Trauma Counselling Program
Our Services

STOPPING THE VIOLENCE COUNSELLING
Our experienced counsellors provide individual and group counselling for women—including cisgender, transgender, Two-Spirit, and non-binary individuals—who have experienced intimate partner violence, childhood abuse, and/or sexual assault.
Sources Women’s Counselling offers a wide range of therapeutic modalities to support individuals on their healing journey. Our team is made up of Registered Clinical Counsellors, each holding a Master’s degree in Counselling or Psychology.
We provide services to women and youth living independently. Counselling may be covered through extended health benefits, WorkBC, and other specialized funding programs. We also support clients with the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) application process.
We offer individual and group counselling for:
• Historical trauma
• Interpersonal violence
• Sexual assault
• 2SLGBTQIA+ issues
• Anxiety and depression
• PTSD
We are fortunate to have a diverse team of therapists, each bringing unique skills, training, and perspectives to their work. What unites us is a shared commitment to evidence-based, trauma-informed care. Current research shows that healing does not require re-living past pain—we don’t need to revisit every detail of the past to move forward. Instead, we focus on the strengths and strategies that have helped you cope so far, and work with you to build new skills and resources to support a fuller, more meaningful life.
This work also involves acknowledging and challenging systems of oppression, intergenerational trauma, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. We take a collaborative approach to healing, supporting clients in developing practical tools for the future. Many of our clients report feeling more grounded and in control of their lives—and that’s what we hope for you, too. Are you ready to take the next step?
We are committed to preventing and addressing the impacts of violence on women and children in our community. Our program offers a safe, inclusive, and non-oppressive space where women who have experienced violence can heal. Our counselling integrates current, evidence-based trauma therapies with principles of intersectionality.
We offer counselling in three formats: short-term crisis counselling, mid-term trauma counselling, and group counselling. We also provide community presentations and outreach for organizations interested in learning more about trauma-informed approaches.

We are proudly an approved practicum site for Yorkville University.
Short-Term Crisis Counselling
Women who have experienced a physical assault by an intimate partner or a sexual assault within the past six months are eligible for up to eight sessions of immediate crisis counselling. We emphasize your safety and emotional stability through solution-focused counselling and emotional support.
MID-Term Counselling
Impacted individuals may experience extended periods of depression, anxiety/panic, low self-esteem and relational difficulties related to traumatic stress. We provide mid-term one-to-one counselling for those who need more support to recover from the effects of traumatic stress, depression and anxiety.
Group Counselling
We strongly encourage you to participate in our groups. Groups help to lessen feelings of shame and isolation. They also help build positive connections and relationships. Women report that the group experience is an especially self-empowering one. Check out our current and upcoming groups online!
This program receives funding from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Please click the photos to download posters.
PROFESSIONAL REFERRALs
This is a referral form for community agencies/Fraser Health or other service providers only. Please fill out this form and email it to the trauma counselling program.
Unfortunately we do not accept self-referrals this way. Self-referrals can call the intake line 604-335-5035 or email trauma.counselling@sourcesbc.ca.
MEN’S COUNSELLING
Please visit the new Men’s Counselling website for up to date services offered to men. You can also email CounsellingServices@SourcesBC.ca or call 604-538-2522 for more information.
- Meet Our Counsellors



Margaret Laiba Rachna Margaret Plourde is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who practices from a person-centred, trauma-informed, and intersectional feminist lens. She draws from a range of therapeutic approaches to meet you where you are, tailoring her work to your unique needs and experiences. Margaret brings her genuine self into each session, creating a space where you can feel safe, supported, and gently reconnect with yourself after difficult life experiences. She believes therapy is a collaborative process. Together, you can make sense of what you’ve been through in a way that softens shame and fosters greater self-understanding and compassion. Margaret supports clients in building practical ways to cope with overwhelming emotions and reactions, helping you feel more grounded.
While therapy can sometimes feel heavy, Margaret also values moments of humour, and she holds space not only for what’s painful, but also for the parts of your life where joy, meaning, and resilience already exist.
Outside of her work, Margaret enjoys watching Star Trek with her spouse, spending time with her cat, reading psychology books, trying new restaurants and recipes with friends, and getting out for walks in our beautiful outdoors.
Laiba is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from University of Victoria. Laiba believes trauma recovery begins with relational safety, compassion, and curiosity. Her role as a counsellor is to walk with you as you uncover existing strengths, deepen self-understanding, and build coping strategies tailored to your unique needs. She sees you as the expert of your life, bringing valuable insight through your lived experiences. Laiba’s hope is to create a space where you can explore your inner experiences and foster a sense of self-compassion, while reducing feelings of shame. Laiba works from a trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and intersectional-feminist lens.
Laiba offers evidence-based approaches and uses an eclectic approach in her work, incorporating mindfulness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). Laiba aims to foster a supportive and nurturing environment in the therapy room. She believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and welcomes ongoing collaboration in the work.
Rachna Malhotra is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who works from a person-centered, trauma-informed perspective and is also grounded in mindfulness-based approaches. Her practice is guided by a commitment to lifelong learning, self-reflection, and personal growth. She believes that the healing journey begins with cultivating kindness and self-compassion while creating space for one’s inner work. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is integral to her practice, and she fosters this through the co-creation of a healing space grounded in trust, empathy, and attunement. This attunement involves moment-to-moment awareness of the client’s somatic, emotional, and energetic shifts. She also emphasizes drawing on each client’s inner resources and supporting self-reliance through the development of a personalized toolbox of skills and techniques to support their healing journey. Rachna holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. She has also contributed to brain injury research, examining the subjective experience of mindfulness meditation and its role in healing and recovery after brain trauma.



