Somatic Therapists in Kitchener, ON

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Photo of Roberta McKay, Registered Psychotherapist in Kitchener, ON
Roberta McKay
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, IBP, SEP
Verified
Kitchener, ON N2H
I have been a psychotherapist for over 30 years. I specialize in a somatic (body-mind) approach to resolve issues that interfere with one's happiness and well being. We will look at how early life experiences affect us and our relationships. This helps in developing a greater understanding in how one behaves in their current life, creating more options for lasting change. This work is very effective in treating depression by helping one feel more aliveness, energy and a sense of well being.It helps with anxiety by providing tools to create a sense of calm and presence.
I have been a psychotherapist for over 30 years. I specialize in a somatic (body-mind) approach to resolve issues that interfere with one's happiness and well being. We will look at how early life experiences affect us and our relationships. This helps in developing a greater understanding in how one behaves in their current life, creating more options for lasting change. This work is very effective in treating depression by helping one feel more aliveness, energy and a sense of well being.It helps with anxiety by providing tools to create a sense of calm and presence.
(519) 900-1644 View (519) 900-1644
Photo of Nada Jarmakani, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Kitchener, ON
Nada Jarmakani
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, DIPT, MACP
Verified
Kitchener, ON N2B
I am particularly interested in highlighting the mind-body connection, and I use somatic practices to bring awareness to this vital connection.
Yes, it can be overwhelming, and having a safe space where you are heard, understood, and supported is especially important during these difficult times. Therapy provides this much-needed space. I practice culturally sensitive, compassionate, strength-based therapy that is goal-oriented. To give you a comprehensive approach, I draw on techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
I am particularly interested in highlighting the mind-body connection, and I use somatic practices to bring awareness to this vital connection.
Yes, it can be overwhelming, and having a safe space where you are heard, understood, and supported is especially important during these difficult times. Therapy provides this much-needed space. I practice culturally sensitive, compassionate, strength-based therapy that is goal-oriented. To give you a comprehensive approach, I draw on techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
(548) 900-0178 View (548) 900-0178
Photo of Joscelyn Guindon, Registered Social Worker in Kitchener, ON
Joscelyn Guindon
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
I use a variety of therapeutic styles, such as somatic experiencing, ACT, DBT, mind/body connection, dance movement therapy and many more.
Accepting waitlist. Each and every person that has crossed my path has their own unique life journey, and so needs a unique approach to building tools to move through them. My neuro, gender inclusive therapeutic approach is to gain understanding of who you are and what your concerns are, and work together to explore tools and solutions unique to you. My focus is on creating space where clients can build their skills in an open and judgment-free environment, where you know you best and I'm here to offer support and guidance. I have extensive experience working with 2SLGBTQ+ youth and adults, and with ENM and polyamory communities.
I use a variety of therapeutic styles, such as somatic experiencing, ACT, DBT, mind/body connection, dance movement therapy and many more.
Accepting waitlist. Each and every person that has crossed my path has their own unique life journey, and so needs a unique approach to building tools to move through them. My neuro, gender inclusive therapeutic approach is to gain understanding of who you are and what your concerns are, and work together to explore tools and solutions unique to you. My focus is on creating space where clients can build their skills in an open and judgment-free environment, where you know you best and I'm here to offer support and guidance. I have extensive experience working with 2SLGBTQ+ youth and adults, and with ENM and polyamory communities.
(226) 782-0589 View (226) 782-0589
Photo of Putting the Puzzle Together, Registered Psychotherapist in Kitchener, ON
Putting the Puzzle Together
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MDiv
Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H  (Online Only)
We might use somatic exercises to release trauma held within your body or art therapy to uncover buried fears.
Accepting NEW Clients - Do you ever wonder how your behaviour and mental well-being might be influenced by culture, context, and childhood experiences that lie outside of your awareness? Therapy provides a safe and trusting environment to explore how intrusive thoughts, moods, emotions, perceptions, and habits affect your everyday functioning. Engage with me to uncover, through verbal and non-verbal approaches, your inborn strength and coping skills to face your anxiety, depression, aimlessness, loss of identity and zest for life and strive to regain your resilience for whole-health wellness. Our aim: your well-being!
