My Approach
My name is Anna Nelson (she/her) and I am a registered clinical counsellor providing virtual counselling to residents of British Columbia (RCC #25393).
I currently live in North Vancouver BC on the traditional and unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
As a clinical counsellor specializing in trauma therapy, I am dedicated to creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and respected. My approach is trauma-informed and person-centered, rooted in the belief that you are the expert in your own life. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), somatic therapy, and Internal Family Systems and integrate them within my work. These modalities work with both the mind and body to support deep, lasting healing from trauma. I recognize that each client brings a unique story, and my role is to walk alongside you as you navigate the changes you seek.
The heart of my work lies in the therapeutic relationship. I believe that meaningful change begins in a safe, supportive connection — one built on trust, empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. I also bring a feminist lens to this work, paying close attention to the broader systems and social forces that shape our experiences while honouring the complexity of identity. In our work together, I aim to cultivate a relationship where you feel truly seen and met in your uniqueness — empowered not only in therapy, but in your life beyond it.
Whether you are working through trauma, seeking greater self-understanding, or navigating life transitions, I am here to support you with compassion, curiosity, and genuine care.
Background
After completing my BA in Psychology at the University of Victoria in 2023 I worked in multiple front line roles. I coordinated a crisis line for youth (Youthspace.ca - unfortunately no longer exists) and also worked as a harm reduction specialist at a safe consumption site. This work affirmed I was on the right path and wanted to go on to become a counsellor.
I graduated with a MA in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria in 2025. During my schooling, I took on a new role as the coordinator of the Sexual Assault Response Program at Family Services of the North Shore. It was within this role that I truly found my path - working with survivors of gender based violence. I do continue to work in this role as I am passionate about supporting survivors not only through counselling but also practically through the systems they choose to navigate following violence.
More About Anna
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I work with clients (13+) who have complex trauma and may be struggling to regain a sense of self and/or struggling with emotional regulation. Initially, we will prioritize creating a safe relationship together. It is within this relationship that the bulk of change will occur.
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Gender-based violence
Sexual violence
Intimate partner violence
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Trauma, and Complex-Trauma
Attachment and relationships
Anxiety
Depression
Stress and emotional regulation
Self-esteem and self-worth
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EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses guided eye movements to help your brain process and release traumatic memories that may be stuck. It's a research-backed approach that can create powerful shifts without requiring you to talk through every detail of what happened. I completed the EMDR Basic Training in January 2026.
Feminist Therapy
Feminist therapy recognizes that your personal experiences are deeply shaped by the world around you — including systems of power, gender, and culture. It's an approach rooted in respect, equality, and honoring your own lived experience as valid and meaningful.
Attachment-Focused Therapy
This approach explores how your early relationships shaped the way you connect, trust, and feel safe with others. By understanding your attachment patterns, we can gently shift the ones that no longer serve you.
Relational Therapy
Relational therapy understands that healing happens in connection — and that the therapeutic relationship itself is part of the process. It's a collaborative, genuine approach where the work we do together becomes a model for the relationships in your life.
IFS
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is based on the idea that we all have different "parts" of ourselves — some that protect us, some that carry old pain. Together we get to know these parts with curiosity and compassion, helping you feel more whole and at peace within yourself. I completed a training in IFS in July 2025.
Person-Centered Therapy
Person-centered therapy puts you in the driver's seat, trusting that you already hold the wisdom and capacity for your own healing. My role is to offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel fully accepted as you are.
Mindful Self-Compassion
This approach blends mindfulness practices with the warmth of self-compassion, helping you meet your own pain and struggles with kindness rather than criticism. It's about learning to be a good friend to yourself, especially in hard moments
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy recognizes that trauma and stress don't just live in the mind — they live in the body too. By tuning into physical sensations and signals, we work with your whole self, not just your thoughts. I am currently working through a Somatic Therapy for Complex Trauma course.
Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples helps partners understand the emotional patterns and cycles that keep them feeling disconnected or stuck. By getting to the heart of what each person truly needs, it helps rebuild a secure, loving bond. I completed a training on EFT-CT for complex couples in August 2025.
Ready to Begin?
Send me a quick message, and we’ll set up a time to chat about how we could work together to meet your goals.