Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Kitchener, ON
Mindy Smith-Bernard
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
Waitlist for new clients
When I meet with you, I hear your story from a trauma-informed, attachment lens that seeks to understand the past experiences in your life that contribute to your current struggles.
Everything was okay until it wasn’t any more. You're tired of feeling so stuck, overwhelmed and ashamed all the time and you’re ready to make a change. You’ve probably tried so many times to make these changes on your own but it’s only taken you so far and it’s been nearly impossible to keep from slipping back into old behaviours. This leaves you feeling hopeless, deflated, and weak. But let me tell you something: you’re not supposed to have it all figured out on your own. Really. If you are ready to take back control of your life and you have the desire to do things different -- that’s all you need to get started.
When I meet with you, I hear your story from a trauma-informed, attachment lens that seeks to understand the past experiences in your life that contribute to your current struggles.
Everything was okay until it wasn’t any more. You're tired of feeling so stuck, overwhelmed and ashamed all the time and you’re ready to make a change. You’ve probably tried so many times to make these changes on your own but it’s only taken you so far and it’s been nearly impossible to keep from slipping back into old behaviours. This leaves you feeling hopeless, deflated, and weak. But let me tell you something: you’re not supposed to have it all figured out on your own. Really. If you are ready to take back control of your life and you have the desire to do things different -- that’s all you need to get started.
I offer race-based trauma therapy which means I will offer you support through the context of your lived experience and all of your social identities.
I use an anti-racism trauma informed approach to support folx in examining how their feelings, thoughts and behaviours are frequently tied to deeply internalized oppression and colonization. By generating a space where these concepts can be explored in relation to other life struggles, I can show you ways to shift your mindset towards healing.
I offer race-based trauma therapy which means I will offer you support through the context of your lived experience and all of your social identities.
I use an anti-racism trauma informed approach to support folx in examining how their feelings, thoughts and behaviours are frequently tied to deeply internalized oppression and colonization. By generating a space where these concepts can be explored in relation to other life struggles, I can show you ways to shift your mindset towards healing.
Trauma and distress can affect your feelings and behaviour.
Together we'll explore underlying reasons behind your struggles and equip you with approaches to better manage your life. Using an attachment based integrated variety of proven psychotherapeutic approaches including IFS, I'll support you mentally and emotionally as you move towards a preferred view of yourself with preferred choices in line with your values.
Trauma and distress can affect your feelings and behaviour.
Together we'll explore underlying reasons behind your struggles and equip you with approaches to better manage your life. Using an attachment based integrated variety of proven psychotherapeutic approaches including IFS, I'll support you mentally and emotionally as you move towards a preferred view of yourself with preferred choices in line with your values.
I have worked with folks with various neurotypes, substance use and addiction, those experiencing housing insecurity and poverty, intimate partner violence/domestic violence, trauma and attachment challenges, self-esteem, emotion regulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation/suicidality, Dementia, and TBI/ABIs.
I have also worked with members of the LGBTQ community, Indigenous folks, those with ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and more. I will always work hard to treat you as the expert of your life, because you are!
I have worked with folks with various neurotypes, substance use and addiction, those experiencing housing insecurity and poverty, intimate partner violence/domestic violence, trauma and attachment challenges, self-esteem, emotion regulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation/suicidality, Dementia, and TBI/ABIs.
I have also worked with members of the LGBTQ community, Indigenous folks, those with ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and more. I will always work hard to treat you as the expert of your life, because you are!
We safely move into processing and resolving any trauma you may have experienced.
Do you long for friendship and belonging, but fear closeness? Do you get attached quickly but things don’t turn out the way you had hoped? Do you find yourself repeating patterns that you want to change, but are unsure of how, or where, to begin? You describe yourself as a giver but feel upset and disappointed when others don’t give back. You try to be the best version of yourself, but you’re exhausted. Experiences like these can leave us feeling unsafe. We feel lost and alone, desperately wanting change but not sure what steps to take.
We safely move into processing and resolving any trauma you may have experienced.
Do you long for friendship and belonging, but fear closeness? Do you get attached quickly but things don’t turn out the way you had hoped? Do you find yourself repeating patterns that you want to change, but are unsure of how, or where, to begin? You describe yourself as a giver but feel upset and disappointed when others don’t give back. You try to be the best version of yourself, but you’re exhausted. Experiences like these can leave us feeling unsafe. We feel lost and alone, desperately wanting change but not sure what steps to take.
