Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Guelph, ON
I specialize in helping professionals navigate the challenges of trauma, ADHD, and anxiety while balancing career and family life.
On the outside, it looks like you’re thriving—a solid career, big goals, and a busy life. But inside, it’s another story. You’re juggling demanding work responsibilities and family dynamics that sometimes feel impossible to balance. The pressure to succeed professionally while managing relationships, parenting, or family expectations leaves you stretched thin. Your mind races with anxiety, focus is hard to maintain, and unresolved emotions resurface at the worst times. Between work stress, personal struggles, and feeling pulled in every direction, you’re starting to wonder how long you can keep this up.
I specialize in helping professionals navigate the challenges of trauma, ADHD, and anxiety while balancing career and family life.
On the outside, it looks like you’re thriving—a solid career, big goals, and a busy life. But inside, it’s another story. You’re juggling demanding work responsibilities and family dynamics that sometimes feel impossible to balance. The pressure to succeed professionally while managing relationships, parenting, or family expectations leaves you stretched thin. Your mind races with anxiety, focus is hard to maintain, and unresolved emotions resurface at the worst times. Between work stress, personal struggles, and feeling pulled in every direction, you’re starting to wonder how long you can keep this up.
Extensive training in IFS (Internal Family Systems) through IFSCA and beyond on issues of grief, addictions, legacy burdens and trauma as well as Somatic IFS with Susan McConnell.
Accepting new clients for Virtual Therapy or In-Person sessions in Guelph. / Much of my career has been supporting individuals recover from unhealthy or abusive relationships, sexual assault or harassment and harmful childhood experiences. I also provide compassionate grief counselling to individuals who have lost a loved one, experiencing separation or divorce, job loss, or the impact of cancer.
Extensive training in IFS (Internal Family Systems) through IFSCA and beyond on issues of grief, addictions, legacy burdens and trauma as well as Somatic IFS with Susan McConnell.
Accepting new clients for Virtual Therapy or In-Person sessions in Guelph. / Much of my career has been supporting individuals recover from unhealthy or abusive relationships, sexual assault or harassment and harmful childhood experiences. I also provide compassionate grief counselling to individuals who have lost a loved one, experiencing separation or divorce, job loss, or the impact of cancer.
Coping with childhood trauma, PTSD, narcissistic abuse in relationships and dealing with narcissistic or emotionally immature parents can be overwhelming when you are facing it alone.
I provide in-depth, specialized support in PTSD counselling, narcissistic abuse recovery, brainspotting therapy for trauma, and trauma art therapy. My approach is deeply collaborative and client-driven, ensuring that our work is uniquely attuned to your individual needs and aspirations. Together, we will focus on personal growth, keeping your goals in mind.
Coping with childhood trauma, PTSD, narcissistic abuse in relationships and dealing with narcissistic or emotionally immature parents can be overwhelming when you are facing it alone.
I provide in-depth, specialized support in PTSD counselling, narcissistic abuse recovery, brainspotting therapy for trauma, and trauma art therapy. My approach is deeply collaborative and client-driven, ensuring that our work is uniquely attuned to your individual needs and aspirations. Together, we will focus on personal growth, keeping your goals in mind.
I have also worked extensively with poly-substance and behavioural addictions, clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, age, and socioeconomic status, complex PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ, and Sex Addiction.
I believe in a client centered, multi-modal approach. I have experience utilizing DBT, EFT, EFT for couples and complex Trauma, Exposure therapy, Psychodynamic, and Mindfulness modalities. In my work, I also include our "hardware", or the physical body and the physiological manifestations of emotion as well.
I have also worked extensively with poly-substance and behavioural addictions, clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, age, and socioeconomic status, complex PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ, and Sex Addiction.
I believe in a client centered, multi-modal approach. I have experience utilizing DBT, EFT, EFT for couples and complex Trauma, Exposure therapy, Psychodynamic, and Mindfulness modalities. In my work, I also include our "hardware", or the physical body and the physiological manifestations of emotion as well.
Living with anxiety can be debilitating, as can the effects of trauma that has not been processed or is "stuck".
I am a registered social worker and psychotherapist who marries the art and science of therapy to create a comfortable and effective therapeutic relationship. I believe in, and have extensive expertise in using evidence-based practices (EMDR, ERP/ExRP) to treat PTSD, anxiety, and OCD.
