Attachment-based Therapists in Hamilton, ON

I’m a registered psychotherapist, which simply means that I specialize in treating mental health and relationship issues for individuals, couples, families, and church leaders. I’d love to journey with you when you’re dealing with challenges are too big to handle on your own; things like: relationship issues, anxiety/panic, trauma & abuse, stress & burnout, low self-worth, guilt and shame, life and family transitions, and pornography addictions. If you feel discouraged and disoriented in your relationships or mental health, breathe easy knowing that your therapist has a road map in mind for your healing.

Depression, anxiety, and stressful circumstances no longer have to control your life and steal your joy. I support individuals, children, youth, and families to restore hope in a safe and compassionate space where you can share, reflect, grow, and journey towards fullness. We can work together to navigate current situations and past experiences so that you can be more connected to what is happening in you, and in those you care about.

Silenced, invisible, unloved – A story written about you. It haunts you, and you feel it seeping into your everyday. You want to change, but you're not sure how. There’s a part of you that feels like you’re not living up to your full potential, yet another part that feels hopeless. Together, we will liberate you from this story to create a new chapter: one that helps you live up to your full potential, a life in which you feel deserving of being heard, seen and loved.

My name is Savinna Frederiksen, I am a Registered Social Worker and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. I currently hold a faculty appointment as an Assistant Clinical Professor (PT) at McMaster University. I have been in the field of social work and psychotherapy for the last 20 years working in the several areas of mental health and addiction. I am a trained therapist for individual therapy, a group facilitator in multiple areas of psychotherapy which includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Attachment Based Therapy and Trauma Treatment.

I work with teens and adults seeking guidance and support in navigating life's challenges from trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts. I am a safe space where individuals can openly express their emotions and experiences, free from judgment. I work with individuals aspiring to regain control over their lives, cultivate self-esteem, and build healthier relationships while helping individuals look at the root causes of the struggles and develop resilience to overcome obstacles. I aim to foster self-discovery, inner peace, and a renewed sense of purpose within my clients.

I help adults who want to be confident and enjoy life but are feeling stuck and are experiencing anxiety, stress, depression or work and career challenges. I also help couples who want to feel closer and more connected but are having challenges in that regard. My areas of care include trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, shame, anger, grief, communication and vocational direction. My clinical focus uses an attachment-based , trauma informed approach in counselling. I am trained in the integration of different models of counselling. I work with individuals, couples and families.

Living in today’s world as a "big feeler", 2SLGBTQ+ person, ally, non-monogamous person, someone who uses substances, or someone who struggles with relationships, can feel exhausting and overwhelming. It can also feel hard to know who the safe supports are (the ones who won’t judge your experience or push you to embrace normative frameworks). You might be seeking support with trauma, anxiety, anger, inner criticism, trouble with boundaries, emotional dysregulation, harm reduction, identity issues, or feeling othered. Whatever your experiences are, I am proud of you for doing the brave thing of reaching out for help.

Do you feel stuck? Are you having difficulty understanding why past experiences continue to impact your life? Therapy can provide you with the guidance & clarity that you need to understand yourself & your experience differently. Allow me to support you in your healing journey; whether that means working through immediate challenges, or exploring issues on a deeper level. Let me help you to discover who you are truly meant to be and to help you to connect with your authentic self.

Trauma shows up in many different ways. Perhaps you’re experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, unexplained pain or illness, digestive issues, disturbing reminders of past events, past or current abuse or emotional numbness. Maybe you just haven't been able to shake the emotional effects of the pandemic on you and your family. With over 30 years of clinical experience providing psychotherapy services, I work with adults whose lives have been affected by such overwhelming feelings and situations, grief and loss, family and relationship concerns, emotional abuse, attachment wounds, intergenerational issues and workplace stressors.

I practice trauma-informed somatic & relational psychotherapy. Relational psychotherapy values how the relationships in our life, from birth to death, impact how we understand ourselves, each other, our connections, ruptures and how we engage in daily experiences. Body-centered therapy uses the body to access, resource and heal unresolved trauma. Developing somatic resources, increases our capacity to feel safe in our bodies, gain a deeper knowing of ourselves, feel resourced & to heal. Together we will explore, what's happening in your life, where you struggle, your hopes, and how to move towards healing & thriving.

Sometimes life can feel challenging and hard and we might lose ourselves a little along the way. This is when we need to slow down and take a deep breath. Reaching out for support can be a very effective way to feel less alone and figure out your next steps. I provide a non-judgmental space so clients can feel safe to openly share their thoughts, emotions and experiences. I specialize in helping individuals learn and apply new skills and strategies that help make impactful shifts that lead to meaningful change.

My education and experience has led me to a profound passion for the restoration of people. I value understanding how the human mind functions on a day to day basis. My education and experience in Marriage (Couple) and Family Therapy has led me to further expertise on topics including communication, conflict resolution, relationship issues, sex and stress within relationships. I believe therapy should never be seen as a failure, but rather as an avenue of growth and restoration.

Are you stuck in painful patterns of self-sabotage, emotional dysregulation, depression, shame, or fear? Are you feeling disconnected from yourself and seeking to reconnect with your innate capacity for joy? If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-sabotaging behaviours, or other mental health struggles right now, you can make meaningful changes with the right support. You have an intrinsic capacity for healing and growth. It takes immense courage and strength to recognize when you need support, and I’m honoured to be here to offer it to you.

Is your child or teen struggling with anxiety or depression? Feeling worried and overthinking seemingly ordinary situations, or feeling unmotivated and having a hard time getting involved in daily activities? We are here to help! If you’re noticing low self-esteem, poor confidence, trouble focusing, mood swings, or have concern for your or your young person’s mental health, we'd love to connect with you.

I'm a Registered Psychotherapist with over 25 years' experience working with people of all ages around a wide range of issues. I have a particular interest in working with clients who are challenged by anxiety, interpersonal trauma, sexual health, and life transitions. While my practice is informed by literature, research and ongoing professional training, I believe that you are the expert on your life and as a result, our sessions will be tailored to your specific needs, values and strengths.

Currently not accepting new clients. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I look to first create an environment where you feel comfortable in exploring what may be happening for you. It is not uncommon to feel stuck or feel uncertain of what you want from life. I look to explore areas of self to support you in cultivating self-value and attaining your hopes. As a relational therapist, I understand the importance of relationships. At times, you may be caught in patterns that create challenges for the level of connection or intimacy you desire, and I hope to support you in exploring new dynamics.

I would be honoured to meet anyone who is feeling ready to take a step forward in their life. I operate from a non-judgemental standpoint, and my job is to support you in however you feel is beneficial. While I offer certain skills and experience, I will ask that we work together to determine the best course of action towards your hopes for tomorrow.