta, I’ve witnessed how accessible, flexible care can transform healing. I work with clients across Alberta—from Calgary to rural areas—as well as internationally. Whether you’re managing chronic health conditions, living in a remote area, or simply prefer the comfort of your own space, online counselling removes barriers while maintaining the depth and effectiveness of in-person work.
I work with adults healing from childhood abuse, sexual trauma, complex trauma, and relational wounds using evidence-based approaches like EMDR and parts work therapy. What makes online counselling powerful is that it removes barriers while maintaining the depth and effectiveness of in-person work. I can still observe critical non-verbal cues—changes in posture, breathing, facial expressions—that are essential for trauma therapy. Video allows me to provide the same specialized care, just delivered in a different way.
Many of my clients appreciate the flexibility and privacy of working from home. Others value that I can work with them across different time zones and countries. Some have told me that being in a familiar, comfortable space—perhaps with their pet nearby—helps them feel safer during vulnerable healing work.
But what exactly is online trauma counselling, and what are its key benefits and limitations? In this guide, you’ll learn how to find high-quality online trauma counselling that best suits your needs.
Understanding online trauma counselling in Alberta
What is online trauma counselling?
Although online counselling has existed for years, the pandemic significantly accelerated its use in the mental health field. Online therapy is often referred to as teletherapy or video counselling. Generally, online trauma counselling consists of trauma counselling sessions delivered via a video call.
Trauma counselling – whether in-person or online – is a specialized form of counselling that supports people in healing from trauma. Keep in mind that each trauma counsellor has their unique approach and training, so it’s usually hard to compare. Supporting healing from complex trauma requires a different approach than single-incident trauma.
Trauma counselling typically follows three stages: stabilization and safety, reprocessing and mourning, and finally, reconnecting. Furthermore, it integrates evidence-based trauma recovery modalities such as Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), parts work therapy and somatic approaches:
- EMDR involves using eye movements to process traumatic memories.
- Partswork therapy focuses on reconnecting with and giving voice to fragmented or wounded parts of the self.
- Somatic approaches build awareness of bodily sensations and nervous system responses, promoting a sense of safety and processing trauma held within the body.
Recently, services have also been developed to provide counselling via chat and text. In my experience, I’ve found chat and text-based counselling less effective for trauma recovery, though it depends on the context and the client’s goal. For instance, identifying warning signs of dissociation, such as a vacant gaze, is nearly impossible. Furthermore, a healthy therapeutic relationship is essential to heal from any form of trauma that was relational, such as childhood abuse in adulthood or complex trauma. Additionally, tools beyond talk therapy, like EMDR, require visual and auditory cues that text alone can’t provide. Therefore, I don’t offer online trauma counselling via chat or text.
My approach to online trauma counselling in Alberta
I don’t work with any single modality in its pure form. Instead, I practice integrative trauma counselling—adapting and blending approaches based on what each client needs at each stage of their healing. This approach is the best practice for healing complex trauma since it gives me the flexibility to respond to my client’s needs.
Here’s how I work:
Nervous system regulation: I teach grounding practices and nervous system regulation techniques—blending dialectical behaviour therapy tools, window of tolerance work, and Deb Dana’s polyvagal-informed approach—to help you release freeze, fawn, or fight responses and build capacity for safety and co-regulation.
Somatic approaches for body reconnection: I blend somatic experiencing and sensorimotor psychotherapy (drawing on Janina Fisher’s trauma treatment framework and Staci Haines’ somatic work around dignity and belonging) to help you reconnect with your body safely. This goes hand-in-hand with parts work, especially for parts that fear being in your body after complex trauma. Somatic work supports boundaries and nervous system regulation.
Parts Work for Inner Understanding: I integrate parts work early in our work together—using visualization, externalization, and IFS approaches to help you understand your inner world, increase emotional regulation, and build self-compassion. Parts work is powerful for resolving inner conflict and negotiating with parts that have opposing needs. It also helps heal attachment wounds and process trauma.
EMDR for Memory Processing: I use EMDR to process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge, but only when your nervous system is stable enough. Memory processing happens in Phase 2 of trauma reocvery. For complex trauma, this is often an iterative process—moving between stabilization and memory processing. I also use EMDR to develop inner resources and heal attachment wounds. When you’re not yet ready for full EMDR, I use the flash technique to help take the edge off without directly engaging painful memories.
