Trauma & PTSD Support

You don't have to carry it alone

Trauma can follow a single overwhelming event, such as an accident, assault or sudden loss, or build up over time through childhood adversity, ongoing abuse or repeated exposure at work. Antonio Guzman, RCC, brings decades of experience supporting people through trauma, including extensive work with first responders, veterans, healthcare professionals and people navigating occupational injuries.

Common signs of trauma

• Flashbacks, intrusive memories or nightmares
• Feeling on edge, jumpy or quick to anger
• Avoiding places, people or reminders
• Numbness, disconnection or feeling unlike yourself
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating
• Guilt, shame or self-blame
• Relying on alcohol or other substances to cope

These are understandable responses to overwhelming experiences, not signs of weakness, and they can change with the right support.

Approaches Antonio may use

EMDR therapy

A structured approach that helps the brain reprocess specific memories so they feel less raw. Antonio has been an EMDR Certified Therapist since 2012.

Somatic Experiencing

Body-based work that helps your nervous system settle, especially when trauma is hard to put into words.

Parts therapy and clinical hypnosis

Helpful when different parts of you pull in different directions, such as a part that wants to heal and a part that wants to avoid.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Practical tools for anxiety, avoidance and the thoughts that keep you stuck.

Other approaches

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Antonio also draws on Therapeutic Enactment, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy and Energy Psychology (EFT), depending on what suits you.

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Which approach is right for me?

You don't need to decide before you start. Antonio will talk with you about what you're experiencing and suggest an approach, and many people benefit from a combination. Care is paced to you, starting with stability and safety: understanding your symptoms, building ways to calm your nervous system and making sure you have support in place. Deeper processing happens only when you're ready.

First responders, veterans and healthcare workers

Antonio has extensive experience with operational and occupational stress injuries. He also spent 25 years as a Concurrent Disorders Counsellor with Vancouver Coastal Health, so he understands how trauma and substance use can overlap, and can support both together.

Body-based support at the clinic

Some clients find acupuncture or craniosacral therapy helpful for sleep and nervous system support alongside counselling.

Counselling at The Qi Station

If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or go to your nearest emergency department.