Trauma Focused Therapists in Hamilton, ON
Today, we live in a fast-paced, stressful world. The hardships of balancing our work, education and personal time becomes increasingly hard to achieve. Our responsibilities continue to grow and the world around us is becoming so demanding. Sometimes, to cope we use resources which may, in fact, be harmful to ourselves. Addictions are often felt as shameful and concealed from others. We are all vulnerable to making decisions that are not always in our best interest. I am not here to judge you, but rather provide useful tools which will help provide opportunities for making healthier choices.
Today, we live in a fast-paced, stressful world. The hardships of balancing our work, education and personal time becomes increasingly hard to achieve. Our responsibilities continue to grow and the world around us is becoming so demanding. Sometimes, to cope we use resources which may, in fact, be harmful to ourselves. Addictions are often felt as shameful and concealed from others. We are all vulnerable to making decisions that are not always in our best interest. I am not here to judge you, but rather provide useful tools which will help provide opportunities for making healthier choices.
When past experiences continue to show up in the present—through emotions, parenting, or relationships—it can feel exhausting and confusing. Parenting often brings awareness to old wounds, patterns, or triggers that were shaped long before becoming a parent. While this can feel overwhelming, it also offers an opportunity for healing. In our work together, we create a safe and supportive space to understand these responses, build emotional regulation, and foster greater confidence and connection with your child.
When past experiences continue to show up in the present—through emotions, parenting, or relationships—it can feel exhausting and confusing. Parenting often brings awareness to old wounds, patterns, or triggers that were shaped long before becoming a parent. While this can feel overwhelming, it also offers an opportunity for healing. In our work together, we create a safe and supportive space to understand these responses, build emotional regulation, and foster greater confidence and connection with your child.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much,” “not enough,” or just somehow different from the people around you — you’re not alone. I specialize in working with late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD clients, as well as those navigating burnout, anxiety, trauma, and identity transitions. Whether you’re a healthcare worker who’s been running on empty or someone who’s masked for years and is just now discovering who they are underneath — I offer a space that is neurodivergence-affirming, trauma-informed, and non-pathologizing.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much,” “not enough,” or just somehow different from the people around you — you’re not alone. I specialize in working with late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD clients, as well as those navigating burnout, anxiety, trauma, and identity transitions. Whether you’re a healthcare worker who’s been running on empty or someone who’s masked for years and is just now discovering who they are underneath — I offer a space that is neurodivergence-affirming, trauma-informed, and non-pathologizing.
I am trained in CBT, DBT, EFT, and trauma focused approaches among others.
At times, life can feel so overwhelming that we just wish for a way out of the chaos into stillness and peace. This chaos might manifest in stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, or it may show up as traumatic and painful experiences that prevent you from achieving your desires and goals. It is absolutely possible to find your way to happiness and inner peace and it’s helpful to have a trained professional with lived experience guide and support you through that journey.
I am trained in CBT, DBT, EFT, and trauma focused approaches among others.
At times, life can feel so overwhelming that we just wish for a way out of the chaos into stillness and peace. This chaos might manifest in stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, or it may show up as traumatic and painful experiences that prevent you from achieving your desires and goals. It is absolutely possible to find your way to happiness and inner peace and it’s helpful to have a trained professional with lived experience guide and support you through that journey.
I am an active and empathetic counsellor, these qualities tend to make it easier for new clients to engage in this process with me. I believe that struggling is a normal part of being human, my commitment is to show up with respect and to listen. In our work together, I will introduce you to new ways of thinking about the difficulties you're struggling with by encouraging you to use mindfulness meditation and movement in a way that can offer new solutions to old problems.
I am an active and empathetic counsellor, these qualities tend to make it easier for new clients to engage in this process with me. I believe that struggling is a normal part of being human, my commitment is to show up with respect and to listen. In our work together, I will introduce you to new ways of thinking about the difficulties you're struggling with by encouraging you to use mindfulness meditation and movement in a way that can offer new solutions to old problems.
Do you ever have the thought, ‘how did I get here?’? From navigating your relationships to your career to your sense of self, you might feel disconnected from the life you once dreamed of —like you’ve lost that spark of joy. Therapy offers an opportunity to see your life from a different perspective and to open up new paths forward. I bring my own lived experience and mental health journey to my practice. I know the challenges and insights that come with seeking help and I understand how scary it can feel to be unsure of your next step. Together we can find a direction forward that feels authentic and fulfilling to you.
