Trauma counselling

You do not need a tidy story to begin

A difficult experience can affect how you feel about yourself, other people, and everyday situations. Sometimes there is one event you can point to. Sometimes stress has built over time, and it is harder to explain why you feel so worn down.

You might find yourself on edge, disconnected, overwhelmed, or working hard to keep everything looking normal. Perhaps situations that once felt manageable now take more energy than you have.

At Muse Therapy, we can begin with what is affecting your life now. Your experiences do not need to resemble someone else’s for us to take their impact seriously.

What we can explore

• The emotional impact of difficult experiences and cumulative stress.
• Feeling constantly responsible, alert, or unable to switch off.
• Disconnection, loneliness, and changes in trust or relationships.
• Boundaries, coping patterns, and ways of responding that no longer help.
• Questions about identity, meaning, and moving forward.

A collaborative, trauma-informed approach

I’m Daria Stooke, MACP, CCC, a Canadian Certified Counsellor. My practice is trauma-informed and person-centred. My background includes more than 15 years as an RCMP public servant in public safety, and my own experience of occupational trauma and recovery informs my perspective.

In our sessions, your experience remains central. We consider the context of your life, how you have been coping, and what you want help with. I draw from cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused strategies, mindfulness, emotional processing, and meaning-focused exploration.

We can connect reflection with practical concerns such as getting through a demanding week, communicating a boundary, or understanding a recurring response. We will check in about what is helping and adjust our work together.

Do I have to share everything in the first session?

No. You decide what you feel ready to share. We can start with what brings you here and what would help you feel more comfortable working together. You have a say in the pace and direction.

Does trauma have to be related to work?

No. This service makes room for difficult experiences across life circumstances. If occupational exposure is central to your concerns, the page for trauma exposed professionals describes that context in more detail.

You can also explore ADHD counselling or perimenopause and midlife counselling when concerns overlap. Read more about Daria’s background.

Virtual appointments or a welcoming Bridgeland office

Connect virtually where I am permitted and insured to provide counselling, or in person at a quaint, welcoming office in Bridgeland, Calgary. Sessions are available in English and Russian.

Virtual appointments are available for clients in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. If you are elsewhere in Canada, please enquire about availability for your province before booking. Your location at the time of the appointment matters.

Individual counselling: $165 per 50-minute session.
Introductory consultation: Free, 20 minutes.

The consultation gives us a chance to discuss what you need, ask questions, and consider whether working together feels like a good fit. Current appointment availability and booking policies are provided through Jane.

Office accessibility: The office is on the second floor and is accessible by stairs only. Virtual appointments offer an alternative if stairs are a barrier. Visitor parking and nearby street parking are available.

Book a Free 20-Minute Consultation

Fees, insurance, and accessibility details · Explore the full counselling practice

Questions? Email daria@musetherapy.ca.