Specializing in Trauma, Couples Work, and Life Stress
Build the quality of life you want
At Pathway to Wellness Counselling Therapy, we recognize that finding a therapist you feel at ease and comfortable with is one of the most important pieces of therapy. That is why we start by building therapeutic rapport in an environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions safely, and help you work toward the life you truly want.
We provide care tailored to your unique needs using specialized models of therapy for issues ranging from trauma, depression, and anxiety, to substance misuse, relationship challenges, and stress management. This includes individualized counselling for adults, children, and youth, along with couple's and family therapy.
Human First Approach
We prioritize a down-to-earth style and believe in building collaborative relationships first. Beyond aligning your therapeutic needs with theory and approach, we look at therapy as a partnership that considers your life experiences, culture, and unique personality.
About Me
I am Penny Vasseur and my clients tell me I offer something a little different than other therapists they have seen. What I have behind me is maturity and wisdom gained from over 25-years of experience navigating several systems that include:
mental health; 10-years of trauma work; career and life coaching; children & youth services; employee & family wellness counselling; Indigenous and spiritual healing; and relationship counselling concerns.
Having been married for nearly 30-years, I am also uniquely trained to offer mixed models of couple's therapy. You see, counselling entails a combination of skills and education along with experience, and I use these transferrable skills in my work with you.
Registered as a Clinical Counsellor, I am also a Certified EMDR Therapist, have training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Gottman Couples' Method, Relational Therapy, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and am Phase Four trained in Neuro-experiential Brainspotting. I am happy to review any of these modalities with you.
Why experience matters in a Trauma Therapist
Choosing an experienced trauma therapist is crucial because they possess the specialized knowledge and skills to navigate the complex dynamics of trauma, creating a safe space for healing by understanding how to respond to triggers, manage intense emotions, and effectively guide individuals through processing traumatic experiences without causing further harm.
Training vs Experience
An experienced Trauma Therapist has a combination of education and experience to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each survivor, maximizing the potential for positive outcomes. Personality and lived experiences count!
- Understanding trauma complexities: A seasoned trauma therapist grasps the multifaceted nature of trauma, including its potential impact on various aspects of life like relationships, physical health, and cognitive function.
- Appropriate treatment modalities: Experienced therapists are well-versed in different trauma-focused therapies like EMDR, somatic experiencing, and exposure therapy, allowing them to select the most suitable approach for each individual. Trauma therapists know what approaches to blend and when.
- Creating a safe space: Trauma survivors often feel vulnerable, and an experienced and down-to-earth therapist can establish a trusting environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of judgment or having power differentials.
- Managing triggers: They are adept at identifying and managing triggers that might arise during therapy sessions, preventing re-traumatization and allowing for gradual healing.
- Addressing co-occurring issues: Trauma often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, and an experienced therapist can address these complexities effectively.
Training & Experience
With nearly a decade of experience in the treatment of trauma, including treatment of sexual abuse trauma at a specialized agency. I have extensive training in a diverse range of therapeutic approaches including:
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Phase 4 - Neuro experiential Therapy™ Brainspotting
- EMDR Training & Certification
- Stay tuned! More approaches to come!
EMDR Certification is a lengthy process! It requires counsellors to hold a Master's Degree; be a fully licensed clinician for at least two years; complete a 50-hour EMDR training program; conduct a minimum of 50 EMDR therapy sessions with at least 25 different clients; complete at least 20 hours of supervised consultation with an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant (10 individual, 10 group); at least 12 hours of EMDR-specific continuing education; and submit letters of recommendation to EMDRIA.