What this means for you: My job is to adapt and integrate these approaches based on your needs. Your job is to notice what works. Together, we create a personalized path to healing that feels right for you.
If you want to dive deeper into understanding a multimodal approach to trauma healing, check out my blog posts: IFS or EMDR: Which Is Better for Trauma Recovery? and [link]IFS and EMDR for Complex Trauma. These explore how different modalities work together and can help you understand which approaches might resonate with your healing journey.
Who can benefit from online trauma counselling in Alberta?
You don’t need to have a specific diagnosis or label your experience as traumatic to benefit from working with me. Online trauma counselling offers valuable support for individuals recovering from trauma or painful past events. See it as those moments that still affect your present life negatively.
Some of my clients have experienced childhood abuse and want to heal as adults. This often includes working with attachment and healing inner fragmentation. Others notice addictive behaviours that might be connected with past trauma. Some have experienced systemic violence or rape. My clients are diverse – some are immigrants or refugees, others belong ot the LGBTQ+ community, while many of them are cis women who want to overcome abusive relationships or workplace abuse.
Furthermore, while I am a white settler in Canada, I work with BIPOC individuals, and I feel honoured that they feel safe enough to choose my services. Counselling can be a safe space that becomes harmful when microaggressions occur. Therefore, I integrate anti-oppressive practices to support my client’s diverse experiences.
In the simplest version, a traumatic experience is defined as any event that overwhelms a person’s emotional capacity to process or poses a significant threat to their life or the lives of loved ones. Importantly, clients don’t need to label their experiences as traumatic to benefit from trauma therapy. If you want to learn more, check out the article Trauma and Complex Trauma: What’s the Difference and Symptoms of Childhood Trauma in Adulthood.
Some common challenges I address include childhood abuse, sexual abuse, rape, toxic work environments, abusive relationships, bullying, experiences of racism or discrimination, and loss. Each person’s story is unique, so I tailor the therapeutic approach to their needs and circumstances.
Benefits of online trauma counselling
The benefits of trauma counselling in Alberta generally include improved emotional well-being, a greater sense of control, and healthier relationships. The ultimate goal is long-term emotional healing from trauma.
While these outcomes are applicable for in-person or online trauma counselling in Alberta, online trauma counselling offers you several unique advantages:
Accessibility:
Virtual trauma therapy removes barriers to access by allowing clients to participate without visiting an office. This is particularly helpful for people living in remote areas or those with disabilities or LGBTQ+ folks. For example, some of my clients live with chronic pain and have limited mobility, making it challenging to attend in-person sessions.
Virtual therapy enables them to access the support they need from the comfort of their own homes. Others live in rural areas where trauma counsellors may be scarce, or they may feel uncomfortable seeking local help due to privacy concerns, fearing the therapist could know their family members.
Comfort:
Online trauma counselling allows clients to attend sessions from familiar, comfortable environments, which can reduce the anxiety that often accompanies in-person therapy. For many, the ability to be in their own space—perhaps with the support of a pet—creates a more soothing and secure atmosphere.
Flexibility
Online trauma counselling in Alberta provides more flexibility when scheduling therapy. Clients can save time by eliminating travel and selecting from a broader range of professionals, even those in other countries.
For example, during my trauma recovery, I worked with trusted professionals in different countries, which wouldn’t have been possible without online sessions.I chose them because their approach resonated with me and it felt like the right next step for my recovery. Now, I work with clients from around the world, including the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
Privacy
Online trauma counselling is held to the same standards of confidentiality as in-person counselling, but it’s essential to understand local privacy laws. Different countries, states, or provinces may have specific legal requirements. For example, I use Jane.app, a platform that complies with privacy regulations in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, to ensure that my online appointments meet these legal standards.
Cost benefits
While the overall cost of online trauma counselling depends on the provider’s business model, it can offer financial advantages over in-person sessions. While I don’t offer a reduced rate for online trauma counselling, I do offer a variable pricing scheme based on income to improve accessibility to my services.
Ready to explore whether online trauma counselling in Alberta is right for you? Book a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Concerns and limitations of online trauma counselling
Efficiency
A common concern is whether online trauma therapy is as effective as in-person sessions. While many factors influence this, research indicates that teletherapy outcomes are comparable to in-person counselling (Lin, Heckman, & Anderson, 2022; Barak, Hen, Boniel-Nissim, & Shapira, 2008). This shows that online trauma counselling can be just as effective, offering flexibility without sacrificing results.
