What Does a Therapist Actually Do?

Understanding the Role of Counselling in Mental Health

Thinking about starting therapy but unsure what to expect? You're not alone.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, or just feeling stuck, therapy can offer clarity, relief, and long-term growth. But it’s completely normal to wonder—what does a therapist actually do?

At Tidal Trauma Centre in Surrey, we provide compassionate, evidence-based counselling to help individuals feel safer, more grounded, and more connected. This blog will walk you through what therapy looks like and how it might support you.

What Is the Role of a Therapist?

At its core, a therapist’s role is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences without judgment.

A trauma-informed therapist doesn’t just “give advice.” Instead, they help you identify patterns, process painful experiences, and reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been ignored or silenced.

They act as a compassionate guide—not a fixer—supporting you in developing insight, emotional regulation, self-trust, and new ways of relating to yourself and others.

What Happens in a Therapy Session?

Therapy sessions vary depending on your needs, the therapist’s approach, and your goals.

Generally, your first session involves a collaborative intake—your therapist will ask about your history, current challenges, and what you hope to get out of therapy. Together, you’ll establish a pace and structure that feels safe and manageable.

In ongoing sessions, you may explore emotions, reflect on past experiences, practice grounding techniques, or work with trauma processing modalities like EMDR, IFS, or somatic therapy.

You’re always in control of what you share and how deep you go.

How Therapy Can Help With Anxiety, Trauma, and More

• Manage overwhelming anxiety or panic

• Heal from trauma, including PTSD or childhood wounds

• Improve self-esteem and self-awareness

• Process grief, loss, or life transitions

• Navigate complex relationships and boundaries

• Build nervous system regulation and resilience

Whether you're experiencing acute stress or long-standing emotional patterns, therapy offers both practical tools and deep healing. At Tidal Trauma Centre, we specialize in supporting individuals through trauma-informed care that honours your pace, your story, and your nervous system.

Choosing the Right Therapist for You

Finding the right therapist can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be.

Look for someone who makes you feel emotionally safe, respected, and empowered. It’s okay to ask questions about their training, approach, or experience with specific issues like trauma, anxiety, or grief.

At Tidal Trauma Centre, our Surrey-based therapists are trained in modalities like EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy. We offer a free 15-minute consult so you can see if we’re the right fit—no pressure, no judgment.

Meet Our Surrey Therapists

Tidal Trauma Centre’s clinical team includes registered clinical counsellors trained in:

• Trauma-Informed Counselling

• EMDR Therapy Surrey

• IFS Therapy for Parts Work

• Somatic Therapy and Nervous System Regulation

• Support for Anxiety, Grief, and Relationship Healing

We work with adults, teens, and couples across Surrey, Cloverdale, Langley, and online throughout BC.

Book a Free Consult With a Therapist in Surrey

If you're ready to learn more about how therapy could support you—or if you're still not sure—we invite you to connect with us for a no-obligation consult.

📍 In-person therapy available in Cloverdale, Surrey

💻 Online counselling offered across British Columbia

👥 Trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches

FAQs About What to Expect in Therapy

Q: What does a therapist actually do during a session? A: A therapist doesn’t just sit and listen—they actively support you in understanding your emotions, patterns, and internal experiences. In sessions, they may help you process painful memories, challenge unhelpful beliefs, or explore how past experiences impact your current relationships. Depending on your needs, they might also guide you through grounding techniques, body awareness, or trauma-informed interventions like EMDR or IFS. Ultimately, a therapist creates a space where healing, insight, and emotional safety are possible.

Q: Do I have to talk about my past right away in therapy? A: Not at all. A good therapist—especially one who is trauma-informed—will never push you to go deeper than you’re ready for. Therapy begins at your pace. You might start by talking about current stress, learning regulation tools, or simply building trust. Over time, as you feel more comfortable and safe, you may naturally begin to explore past experiences if and when it feels right. There’s no pressure to “open up” quickly; your healing is honored in whatever form it takes.

Q: Is therapy only for people with serious mental health issues? A: Not at all. Therapy is for anyone who wants support navigating life’s challenges—whether it’s anxiety, burnout, relationship issues, low self-worth, or feeling stuck. Many people come to therapy not because they’re in crisis, but because they want more clarity, emotional resilience, or healthier relationships. At Tidal Trauma Centre, we work with people at all stages of their healing journey, and therapy is tailored to your unique goals, not just a diagnosis.

Q: What if I don’t know what to say in therapy? A: That’s totally okay—and actually quite common. Your therapist is trained to help guide the conversation, ask gentle questions, and hold space even in silence. You don’t need to come with a plan or say the “right” things. Some sessions might feel more reflective or quiet, while others may feel more emotional or active. Therapy is about showing up as you are, even if you’re unsure or overwhelmed.

Q: How do trauma-informed therapists approach healing differently? A: Trauma-informed therapists prioritize emotional and nervous system safety. Instead of diving into painful memories right away, they help you build tools for grounding, develop trust, and understand your internal responses. They see symptoms like anxiety or numbness not as “problems to fix,” but as survival strategies. This approach is gentle, collaborative, and respectful of your boundaries and past experiences. At Tidal Trauma Centre, all of our therapists are trained to support trauma in a way that honours your pace and story.

Q: Can therapy really help with things like anxiety or feeling stuck? A: Yes—therapy can be incredibly helpful for anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or feeling stuck in life. Through therapy, you can learn to identify triggers, understand your thought patterns, and work with your nervous system instead of against it. You’ll develop coping strategies, gain emotional insight, and begin to shift long-standing patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Many people find they begin to feel more grounded, confident, and connected after even a few sessions.