We might use somatic exercises to release trauma held within your body or art therapy to uncover buried fears.
Accepting NEW Clients - Do you ever wonder how your behaviour and mental well-being might be influenced by culture, context, and childhood experiences that lie outside of your awareness? Therapy provides a safe and trusting environment to explore how intrusive thoughts, moods, emotions, perceptions, and habits affect your everyday functioning. Engage with me to uncover, through verbal and non-verbal approaches, your inborn strength and coping skills to face your anxiety, depression, aimlessness, loss of identity and zest for life and strive to regain your resilience for whole-health wellness. Our aim: your well-being!
(548) 901-0215 View (548) 901-0215
Photo of Valentin Angardi, Registered Psychotherapist in Kitchener, ON
Valentin Angardi
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2M  (Online Only)
I am passionate about Trauma, Attachment, and Somatic work, Solution Focus Therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Welcome to Purple House Psychotherapy! Therapy can be scary and choosing a therapist that matches your need that much more difficult. I trust in a collaborative work and that you are the expert of your life. I am merely a mirror, which will reflect your thoughts and feelings and allows an opportunity to gently challenge and create new changes. I strive to provide a safe space where you can explore and re-discover your most authentic self. Together we will laugh, cry and explore. I believe in the power of hope, individual resiliency, and pets.
I am passionate about Trauma, Attachment, and Somatic work, Solution Focus Therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Welcome to Purple House Psychotherapy! Therapy can be scary and choosing a therapist that matches your need that much more difficult. I trust in a collaborative work and that you are the expert of your life. I am merely a mirror, which will reflect your thoughts and feelings and allows an opportunity to gently challenge and create new changes. I strive to provide a safe space where you can explore and re-discover your most authentic self. Together we will laugh, cry and explore. I believe in the power of hope, individual resiliency, and pets.
(548) 761-2069 View (548) 761-2069
Photo of Christi-an Slomka, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Kitchener, ON
Christi-an Slomka
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified
Kitchener, ON N2H
I’m a Gestalt Therapist with over 15 years of experience teaching mindfulness and somatic embodiment practices.
Are you looking for a safe and compassionate space to explore the parts of your life where you are struggling, feeling stuck, grieving or hurting? Turning towards the tender parts of our life with curiosity and empathy is how we gain insight into the true needs of the body, mind and heart. It is from this place that we can find the tools, practices, strategies and forms of care that will support you and bring more meaning and possibility into your life. Nothing is too big or shameful — together we'll hold whatever comes up and work towards your goals for therapy.
I’m a Gestalt Therapist with over 15 years of experience teaching mindfulness and somatic embodiment practices.
Are you looking for a safe and compassionate space to explore the parts of your life where you are struggling, feeling stuck, grieving or hurting? Turning towards the tender parts of our life with curiosity and empathy is how we gain insight into the true needs of the body, mind and heart. It is from this place that we can find the tools, practices, strategies and forms of care that will support you and bring more meaning and possibility into your life. Nothing is too big or shameful — together we'll hold whatever comes up and work towards your goals for therapy.
(437) 291-7374 View (437) 291-7374
Photo of Shaziya Vellani, Registered Social Worker in Kitchener, ON
Shaziya Vellani
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2M
Using an integrated and holistic approach of CBT, DBT, Somatic and Solution Focused therapy, we can begin your journey of self-discovery.
Are you facing a challenging time or coming to terms with feelings and emotions that seem heavy and difficult to understand? Are you struggling with stress, burnout or anxiety and feel overwhelmed? Do you wonder if life should somehow feel better? I see so many individuals who are feeling exhausted from trying to manage relationships, careers and their lives; who suffer from depression or a painful past and find themselves in repetitive thinking patterns making them feel stuck and uncertain about the future. I believe that taking time for yourself and exploring what it is that you need can get you closer to achieving your goals.
Using an integrated and holistic approach of CBT, DBT, Somatic and Solution Focused therapy, we can begin your journey of self-discovery.
