About Brooke

Associate Partner Trauma Therapist
Associate Partner Trauma Therapist

Thank you for making yourself and your well-being a priority.  My name is Brooke Guthrie (she/her) and I live, work, and play on the traditional unceded territory of the Coast Salish people here in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.  I have been working as a registered social worker with families experiencing family of origin trauma, addiction, physical and emotional trauma in intimate relationships and individuals struggling with co occurring disorders (i.e. anxiety and substance use) for 12 years.  I completed my Partner Trauma Therapy Education through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP). I have been co-chair on a Professional Development Committee in my field since 2015.  In my role working with families, I often fill a supervisory role to other Social Workers in the field.  I mentor practicum students from Vancouver Island University attending the Social Work Graduate Degree program.  In addition, I mentor newly hired social workers.  I believe strongly that it is our responsibility as helping professionals to have current relevant information and education to be effective in our work with people.

Before my work as a registered social worker, I worked at a non-profit organization that offered education and support to new mothers experiencing adverse conditions.  I have worked internationally conducting research on identifying the needs and strengths of individuals living in the developing country of Ghana, Africa.  Through these experiences, I have gained insight into how trauma, whether historical or current, negatively impacts individuals and those they love.  I have been inspired by the families that have graciously shared their experiences and healing journeys with me to work as a Partner Trauma Therapist as I recognize how challenging betrayal trauma is for individuals to overcome.  

Betrayal trauma can derail every aspect of your life.  It rattles your nervous symptom and can make you feel crazy.  Betrayal from a loved one may also trigger old wounds and past trauma’s that can magnify your intense feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, sadness, loneliness, and fear.  Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms can appear and reek havoc on your mental health and daily functioning.  This journey to recovery and healing does not have to be travelled alone.  By following a recovery/healing plan, you can find peace and re-gain the ability to live a happy and love filled life.    

I am a mother of two adult children and am grateful everyday for the joy and learning they have provided me.  On my off time, I can be found in the woods, in the trails, ocean or lakes.  My happy place is getting lost in the woods for a few days, with food and gear of course.  Nature is where I go to reset and restore myself.  I have always been interested in exercise, health, and nutrition and can be found at the gym a couple of times a week.  I love to hike, run, mountain bike and road bike.  I have recently added an infrared sauna to my repertoire of healthy practices.  I also love live music.  Anything goes if its live.  Music is an amazing way to unwind and free my mind from my troubles.  My yard is my sanctuary during the warmer months as I spend quite a bit of time in my greenhouse and tending to my yard. There is nothing better than eating fresh tomatoes and basil from my garden.  

Together, we will use a holistic approach to healing which looks at the whole self, (i.e. emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual).  Assessments are utilized through IITAP and are used to help determine the main areas of concern and help guide your therapeutic process.  Practicing mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies are used to improve your capacity to take in education/information necessary to gain insight into your presenting issues.  There are specific workbooks/exercises and other recommended reading materials that will be recommended based on your unique needs.  There are so many different tools and strategies that can be utilized on your journey to overcoming your betrayal trauma that it can be overwhelming.  Working with a Partner Trauma Therapist can ensure that you are on a healing path that is right for you based on your individual needs.  Exploring family of origin, understanding the impacts of trauma through psycho education, and gaining strategies and skills to regulate and be present in your life will help you get back to a place of calm.

Brooke Guthrie RSW APTT

Breaking Down the Attachment Ambivalence Cycle Post-Betrayal
Understanding Attachment Ambivalence Attachment ambivalence arises when someone feels pulled between the need for closeness and the fear of being hurt. This internal conflict often stems from past experiences or insecurities and can influence how partners interact in a relationship. After a betrayal, these mixed emotions often become more intense, as trust has been damaged …
How Shadow Masculine Archetypes Shape Your Inner World
Introduction to Shadow Masculine Archetypes The idea of shadow masculine archetypes offers a fascinating lens through which to examine patterns in our psychology. These archetypes reflect hidden parts of ourselves that often operate below the surface, influencing how we approach relationships, decision-making, and even our self-perception. They represent the less balanced expressions of qualities we …
Masculine Archetypes and the Path to Self-Discovery
Introduction to Archetypal Psychology Archetypal psychology provides a unique way to explore the patterns and themes that shape our inner world. It focuses on universal figures—known as archetypes—that influence how we think, feel, and behave. These archetypes, like the King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover, represent different aspects of the human experience and offer valuable insights …
How the Zeigarnik Effect Connects to Betrayal Trauma
Introduction to the Zeigarnik Effect The Zeigarnik Effect is a fascinating psychological concept that sheds light on how our minds handle unfinished tasks. It was first observed by psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, who noticed that people tend to remember incomplete or interrupted activities more vividly than those they’ve completed. This mental phenomenon suggests that when something …
Understanding and Identifying Problematic Gambling
Gambling is a common pastime for many, often associated with fun, excitement, and the thrill of taking risks. However, for some individuals, it can spiral into something far more serious, leading to a pattern of behaviors that disrupt their lives and the lives of those around them. Problematic gambling, often referred to as gambling addiction …