Childhood Trauma and Complex PTSD Therapy Vancouver
Welcome to our practice. We offer childhood trauma and complex PTSD therapy for people living in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and BC-wide. Learn about therapy and book a consultation to discuss your options.
Meet the Therapist
Dr. Bradley Murray, Psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor, RCC, FIPA
I am a psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor who offers online therapy for individuals living in greater Vancouver and throughout BC. I also offer in-person therapy sessions in North Vancouver. I often work with clients who would like help overcoming the effects of childhood trauma, including problems such as exploring suppressed or dissociated emotions, processing memories, learning to assert yourself, getting to know yourself better, and developing a coherent narrative of your past. I look forward to hearing from you if you are interested in starting therapy.
Greater Vancouver Childhood Trauma and Complex PTSD Therapy Services
A common reason that people in Vancouver seek therapy is that they have been experiencing the effects of childhood trauma in their adulthood.
Early trauma can have many effects on adults. One effect is emotional dysregulation, in which the individual experiences intense or disproportionate emotional responses as an adult.
Early trauma can also lead to relationship challenges and attachment issues, physical health problems, substance use issues, and mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety.
People often find it difficult to make sense of trauma if it occurred in their lives at a time before their mind was fully formed or developed.
It can be frightening to embark on a process of change and healing from trauma, since this involves a certain degree of uncertainty. It is often very difficult to leave behind what is familiar, even if it is painful.
Trauma can become part of a person‘s identity, making it difficult to know who one will become after moving beyond the trauma. This is another factor that makes taking the step to begin addressing trauma quite challenging.
Psychodynamic therapy that addresses early childhood trauma in adulthood seeks to help people process memories of early life, understand past relationships and their impact, express emotions that have been suppressed, and explore unconscious patterns that were shaped by the early trauma and operate beyond awareness.
It is important that trauma therapy occurs in the context of a therapeutic framework that is secure and predictable, allowing for an experience of trust and the creation of healing relationship experiences.
Psychodynamic therapy is a longer-term approach to therapy, making it suitable for addressing the early patterns and feelings stemming from experiences of trauma during childhood.
Common Goals and Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy for Vancouver Residents
Work to understand and address psychological symptoms
Unaddressed depression, anxiety, stress, and other types of emotional distress can reduce life and satisfaction. These have also been found to be correlated with physical health problems.
Increasing self-knowledge
Getting to know ourselves better includes reflecting on how our past influences our present lives, getting to know longstanding personality traits, becoming familiar with fears that have been holding back progress, and figuring out what we most want in our lives.
Reflecting on relationships
Many people benefit from taking some time to think about their relationships, exploring themes such as closeness, distance, trust, and communication.
Self-expression
People often find that developing the capacity to talk freely and openly over the course of a therapy process can help them gain comfort exercising creativity and self-expression in various other areas of their lives.
Client Experiences of Psychodynamic Therapy
Everyone is different, and some people will find themselves especially drawn to psychodynamic therapy. A study in the journal Psychotherapy Research found that clients who most appreciate psychodynamic therapy are drawn to several features of this approach.
Psychodynamic therapy aims to help people gain insight through exploration, so they can understand themselves better than before
It seeks to help individuals develop a more coherent life story
It aims to help people foster self-acceptance through understanding
Integrative Childhood Trauma and Complex PTSD Therapy
We offer an integrative approach to therapy tailored to the needs of the individual. In addition to psychodynamic therapy, clients will sometimes benefit from approaches based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Through CBT, individuals explore coping strategies to manage distressing emotions and reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness, relaxation and self-care strategies can also be helpful tools for managing trauma-related distress.
Online and Telephone Therapy for Trauma in Vancouver and BC-wide
Many people in Greater Vancouver and throughout BC are juggling busy schedules these days. This can make it difficult to attend regular weekly in-person therapy appointments. If in-person therapy would be a challenge for you, the flexibility of online therapy may be a good choice for you.
Discuss Your Options
A 10-minute consultation allows us to discuss your concerns and ways therapy may help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Trauma and Complex PTSD Therapy
Answers to help you get started.
Our practice utilizes therapy approaches grounded in psychotherapy effectiveness research. We specialize in psychodynamic therapy while valuing an integrative approach that incorporates techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Yes, therapy sessions are completely confidential. We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all our clients.
No, a physician referral is not required to begin therapy with us. You can contact us directly to schedule your initial consultation.
Sessions are typically scheduled once per week to provide consistent and effective support for your mental health needs.
No, a physician referral is not required. Clients can reach out directly to begin the therapy process.
Book a Consultation
Get started with a 10-minute consultation to discuss your concerns.