Are you facing a challenging time or coming to terms with feelings and emotions that seem heavy and difficult to understand? Are you struggling with stress, burnout or anxiety and feel overwhelmed? Do you wonder if life should somehow feel better? I see so many individuals who are feeling exhausted from trying to manage relationships, careers and their lives; who suffer from depression or a painful past and find themselves in repetitive thinking patterns making them feel stuck and uncertain about the future. I believe that taking time for yourself and exploring what it is that you need can get you closer to achieving your goals.
(226) 887-0894 View (226) 887-0894
Photo of Michelle Hoefler, Registered Social Worker in Kitchener, ON
Michelle Hoefler
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, SEP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H  (Online Only)
In addition to talk therapy, I am trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE).
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do your thoughts keep racing from one thing to another? Do you find you are excellent at taking care of everyone else but keep neglecting yourself? I would like to help. I am passionate about helping people to move past the "shoulds" and move towards creating the kind of life they want to live. Most of the time when we are distressed we are worrying either too much about the past or the future, or are overly preoccupied by what we imagine other people are thinking about us.
In addition to talk therapy, I am trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE).
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do your thoughts keep racing from one thing to another? Do you find you are excellent at taking care of everyone else but keep neglecting yourself? I would like to help. I am passionate about helping people to move past the "shoulds" and move towards creating the kind of life they want to live. Most of the time when we are distressed we are worrying either too much about the past or the future, or are overly preoccupied by what we imagine other people are thinking about us.
(226) 887-1544 View (226) 887-1544
Photo of Carrie A Lee, Registered Psychotherapist in Kitchener, ON
Carrie A Lee
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CLSSBB, CMQ/OE
Verified
Kitchener, ON N2H
Waitlist for new clients
My main mission is to help others transmute their fears and emotional blocks/pain into their own personal power, step into their dreams on their terms and live their lives fully engaged - discovering the whole of Self - through modalities ranging from traditional talk therapy to intuitive somatic inquiry, and more.
I am a holistic psycho-spiritual Registered Psychotherapist with a focus of supporting clients to personally discover and embrace a fully empowered life of their choosing. In all avenues of practice, my approach is to help clients discover emotional healing and spiritual transformation, personal empowerment and stepping into one's sovereign self - it's all a matter of 'soul-fullness.' I work with teenagers and adults from all walks of life, who are facing a variety of life challenges, from mundane to traumatic. My style is open, informal and inclusive.
My main mission is to help others transmute their fears and emotional blocks/pain into their own personal power, step into their dreams on their terms and live their lives fully engaged - discovering the whole of Self - through modalities ranging from traditional talk therapy to intuitive somatic inquiry, and more.
I am a holistic psycho-spiritual Registered Psychotherapist with a focus of supporting clients to personally discover and embrace a fully empowered life of their choosing. In all avenues of practice, my approach is to help clients discover emotional healing and spiritual transformation, personal empowerment and stepping into one's sovereign self - it's all a matter of 'soul-fullness.' I work with teenagers and adults from all walks of life, who are facing a variety of life challenges, from mundane to traumatic. My style is open, informal and inclusive.
(226) 887-1074 View (226) 887-1074
Photo of Frank Kakarelis, Registered Psychotherapist in Kitchener, ON
Frank Kakarelis
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP, RKine
Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2R
I utilize specific modalities to assist each person reach their unique therapeutic goals, specifically, EMDR, Parts Work, Somatic Therapy, and CBT.
Trauma, much like a splinter, embeds itself into a person and affects all aspects of life. My primary objective is to create a safe and compassionate therapeutic alliance which facilitates healing and growth. With Trauma, I truly believe that the body holds a great deal of the emotional weight, without us knowing. I witnessed severe difficulties in my community, and as an adult I have grieved many friends who kept their suffering a secret, often until it was too late. I truly believe that every individual innately harbors the right set of tools to achieve their personal goals and find their way to a meaningful, fulfilling life.
I utilize specific modalities to assist each person reach their unique therapeutic goals, specifically, EMDR, Parts Work, Somatic Therapy, and CBT.
