Anxiety & Trauma

Understanding the Body’s Alarm System

Anxiety and trauma are not “overreactions” — they are the nervous system working in overdrive to keep us safe. When someone has experienced overwhelming stress, fear, or uncertainty, the brain becomes more alert to danger… even when the threat is no longer there.

This can lead to:

  • Racing thoughts and constant worry

  • Avoidance or emotional shutdown

  • Trouble sleeping and relaxing

  • Irritability and sensitivity to stress

  • Physical symptoms like headaches or a tight chest

  • Panic attacks or feeling on edge

  • Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe

Anxiety and trauma live not only in the mind, but also in the body and brain’s learned responses.

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Healing at Touch Brain Counselor

A neuro-affirming, trauma-informed approach

We provide integrated therapies that support emotional regulation, neurological recovery, and a renewed sense of safety.

How Trauma Affects the Brain

  • Processes emotions

  • Responds to stress

  • Form memories and trust

  • Regulates fear and safety signals

Without support, the nervous system stays in a fight, flight, or freeze state — long after the danger is gone. Healing requires helping both the brain and body feel regulated again.

Safety First

At Touch Brain Counselor, the person is always in control of their healing journey.
We ensure:

✔ Gentle pacing
✔ Consent-based exploration
✔ Sensory-friendly spaces
✔ Culturally aware and inclusive care
✔ Open communication with caregivers (when appropriate)

Trust is the foundation of trauma recovery — and we build it together.

Therapies

Art Therapy

Processing emotions that feel too big for words

Creative expression allows individuals—especially children—to:

  • Release tension and fear safely

  • Externalize internal worries

  • Build confidence and emotional awareness

  • Explore identity beyond trauma

Art creates a bridge from fear to self-understanding.

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Neurofeedback

Teaching the brain to calm the alarm

Neurofeedback gently trains the brain to move out of hyperarousal (panic, fear) or hypoarousal (numbness, shutdown) by:

  • Regulating brainwave patterns linked to anxiety

  • Reducing overactivation of the stress response

  • Supporting focus, sleep, and emotional control

  • Improving long-term resilience

Clients gradually feel more grounded and safe from the inside out.

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Play Therapy

A child’s pathway to healing through connection

Play becomes a safe space to:

  • Rebuild trust and secure attachment

  • Practice coping skills

  • Transform scary stories into empowering ones

  • Restore a sense of imagination and control

Play reduces anxiety by restoring joy, curiosity, and safety.

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CBT & Trauma-Informed Counselling

Rewriting patterns created by fear

Talk-based therapy helps:

  • Develop grounding and relaxation strategies

  • Challenge anxious thought loops

  • Rebuild self-esteem and self-protection

  • Increase flexibility around fears and triggers

We honour each person’s pace — never pushing beyond what feels safe.

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Real People. Real Results.

  • Karimi. A

    I am very happy with the Neurofeedback and talk therapy sessions my daughter has been receiving. She has made significant progress, which has given us immense hope and relief. Niki, our therapist, is exceptionally aware, kind, and professional. From the very first day, she established a deep sense of trust and connection with my daughter. We are so grateful for her expertise and compassion!

  • Khamseh. A

    Shiva Sherkat and her team are an exceptional group of therapists who provide compassionate care and support to their clients. Their expertise and dedication create a nurturing environment where individuals can explore and address their challenges with confidence. Highly recommended for anyone seeking professional guidance and healing.

  • Varghan. M

    I had tried so many things to become a calm and relaxed person but none of them helps but after few times therapy with Shiva i really changed she changed and saved my life.
    I really appreciate Shiva and your kind and friendly staff.

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Let us get you started on your mental wellness journey.

TouchBrain Counselor proudly offers tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) as part of our innovative therapy programs. We are located in Coquitlam & Vancouver serving children, youth, and families across the Lower Mainland with a combination of brain-based and creative therapies designed to support growth and resilience.

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