top of page
Woman walking alone on a quiet road  — beginning a healing journey after trauma

Trauma Therapy

Healing the wounds you can’t always see.

At Dragonfly, we specialize in supporting women through anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, managing relationships, and life transitions (and more). Our therapists offer a real, down-to-earth space where you can be yourself — no judgment, no pressure. We focus on building a relationship based on trust and meeting you where you’re at, so you feel truly heard and supported from the very first session.

Have You Been Struggling To Move Forward After A Painful Experience?

Maybe something happened months—or even years—ago, but it still affects how you feel, think, and live your life. You might have experienced a sudden, life-altering event, such as an assault, accident, loss, or medical emergency. Or perhaps you’ve endured ongoing, less visible forms of trauma—like emotional neglect, manipulation, or repeated boundary violations—that have worn away your sense of safety and trust in the world.

You may find yourself startled by small triggers, feeling “on edge” without knowing why, or avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of what happened. Sleep might be difficult, your relationships may feel strained, and you may carry a constant undercurrent of anxiety, shame, or self-doubt.

For many women, trauma is especially complicated because of societal

pressures to “hold it together,” care for others, and keep going—often

without space to acknowledge the depth of their pain.

You might wish you could feel more grounded, less reactive, and more in

control of your own story.  With the right support, you can process what

happened, rebuild your sense of safety, and reclaim the parts of yourself

you thought were lost. The important thing to remember is that recovery

is not only possible, it’s deeply human. With guidance and care, you can

learn how to process your experiences, calm your nervous system, and

reconnect with yourself.

Woman facing away toward open sky — reclaiming safety, space, and self after trauma.

Have any questions? Send us a message and we will be in touch!

You’re Not Alone—Trauma Affects Many Women

Experiencing trauma is far more common than most people realize. Research shows that more than half of women will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime¹. For women, these experiences often involve interpersonal harm—such as childhood trauma, sexual violence or intimate partner abuse - which can leave deep emotional imprints.

Many women who have gone through trauma feel a mix of emotions: fear, anger, grief, guilt, and even numbness. These reactions are the body and mind’s way of trying to cope with something that felt overwhelming at the time. You might notice physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, fatigue, or a racing heart, alongside emotional challenges like irritability, hopelessness, or detachment from others.

For women, this can be compounded by cultural messages telling you to minimize your pain, move on quickly, or take care of others before yourself. You may have been told things like, “That was a long time ago,” “It wasn’t that bad,” or “Other people have it worse.” But trauma isn’t measured by comparison — it’s measured by impact.

Soft abstract graphic suggesting calm and grounding during trauma recovery

Healing from trauma is not about erasing the past—it’s about writing a new chapter where you feel strong, safe, and in control.

Many women who have experienced trauma feel like they “should” be over it by now or that their pain isn’t valid compared to what others have gone through.

 

The truth is, trauma isn’t something you simply “get past” with time or willpower. Your body and mind are doing their best to protect you — but those survival strategies can also keep you stuck.

Therapy can help you heal, gain clarity, and move forward with more confidence, calm, and self-compassion.

"Even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we have the power to choose where we go from here." Steven Chbotsky

Trauma Therapy Can Help You Feel Safe, Empowered, And Whole Again

Trauma therapy offers a safe, confidential space to explore your experiences without judgment. At Dragonfly , we understand that healing from trauma isn’t about “forgetting” what happened—it’s about helping your mind and body feel safe again, so you can live with more freedom and less fear.

We use evidence-based approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-focused CBT, and somatic techniques to address both the emotional and physical impacts of trauma. Together, we’ll work to reduce distressing symptoms, process painful memories, and help you regain a sense of control over your life.

Our sessions will move at your pace—you’ll never be pushed to share more than

you’re ready for. Early sessions often focus on building trust, developing grounding

skills, and stabilizing your emotions. As we move forward, we’ll gently work through

the memories and experiences that continue to impact you, while also helping you

build a future you feel hopeful about.

We recognize that women’s trauma often intersects with cultural, relational, and

societal pressures, and we approach therapy with that understanding. Whether your

trauma stems from a single event, multiple events, or an ongoing situation, we are

here to support you in reclaiming your voice, your boundaries, and your sense of self.

Many of our clients find that, over time, they sleep better, feel calmer in stressful

situations, and are able to reconnect more fully with the people and activities they care about.

Calming, light-filled image — gentle, paced trauma therapy focused on safety and stabilization.

You May Be Interested in Trauma Therapy
But Have Some Questions...

How do I know if I need trauma therapy?


You might benefit from trauma therapy if you’re experiencing ongoing anxiety, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, flashbacks, difficulty trusting others, or unexplained physical symptoms. Trauma can also appear as feeling “stuck” or disconnected from yourself. If these experiences interfere with your daily life or relationships, therapy can help.

Will talking about the trauma make things worse?


It’s common to worry that therapy will bring up too many painful feelings. While some sessions can feel emotionally intense, a skilled trauma therapist will pace the work to avoid overwhelming you. We use approaches that help you stay grounded, so you can process the trauma without re-experiencing it in harmful ways.

What if I’m not ready to talk about the trauma yet?


That’s completely okay. You set the pace in trauma therapy. In our work together, we can begin by building tools for emotional regulation, grounding, and safety before approaching the trauma directly. Your comfort and readiness guide the process.

Will talking about the trauma make things worse?


It’s common to worry that therapy will bring up too many painful feelings. While some sessions can feel emotionally intense, a skilled trauma therapist will pace the work to avoid overwhelming you. We use approaches that help you stay grounded, so you can process the trauma without re-experiencing it in harmful ways.

Begin Your Healing Journey at Your Own Pace

You’ve already carried the weight of your trauma for too long—you don’t need to carry it alone.

Healing may feel daunting, but even the smallest first step can create a ripple of change in your life.

Our female psychologists understand the unique challenges women face.

We’re here to support you through it all—with warmth, honesty, and real connection.

If you’re curious about therapy or wondering if it’s the right time, let’s start with a free 20-minute phone consult.

No pressure, no commitment—just a chance to talk, ask questions, and see if we’re the right fit for you.

Available Therapists 

(Offering In-Person or Virtually Counselling Services in the Calgary Area)

Don't want to book online? Not sure who to book with?

Get in touch to book a free phone consult.

Trauma Therapy in Calgary, AB

In Person and Online Sessions Available

1407 10 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1E7

Dragonfly Psychological Services
1407 10 St SW​
Calgary, AB
T2R 1E7  

2025 Melissa Foster

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
bottom of page