Do you ever have the thought, ‘how did I get here?’? From navigating your relationships to your career to your sense of self, you might feel disconnected from the life you once dreamed of —like you’ve lost that spark of joy. Therapy offers an opportunity to see your life from a different perspective and to open up new paths forward. I bring my own lived experience and mental health journey to my practice. I know the challenges and insights that come with seeking help and I understand how scary it can feel to be unsure of your next step. Together we can find a direction forward that feels authentic and fulfilling to you.
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in my work! Congratulations on taking this important first step toward a more fulfilling life. I’m here to support you on your healing journey, creating a warm, safe, and collaborative environment. My goal is to help you become more authentic, grounded, and at peace with yourself and your relationships. Using a client-centered, anti-oppression, and culturally-competent approach, I work with individuals, couples, and families to help you thrive.
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in my work! Congratulations on taking this important first step toward a more fulfilling life. I’m here to support you on your healing journey, creating a warm, safe, and collaborative environment. My goal is to help you become more authentic, grounded, and at peace with yourself and your relationships. Using a client-centered, anti-oppression, and culturally-competent approach, I work with individuals, couples, and families to help you thrive.
Dr. Joseph A. De Leo, Ph.D., C.Psych. is a licensed clinical and rehabilitation psychologist in Ontario, British Columbia, and New York State. He is the founder and clinical director of the Centre for Compassionate Care (C3), where he integrates evidence-based therapies with innovative approaches such as Integrative Ketamine Enhanced Psychotherapy (IKEP). Dr. De Leo specializes in the assessment and treatment of complex mental health conditions, including trauma, addiction, and chronic pain. His work bridges clinical practice, research, and education, with a focus on compassionate, integrative, and person-centered care.
Dr. Joseph A. De Leo, Ph.D., C.Psych. is a licensed clinical and rehabilitation psychologist in Ontario, British Columbia, and New York State. He is the founder and clinical director of the Centre for Compassionate Care (C3), where he integrates evidence-based therapies with innovative approaches such as Integrative Ketamine Enhanced Psychotherapy (IKEP). Dr. De Leo specializes in the assessment and treatment of complex mental health conditions, including trauma, addiction, and chronic pain. His work bridges clinical practice, research, and education, with a focus on compassionate, integrative, and person-centered care.
You may feel overwhelmed by stress, burnout, or uncertainty at work or in life. Perhaps you’ve lost your job, feel stuck in a role that no longer fits, or carry the weight of high-responsibility demands. Navigating tough decisions, conflict, or identity shifts can leave you drained. You’re ready for clarity, renewed purpose, and meaningful growth.
You may feel overwhelmed by stress, burnout, or uncertainty at work or in life. Perhaps you’ve lost your job, feel stuck in a role that no longer fits, or carry the weight of high-responsibility demands. Navigating tough decisions, conflict, or identity shifts can leave you drained. You’re ready for clarity, renewed purpose, and meaningful growth.
I am trauma-focused, meaning I look for what's happening under the surface, believing that our symptoms are often just our nervous system's best attempt to help us survive.
So often, we brush off our emotions as though the pain isn't real. We can just "snap out of it" or "move on". We try to ignore it, tell ourselves that therapy is "just talking", so we don't really need it. Meanwhile, our life revolves around fear, anxiety, shame, or anger. We feel stuck, lost, and hopeless. I help people with Addiction, Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD find relief, regain hope, and get "unstuck". Through our work, people find a renewed sense of control, confidence, and calm. My approach is based on a strongly held belief that band-aid solutions aren't the end-goal. Therapy can bring real and lasting, long-term change.
I am trauma-focused, meaning I look for what's happening under the surface, believing that our symptoms are often just our nervous system's best attempt to help us survive.
So often, we brush off our emotions as though the pain isn't real. We can just "snap out of it" or "move on". We try to ignore it, tell ourselves that therapy is "just talking", so we don't really need it. Meanwhile, our life revolves around fear, anxiety, shame, or anger. We feel stuck, lost, and hopeless. I help people with Addiction, Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD find relief, regain hope, and get "unstuck". Through our work, people find a renewed sense of control, confidence, and calm. My approach is based on a strongly held belief that band-aid solutions aren't the end-goal. Therapy can bring real and lasting, long-term change.
