Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Ottawa, ON
Tharshiga Elankeeran
Registered Psychotherapist MA RP, IMD (candidate)
I embrace the profound truth that we are all interconnected when we mindfully inhabit the present moment. As therapists, we acknowledge the intricate web of human experiences, emotions, and relationships. This awareness creates a nurturing space where clients can explore their inner landscapes with compassion. Together, we embark on a journey of empathy, resilience, and shared transformation.
Brittany Forester
Registered Psychotherapist, HBA, ADHD-CP, CCTP, EMDR
I take a trauma- and culturally-informed approach to supporting ADHD, trauma, stress, anxiety, and couples, and I have a passion for helping people build confidence in themselves. I draw from many frameworks such as EMDR, Narrative, CBT, DBT, IFS, as well as EFT and Gottmans with Couples.
Heather Andrew
Registered Clinical Social Worker MSW RCSW
Heather Andrew is the founder of Aspen Wellness Centre. Heather has been a Mental Health Therapist for over eight years, supporting clients with a variety of needs including complex trauma, ADHD, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, family conflict and more. Heather is passionate about providing trauma informed care to her clients and is a fierce advocate for mental health awareness.
Yaroslav Grechkin
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate)
You may look like you have it all together, yet quietly struggle with feeling “not good enough.” I help thoughtful, sensitive adults and couples navigate shame, self-doubt, anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and emotional overwhelm. Together, we’ll uncover the patterns keeping you stuck and build a kinder, more authentic relationship with yourself.
Roja Vivekanand
Registered Psychotherapist
Life events and experiences are ongoing, and sometimes we are in a position where things may not go as we planned. If you are looking for help in dealing with distressing, difficult or unavoidable frustrations, it is the best time for you to speak to someone to gain some insight into these challenges. I appreciate your courage and applaud you for taking this first step to reach out.
Jeremy Mayer
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker at Psychotherapy For You
Jessica Kurucz
Registered Social Worker
I provide support to adults and couples. I have experience working with individuals experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, gender issues, substance use, low self-esteem, stress-related issues, and chronic illness. I recognize that it takes a great deal of courage to make the decision to start counselling. I consider it a privilege to be invited into your life
Shasha Oosthuizen
Psychologist (Supervised Practice)
Sometimes life can become overwhelming because of our inner worlds or outer worlds. We try to manage our life’s challenges as best as we know, but occasionally we might need extra support to feel better. Seeking psychotherapy is an admirable decision since it is a type of self-care, and taking care of ourselves is essential for our wellness.
Masood Suliman
Registered Psychotherapist
As a Registered Psychotherapist and the founder of Ripple Effect Counselling & Psychotherapy in Hintonburg, Ottawa, I provide a safe space for healing and growth. I hold an MA in Counselling Psychology and utilize trauma-informed approaches, including Somatic Experiencing and EMDR. Together, we can work through life's challenges and create meaningful, lasting change.
Cierra DoCouto
Registered Psychotherapist
Helping adults in Burlington, Ontario navigate anxiety, self-esteem challenges, relationship concerns, and attachment patterns. Offering in-person and virtual psychotherapy that is collaborative, evidence-informed, and tailored to support personal growth, emotional well-being, and resilience.
LifeCycle Cousnelling
Registered Psychotherapists and Social Workers
At LifeCycle Counselling we recognize how difficult it is to take the first step towards therapy, speak about your difficulties and explore uncomfortable emotions. We are a diverse group of multilingual therapists, many of whom have had our own mental health challenges and obstacles. We use client-centered approaches because we understand how important it is to meet you where you are. We respec...
Zarifa Andani
MPCC-P, RTC-C
This work isn’t about fixing your parts—it’s about helping you feel more like your whole self again. We can work together to slow down, get curious, and listen deeply. Our internal body wisdom is an integral source of information that speaks more significantly than words. Real change is possible when ALL of you feels safe enough to be seen and supported, just as you are.
