About Lisa

When Relationships Break: Healing from Trauma and Rebuilding Connection

Life can throw unexpected challenges that shake your ability to connect with others. Whether you’re struggling with the aftermath of trauma, difficult relationships, or a sense of disconnection, communication can become hard and conflict may surface everywhere. You might feel isolated or like you’re on the outside of your own relationships, unsure how to find your way back.

If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, broken relationships, or other traumatic events, you may be questioning your self-worth or wondering if you’ll ever feel “normal” again. Grieving lost dreams and a sense of safety is natural—and you’re not alone.

As a trauma-informed counsellor in Surrey, BC, I understand how isolating it can feel. I’ve been where you are: watching others around me seem to thrive in their relationships while I felt broken and disconnected.

Hope and Healing Are Within Reach

Healing begins with connection. For me, it started by working with a compassionate counsellor who helped me rediscover hope and strength in my own story. Everyone’s healing journey is unique, and my trauma-informed therapy approach honours that.

Through therapy, I learned to:

  • Feel and process anger about past hurts in a safe, healthy way

  • Recognize the signs of abuse and break harmful cycles

  • Build strong boundaries that protect my peace and promote healthy relationships

  • Rediscover courage, compassion, and authentic connection in my life

Learning to be kind to myself and rebuild my self-esteem was transformative. I now help adult women and couples heal from trauma, set healthy boundaries, and develop meaningful relationships grounded in safety and trust.

Your Journey to Authentic Healing Starts Here

If you’re ready to find your voice, reconnect with hope, and create a life filled with meaning, boundaries, and real connection—starting with the relationship you have with yourself—I’m here to walk alongside you. I offer trauma-informed counselling and virtual therapy for clients in Surrey, BC, and across Canada..

Lisa Catallo

Courage | Authenticity | Growth |

Courage | Authenticity | Growth |

the official stuff

Professional Credentials

I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #15185) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC #10001037) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I work with individuals and couples in Surrey, BC, and also offer virtual sessions across the province.

I am also registered with the BC Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP), which allows survivors of crime to access counselling services at no cost or at a significantly reduced rate.

Education

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
    Trinity Western University

Additional Training & Specializations

I’m committed to ongoing learning and professional development. Some of the additional training I’ve completed includes:

  • Systemic Clinical Supervision Fundamentals
    with Vange Willms-Thiessen

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
    A specialized trauma therapy that uses eye movements to help process distressing memories and beliefs.

  • Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI) – Level II
    A gentle trauma therapy that helps clients process painful memories, often without needing to talk about the experience directly.

  • When Love Hurts – Group Therapy Facilitation
    Based on the book When Love Hurts, this group supports women healing from abusive relationships by exploring the cycle of abuse and building tools for safety, clarity, and recovery.

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 2 Trained
    A structured, research-based approach to strengthening relationships through communication, emotional connection, and conflict management.

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples
    Helps couples understand and express the underlying emotions and needs driving conflict, fostering deeper connection and emotional safety.

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