“Healing happens when you are heard.” -Anonymous

Lois Hansen holds a Masters of Educational Counselling degree from the University of Victoria and is a member in good standing with Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. As a registered psychotherapist and somatic experiencing practitioner, a trauma lens is used to apply counselling. This reflects her 13 years of specialized university level training and over 25 years of experience. She is fully trained in Somatic Experiencing® therapy, strength-based therapy, play therapy, family systems therapy, Gottman couples therapy, Mindfulness, human sexuality, and touch therapy.  Somatic Experiencing® is the strongest influence in her counselling sessions. She is also fully trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, using techniques such as cognitive restructuring, covert modelling, systematic desensitization, problem solving, and guided imagery or visualization.

Her specialized training in trauma, includes shock trauma, (a one-time, or just a few experiences) developmental trauma, (traumas experienced as a child, teen-ager and/or young adult) intergenerational trauma, (traumas siblings, parents, uncles and aunts and/or grandparent may have experienced that have an effect) as well as complex trauma, (a combination of any or all the previously mentioned traumas). This gives her a unique approach to assist her clients in moving more effectively through their issues so they can be free of their debilitating trauma responses.

Throughout each counselling session Lois also integrates attachment theory (the study of relationship bonding and its disruption), human development theory, Stephen Porges Polyvagal theory, traumatic stress research, as well as other neuro-scientific research, including brain plasticity. These theories are combined to offer a highly individualized and most often effective intervention sessions.

Common issues that people deal with through the assistance of Hansen Counselling:

Self Esteem
Relationship Issues
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Parenting Concerns
PTSD
Complex Trauma
Sleep Disturbances/Insomnia
Digestive Issues
Chronic Pain
Eating Disorders
Autoimmune Illness
Obesity
Endocrine Disorders

Lois Hansen, through Hansen Counselling, is also an approved mental healthcare provider for:

First Nations Health Authority
ICBC
WorkSafeBC

Crime Victim Services
Veteran Affairs

Hansen Counselling offers one-on-one counseling, couples therapy, family, parenting and child counselling, group therapy, telehealth, zoom sessions, and touch therapy.

Her first career, often referred to as her first love, was as an elementary school teacher. Throughout these 19 years she was an elementary teacher, counsellor and a principal. Now she combines her extensive educational background with the psychology background and counsels as well as teaches psycho-educational workshops, offering consultations for therapists and teaching about effective trauma practice.