Yasmin Rombola-Bacchus
Registered Psychotherapist
Picture a road map through counselling therapy to find more meaningful connections with yourself & others, gaining more confidence & peace. Picture finding yourself again, a greater love for yourself & your life. Imagine a transformed you and a better future. In my practice, you will be provided with a safe & caring environment. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life!
Treena Peters MSW, RCSW (AB), RSW (ONT)
Registered Clinical Social Worker
Welcome! If you are here, you are likely considering finding some support for what may seem like another one of life's never-ending challenges. I can support you with that. You have already taken the first step. All you need to do next is reach out and book a free consultation so we can discuss what it is you are looking for.
Justine Little
Registered Social Worker
Do you feel like you're stuck in old patterns? Are you always zoning out or in crisis mode? Do you struggle to connect with your body and aren't quite sure what it means to feel your feelings? Would you prefer to work with a queer therapist with experience supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks and who is committed to integrating social justice into therapeutic work?
Alysha Bernstein
Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor & Traumatologist
I am a registered psychotherapist with a decade of experience in mental healthcare. I have built an authentic, client-centred, and empathic space in my private practice since 2020. We provide care for a wide range of mental health issues and couples or family conflict. My team is as accessible and affordable as possible and we are constantly learning new and better ways to support our clients
Megan Gauthier
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
*Accepting new client in-person in Guelph and virtually across Ontario* Therapy for people who struggle with self-doubt, overthinking, and repeating painful relationship patterns.
Shereen Ishag
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Virtual and In-person Psychotherapy in Burlington for teens (12+), adults, couples, and families. I work with clients experiencing relationship difficulties, emotional disconnection, anxiety, grief, and trauma-related concerns. I draw from emotion-focused and attachment-based perspectives, including EFCT-informed work, as well as other integrative approaches.
Lori Schledewitz
MACP, RP
A Compassionate Space Psychotherapy uses the principles of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients reconnect with their inner voice and strength—supporting their healing and growth while managing anxiety, chronic pain, grief, loss, and traumatic experiences. Therapy is client-centred and compassion-focused.
Allison Mundle
Registered Psychotherapist, Sandalwood Psychotherapy
Online therapy for women in Ontario navigating anxiety, relationships, and emotional overwhelm. You may look like you are holding everything together, while inside you feel anxious, emotionally drained, or disconnected from yourself. Maybe you are used to keeping the peace, carrying too much, or saying yes when something inside you is saying no.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma and PTSD
What is trauma and when does it become PTSD?
Trauma refers to an overwhelming experience — such as abuse, accidents, assault, natural disasters, or witnessing violence — that exceeds a person's capacity to cope. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbing, hypervigilance, and avoidance persist for more than a month and cause significant impairment. PTSD affects an estimated 9–10% of Canadians at some point in their lives.
Which therapy approaches are most effective for trauma and PTSD?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy have the strongest evidence for PTSD. Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) is the leading approach for children and adolescents. Somatic and body-based therapies are increasingly used alongside these approaches for complex or developmental trauma.
What is complex trauma (C-PTSD) and how is it treated?
Complex PTSD arises from repeated, prolonged trauma — often in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or domestic violence — rather than a single incident. It involves additional features beyond standard PTSD, including difficulties with emotional regulation, identity, and relationships. Treatment is typically longer-term and uses phase-based approaches that build safety and stabilization before directly processing traumatic memories.
Do I have to talk about the traumatic event in therapy?
Not necessarily, and not right away. Effective trauma therapy begins with establishing safety and building coping skills before approaching traumatic memories. EMDR processes trauma without requiring you to narrate it in detail. Your therapist will move at a pace that feels manageable, and you always retain agency over what you address in each session.
Is it safe to start trauma therapy if I am currently in crisis?
Trauma therapy is most effective when you have some degree of stability and safety in your current life. If you are in acute crisis — such as active suicidal ideation, ongoing abuse, or severe dissociation — your therapist will prioritize stabilization and safety planning before any trauma-processing work begins. If you are in immediate danger, contact the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline or emergency services (911).