Living with anxiety can be debilitating, as can the effects of trauma that has not been processed or is "stuck".
I am a registered social worker and psychotherapist who marries the art and science of therapy to create a comfortable and effective therapeutic relationship. I believe in, and have extensive expertise in using evidence-based practices (EMDR, ERP/ExRP) to treat PTSD, anxiety, and OCD.
You want to work through stress, anxiety, and trauma.
You’ll find I’m steadfast, friendly, and help you feel comfortable and at ease. I am an EMDR Certified Therapist who uses a variety of trauma and attachment-informed approaches to help you heal pain, increase personal well-being, and gain deeper personal insight.
You want to work through stress, anxiety, and trauma.
You’ll find I’m steadfast, friendly, and help you feel comfortable and at ease. I am an EMDR Certified Therapist who uses a variety of trauma and attachment-informed approaches to help you heal pain, increase personal well-being, and gain deeper personal insight.
Whether you’re healing from trauma, navigating anxiety, or untangling attachment wounds, you’re craving a space where you can finally exhale.
I offer a deeply reflective, body-based approach that helps you reconnect with yourself and heal from the inside out. Rooted in attachment and somatic work, I support women and BIPOC clients in understanding their emotions, their bodies, and their stories—so healing starts to feel possible again.
Whether you’re healing from trauma, navigating anxiety, or untangling attachment wounds, you’re craving a space where you can finally exhale.
I offer a deeply reflective, body-based approach that helps you reconnect with yourself and heal from the inside out. Rooted in attachment and somatic work, I support women and BIPOC clients in understanding their emotions, their bodies, and their stories—so healing starts to feel possible again.
Are you feeling stuck in an unhealthy pattern? Counselling can help you process the underlying concerns that are keeping you trapped in this negative cycle. It will also provide you with strategies to manage day-to-day stressors. If you’re looking for a helping hand to work through your problems, reach out to me. You can easily book an appointment through our website.
Are you feeling stuck in an unhealthy pattern? Counselling can help you process the underlying concerns that are keeping you trapped in this negative cycle. It will also provide you with strategies to manage day-to-day stressors. If you’re looking for a helping hand to work through your problems, reach out to me. You can easily book an appointment through our website.
If you're scrolling, scrolling, and hoping for a connection with someone here... it makes sense. It shouldn’t be natural that we divulge our deepest heartache to a total stranger. We can all hear a version of that echo "don't talk to strangers!" Right?! Research supports that the experience of safety and connectedness is primary to therapy success. This is my priority in therapy. After this, I operate from these assumptions: 1. Everything is “figure-out-able”. 2. You have within you the wisdom you need to reach the goals you desire. I’m here to help you find it. 3. Together, we decide where you want to head.
If you're scrolling, scrolling, and hoping for a connection with someone here... it makes sense. It shouldn’t be natural that we divulge our deepest heartache to a total stranger. We can all hear a version of that echo "don't talk to strangers!" Right?! Research supports that the experience of safety and connectedness is primary to therapy success. This is my priority in therapy. After this, I operate from these assumptions: 1. Everything is “figure-out-able”. 2. You have within you the wisdom you need to reach the goals you desire. I’m here to help you find it. 3. Together, we decide where you want to head.
With that said, I often work with people who grew up in alcoholic or substance-using families, queer people, and those who have experienced trauma.
Sometimes we all feel stuck or like we could benefit from more support. Therapy provides an opportunity to be heard, acknowledge our feelings, and work towards positive changes in our lives. Deciding to reach out for counselling can be an intimidating task, but being understood grounds us in our own truths, bodies and experiences so that we can show up in our lives as the people we truly are. I believe we are most authentic when we can openly and honestly express ourselves in an environment that is both supportive and safe. You can count on having the space you need to fully explore your truth in my practice.
With that said, I often work with people who grew up in alcoholic or substance-using families, queer people, and those who have experienced trauma.
Sometimes we all feel stuck or like we could benefit from more support. Therapy provides an opportunity to be heard, acknowledge our feelings, and work towards positive changes in our lives. Deciding to reach out for counselling can be an intimidating task, but being understood grounds us in our own truths, bodies and experiences so that we can show up in our lives as the people we truly are. I believe we are most authentic when we can openly and honestly express ourselves in an environment that is both supportive and safe. You can count on having the space you need to fully explore your truth in my practice.
