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Counselling in Victoria, BC
PTSD and Complex PTSD Therapy in Victoria, BC
Trauma-informed care to help you find safety, manage overwhelming emotions, and make sense of the past. You can begin before everything feels unmanageable.
Care led by Dawn Cox, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), BCACC #3555
Dawn is often in session, so calls usually go to voicemail. Leave a message or send a text and she will get back to you as soon as possible.
Registered Clinical Counsellor · BCACC #3555
M.Ed. Educational Psychology · UVic
BCPFFA Endorsed — Bronze
Completed Gottman Method Level 2 Training
Written and clinically reviewed by Dawn Cox, Registered Clinical Counsellor, BCACC #3555 · Reviewed July 2026
Recognizing the experience
What this can feel like
Living with the effects of trauma can feel like your mind and body are constantly on high alert. You might notice that certain sounds, environments, or conversations trigger a sudden rush of panic or a deep urge to withdraw.
It can be exhausting to manage overwhelming emotions, intrusive memories, or the physical tension that seems to live in your muscles. Trauma often changes how you view yourself and the world, making it difficult to trust others or feel safe in your daily life.
It is not uncommon to feel disconnected from the people you care about, or to struggle with sleep, anger, and grief that seem to surface without warning.
A collaborative process
How counselling can support change
Sessions focus on what is happening now, what keeps the pattern going, and which practical or reflective tools fit your goals and capacity.
Therapy at Dawn Cox Counselling addresses these experiences by prioritizing your physical and emotional safety first.
We utilize trauma-informed practices, including Somatic Experiencing and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, to help you process what happened without forcing you to relive it unnecessarily.
By paying attention to how your nervous system responds, we work together to build practical grounding techniques. This means learning how to calm your mind and body, ease physical tension, and regain a sense of balance.
We also focus on making sense of the past, helping you integrate those experiences into your life story so they no longer dictate your present reactions.
Explore how this work is adapted in sessions
The treatment process begins with establishing a safe, non-judgmental environment. In the first few sessions, we focus on understanding your current challenges and building immediate coping strategies.
We do not rush into processing traumatic memories; instead, we move at a pace that feels manageable for you. Ongoing sessions involve a collaborative effort to recognize triggers, challenge negative thought patterns, and gently release stored physical tension.
The length of therapy varies for everyone, but the goal is always to help you move forward with greater resilience and self-trust. We regularly check in on your progress to ensure the approach remains effective and supportive of your goals.
Start the conversation
Would it help to talk this through?
PTSD and Complex PTSD Therapy sessions are available in person in Victoria and online across Canada. A free 15-minute consultation gives you a chance to ask questions and decide whether the fit feels right.
Dawn is often in session, so calls usually go to voicemail. Leave a message or send a text and she will get back to you as soon as possible.
What you can expect
Why people choose our practice
Accountable professional care
Dawn is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, registration #3555.
In-person and online options
Sessions are available in person in Victoria and online across Canada.
Start with a brief consultation
Ask questions and get a sense of fit before deciding whether to move forward. There is no pressure to commit.
Pacing and process
What to expect in sessions
01
This type of therapy is well-suited for individuals who have experienced specific traumatic events, such as accidents or assaults, as well as those dealing with the complex, cumulative effects of prolonged stress or childhood trauma.
02
It is particularly helpful for first responders and individuals who feel stuck in a cycle of anxiety and avoidance. Deciding to talk to someone takes courage. Many people wonder if what they are experiencing is bad enough for therapy, but you do not have to be in crisis to deserve support.
03
Reaching out to a PTSD and C-PTSD therapist in Victoria is a meaningful step toward regaining control. Sessions are available in person in Victoria and online across Canada.
04
For many people, the most frustrating aspect of trauma is how it intrudes on everyday moments. You might be at the grocery store or sitting in a meeting when a sudden smell, sound, or passing comment triggers a wave of panic that feels entirely out of proportion to the present situation.
See more about pacing and the therapy process
05
This is your nervous system reacting exactly as it was designed to do when under threat; the problem is that the threat has passed, but your body has not received the message.
06
This constant state of false alarm drains your physical energy and makes it incredibly difficult to focus, plan for the future, or simply enjoy the company of your loved ones.
07
You might find yourself avoiding certain places, people, or even specific types of conversations just to prevent these overwhelming reactions.
A possible fit
Who this support may be for
At Dawn Cox Counselling, we recognize that true healing requires more than just talking about what happened. It requires helping your nervous system relearn how to feel safe in the present moment.
We often incorporate grounding exercises that you can use outside of our sessions, teaching you how to physically signal safety to your brain when a trigger occurs.
This might involve focusing on the feeling of your feet on the floor, noticing specific colours in the room, or practicing controlled breathing techniques.
Read more about fit and related concerns
By building this toolkit of practical skills, we aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of your trauma responses, giving you back a sense of control over your own body and mind.
We also understand that trauma can deeply affect your relationships. It is not uncommon for survivors to feel a profound sense of isolation, believing that no one else could possibly understand what they are going through.
You might find yourself pulling away from your partner, family, or friends, either because you feel emotionally numb or because you are afraid of burdening them with your struggles. Part of our work together involves addressing this isolation.
We help you explore how trauma has impacted your ability to trust and connect with others, and we work collaboratively to rebuild those connections at a pace that feels safe for you.
Independent public feedback
Google Reviews
View feedback published independently on Google. Review content does not confirm any person's relationship with the practice.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
The timeline for trauma recovery is different for everyone. Some clients find relief from acute symptoms in a few months, while deeper, complex trauma may require longer-term support. We focus on steady, sustainable progress rather than rushing the process. We review this collaboratively and adjust the plan as your needs, preferences, and current capacity change.
Dawn Cox does not personally offer EMDR. Clients seeking EMDR are referred to clinical counsellors within her professional network who provide that modality. In her own practice, Dawn uses Somatic Experiencing and trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — both evidence-based approaches that support the nervous system in processing and releasing traumatic stress.
Yes. The nervous system can hold onto trauma for decades. Therapy is effective at addressing these long-held patterns, helping you process past events and reduce their impact on your current life, regardless of how much time has passed. We review this collaboratively and adjust the plan as your needs, preferences, and current capacity change.
Virtual therapy can be highly effective for PTSD and C-PTSD, and many clients prefer the safety and comfort of their own home when discussing difficult topics. We ensure our virtual sessions maintain the same level of care and connection as in-person visits.
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. We actively monitor your comfort level and will pause to use grounding techniques whenever necessary. Your safety and emotional regulation are always the priority during our work together. We review this collaboratively and adjust the plan as your needs, preferences, and current capacity change.
A supportive first step
Ready to ask about ptsd and complex ptsd therapy?
Use a free 15-minute conversation to ask questions, understand the process, and decide whether our practice feels like the right fit.
Dawn is often in session, so calls usually go to voicemail. Leave a message or send a text and she will get back to you as soon as possible.