Cara Mann
EMDR and Complex PTSD Therapist
MA, RCC, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Registered in BC
As someone who has sat on both sides of the therapy chair, I deeply believe in the power of therapy to create a safe space for meaningful healing. My passion lies in integrating evidence-based practices with a relational, human-centered approach to help individuals release the weight of past trauma, painful emotions, and stuck patterns—offering a path forward to lasting change.
At the heart of my work is the belief that a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful growth and healing. I strive to meet each client with warmth, collaboration, and insight—sometimes even bringing in playfulness or a goal-focused approach as the moment calls for.
By the end of our work together, many clients find they have more emotional energy and resilience to show up for what matters most in their lives—whether that’s relationships, parenting, school, work, or simply feeling more at home in themselves.
Area of Focus
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Trauma & PTSD
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Intergenerational Trauma
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Anxiety and OCD
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Emotion Regulation Issues
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Life changes
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Youth & Young adults
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Caregivers and Parents
Therapy Modalities
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
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Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
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Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT)
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Flash Technique
Cara's Counselling Experience
For the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of providing therapy to children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings, including private practice, outpatient and residential treatment programs, and youth-serving agencies. I hold an M.A. from the University of Victoria and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
My clinical expertise lies in working with individuals navigating intense emotions arising from depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and the overlap between these challenges. I’m passionate about offering hope and healing by integrating effective, research-backed modalities that are tailored to each client’s unique needs. I’ve had the opportunity to train with global leaders in the field in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Additionally, I’ve completed specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with the International OCD Foundation, as well as Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) and the SPACE program for supporting individuals with OCD.
While these techniques are incredibly effective, I also believe that psychotherapy is most powerful when paired with broader efforts to dismantle the systems that create suffering, pain, and trauma in the first place.
More About Cara
My own life experiences often deepen my clinical practice, including my most recent journey into motherhood. I’m not in the office you can find me walking the seawall, baking and spending time with my family.
Education and Training
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Masters of Arts in Counselling, University of Victoria, 2016
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Bachelors of Social Work, University of Victoria, 2009
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EMDR Training, Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute
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Flash Training
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DBT Foundational Training, Behavior Tech
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Essentials of CBT, Beck Institute
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Behavior Therapy Training Institute, International OCD Foundation
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Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Zen Psychological Center