You’ve done therapy before—maybe even a few times. You’ve talked through the anxiety, the depression, the trauma. You’ve got insight, but things still feel stuck - nothing feels like it’s ever changed and it feels like you’re back to ground zero. It’s time to dive into something different. Somatic therapy goes beyond talking to help your body process what your mind already knows. If traditional therapy hasn’t worked the way you’d hoped, this is likely the missing piece.
You’ve done therapy before—maybe even a few times. You’ve talked through the anxiety, the depression, the trauma. You’ve got insight, but things still feel stuck - nothing feels like it’s ever changed and it feels like you’re back to ground zero. It’s time to dive into something different. Somatic therapy goes beyond talking to help your body process what your mind already knows. If traditional therapy hasn’t worked the way you’d hoped, this is likely the missing piece.
As an experienced Clinical Supervisor and Registered Psychotherapist, I am dedicated to supporting the next generation of ethical, competent, and reflective clinicians. My approach blends coaching, mentoring, and professional guidance to help you build the skills and confidence necessary for a thriving career. I believe supervision is a collaborative, supportive, growth-oriented relationship where we explore case conceptualization, intervention choices, ethical practice, and the realities of eventually navigating care independently. My goal is to guide you from competence toward long-term clinical confidence and autonomy.
As an experienced Clinical Supervisor and Registered Psychotherapist, I am dedicated to supporting the next generation of ethical, competent, and reflective clinicians. My approach blends coaching, mentoring, and professional guidance to help you build the skills and confidence necessary for a thriving career. I believe supervision is a collaborative, supportive, growth-oriented relationship where we explore case conceptualization, intervention choices, ethical practice, and the realities of eventually navigating care independently. My goal is to guide you from competence toward long-term clinical confidence and autonomy.
Are you ready to let it all out? To let go of how tightly you've been holding everything together? Let me support you with this, and with discovering that life that truly brings you joy.
I work with people from all walks of life, particularly 2SLGBTQlA+ and BIPOC folks, individuals exploring intersectional identities, and anyone living with CPTSD/PTSD, borderline personality disorder, neurodivergence (including Autism and ADHD), depression and anxiety.
Are you ready to let it all out? To let go of how tightly you've been holding everything together? Let me support you with this, and with discovering that life that truly brings you joy.
I work with people from all walks of life, particularly 2SLGBTQlA+ and BIPOC folks, individuals exploring intersectional identities, and anyone living with CPTSD/PTSD, borderline personality disorder, neurodivergence (including Autism and ADHD), depression and anxiety.
Desiree Pearce | LGBTQ+ | Relationships | ADHD
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Intern
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you a sensitive, creative, possibly neurodivergent soul who’s been told you’re “too much,” “too emotional,” or “too confusing” for the world around you? Maybe you’re just beginning to explore your true identity or question the roles you were handed - and it feels both liberating and deeply overwhelming. You’ve always felt things deeply, picked up on energy others miss, and turned to things like music, art, tarot, or creativity to make sense of it all. You’ve tried all the tools - therapy TikToks, moon rituals, journaling, breathwork - but nothing seems to create the lasting change you're truly longing for
Are you a sensitive, creative, possibly neurodivergent soul who’s been told you’re “too much,” “too emotional,” or “too confusing” for the world around you? Maybe you’re just beginning to explore your true identity or question the roles you were handed - and it feels both liberating and deeply overwhelming. You’ve always felt things deeply, picked up on energy others miss, and turned to things like music, art, tarot, or creativity to make sense of it all. You’ve tried all the tools - therapy TikToks, moon rituals, journaling, breathwork - but nothing seems to create the lasting change you're truly longing for
Accepting NEW Clients - Are you feeling overwhelmed but not sure where to start? Do you find yourself constantly overthinking, second-guessing, or wondering why certain patterns keep showing up in your life? Wishing you had tools to better communicate or cope? Does a part of you wish you could be yourself more often? Maybe things look “fine” on the outside, but inside, it feels like you’re carrying something heavy, you feel stuck, or there's no motivation. Whether you’re dealing with an adult, a parent with a child or youth (12+), or a couple, let's connect to start with support.
