Our person-centered approach aims to compassionately empower individuals towards transformative change and increased connection with community.
Simultaneously, we challenge the social norms that support the marginalization of groups of people within our society.
Image by Nika Akin from Pixabay
What is TRAUMA?
Many types of events would accurately fall under the label as “traumatic”…
…including experiencing or witnessing sexual or physical violence, criminal victimization, a life-threatening car accident or health incident, the sudden or violent death of a loved one, experiencing war or a natural disaster are just a few examples.
The impacts of trauma can be multifaceted as well, including debilitating symptoms such as:
Nightmares, flashbacks and/or intrusive thoughts about the event(s)
Loss of concentration and disorientation
Insomnia, changes in interest in eating and sex, social withdrawal
Mood swings, irritability, suicidal ideation, overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks, shame
Loss of trust, existential angst and extreme feelings of isolation
For some, traumatic experiences can lead to other life difficulties, immobilizing the person through less helpful methods of coping such as substance misuse, eating disorders and so on.
There are too many barriers to treatment.
Many people are marginalized by social and systemic barriers that limit the opportunities to high-quality counselling therapies.
These barriers are biased against persons already dismissed due to issues around poverty, race, gender identity / sexual orientation, and stigmatization of mental health issues. Swallowtail Trauma Integration Society was formed to work beyond these obstacles to connect people with the trauma care they need and are worthy of.
Our Values:
We value autonomy and dignity, alongside corroboration and social justice.
‘Live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly’
My name is Jolene Friesen, director of Swallowtail Trauma Integration Society. I am a therapist trained through the Graduate Program of Counselling Psychology at Trinity Western University (Langley, BC). I am a Certified Professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
Swallowtail Trauma Integration Society was incorporated in the Province of BC in 2020. Society No. S0073467.
Contact STIS for more info.