Trauma, much like a splinter, embeds itself into a person and affects all aspects of life. My primary objective is to create a safe and compassionate therapeutic alliance which facilitates healing and growth. With Trauma, I truly believe that the body holds a great deal of the emotional weight, without us knowing. I witnessed severe difficulties in my community, and as an adult I have grieved many friends who kept their suffering a secret, often until it was too late. I truly believe that every individual innately harbors the right set of tools to achieve their personal goals and find their way to a meaningful, fulfilling life.
(548) 483-6726 View (548) 483-6726
Photo of Jessica Sloan, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Kitchener, ON
Jessica Sloan
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BBA, RP(Qua), CHyp
Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2M
I utilize Counseling, Brainspotting, Somatic Healing, Coaching, & Hypnotherapy.
Accepting new clients! Perhaps you have tried talk therapy and it helped with some things but in certain areas, you find it difficult to make changes & are looking for a new approach. You may find that people-pleasing and perfectionism holds you back. You find you start out strong by building new habits and then quickly lose momentum. You may be finding yourself more anxious than usual despite your best attempts at maintaining a positive outlook. You may also be experiencing overwhelm, imposter syndrome, anxiety, phobias, or depression. I also have a special interest in supporting women through pregnancy loss, infertility & burnout.
I utilize Counseling, Brainspotting, Somatic Healing, Coaching, & Hypnotherapy.
Accepting new clients! Perhaps you have tried talk therapy and it helped with some things but in certain areas, you find it difficult to make changes & are looking for a new approach. You may find that people-pleasing and perfectionism holds you back. You find you start out strong by building new habits and then quickly lose momentum. You may be finding yourself more anxious than usual despite your best attempts at maintaining a positive outlook. You may also be experiencing overwhelm, imposter syndrome, anxiety, phobias, or depression. I also have a special interest in supporting women through pregnancy loss, infertility & burnout.
(548) 489-0584 View (548) 489-0584
Photo of Emily Ameara Mclennan, Registered Psychotherapist in Kitchener, ON
Emily Ameara Mclennan
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, DTATI
Verified
Kitchener, ON N2M
DBT, ACT, CPT, CBT and somatic therapy certified.
I am a registered psychotherapist- I call myself the "kitchen sink" of therapy. If you don't feel like traditional therapy is for you, then I work with you to find what is for you. I specialize in: Trauma, PTSD, BPD, CPTSD, youth, anxiety and depression. I am Queer-LGBTQ2S- non-gender conforming. I look at therapy as a path towards healing, with a holistic approach towards health and mental wellness.​ Trauma-informed expressive therapy is based on bringing what is unconscious to conciousness in a safe way and finding containers that work with you to help you process and unpack in order to heal.
DBT, ACT, CPT, CBT and somatic therapy certified.
I am a registered psychotherapist- I call myself the "kitchen sink" of therapy. If you don't feel like traditional therapy is for you, then I work with you to find what is for you. I specialize in: Trauma, PTSD, BPD, CPTSD, youth, anxiety and depression. I am Queer-LGBTQ2S- non-gender conforming. I look at therapy as a path towards healing, with a holistic approach towards health and mental wellness.​ Trauma-informed expressive therapy is based on bringing what is unconscious to conciousness in a safe way and finding containers that work with you to help you process and unpack in order to heal.
(647) 957-9821 View (647) 957-9821
Photo of Charlie Gray, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Kitchener, ON
Charlie Gray
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP-Q, MACP, OCGC, Hons BA
Verified
5 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2G  (Online Only)
Hi there! It can take a lot of courage to reach out, I hope you feel welcome here. My work with clients focuses on engaging with the mind-body system to manage physical symptoms caused by stress and other mental health struggles. Sessions include mindfulness, the nervous system, cognitive strategies, breathwork, somatic experiencing, and nature. Physical symptoms such as IBS, muscle tension, headaches, burnout, exhaustion, etc. are often related to or intensified by stress and trauma. I will support you with tools to help you cope with the challenges you are facing. We meet online so that this work is accessible to wherever you are!
Hi there! It can take a lot of courage to reach out, I hope you feel welcome here. My work with clients focuses on engaging with the mind-body system to manage physical symptoms caused by stress and other mental health struggles. Sessions include mindfulness, the nervous system, cognitive strategies, breathwork, somatic experiencing, and nature. Physical symptoms such as IBS, muscle tension, headaches, burnout, exhaustion, etc. are often related to or intensified by stress and trauma. I will support you with tools to help you cope with the challenges you are facing. We meet online so that this work is accessible to wherever you are!