Personal preference
Despite the positive research, online trauma counselling may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals feel more comfortable in face-to-face sessions, and that’s perfectly fine. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, trying an online session and seeing how it feels can be helpful.
Technology
While online trauma counselling enhances accessibility for many, it can be limiting for those who lack the necessary technology. Successful participation requires a computer, laptop, or tablet with a webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. If any of these are unavailable, it could hinder access to online counselling.
Safety concerns
I learned during the pandemic that online trauma counselling may not always be safe for individuals in toxic or abusive relationships. If you live with someone abusive, it’s essential to assess whether your home environment offers the privacy and safety needed to engage in therapy without risk.
Tips for setting up a healing environment for online trauma counselling
Creating a healing environment at home is essential for maximizing the benefits of online trauma counselling. Here are a few tips:
Prepare your technology
Before your first session, test your internet speed and Wi-Fi connection to ensure stability. Download any necessary apps, and keep my contact information—email and phone number—handy if you encounter technical difficulties. I usually invite my clients to text me if they have any tech issues, and I always have my phone nearby as a backup. Although it’s rare, I can call you if we face internet problems.
Ensure privacy
Let others in your home—whether a partner, roommate, or children—know that you have a counselling session and prefer not to be disturbed. A “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door can also help maintain your privacy during the session.
Create a calm transition
Give yourself 5 to 10 minutes of buffer time before your session to mentally prepare. Grab a drink, settle into a comfortable space, and take a few deep breaths. Creating this brief moment of calm helps set a supportive tone for your session. I often guide my clients through a grounding exercise at the beginning, so let me know if you’d like that support.
How online trauma counselling in Alberta works
While the service is delivered via video call, online trauma counselling follows the same trauma recovery strategies as in-person sessions (link to what happens in trauma counselling).
Here is a brief overview of how I provide online trauma counselling in Alberta:
I offer a free consultation to get to know each other and determine whether we’re a good fit. If you choose to work with me, the first session will focus on exploring your needs, symptoms, and goals for therapy rather than immediately discussing your past experiences. We’ll create a personalized recovery plan to help you achieve those goals.
Typically, therapy begins by enhancing your sense of safety and stabilizing your nervous system. This often includes widening the window of tolerance and working with boundaries, overwhelming emotions, and hypo- or hyperarousal. I also provide psychoeducation to help you understand how trauma impacts your body and mind. This includes concepts such as polyvagal theory, the window of tolerance, and structural dissociation. At this stage, I often use parts work, mindfulness practices, grounding practices, and self-soothing tools to support trauma recovery.
When you feel ready, we move on to processing and integrating traumatic experiences, often using EMDR. This stage aims to resolve the emotional and physical impact of the trauma.
In the final phase, we reevaluate your life after integration, reflecting on your progress and the new meaning you’ve found. At this point, therapy typically becomes less frequent, perhaps once a month, depending on your needs.
Curious to learn more: Check out my blog post, What happens in trauma counselling.
I hope this article has helped you gain insights into online trauma counselling in Alberta. Healing from trauma is possible, and I’m here for you if my approach resonates. You can book a free consultation or reach out directly at nat@brighthorizontherapies.com with any questions.
Sources
This article is informed by my professional training, lived experience in trauma recovery, ongoing study, professional practice, and the works of trusted authors and organizations in trauma recovery, mental health, and social justice. The references below include the books, trainings, and evidence-based resources that shaped the ideas discussed here:
Fisher, J. (2023). Janina Fisher’s Trauma treatment certification training (CCTP): The latest proven techniques to resolve deeply held trauma [Online professional training]. PESI
Haines, S. (2022). Safety, belonging, and dignity: Using the generative power of somatics to heal individual and systemic trauma. [Online professional training]. Academy of Therapy Wisdom
Greenwald, R. (2020). EMDR basic training, approved by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). [Online professional training]. Trauma Institute & Child Trauma Institute
Lin, T., Heckman, T. G., & Anderson, T. (2022). The efficacy of synchronous teletherapy versus in-person therapy: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 29(2), 167–178. https://doi.org/10.1037/cps0000056
Barak, A., Hen, L., Boniel-Nissim, M., & Shapira, N. (2008). A Comprehensive Review and a Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Internet-Based Psychotherapeutic Interventions. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 26(2–4), 109–160. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228830802094429
