Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy for Women & Couples – Surrey & Virtual

Courage | Authenticity | Growth

How I work

Lisa Catallo

Trauma-informed approach

Modalities/Trainings

Counselling is a deeply personal journey.

That’s why the trauma-informed and authentic approaches I use are flexible and tailored to your unique personality, needs, and learning style. Based in Surrey, BC, I offer both in-person counselling in Surrey and virtual therapy to provide support that fits your life.

I believe the relationship you build with your counsellor is one of the most important parts of meaningful change. When you feel heard, understood, and genuinely supported, it becomes easier to be open and honest about what you're working through—and to stay open to feedback, challenge, and encouragement.

I work collaboratively with you. If you’re anything like me, being told what to do doesn’t always sit well. So, I won’t tell you what you have to do. Instead, I walk alongside you. I stay curious about who you are and what truly matters to you. My role is to support, encourage, and sometimes challenge you as you move toward the goals you’ve set for yourself.

What does it mean to be trauma-informed?
Being trauma-informed doesn’t mean I’m here to dig up all your past hurts in every session. Not at all. It means I understand that past experiences—especially those unexpected or overwhelming moments—can shape how you navigate your life today. My role as a trauma-informed counsellor is not to rehash those experiences unnecessarily, but to help you make sense of what happened and provide practical tools and compassionate support to face your current challenges with greater confidence and clarity.

Trauma-informed therapy also means I pay close attention to what safety and trust look like for you. We’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful of where you are in your healing journey. I won’t rush you—in fact, sometimes I might gently encourage you to slow down and really tune into your needs.

I see you as the expert of your own story. I’m here to walk alongside you, supporting, encouraging, and sometimes challenging you as you heal, grow, and embrace your whole self. Together, we’ll work toward grounding you more deeply in who you are and fostering healthier, more authentic relationships.

If you have any questions about trauma counselling, therapy options in Surrey or virtual support across BC, please feel free to reach out by clicking the button below. I’d love to help.

  • This approach is especially helpful for people who have experienced trauma or abuse. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) supports the brain in processing painful memories—often without needing to talk through every detail. These therapies can offer relief and resolution in a safe, contained way.

  • This approach explores how your past experiences—especially in early relationships—shape how you think, feel, and behave today. While we don’t need to revisit every childhood memory, understanding your story can help you make sense of patterns and create lasting change in your life now.

  • Based on the research of John and Julie Gottman, this method focuses on building what they call a “Sound Relationship House.” It emphasizes the importance of friendship, emotional connection, and shared meaning as a foundation for navigating conflict and improving communication. It’s a practical, research-based path to building a stronger, more resilient relationship.

  • Developed by Sue Johnson, EFT helps couples identify and express the deeper emotions and attachment needs beneath common conflict triggers. It’s especially powerful for fostering closeness, emotional safety, and secure connection. EFT pairs beautifully with the Gottman Method by addressing not just how you fight, but why.