If anxiety, depression, trauma, or unhealthy relationship patterns have held you back from building the life you desire, therapy can be a transformative turning point.
As a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor, I offer services for individuals and couples experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, and more. I aim to help clients achieve their goals, using evidence-based therapy practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and EMDR.
If anxiety, depression, trauma, or unhealthy relationship patterns have held you back from building the life you desire, therapy can be a transformative turning point.
As a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor, I offer services for individuals and couples experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, and more. I aim to help clients achieve their goals, using evidence-based therapy practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and EMDR.
I am also certified in EMDR, treating trauma.
I have a passion for supporting clients through difficult times, while helping them to achieve optimal psychological and emotional well being. I have extensive clinical training experience with a broad range of issues and treatment approaches and am comfortable with people of all cultures and orientations. Certified by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario in the area of clinical counselling, I provide assessment, counselling and therapy using an integrative approach, weaving together various methods to suit your unique needs. I also supervise other therapists who are seeking accreditation with their professional bodies. I am an AAMFT Clinical Fellow and Supervisor IT.
I am also certified in EMDR, treating trauma.
I have a passion for supporting clients through difficult times, while helping them to achieve optimal psychological and emotional well being. I have extensive clinical training experience with a broad range of issues and treatment approaches and am comfortable with people of all cultures and orientations. Certified by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario in the area of clinical counselling, I provide assessment, counselling and therapy using an integrative approach, weaving together various methods to suit your unique needs. I also supervise other therapists who are seeking accreditation with their professional bodies. I am an AAMFT Clinical Fellow and Supervisor IT.
I have extensive experience working with grief, trauma, and attachment concerns.
I offer experienced support for social workers, registered psychotherapists (qualifying) and registered psychotherapists. Individual sessions are designed to explore your clinical work while enhancing your skills and fostering your growth. My collaborative approach emphasizes ethical practice, self-awareness, and advanced therapeutic techniques, providing practical insights to navigate challenges and build confidence in your practice. If you're looking to elevate your practice and achieve your professional goals, let’s work together to make that happen.
I have extensive experience working with grief, trauma, and attachment concerns.
I offer experienced support for social workers, registered psychotherapists (qualifying) and registered psychotherapists. Individual sessions are designed to explore your clinical work while enhancing your skills and fostering your growth. My collaborative approach emphasizes ethical practice, self-awareness, and advanced therapeutic techniques, providing practical insights to navigate challenges and build confidence in your practice. If you're looking to elevate your practice and achieve your professional goals, let’s work together to make that happen.
I use internal family systems for Trauma work and mindfulness techniques to help you regulate emotions and increase distress tolerance.
Often taking the first step is the hardest. I offer a private and safe space to explore your needs and struggles. Often we lose sight of our greatest strengths in everyday life. I offer acceptance base therapy and then I help you work towards change. Most of my experience has been in individual therapy. I truly enjoy starting an internal journey with you. Different parts of you come alive in the therapy room. When you know yourself and your different parts it is much easier to cope with life's difficulties.
I use internal family systems for Trauma work and mindfulness techniques to help you regulate emotions and increase distress tolerance.
Often taking the first step is the hardest. I offer a private and safe space to explore your needs and struggles. Often we lose sight of our greatest strengths in everyday life. I offer acceptance base therapy and then I help you work towards change. Most of my experience has been in individual therapy. I truly enjoy starting an internal journey with you. Different parts of you come alive in the therapy room. When you know yourself and your different parts it is much easier to cope with life's difficulties.
Janine Fischer
Registered Social Worker, RP, CPGC, MSW, RSW
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
Waitlist for new clients
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.
Evidence-based theories and treatment modalities will provide the framework to explore different alternatives to providing you with support, coping strategies, and client-centered results. I work within the framework of CBT, MI, Trauma Informed Care, Solution-Focused treatments and I am Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.
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.
Evidence-based theories and treatment modalities will provide the framework to explore different alternatives to providing you with support, coping strategies, and client-centered results. I work within the framework of CBT, MI, Trauma Informed Care, Solution-Focused treatments and I am Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.