Accepting NEW Clients - Are you feeling overwhelmed but not sure where to start? Do you find yourself constantly overthinking, second-guessing, or wondering why certain patterns keep showing up in your life? Wishing you had tools to better communicate or cope? Does a part of you wish you could be yourself more often? Maybe things look “fine” on the outside, but inside, it feels like you’re carrying something heavy, you feel stuck, or there's no motivation. Whether you’re dealing with an adult, a parent with a child or youth (12+), or a couple, let's connect to start with support.
Hi! I'm Katie, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
When working with clients, I aim to create a warm, inclusive, and safe space to work collaboratively on your therapy goals. I see therapy as a journey of growth and self-discovery, and I'm committed to providing you with practical tools and strategies that are personalized to what works best for you.
Hi! I'm Katie, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
When working with clients, I aim to create a warm, inclusive, and safe space to work collaboratively on your therapy goals. I see therapy as a journey of growth and self-discovery, and I'm committed to providing you with practical tools and strategies that are personalized to what works best for you.
Hi! I’m Samantha - I specialize in supporting people who feel weighed down by anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma. Even simple tasks can feel impossible. Some days it's hard to answer a text, brush your teeth, or imagine a future without this pain. Together we can work gently toward relief, self-understanding, and building hope. My approach is collaborative and trauma-informed as we find steadier ground and reconnect you with the parts of yourself that feel lost.
Hi! I’m Samantha - I specialize in supporting people who feel weighed down by anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma. Even simple tasks can feel impossible. Some days it's hard to answer a text, brush your teeth, or imagine a future without this pain. Together we can work gently toward relief, self-understanding, and building hope. My approach is collaborative and trauma-informed as we find steadier ground and reconnect you with the parts of yourself that feel lost.
Welcome! Perhaps you have arrived here because you're struggling to navigate your relationship with your partner, family members or friends. Maybe you are experiencing challenges with your self esteem? Or just looking for allyship and safety? You've come to the right place. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and trusted space to help you organize and understand your thoughts and emotions— whilst building a healthy relationship with yourself. My practice is influenced by the belief that with compassion, non judgement and curiosity, we have the ability to regain control of how we navigate our experiences.
Welcome! Perhaps you have arrived here because you're struggling to navigate your relationship with your partner, family members or friends. Maybe you are experiencing challenges with your self esteem? Or just looking for allyship and safety? You've come to the right place. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and trusted space to help you organize and understand your thoughts and emotions— whilst building a healthy relationship with yourself. My practice is influenced by the belief that with compassion, non judgement and curiosity, we have the ability to regain control of how we navigate our experiences.
Feeling anxious? Dysregulated? Stressed? Want to make a change in your life but are unsure where to begin? Are you avoiding things you once loved or struggling in your relationships and unsure how to make the pattern stop? Let’s work together to unlock your strengths, explore your worries and deepen your understanding of why you make the choices you do. It’s time for you to start trusting your emotions, saying goodbye to unhelpful coping strategies and building confidence in yourself. I have been practicing since 2009 and have successfully supported countless individuals to start healing and live as the best versions of themselves.
Feeling anxious? Dysregulated? Stressed? Want to make a change in your life but are unsure where to begin? Are you avoiding things you once loved or struggling in your relationships and unsure how to make the pattern stop? Let’s work together to unlock your strengths, explore your worries and deepen your understanding of why you make the choices you do. It’s time for you to start trusting your emotions, saying goodbye to unhelpful coping strategies and building confidence in yourself. I have been practicing since 2009 and have successfully supported countless individuals to start healing and live as the best versions of themselves.
You’re functioning, but exhausted. Some days you tell yourself you’re fine; other days everything feels heavy. Your patience is thin, your mood is low, and the mental load feels relentless. If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or living with the impact of a difficult or traumatic birth, you may feel disconnected from yourself or guilty for not feeling how you expected. You want relief, clarity, and support that fits your real life — not one more thing to manage.
You’re functioning, but exhausted. Some days you tell yourself you’re fine; other days everything feels heavy. Your patience is thin, your mood is low, and the mental load feels relentless. If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or living with the impact of a difficult or traumatic birth, you may feel disconnected from yourself or guilty for not feeling how you expected. You want relief, clarity, and support that fits your real life — not one more thing to manage.
See more therapy options for Hamilton
Nearby Trauma Focused Counsellors Searches for Hamilton
- Ancaster
- Beamsville
- Binbrook
- Burlington
- Caledonia
- Dundas
- Grimsby
- Hagersville
- Oakville
- Smithville
- Stoney Creek
- Waterdown