As a therapist, I specialize in working with clients facing challenges such as trauma (using EMDR, CPT, and/or ART), depression, anxiety, and parenting.
Drawing on a range of therapeutic methods, I bring expertise in how the brain functions and how stress affects both the brain and body. This knowledge allows me to help you understand and manage your mental and physical well-being. Together, we will work to define your goals, focusing on improving your social, emotional, and mental health.
As a therapist, I specialize in working with clients facing challenges such as trauma (using EMDR, CPT, and/or ART), depression, anxiety, and parenting.
Drawing on a range of therapeutic methods, I bring expertise in how the brain functions and how stress affects both the brain and body. This knowledge allows me to help you understand and manage your mental and physical well-being. Together, we will work to define your goals, focusing on improving your social, emotional, and mental health.
I take a special interest in working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, anxiety, attachment-related distress, challenges in relationships, low self-esteem, and eating disorders.
Do you live with the painful belief that you are not enough, despite your best efforts? Feeling stuck in a pattern of behaviours that do not align with what your values or goals? Do you struggle to give yourself the same kindness you may give to others? If any of these experiences resonates with you, I want you to know that you are not alone and that change is possible. Together, we can explore and get to the root of these issues so that a new, more authentic and fulfilling path forward emerges.
I take a special interest in working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, anxiety, attachment-related distress, challenges in relationships, low self-esteem, and eating disorders.
Do you live with the painful belief that you are not enough, despite your best efforts? Feeling stuck in a pattern of behaviours that do not align with what your values or goals? Do you struggle to give yourself the same kindness you may give to others? If any of these experiences resonates with you, I want you to know that you are not alone and that change is possible. Together, we can explore and get to the root of these issues so that a new, more authentic and fulfilling path forward emerges.
Often times, it can be difficult to talk our way out of trauma, depression or anxiety.
My approach is rooted in trauma-informed therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, polyvagal theory, somatic parts work and expressive arts therapy. Sometimes words alone cannot honour the depths of our experiences. Body-based therapies can provide an additional way of exploring and integrating our experiences.
Often times, it can be difficult to talk our way out of trauma, depression or anxiety.
My approach is rooted in trauma-informed therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, polyvagal theory, somatic parts work and expressive arts therapy. Sometimes words alone cannot honour the depths of our experiences. Body-based therapies can provide an additional way of exploring and integrating our experiences.
I try to leave my assumptions at the door when it comes to your experiences, identities, communities, and cultures. I get to be curious about what these feel like and mean to you. I care about your stories. The stories we hold about ourselves shape us, and we have the power to reimagine our lives by reinterpreting and bringing new meanings into our experiences.
Using your own values, you can shape the story you make moving forward, improving your relationships with yourself, your loved ones, and your communities.
I try to leave my assumptions at the door when it comes to your experiences, identities, communities, and cultures. I get to be curious about what these feel like and mean to you. I care about your stories. The stories we hold about ourselves shape us, and we have the power to reimagine our lives by reinterpreting and bringing new meanings into our experiences.
Using your own values, you can shape the story you make moving forward, improving your relationships with yourself, your loved ones, and your communities.
Tara Cardiff — Trauma Therapy & Somatics
Occupational Therapist, MA, (Psych), BSc(OT)
Guelph, ON N1H
I work with young people and adults who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, or cumulative stress, and want to develop a sense of well-being and emotional stability.
Before healing from traumatic experiences, you might feel like you're often in a fight-or-flight state (anxious, irritable, angry, can't sleep) or feel shut down (numb, no energy, dissociated, or depressed). I use Somatic Experiencing and other somatic approaches for trauma-focused work, and to treat anxiety and cumulative stress.
I work with young people and adults who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, or cumulative stress, and want to develop a sense of well-being and emotional stability.
Before healing from traumatic experiences, you might feel like you're often in a fight-or-flight state (anxious, irritable, angry, can't sleep) or feel shut down (numb, no energy, dissociated, or depressed). I use Somatic Experiencing and other somatic approaches for trauma-focused work, and to treat anxiety and cumulative stress.
Many of us are experiences challenges with anxiety, depression, attention and focus, body image, trauma or exploring gender and sexual orientation and identities.
I use multiple evidenced-based approaches in my work including Acceptance and Commitment, Cognitive Behaviour and Dialectical Behavioural, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy. All of these are delivered through a trauma informed and person centered approach, individualized to meet your specific needs and goals.
