Petra Birgit Nielsen
Petra’s lived experiences, clinical training, and professional background have provided her with opportunities to work with individuals from all walks of life.
She utilizes multiple modalities, including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems, applying an integrated therapeutic and trauma-informed approach to meet clients where they are. This client-centered approach helps individuals address their hurts, achieve balance, and learn new skills to navigate struggles and recover from trauma.
Education & Training
Diploma of Professional Counselling - Kelowna College of Professional Counsellors
Accepted into 3-year Somatic Experiencing Training with SE Professional Training Kelowna
EMDR for Complex Trauma - 2026
Mindfulness training with Dr. Richard Sears 2026
Bilateral Stimulation/EMDR training - Bea Rhodes Counselling - Completed 2025
2 handed Interweave technique - Robin Shapiro - Completed 2025
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy Competency Course Completed 2025
Mastering Internal Family System Therapy for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and Addiction with Dr. Richard Schwartz and Dr. Frank Anderson
Living Through Loss, Grief Facilitator - Completed July 2025
Clinical Hypnotherapy Certification - Completed January 2025
Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) with Dr. Ramani Durvasula - Completed May 2024
Motivational Interviewing Foundation Skills - CMI - Completed 2024
Trauma Treatment Certification Level 1 CCTP– Janina Fisher, PhD - Completed 2023
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Certification Level 1&2 with Joan Taylor - Completed 2023
Breaking the Cycle of unhealthy family Relationships with Nedra Tawwab - Completed 2023
Introduction to DBT Skills – Rob McLeod, RPC - Completed 2023
Routes of Safety training with Jake Ernst MSW - Completed 2023
Registered with Association of Cooperative Counselling of Therapists Canada (ACCT # 2908) 2022
Kelowna College of Professional Counselling, Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling, graduated with Honours 2022
TASC steps to recognize thoughts of suicide and engage safety resources using Living Works Connect - Completed 2021
Performance Wellness and Resilience for First Responders - Completed 2021
Psychological first aid training 2021
Brain Story Certification - Completed 2020
Introduction and Supporting Children and Youth Experiencing Violence against Women 2020
Violence is preventable - 2020
Early Childhood Education Certification Okanagan University College 2005
Petra considers the counseling profession a calling and is passionate about and excited by new and ongoing developments in human behavior, neuroscience, and psychotherapy.
She provides trauma-focused therapy using a range of therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy combined with mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She has special training in Trauma Treatment (CCTP Level 1), Narcissistic Abuse and Antagonistic Relationship Trauma (NATC), and Motivational Interviewing. Her approach involves somatic techniques to help clients widen their tolerance for feeling emotions without triggering survival mode.
Address your current challenges, explore deeper emotions, beliefs and disruptive patterns, experiment with new coping resources, and increase your sense of connection to yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
With me, you can expect a warm, non-judgemental and safe space. My approach is gently challenging with a pinch of humour.
— Petra Birgit Nielsen
Trauma can manifest through various symptoms.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, insomnia, internal conflict, obsessive-compulsive behavior, anger issues, guilt, or shame, consider booking a free consultation to determine if we are a good fit. Together, we can take the necessary steps to heal old wounds, reaffirm your core values, and reclaim your inner peace.
Services offered in English and German