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counselling trauma

When Separation Involves Trauma, Clarity Matters Most

Trauma can shape memory, behaviour, and testimony - influencing how individuals engage in the family law process. MindSense provides trauma-informed assessments that help ensure cases involving intimate partner violence (IPV) are approached with fairness, empathy, and evidence.

The Gap Between Trauma and Understanding in Family Law

A recent independent review of the BC Justice System by Dr. Kim Stanton (June 2025) highlighted a significant gap in how the legal system understands and responds to trauma in cases involving intimate partner violence.

Family Law professionals often navigate emotionally complex situations without sufficient access to trauma-informed insights - which can lead to misinterpretation of behaviour, memory inconsistencies, or emotional responses.

When Trauma is Misunderstood, Resolution Can Be Compromised

In separation and custody matters involving IPV, trauma may influence how individuals recall events, present evidence, or participate in proceedings. Without trauma-informed evaluation, critical psychological factors risk being overlooked - affecting the fairness and defensibility of outcomes for both adults and children.

trauma-informed assessment

Bringing Trauma-Informed Expertise To Family Law

MindSense assessments are led by specialists in trauma, forensic psychology, and clinical evaluation. Our approach is deeply trauma-informed, recognizing that survivors of abuse and IPV often experience heightened vulnerability, fear, and emotional stress. Trauma-informed assessments are essential because they:

  • Prioritize safety and dignity: Ensuring survivors feel heard, respected, and not retraumatized during the assessment process.
  • Provide accurate, evidence-based insights: Understanding the impact of trauma on memory, behaviour, and relationships leads to more reliable assessments.
  • Support fair legal outcomes: By centering the survivor’s experience while maintaining objectivity, courts and professionals can make decisions that are informed, just, and sensitive to trauma.

MindSense integrates evidence-based trauma frameworks with comprehensive, defensible assessments suitable for family court contexts. Our balanced, objective reporting helps Family Law professionals gain clinically grounded perspectives in cases involving IPV, separation, and complex trauma - ensuring survivors are understood, supported, and protected throughout the process.

 

Explore Our Latest Insights and Educational Materials

We’re committed to bridging the gap between trauma science and family law practice. Explore resources designed to support evidence-based, trauma-informed decision-making:

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Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that we are operating on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. We are grateful to live and work on these lands, and we recognize the enduring presence of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

 

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