My curious and compassionate whole-person approach—primarily a blend of talk therapy, somatic techniques, spiritual inquiry, mindfulness, movement, humour, earth-based practices, trauma healing, and self-compassion—will support you to uproot and transform the underlying causes of suffering and struggle in your life.
I believe deeply in the transformative power of a non-judgemental space where all of you is welcome. In the past, you may have made the wise choice to separate from who you were to create safety. In the present, this fragmentation can give rise to anxiety, depression, disordered eating, aggression/anger, and an overall feeling of being lost and purposeless—all contributing to difficulty in everyday life. I see my role as a compassionate companion, walking along side clients on their journey back home to their authentic self, by supporting their innate capacity for growth and change.
My curious and compassionate whole-person approach—primarily a blend of talk therapy, somatic techniques, spiritual inquiry, mindfulness, movement, humour, earth-based practices, trauma healing, and self-compassion—will support you to uproot and transform the underlying causes of suffering and struggle in your life.
I believe deeply in the transformative power of a non-judgemental space where all of you is welcome. In the past, you may have made the wise choice to separate from who you were to create safety. In the present, this fragmentation can give rise to anxiety, depression, disordered eating, aggression/anger, and an overall feeling of being lost and purposeless—all contributing to difficulty in everyday life. I see my role as a compassionate companion, walking along side clients on their journey back home to their authentic self, by supporting their innate capacity for growth and change.
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.
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.
I work with individuals and couples/relationships, providing support for trauma (however you define it), mental health concerns, substance use, relationship struggles, parenting, and more.
Life can be tough, and we all need support. I offer a safe, authentic space where you can explore challenges at your own pace. My approach is trauma-informed, incorporating IFS, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to fit your needs. I also provide EMDR therapy to help process trauma and stuck memories, fostering healing and growth.
I work with individuals and couples/relationships, providing support for trauma (however you define it), mental health concerns, substance use, relationship struggles, parenting, and more.
Life can be tough, and we all need support. I offer a safe, authentic space where you can explore challenges at your own pace. My approach is trauma-informed, incorporating IFS, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to fit your needs. I also provide EMDR therapy to help process trauma and stuck memories, fostering healing and growth.
I work through the following lenses: Trauma, Attachment, Somatic, Solution Focus Therapy (SFT), Sex Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Therapy can be scary and choosing a therapist that matches your needs 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 and brave space where you can explore and re-discover your most authentic self. Together we will laugh, cry and conquer. I believe in the power of hope, individual resiliency, and pets.
I work through the following lenses: Trauma, Attachment, Somatic, Solution Focus Therapy (SFT), Sex Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Therapy can be scary and choosing a therapist that matches your needs 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 and brave space where you can explore and re-discover your most authentic self. Together we will laugh, cry and conquer. I believe in the power of hope, individual resiliency, and pets.
Whether you're navigating mental health struggles, trauma, grief, or relationship issues, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore and heal.
I know choosing a therapist can feel scary, and it's so important to find someone who truly understands you. I believe therapy is a team effort, where you’re the expert of your life, and I’m here to help you explore and make meaningful changes. In our sessions, we’ll create a safe space where you can be yourself—laugh, cry, and discover new things about who you are. I’ve worked with individuals, couples, and families, and I’m here to support you on your journey.
Whether you're navigating mental health struggles, trauma, grief, or relationship issues, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore and heal.
I know choosing a therapist can feel scary, and it's so important to find someone who truly understands you. I believe therapy is a team effort, where you’re the expert of your life, and I’m here to help you explore and make meaningful changes. In our sessions, we’ll create a safe space where you can be yourself—laugh, cry, and discover new things about who you are. I’ve worked with individuals, couples, and families, and I’m here to support you on your journey.
I help teens and adults navigate challenges with trauma, anxiety, stress, self-harm, low mood, suicidal thoughts, relationship issues, life transitions and more.
Together, we’ll work through the patterns or pain points holding you back and support your journey toward healing and growth.
I draw from and incorporate therapies such as EMDR, CBT, mindfulness practices, and DBT skills to meet your unique needs.
I help teens and adults navigate challenges with trauma, anxiety, stress, self-harm, low mood, suicidal thoughts, relationship issues, life transitions and more.
Together, we’ll work through the patterns or pain points holding you back and support your journey toward healing and growth.
I draw from and incorporate therapies such as EMDR, CBT, mindfulness practices, and DBT skills to meet your unique needs.
