Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Kitchener, ON
See all counsellors in Kitchener
Michelle Hoefler
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, SEP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I also offer an intervention called Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) and I am trained in Level 1, 2 & 3 Brainspotting which helps people access, process, and overcome
trauma
, negative emotions, and pain.
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.
Sabrina Popernitsch
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have a Master’s in counselling psychology, as well as a Bachelors in grief, bereavement,
trauma
and loss studies.
I have a passion for knowing people deeply, and creating a space that is empowering, non-judgemental and compassionate. I believe the relationship between the therapist and the client is integral to the process of therapy, and as such, I put emphasis on building a connection where you can be seen and supported. I use an integrative approach to therapy and utilize a
trauma
-informed, person-centered lens to explore healing, with techniques from an array of models of therapy. I work with my clients to address the root cause of present day concerns through intentional, pro-active listening and collaborate with my clients strengths.
Kitchener, ON N2H
& Online
Andrea Lobsinger
Registered Social Worker
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Throughout this I have supported youth in addressing family conflict, establishing boundaries,
trauma
, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-injurious behaviours, and through life-changing events.
I believe people are innately resilient, able to withstand adversity, bounce back from life challenges, and flourish. Being resilient does not mean you will never feel stressed, emotionally overwhelmed or suffer. Being resilient means having the courage to climb the mountain, embracing the journey of vulnerability and having the strength to heal. On the other side of this experience is self-awareness, meaningful connections with others, purpose and improved emotional and physical health.
Not accepting new clients
Sanctuary Counselling and Training
Registered Social Worker, HBA, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a registered social worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfred Laurier University, and have specializations in attachment & developmental
trauma
; sexual abuse; complex
trauma
and Borderline Personality Disorder.
A Sanctuary is a place of comfort, safety and healing, a refuge from the storms of our life. I aim not only to provide a sanctuary for my clients but to help them build one within themselves. Whatever you are struggling with I can help you to navigate by providing a safe & comforting environment where you can explore your own unique path to healing, growth and change. Together we will address the current issues as well as the relational patterns, experiences and beliefs that wound your sense of belonging and create obstacles to building a life worth living.
Sara Murphy
Registered Psychotherapist, MC, CCC
Verified
10 Endorsed
Verified
10 Endorsed
In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Bréné Brown says that “owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do”. It is my privilege as a Psychotherapist to provide space and support as individuals dive into the stories of their lives and do the hard work of healing. Certified in EMDR, and other types of evidence-based
trauma
therapies, I’m grateful to be able to provide an opportunity for individuals to release the emotional, mental, and physical blocks caused by
trauma
and other difficult life circumstances.
Rebecca Steele
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW/RSW, CHyp
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
For 9 years I have worked to help adults in overcoming a wide range of challenges such as anxiety, depression, &
trauma
through individual psychotherapy and counselling services.
You want to embark on a path of self exploration, understanding, and insight. Your journey may have you delving into the deeper questions of life and trying to understand who you are, what you want in life and relationships, finding a sense of meaning, and what steps you want to take moving forward. Maybe you have had experiences in your relationships, stress, mood, self esteem, or motivation that are negatively impacting your day to day life? Are you left wondering how to work through them? Do you experience emotional distress and are looking for support?Together we will work towards achieving your particular healing goals.
Nick Cardases
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, MA, RP
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
There are valid reasons behind your behaviour and emotions. We function best in an environment where we feel safe, loved and valued and can develop healthy relationships and a positive sense of self. We can then better explore life from a position of mental and emotional well-being. Perhaps this has not been your experience.
Trauma
and distress can affect your feelings and behaviour. The hurt may have left you feeling unsafe, devalued and negative towards yourself. You may struggle with poor coping options that have caused harm and suffering to yourself and those around you. You might be finding it difficult to navigate life.
Gabriela Elias
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
You may have some
trauma
you cannot stop thinking about.
*Couples &
Trauma
Specialist* You may feel like you are having the same argument with your partner. Daily stress piles up and you grow further apart from one another, feeling tension and disconnect. You feel alone in your relationship. You feel frustrated, angry and hopeless, asking yourself what went wrong. You are tired of arguments and long for the love and emotional connection you felt at the beginning of your relationship. Most couples get stuck in a negative cycle and the cycle is the problem. Together we will untangle this stuck pattern and find the emotional connection, love, and peace that you want in your relationship.
Jackie Vaerewyck
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Accepting NEW clients! - If you are reading this you have already taken the scariest step; recognizing that you want some extra help or support. Are you experiencing issues in life and you don't know how to approach them, where to even start, or who to reach out to? Do you have past experiences which are not letting you move on with your life? Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, unhelpful thinking patterns, self-esteem or
trauma
? Work as a first responder and experience stress and/or
trauma
? Struggle with a personality or mood disorder? Sometimes life gives us more than we can handle alone, and we don't know how to cope.
David Blair Corbett
Registered Social Worker, BSc, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I see adult individuals and male/female couples (premaritally and maritally). I specialize in attachment, emotional maturation, and
trauma
recovery with individuals (primarily men) . I also do a sizeable amount of addictions recovery or relapse prevention work with men. Maritally, I often work from an Emotionally Focused approach. In Christian Counselling, I utilize The Life Model/Thrive/HeartSync/Immanuel processes in understanding & assessing brain skills and
trauma
recovery needs. I also help new private practitioners set up their businesses and develop their clientele successfully. Please call for a consultation.