Cynthia Carly Andrea Fernando Cynthia brings curiosity, warmth and respect to her work as a counsellor, and prioritizes a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients because the research shows that this is at the heart of creating the conditions for change. Cynthia practices from an existential-humanistic and psychodynamic framework, so her work focuses on finding a greater understanding of what may be preventing one from living authentically, fully and freely, and using that knowledge to create a meaningful life. Cynthia pursued a second career in counselling after working in the nonprofit environmental world for over a decade. She previously worked on several crisis lines as a part of her career transition. Cynthia holds a Canadian Certified Counsellor (Qualifying) designation with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and a Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University.
Cynthia pursued counselling as a second career after more than a decade in the non-profit environmental sector. As part of her transition, she spent time working on several crisis support lines. She holds a Canadian Certified Counsellor (Qualifying) designation with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, as well as a Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler University.
Carly holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently completing her Master of Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is grateful to be starting her clinical practicum with the Sources Trauma Counselling program dedicated to supporting individuals through healing and growth.
Carly is especially passionate about working with women who have experienced trauma and is deeply interested in helping clients reconnect with younger aspects of themselves while uncovering and strengthening their inner resources. She is committed to meeting each client where they are, honouring their unique experiences, pace, and readiness for change. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that each person holds the capacity for healing and resilience. Carly integrates present-centered, experiential approaches that support clients in exploring early emotional experiences and unmet needs in a safe and compassionate space. Carly strives to create a non-judgmental, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to better understand themselves and move toward meaningful change.
In her spare time, she enjoys trying out new recipes, spending time with her cats, and spending hours in front of a puzzle.
Andrea Fernando is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, is a Certified Trauma Practitioner, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from York University. Andrea provides trauma-informed counselling to children, adults, and families experiencing a range of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, grief, and life transitions. Her work is grounded in a person-centred and holistic framework, and she integrates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and humanistic therapies, adapted to each client’s needs, context, and pace.
She offers a calm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences safely, with attention to stabilization, strengths, and readiness for change.
Andrea’s approach is informed by her lived experience growing up in a region impacted by conflict, which shaped her understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals, families, and communities, as well as the importance of resilience and culturally responsive care.
She is committed to supporting clients in feeling heard, grounded, and less alone, while working toward improved emotional regulation, safety, and overall wellbeing.
Outside of counselling, Andrea enjoys dancing, experimenting with new baking recipes, exploring nature, and creating henna art. She values time with loved ones and believes that creativity, connection, and joy are essential to emotional well-being.
Languages spoken: English and Tamil.

Heidi
Heidi is a trauma-informed Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Simon Fraser University. Heidi brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She is passionate about supporting individuals, families, and caregivers navigating trauma, complex family dynamics, adoption and foster care experiences, identity development, and life transitions. Her approach is grounded in safety, compassion, and collaboration. Heidi believes that healing happens when people feel seen, understood, and empowered to move forward at their own pace. She integrates evidence-based approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, and strengths-based practices to support meaningful and lasting change.
Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in advocacy, conflict resolution, and community engagement, Heidi works with diverse populations, including adoptive and foster families, immigrant families, neurodivergent individuals, children, youth, and caregivers. She understands the ways trauma can impact relationships, identity, emotional well-being, and a sense of safety, and she is committed to creating a supportive space where clients can build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their strengths. In addition to English, Heidi is fluent in Spanish.
Outside of her clinical work, Heidi enjoys spending time outdoors and believes strongly in the healing power of nature, exercise, and animals. She also enjoys kayaking, hiking, beachcombing, gardening, and exploring local trails.
Heidi considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they navigate life’s challenges and move toward healing, growth, and greater well-being.
Contact Information
To schedule an intake interview for the program or inquire about our services, please call us at 604-335-5035.
Hours of Operation
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Closed on holidays.






