Specialized trauma therapy serving Abbotsford,
Mission, Langley, and the Fraser Valley
If you’re looking for EMDR therapy or trauma counselling in Abbotsford, you’ve found a team that specializes in exactly that. At Charlaine Robinson & Associates, we help adults and youth heal from trauma, PTSD, and abuse using evidence-based approaches — including EMDR, one of the most researched and effective trauma treatments available today.
Our Abbotsford therapists are certified in EMDR and bring decades of combined experience working with trauma survivors, first responders, abuse survivors, and people navigating some of life’s most challenging issues. Whether you’re dealing with something recent or carrying wounds from long ago, you don’t have to do this alone.
EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from traumatic experiences. It’s widely used by trauma therapists around the world and backed by decades of research. If you’ve heard of it but aren’t quite sure what it involves, see below for what you need to know.
When something traumatic happens, the brain sometimes struggles to process the experience the way it normally would. The memory gets “stuck” — stored in a raw, unprocessed state that can keep triggering distressing feelings long after the event is over.
EMDR therapy uses guided bilateral stimulation — typically side-to-side eye movements — while you briefly recall the traumatic memory. This process mimics what happens naturally during REM sleep and helps the brain reprocess the memory so it no longer carries the same emotional charge. Over time, the memory becomes something you can think about without being overwhelmed by it.
You don’t need to describe the trauma in detail for EMDR to work. Many people find that reassuring.
EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, and it remains one of the most effective approaches for post-traumatic stress. Over decades of research and clinical use, it has also proven highly effective for:
If you’re carrying something from your past that still affects how you feel or function today — whether or not you’ve ever called it trauma — EMDR therapy may be worth exploring.
Before any processing begins, your therapist will take time to understand your history and make sure you feel safe and prepared. EMDR isn’t something that’s rushed — the early sessions focus on building trust and equipping you with grounding tools you can use between appointments.
During processing sessions, you’ll be guided to hold a specific memory in mind while your therapist leads you through sets of bilateral stimulation. Sessions typically run 50–90 minutes. Most people notice a shift within a handful of sessions, though the full course of treatment varies depending on what you’re working through.
The goal isn’t to erase the past — it’s to change the way it lives in your body and mind.
Trauma looks different for everyone. Some people come to us carrying the weight of childhood abuse or domestic violence. Others are first responders processing what they’ve seen on the job. Some are adults who’ve never put words to what happened to them — only that something isn’t right.
Our Abbotsford therapists work with adults navigating trauma, complex PTSD, abuse recovery, anxiety and depression rooted in past experiences, grief and loss, low self-worth and shame, and the lingering effects of domestic violence and relationship trauma. We also work with first responders, RCMP members, and military veterans — and offer culturally sensitive support, including care in Punjabi and Hindi.
You don’t need a diagnosis to reach out. If something from your past is affecting your life today, that’s enough.
Taking the first step toward counselling can feel daunting — especially when you’re already carrying something heavy. We’ve tried to make it as straightforward as possible.
Our Abbotsford team brings deep expertise in EMDR and trauma counselling — and a genuine commitment to meeting each client where they are.
Shawnda has over 20 years of experience supporting people through some of the most challenging chapters of their lives. She is a Certified EMDR Therapist with advanced training in complex trauma, dissociation, somatic integration, and domestic violence. Warm, collaborative, and deeply experienced, Shawnda's approach puts you in the driver's seat of your own healing.
Rajvinder brings over a decade of social work experience and specialized training in EMDR, complex trauma, and emotion-focused therapy. Fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, she offers culturally sensitive care and a deeply held belief in every person's capacity to heal.
Melissa began her counselling career in the mental health and addictions field, and brings that grounded, practical experience to her work with trauma clients. Trained in both EMDR and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), she approaches each person with skill, care, and genuine respect for their journey.
Prefer to work with a specific therapist? Charlaine Robinson — our founder and lead clinician — is also available for online sessions with Abbotsford and Fraser Valley clients. → Learn more about Charlaine
We offer in-person EMDR therapy and trauma counselling at our Abbotsford office, as well as secure virtual sessions for clients throughout British Columbia.
We serve clients in Abbotsford and the surrounding Fraser Valley, including Mission, Langley, Aldergrove, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, and Surrey.
Prefer to meet online? All of our Abbotsford therapists also offer virtual sessions — same quality of care, from wherever you are in BC.
EMDR works well for anyone whose present-day struggles are rooted in past experiences — trauma, abuse, loss, or difficult relationships. If you’ve tried talk therapy and felt like you were going in circles, EMDR may offer a different path. A free consultation is the best way to find out if it’s the right fit for you.
It varies. Some people notice meaningful shifts within 6–12 sessions; complex or long-standing trauma may take longer. Your therapist will give you a clearer picture after your first few appointments, and you’ll always have input into the pace.
Individual therapy sessions are $170 for 50 minutes or $235 for 80 minutes. We provide official receipts that can be submitted to extended health benefit plans — many plans cover registered clinical counsellors. We also offer intern counselling at $80 per session for those seeking a more accessible option.
Yes. All of our Abbotsford therapists offer secure virtual sessions for clients throughout British Columbia. If you’re in the Fraser Valley but prefer to meet from home, that’s always an option.
Our office assistant will help match you based on your needs, availability, and any preferences you have. You’re also welcome to read through each therapist’s profile before reaching out. There’s no pressure to stick with the first match — finding the right fit matters.
That’s okay — most people feel that way at first. There’s no obligation to commit to anything. Reach out, ask a few questions, and take as much time as you need. We’re here when you’re ready.