Therapy for Sexual Assault in Surrey
Sexual assault is an experience that changes everything. It can upend your sense of safety, disrupt relationships, and affect how you see yourself and the world around you. In the aftermath, many survivors are left feeling alone, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn. But you don’t have to navigate this alone. Trauma-informed therapy offers a path toward reconnection with yourself, your body, your boundaries, and your sense of choice.
At Tidal Trauma Centre, we offer therapy for sexual assault survivors in Surrey and across British Columbia through online counselling. Our team includes trauma therapists trained in EMDR, IFS, somatic therapy, and attachment-based approaches that recognize the full impact of sexual trauma not just on your mind, but on your nervous system, your sense of self, and your ability to feel safe again.
The Lasting Impacts of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is not just an event. It's an experience that can live on in the body and mind long after the danger has passed. Survivors often carry shame that doesn’t belong to them, struggle to trust others (or themselves), and feel emotionally numb or hyper-alert in daily life.
Some of the common long-term effects include:
Post-Traumatic Stress: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, or panic symptoms
Anxiety and Depression: Lingering fear, overwhelm, emotional shutdown, or hopelessness
Guilt and Shame: Internalized blame, even when logically you know it wasn’t your fault
Disconnection from the Body: Feeling numb, frozen, or dissociated
Difficulties with Intimacy and Trust: Challenges in relationships or navigating consent
None of these responses are signs of weakness. They are adaptations, your nervous system’s way of protecting you. Therapy helps you gently shift from survival mode into a more regulated state, where safety and choice can begin to return.
How Therapy Supports Sexual Assault Survivors
Healing from sexual trauma isn’t about “getting over it.” It’s about creating the right conditions for your nervous system, your emotions, and your inner world to feel more supported. Here’s what trauma therapy can offer:
A Safe and Empowering Environment
In therapy, you’ll never be pushed to share details before you’re ready. Instead, your therapist will work at your pace, helping you feel more grounded, regulated, and in control of your healing journey.
Modalities That Work With the Body
We use EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), AEDP, and somatic approaches that help gently reprocess stuck trauma without re-traumatization. These therapies support healing by engaging the parts of your brain and body that talk therapy alone can’t always reach.
Tools for Everyday Life
Therapy also gives you practical skills to manage triggers, navigate relationships, and reclaim moments of calm and self-trust. Over time, survivors often report increased confidence, reduced shame, and a renewed connection to themselves.
Online Counselling for Sexual Assault Survivors in BC
For many survivors, the thought of being in a physical therapy office can feel overwhelming, especially when your body has been a source of fear or disconnection. That’s why we also offer online trauma therapy across British Columbia.
Whether you live in Surrey, Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria, or a more rural part of BC, you can access qualified trauma therapists from the comfort of your own space. Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person care, and for some survivors, even more accessible and empowering.
Book a Free Consult or Appointment
You don’t have to walk this path alone. If you’re ready to begin or just want to explore your options, we offer free 15-minute consultations with trauma therapists who understand the complexities of sexual assault and recovery. Book a free consult or appointment. Not sure who to book with? Fill out a New Client Form and we’ll match you with one or more therapists who may be a fit.
-
Yes. Trauma therapy doesn't require you to recount your story in detail. Modalities like EMDR and IFS allow for healing even when words are hard to find. Your therapist will follow your lead and work with what feels safe.
-
If you’re struggling with lasting effects of sexual assault including anxiety, disconnection, flashbacks, or relationship difficulties, a trauma therapist is often best equipped to help. General counselling may be supportive, but trauma-specific training matters.
-
Yes. Many physical symptoms after trauma are nervous system responses. Trauma therapy often includes somatic and regulation-based tools that help with sleep, panic, hypervigilance, and feeling grounded in your body again.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
Blogs
Services
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental health advice. It is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.