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Photo of Abby Ajvaz, Registered Social Worker in Kitchener, ON
Abby Ajvaz
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Kitchener, ON N2A
My practice incorporates a blend of therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, meditation, somatic therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
I have a passion for working alongside clients who are feeling held back by their past experiences. By specializing in trauma work, I support individuals living with anxiety-related disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, moral injury, and more. I offer a collaborative approach, working together to create an individualized treatment plan that best supports you on your unique journey towards healing and recovery.
My practice incorporates a blend of therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, meditation, somatic therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
I have a passion for working alongside clients who are feeling held back by their past experiences. By specializing in trauma work, I support individuals living with anxiety-related disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, moral injury, and more. I offer a collaborative approach, working together to create an individualized treatment plan that best supports you on your unique journey towards healing and recovery.
(226) 243-1857 View (226) 243-1857
Photo of Chris Spiess, Registered Social Worker in Kitchener, ON
Chris Spiess
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2C  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I lean towards using Somatic based practices, Parts Work, attachement, re-storying our experiences, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy.
Aaniin/Boozhoo/Willkommen/Hello, Is life feeling hard? Overwhelming? Emotions feel too big, or maybe not at all? Are you Looking for support for your family or a young person? My goal is to work with people in authentic ways. I journey with folks through difficult, hard, messy, and scary situations. I work from a trauma informed, decolonial, Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression framework. My work centres around supporting folks dealing with trauma and systemic oppression, mental illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, and substance use. I often focus on individual and family work with 2S Queer and Trans youth and adults
I lean towards using Somatic based practices, Parts Work, attachement, re-storying our experiences, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy.
Aaniin/Boozhoo/Willkommen/Hello, Is life feeling hard? Overwhelming? Emotions feel too big, or maybe not at all? Are you Looking for support for your family or a young person? My goal is to work with people in authentic ways. I journey with folks through difficult, hard, messy, and scary situations. I work from a trauma informed, decolonial, Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression framework. My work centres around supporting folks dealing with trauma and systemic oppression, mental illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, and substance use. I often focus on individual and family work with 2S Queer and Trans youth and adults
(437) 747-8311 View (437) 747-8311
Photo of Courtney Bell, Registered Psychotherapist in Kitchener, ON
Courtney Bell
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2B
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with 11 years of experience. Working with children and youth is a specialization of mine but I also love working with adults. I am currently completing training in Somatic Experiencing Psychotherapy. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship issues. I use an integrative approach which incorporates a mind-body approach and is considerate of the latest neuroscience research. I describe myself as a client-centred, relational and strengths based therapist.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with 11 years of experience. Working with children and youth is a specialization of mine but I also love working with adults. I am currently completing training in Somatic Experiencing Psychotherapy. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship issues. I use an integrative approach which incorporates a mind-body approach and is considerate of the latest neuroscience research. I describe myself as a client-centred, relational and strengths based therapist.
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Photo of Lauren Nancarrow Clarke, Registered Social Worker in Kitchener, ON
Lauren Nancarrow Clarke
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2M
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience incorporating evidence based treatment within a primarily somatic based, Gestalt perspective.
Compassion. Challenge. Joy. Working together, we will co-create a place for you to build clarity and capacity in your life. You will be invited to gain more self-compassion and acceptance. We will work with your thoughts, relationship patterns, and unexpressed feelings through talk and sensation awareness. My approach is warm, honest, playful, and embodied. It is important to me that you experience changes through our work together supporting your ongoing wellnes and vitality.
I have extensive experience incorporating evidence based treatment within a primarily somatic based, Gestalt perspective.
Compassion. Challenge. Joy. Working together, we will co-create a place for you to build clarity and capacity in your life. You will be invited to gain more self-compassion and acceptance. We will work with your thoughts, relationship patterns, and unexpressed feelings through talk and sensation awareness. My approach is warm, honest, playful, and embodied. It is important to me that you experience changes through our work together supporting your ongoing wellnes and vitality.
