Counselling for trauma exposed professionals

When the work stays with you

Some roles involve repeated contact with distressing events, other people’s suffering, or material that is difficult to set aside. You may be expected to stay focused and dependable while carrying experiences that people outside your work rarely see.

Trauma exposed professionals include healthcare workers, dispatchers, investigators, first responders, and people in analytical, support, or other roles involving distressing material. The impact of exposure can matter whether you were at the scene, on the phone, reviewing records, or supporting the response.

At Muse Therapy, there is space to talk about what the work has meant for you, including the parts that are difficult to explain or seem easy to minimise.

What we can explore

• Cumulative stress, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty switching off.
• The pressure to keep functioning and be the dependable one.
• Responsibility, boundaries, and making room for recovery.
• Changes in how you relate to yourself, your work, or people close to you.
• Identity shifts, career transitions, and questions about meaning.

Understanding the context without assuming your story

I’m Daria Stooke, MACP, CCC, a Canadian Certified Counsellor. Before becoming a counsellor, I spent more than 15 years as an RCMP public servant, including investigative and analytical support in high-exposure environments.

That experience informs my respect for cumulative stress, significant responsibility, and exposure that can be less visible to others. My own experience of occupational trauma and recovery also informs my perspective. Our sessions remain centred on your experiences, needs, and goals.

We can explore how work and life affect each other, process difficult feelings, and develop practical boundaries and ways forward. You do not need to adopt a particular label or wait until everything feels unmanageable to ask about counselling.

Is this only for first responders?

No. First responders are one part of a wider group of trauma exposed professionals. Clinical, administrative, analytical, support, and other roles can also involve significant exposure. We can discuss your circumstances during a consultation.

Individual support or workplace learning?

This page describes individual counselling. For organisations interested in collective resilience, workplace support, or professional speaking, read about RESTORE. The framework complements clinical care and has not yet been tested as a distinct model.

For support with difficult experiences beyond work, see trauma counselling. You can also explore ADHD counselling and perimenopause and midlife counselling. Read more about Daria.

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.