Schindler Dumfeh - Bri Counselling
Registered Social Worker, SSW, BSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
I support clients in coping with and recovering from trauma, relationship issues, family difficulties, and mental health challenges.
I am a compassionate and dedicated social worker who specializes in providing outstanding counselling and mental health services to youth, adults, and families. I bring over ten years of experience in supporting and empowering diverse clients with a wide range of needs. I believe in the power of hope and has seen its transformative effects in helping people to build better lives for themselves and their loved ones. To help my clients maintain hope I assist them with unlearning, relearning and learning more healthy ways of being. It brings me great joy to help my clients to build more resilience, strengths, health and success.
I support clients in coping with and recovering from trauma, relationship issues, family difficulties, and mental health challenges.
I am a compassionate and dedicated social worker who specializes in providing outstanding counselling and mental health services to youth, adults, and families. I bring over ten years of experience in supporting and empowering diverse clients with a wide range of needs. I believe in the power of hope and has seen its transformative effects in helping people to build better lives for themselves and their loved ones. To help my clients maintain hope I assist them with unlearning, relearning and learning more healthy ways of being. It brings me great joy to help my clients to build more resilience, strengths, health and success.
I specialize in relationship issues (including polyamorous dynamics), divorce and separation (including high conflict divorce), intimate partner/domestic violence, trauma, family transitions, emotion regulation, shame and guilt, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and LGBTQ support.
Shannon is a Registered Psychotherapist who graduated from the University of Guelph with a Masters of Science in Couple & Family Therapy. Before that, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology from McMaster University. Most of Shannon’s research focused on the factors that lead to unhealthy relationship dynamics, as well as the impact of divorce on children. The goal of her research was to find ways to help couples and families heal and grow through adversity.
I specialize in relationship issues (including polyamorous dynamics), divorce and separation (including high conflict divorce), intimate partner/domestic violence, trauma, family transitions, emotion regulation, shame and guilt, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and LGBTQ support.
Shannon is a Registered Psychotherapist who graduated from the University of Guelph with a Masters of Science in Couple & Family Therapy. Before that, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology from McMaster University. Most of Shannon’s research focused on the factors that lead to unhealthy relationship dynamics, as well as the impact of divorce on children. The goal of her research was to find ways to help couples and families heal and grow through adversity.
I specialize in: Trauma, PTSD, BPD, CPTSD, anxiety and depression.
I focus on integrative modalities: Talk Therapy (IFS+DBT+Narrative) •Art Therapy •Emotional Expression •Journaling •Meditations (Somatics). Using strength-based approaches, incorporating CBT into active practices. Its not about the labels or the diagnosis its about finding what works best for you. DBT, ACT, CPT, CBT and somatic therapy certified.
I specialize in: Trauma, PTSD, BPD, CPTSD, anxiety and depression.
I focus on integrative modalities: Talk Therapy (IFS+DBT+Narrative) •Art Therapy •Emotional Expression •Journaling •Meditations (Somatics). Using strength-based approaches, incorporating CBT into active practices. Its not about the labels or the diagnosis its about finding what works best for you. DBT, ACT, CPT, CBT and somatic therapy certified.
They use a wide range of tools including mindfulness approaches, trauma informed methods, and cognitive approaches.
Therapy shouldn't feel like a chore. While it might sometimes be hard to hear what is discussed in therapy, overall you should leave feeling like you've gained something useful or even transformative. Over time, you should feel you are getting stronger, more resilient and have shed layers of fear and anxiety. Of course this process can be overwhelming at times and you might not always progress on the timeframe that you thought you would, but when therapy goes well, you should feel more settled and more clear about your life. You should gain understanding about yourself and others and have a renewed sense of purpose and passion
They use a wide range of tools including mindfulness approaches, trauma informed methods, and cognitive approaches.
Therapy shouldn't feel like a chore. While it might sometimes be hard to hear what is discussed in therapy, overall you should leave feeling like you've gained something useful or even transformative. Over time, you should feel you are getting stronger, more resilient and have shed layers of fear and anxiety. Of course this process can be overwhelming at times and you might not always progress on the timeframe that you thought you would, but when therapy goes well, you should feel more settled and more clear about your life. You should gain understanding about yourself and others and have a renewed sense of purpose and passion