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Photo of Alex Gosselin, Registered Social Worker in Kitchener, ON
Alex Gosselin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2B
Not accepting new clients
My clinical orientation is somatic , attachment-informed, mindfulness-informed, and trauma-focused.
Welcome! I’m Alex and I offer body oriented talk therapy, embodied movement and clinical supervision/consultation services. I am committed to supporting you in accessing the transformation that is made possible through stretching into your growth edges and living into your deepest held values. My approach is warm, casual, strengths based and collaborative. I work with individuals who are 18 + with specialized experience supporting helping professionals, transitional aged young adults, those living with complex trauma, developmental trauma, anxiety and perfectionism.
My clinical orientation is somatic , attachment-informed, mindfulness-informed, and trauma-focused.
Welcome! I’m Alex and I offer body oriented talk therapy, embodied movement and clinical supervision/consultation services. I am committed to supporting you in accessing the transformation that is made possible through stretching into your growth edges and living into your deepest held values. My approach is warm, casual, strengths based and collaborative. I work with individuals who are 18 + with specialized experience supporting helping professionals, transitional aged young adults, those living with complex trauma, developmental trauma, anxiety and perfectionism.
(289) 819-1139 View (289) 819-1139
Photo of Michelle Gibson, Registered Social Worker in Kitchener, ON
Michelle Gibson
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
Kitchener, ON N2B
I primarily work from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR Therapy lens, incorporating mindfulness and somatic therapy as needed.
*Offering virtual trauma therapy throughout Ontario.* While I believe that everyone carries within themselves the capacity to heal, during difficult periods in life our personal strengths can be impossible to access. At these times, we may need a caring and non-judgmental therapist to assist us. My intention is to provide you with a safe space to share your concerns and to help you to fulfill the hopes you have for your life. As each individual is unique, so is therapy. I adapt my approach to meet your personal goals and together we will come to identify the process that best serves you.
I primarily work from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR Therapy lens, incorporating mindfulness and somatic therapy as needed.
*Offering virtual trauma therapy throughout Ontario.* While I believe that everyone carries within themselves the capacity to heal, during difficult periods in life our personal strengths can be impossible to access. At these times, we may need a caring and non-judgmental therapist to assist us. My intention is to provide you with a safe space to share your concerns and to help you to fulfill the hopes you have for your life. As each individual is unique, so is therapy. I adapt my approach to meet your personal goals and together we will come to identify the process that best serves you.
(226) 270-3857 View (226) 270-3857
Photo of Andrea Foster, Registered Psychotherapist in Kitchener, ON
Andrea Foster
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MACP, A-EMCA, BA
Verified
4 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2B  (Online Only)
I recognize that trauma impacts many areas of life, and I offer an eclectic approach that incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative exposure therapy, EMDR therapy, somatic therapy, and schema therapy.
Trauma impacts many facets of our lives. It alters our view of self, personality and identity, ability to relate to others, and ability to navigate the world. Trauma incorporates many events, big and small, including emotional neglect, abusive relationships, sudden loss, witnessing tragic events, and illness. In response, you become anxious, stressed, and depressed and experience intrusive thoughts, fear, and anger. Often, you may feel alone or trapped and are easily triggered. It feels like you cannot be yourself.
I recognize that trauma impacts many areas of life, and I offer an eclectic approach that incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative exposure therapy, EMDR therapy, somatic therapy, and schema therapy.
Trauma impacts many facets of our lives. It alters our view of self, personality and identity, ability to relate to others, and ability to navigate the world. Trauma incorporates many events, big and small, including emotional neglect, abusive relationships, sudden loss, witnessing tragic events, and illness. In response, you become anxious, stressed, and depressed and experience intrusive thoughts, fear, and anger. Often, you may feel alone or trapped and are easily triggered. It feels like you cannot be yourself.
(437) 500-6303 View (437) 500-6303

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Somatic Counsellors

How does somatic therapy work?

Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.

Is EMDR a somatic therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.

Is somatic therapy evidence-based?

Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.

What is somatic trauma therapy?

Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.