Trauma and Grief Support in Nanaimo

Trauma and grief often intertwine in complex ways. While grief is a natural response to loss, trauma can complicate the healing process—especially when that loss is sudden, violent, or deeply unsettling. The body and nervous system can remain stuck in survival mode, making it difficult to find peace or connection even years later.

For Farnaz Farrokhi-Holmes, M.A., RCC, CCC, this understanding is both professional and deeply personal. Growing up in a war-torn country, Farnaz has witnessed firsthand how fear, loss, and instability shape the nervous system. Her lived experience informs her compassionate, grounded approach to therapy at Soma House Counselling & Wellness in Nanaimo, recognizing that trauma lives not only in our memories but also in our bodies.

At her practice, Farnaz integrates EMDR therapy with other trauma-informed modalities, including somatic awareness, mindfulness, and strength-based counselling. EMDR therapy employs gentle bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements or tapping—to help the brain safely reprocess distressing memories. Over time, this process helps lessen the emotional charge, allowing clients to experience greater calm, clarity, and self-trust.

Whether you are grieving the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a sudden life change, EMDR therapy can help you navigate the trauma and grief that often coexist. Healing isn’t about forgetting—it’s about integrating what’s happened so you can move forward with resilience and compassion.

Depression can make it difficult to enjoy life and engage in activities you once loved. Our counselling services in Nanaimo are here to help you overcome depression and develop a more positive outlook on life. We offer evidence-based treatments, including EMDR therapy, that have been proven to be effective for depression, as well as support for trauma and grief.