Helping you to self-discover and build quality of life.
Trauma Therapy, EMDR, Couples & Family Issues, and Life Transitions
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 dealing with life adversities, relationship challenges, and stress management. This includes individualized counselling for adults, youth, and 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. I am not your traditional talk therapist that sits quietly and passively. Whatever brings you here, just know that I will walk with you in an engaging way to bring new perspectives, self-awareness, and sometimes even laughter during our sessions together.
What I have behind me is my reputation, maturity and wisdom gained from over 25-years of experience navigating several systems that include: mental health; trauma work (10-years); career and life coaching; children & youth services; employee & family wellness counselling; Indigenous and spiritual healing; and relationship counselling concerns.
Being married for nearly 30-years, and an active parent, I am also uniquely trained to offer mixed models of couple's therapy, including the Gottman Method. You see, counselling entails a combination of skills and education along with experience, and I use these transferrable skills in my work 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.
Personality, Intuition, and Experience Counts in a Trauma Therapist!
Most counselling approaches are well-intentioned and offer logical interventions, but these accidentally dismiss important layers of trauma. Some things therapists cannot just train for!
- Understanding trauma complexities: A seasoned trauma therapist grasps the multifaceted nature of trauma.
- Appropriate treatment modalities: Experienced therapists know what approaches to blend and when.
- Creating a safe space: Mature and down-to-earth therapists allow for client comfort without fear of judgment. We have lived experience!
- Managing triggers: Trauma therapy requires a core foundation first before deeper processing work can happen; experienced therapists gauge this well.
- Addressing blocks: Trauma is complicated and healing can get stuck. Experienced therapists have strategies to acknowledge and work through.
Training & Experience
With nearly a decade of experience in the treatment of trauma, including treatment of sexual abuse and historical 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
- Internal Family Systems
- Group and Individual Protocols for Early Intervention of Recent Incident Traumatic Stress
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 different clients; complete at least 20 hours of clinical supervision with an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant (10 individual, 10 group); at least 12 hours of ongoing EMDR-specific continuing education; submit letters of recommendation to EMDRIA, and maintain yearly renewals.