Not accepting new clients
Zoey Hu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RPQ
Verified
Verified
My experience as an international student who came to Canada at a young age and my expertise in psychotherapy training allow me to help clients in areas such as relationship issues, parenting, racial identity, depression, anxiety,
trauma
&
PTSD
.
Are you a university student who feels stressed about school and co-op while trying to maintain a social life? Do you feel depressed and unmotivated to achieve your goals? Do you feel the the pressure of meeting your parents’ expectations and to follow the path they have chosen for you? Are you affected by the language and cultural barriers between you and your immigrant parents? Do you feel invalidated when trying to set boundaries or communicate your needs with your family/friends? Are you someone who has experienced discrimination and felt stuck between cultures due to your race and ethnicity?
Kitchener, ON N2G
Not accepting new clients
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Cathryn Irena Harris
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
This may include play therapy for children, reality therapy and behavioral contracting for adolescents, communication and conflict resolution skills for couples, coaching and education for parents, or EMDR and cognitive therapy for
trauma
survivors.
Stuck? Frustrated? Confused? Feeling hopeless? Or just wanting some encouragement to find an answer that feels just out of reach? Whether it is a relationship problem, a parenting challenge, a bad habit, a negative cycle, or traumatic memories that keeps defeating you, I hope to provide you with a safe place to explore the roots of what is keeping you stuck, and help you find new options and hope through changing how you relate to yourself and others. I believe that emotional freedom, trust, and true intimacy in relationships comes from having good boundaries within ourselves and with others.
Waitlist for new clients
Janine Fischer
Registered Social Worker, RP, CPGC, MSW, RSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Through my work I believe that compassion and empathy are two of the most important qualities when seeking support. From time to time life can feel overwhelming and heavy, due to many of the experiences that we are faced with from Life Transitions, Substance Use (or Abuse), Gambling/Gaming Concerns,
Trauma
Events, or Mental Health Concerns; I am here to support you through it. I provide both individual and family therapy.
Waitlist for new clients
Krystal Hilchey Muise
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Out of the Box offers
trauma
informed counselling, Spelling to Communicate and Relationship Development Integration for neurodivergent Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, LGBTQIA+ and nonverbal communicators. Rooted in social justice, trans/racial right, critical disability/queer theory, and evidence-based frameworks, Out of the Box Counselling is looking to work with brave people who want to do things differently. Please check out Monica Van Schaik for current availability as I am not accepting new clients at this time.
Not accepting new clients
Tess Klaver
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified
Verified
I enjoy working with women, trans and non-binary people who have had long-term mental health struggles and a history of
trauma
. The people I see are often struggling with understanding the impact of childhood wounds, stressful relationships involving difficulty with intimacy or autonomy, coping with the after-effects of sexual violence and/or feeling stuck in emotions such as shame and loneliness. These people may be trying to reconcile their values and desired way of being in the world with intense reactions that seem to come out of the blue. I also do work regarding gender, sexuality and neurodiversity.
My Healing Space
Registered Social Worker, MSW RSW
Verified
Verified
Reaching out for help can be a difficult thing to do and takes courage. If you are struggling with Relationships, Mental Health,
PTSD
/
Trauma
, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Loss, Eating Disorders, you don't have to struggle alone. Together we can work towards the best version of you and progress towards your healing goals. I am a clinical Social Worker and provide Individual, Couple and Family counselling for a wide range of concerns. Effective therapy happens when there is a relationship established between the client and the counsellor. I have many years of experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Adrienne Luft
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have 20+ years of clinical experience and have worked extensively with survivors of
trauma
/abuse; post-secondary students; children/youth with mental illness; adults experiencing stress/mental illness; and families experiencing behavioural challenges with their children.
Are you looking to create positive change in your life? Unsure how to navigate this terrain on your own? Do you want to be fully engaged in your life and relationships? The work we do together will help you cultivate meaning and make these changes. I work from a strengths-based perspective and believe that we all have within us the capacity to heal and thrive, far beyond what we often recognize. Engaging in the counselling process can be tremendously beneficial as we rediscover our own strength and resilience.
Chelsea Gay
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, BA
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
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.
Frank Kakarelis
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP, RKine
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a Registered Psychotherapist, trained EMDR therapist, and a Registered Kinesiologist. With diverse experience working as a registered kinesiologist and identifying and treating traumatic injuries (both physical and psychological) related to motor vehicle accidents, I bring this knowledge of the brain/and nervous system into my practice as a psychotherapist. This allows me to specialize in
trauma
and traumatic injuries along with anxiety, depression and a range of other mental health issues. I work with both adult and children/youth demographics.
Not accepting new clients
Theresa Will
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I’ve supported clients extensively in the areas of
trauma
, anxiety, depression, grief, substance issues, eating disorders, relationship issues, emotion regulation challenges, anger management, self-esteem, teen issues, stress management, and more.
Reaching out for help, especially from a stranger, is incredibly scary and courageous - the first step is often the hardest. I always feel honoured to join my clients on their journey to wellness and I welcome the opportunity to work with you. I am committed to working with you at your pace. My approach is down to earth and collaborative, always. I strive to maintain an emotionally safe and judgment free space so that you may feel respected and heard. I am extensively trained in
trauma
therapy and have participated in Phases 1, 2, 3, 4 and Masters level of Brainspotting, as well as the specialty Children and Adolescents training.
See more therapy options for
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.