Research indicates that the nervous system holds onto traumatic memories—sometimes for years after the lived event has ended. Professional counselling is beneficial, but the body retains the memory of the trauma, causing the survivor to be in a physically distressed and alarmed state.
Mind-body therapy, such as yoga, helps to release stored stressful memories from the body.
Distress is normal after experiencing the trauma of being a victim to crime.
Everyone has their own unique path to recovery.
The most important thing to remember is that you will recover. You have been a victim of a criminal act, but you are not a victim.
You are a whole person who is here, reading this site, because you need some help on the path to recovery.
If you are experiencing any of the points from above after witnessing or being harmed by a criminal act, it is likely due the trauma. It is important to take action now to prevent these trauma symptoms from becoming chronic long-term struggles.
Our counsellor network spans across British Columbia. We offer the first appointment within 2 to 4 business days from the time you request for our services.
Our counsellors have extensive experience working with the court and legal system. We can provide support through the necessary legal processes by collaborating with your lawyers.
We know the importance of approaching trauma counselling holistically. Therefore, our services offer several modes of therapy which include counselling and chair yoga.
You may opt for virtual 1:1 sessions with a registered yoga teacher.
Each counsellor has a minimum of over 10 years of experience with trauma counselling.
All our counsellors are qualified and accredited mental health professionals and have completed multiple training certifications in trauma informed counselling.
We serve anyone who has experienced or witnessed a crime and has been awarded benefits to access counselling through the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP).
Along with counselling, we offer virtual 1:1 chair yoga to focus on the mind-body connection. This will allow you to gain awareness and understanding of the patterns of your ingrained trauma trigger and body sensations.
Your counsellor works with your other service providers like your Physician, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist etc. and CVAP case manager to support you in your trauma recovery.
Meet our team
Clinical Social Worker and Trauma Therapist
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Yoga Teacher
Administrative Assistant
Operation Manager
Application forms are available from victim service programs or through the Crime Victim Assistance Program.
In most cases, the application must be received within one year from the date the crime took place. You do not have to wait for charges to be laid or for the offender to be convicted before applying for the benefits.
You can also contact our office at +1 (855)-453-5530"or email hello@cvapcounsellingservices.org and we will support you with the application process.
Frequently asked questions
I have already applied for CVAP benefits, but have not yet received confirmation of my eligibility. Can I start counselling before I receive the written approval?
Please contact our office and provide us with your case number, full name, and date of birth. You should also email CVAP@govbc.ca to grant permission to the Chisti and Hasan Foundation to obtain approval information on your behalf.
Do I need to provide your office with my CVAP approval?
Yes, it would be helpful if you would forward us your CVAP approval. In case you do not have the approval documents, you can provide us with your full name, date of birth and case number. You should also email CVAP@govbc.ca to grant permission to the Chisti and Hasan Foundation to obtain approval information on your behalf.
Do I need to pay anything for your counselling services?
If you have been approved by CVAP for benefits, you do not need to pay for counselling.
Will my counselling be confidential?
Counselling services are confidential within the scope of the law. If there is a risk of harm to yourself or anyone else, your counsellor has the obligation to break confidentiality. CVAP or the court may request counselling notes. However, we do not release any notes without discussing them with you.
Will the counsellor attend court with me?
Counsellors do not attend court unless subpoenaed.
Can I read my notes before they are released?
Yes, you have a right to access your counselling notes at any time.
What if I want to discuss things in counselling which are not directly related to the crime?
Traumatic events can bring up topics from the past and/or present which may or may not be directly relevant to the crime which covers you for CVAP benefits. CVAP does not not have limitations of what can or cannot be discussed in counselling.
Will my counsellor work with other health care providers and my lawyer to coordinate my care?
With your written consent, your counsellor will be able to share information verbally or in writing to coordinate your care.
Will my counsellor provide me information about the criminal justice system?
Your counsellor's scope of work is to provide counselling. Your counselor can direct you towards where you can find more information. You can also speak with your lawyer and read more on the CVAP website about the criminal justice system.
Where else can I find information about relevant resources for myself?
Every individual has unique needs regarding resources. Please speak with your counsellor about your needs. If you are seeking resources specifically for a criminal case, please check BC provincial court website.
Please note that “CVAP Counselling” is a brand of Chisti and Hasan Foundation.
Head Office: Suite 211 - 3030 Lincoln Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3B 6B4 Canada
We acknowledge that our office is located in the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and that our staff live and work in unceded territories across Canada. We acknowledge territory and First Peoples, and we commit to genuine and ongoing work to forge real understanding and to challenge the legacies of colonialism.
Please note that “CVAP Counselling” is a brand of Chisti and Hasan Foundation
Head Office: Suite 211 - 3030 Lincoln Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3B 6B4 Canada
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