Many of us are experiences challenges with anxiety, depression, attention and focus, body image, trauma or exploring gender and sexual orientation and identities.
I use multiple evidenced-based approaches in my work including Acceptance and Commitment, Cognitive Behaviour and Dialectical Behavioural, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy. All of these are delivered through a trauma informed and person centered approach, individualized to meet your specific needs and goals.
Hi there, I'm a trauma focused therapist, offering EMDR therapy and somatic experiencing among other modalities, with over 15 years of practice in mental health.
I'm currently working virtually, via secure video chat.
Hi there, I'm a trauma focused therapist, offering EMDR therapy and somatic experiencing among other modalities, with over 15 years of practice in mental health.
I'm currently working virtually, via secure video chat.
" I view healing from grief and trauma as a non-linear path.
You might be the person everyone relies on—the one who holds it all together and seemingly has it all figured out. But internally, you might be feeling stuck, burnt out, or wondering, "Is this it?" Whether you are facing a career pivot, retirement, or a shift in your identity, the path forward can feel foggy. You aren't looking for someone to just nod and smile; you want a space where you can drop the mask, be messy, and figure out who you are outside of your job title. You want clarity, relief from the pressure to be perfect, and a practical way to move forward.
" I view healing from grief and trauma as a non-linear path.
You might be the person everyone relies on—the one who holds it all together and seemingly has it all figured out. But internally, you might be feeling stuck, burnt out, or wondering, "Is this it?" Whether you are facing a career pivot, retirement, or a shift in your identity, the path forward can feel foggy. You aren't looking for someone to just nod and smile; you want a space where you can drop the mask, be messy, and figure out who you are outside of your job title. You want clarity, relief from the pressure to be perfect, and a practical way to move forward.
My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in compassion.
I use internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR), two research-based approaches that help people connect with their inner strength and move through stuck patterns. We will work at your pace, honouring your story. I'm a warm and direct therapist with over 18 years of experience working as a clinician. We will learn to feel to heal.
My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in compassion.
I use internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR), two research-based approaches that help people connect with their inner strength and move through stuck patterns. We will work at your pace, honouring your story. I'm a warm and direct therapist with over 18 years of experience working as a clinician. We will learn to feel to heal.
If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, PTSD, insomnia, OCD, depression, or other emotional problems, or if you are looking to make changes in your life, our team of warm and supportive professionals will work together with you to help you reach your goals.
Guelph CBT provides only the highest quality evidence-based treatments. Given our name, you may have guessed that our treatment focus is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), though we offer other forms of therapy if they have been supported by the best research evidence. Why is this so important? We know that no therapy can be effective if it is not based on a solid foundation of warmth, empathy, and trust. This is why we go out of our way to make you feel welcome, supported, and understood. We will work collaboratively with you in a warm and compassionate manner to help you reach your goals. In addition, we also know that the specific ingredients, or the type of therapy provided, matters as much in determining how effective and efficient our treatment will be. “Evidence-based” simply means that these therapies have been designed, tested, and shown to work in randomized clinical trials, and continually improved through ongoing clinical research. Therefore, you can be confident that you are receiving the highest quality of treatments that are both cost effective and clinically effective. That way, you can spend less time in therapy and more time living!
If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, PTSD, insomnia, OCD, depression, or other emotional problems, or if you are looking to make changes in your life, our team of warm and supportive professionals will work together with you to help you reach your goals.
Guelph CBT provides only the highest quality evidence-based treatments. Given our name, you may have guessed that our treatment focus is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), though we offer other forms of therapy if they have been supported by the best research evidence. Why is this so important? We know that no therapy can be effective if it is not based on a solid foundation of warmth, empathy, and trust. This is why we go out of our way to make you feel welcome, supported, and understood. We will work collaboratively with you in a warm and compassionate manner to help you reach your goals. In addition, we also know that the specific ingredients, or the type of therapy provided, matters as much in determining how effective and efficient our treatment will be. “Evidence-based” simply means that these therapies have been designed, tested, and shown to work in randomized clinical trials, and continually improved through ongoing clinical research. Therefore, you can be confident that you are receiving the highest quality of treatments that are both cost effective and clinically effective. That way, you can spend less time in therapy and more time living!
See more therapy options for Guelph
Trauma and PTSD Counsellors
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.