Somatic Therapists in Oakville, ON

As a Social Worker, Reiki Master, Certified Life Coach, Master Hypnotist, and Somatic Practitioner, I have intentionally acquired techniques to unlock your true self! Together we will release anything that is holding you back so you can step into your power and embody your truth! It is time to live the life your deserve! It's time to feel, heal and liberate yourself for real!.
Therapy re-imagined means that we are throwing out the old model of therapy because you deserve to feel better without it taking forever! With a focus on healing at the root and aligning with your true self, therapy re-imagined is both sustainable and transformational.
As a Social Worker, Reiki Master, Certified Life Coach, Master Hypnotist, and Somatic Practitioner, I have intentionally acquired techniques to unlock your true self! Together we will release anything that is holding you back so you can step into your power and embody your truth! It is time to live the life your deserve! It's time to feel, heal and liberate yourself for real!.
Therapy re-imagined means that we are throwing out the old model of therapy because you deserve to feel better without it taking forever! With a focus on healing at the root and aligning with your true self, therapy re-imagined is both sustainable and transformational.

Leanna Bissell: Pause Ponder Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6L
I use approaches such as Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and EMDR.
Are you concerned that you might be having issues in any of the following areas?: Addictions (alcohol, drugs, social media, sex), ADHD (poor time management, disorganized thoughts), Trauma (PTSD, C-PTSD), Anxiety (social anxiety, worry and rumination), Depression (low mood, low motivation, fatigue, poor concentration, postpartum), Acquired brain injury, Body dissatisfaction (dieting/restricting, chronic eating, emotional eating) , Borderline Personality Disorder, Impulse Control and Managing urges.
I use approaches such as Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and EMDR.
Are you concerned that you might be having issues in any of the following areas?: Addictions (alcohol, drugs, social media, sex), ADHD (poor time management, disorganized thoughts), Trauma (PTSD, C-PTSD), Anxiety (social anxiety, worry and rumination), Depression (low mood, low motivation, fatigue, poor concentration, postpartum), Acquired brain injury, Body dissatisfaction (dieting/restricting, chronic eating, emotional eating) , Borderline Personality Disorder, Impulse Control and Managing urges.

I offer support from a holistic approach to therapy that is grounded in body-oriented or somatic psychology, attachment theory, and traditional psychological approaches.
Are you feeling stuck or hijacked by past events or current stress? In our humanness, our wellbeing and functioning is related to a complex interaction of so many factors. Our brain and body is made to prioritize survival, and is very responsive to what is happening around us and within us. Chronic survival signalling from within that might be contributing to symptoms and interrupting your attempts to move forward, is not your fault. Our brain and body move into survival to keep us safe and can get stuck there for many reasons. There are ways to support shifts back into more aliveness, choice, flow, authentic self, and connection.
I offer support from a holistic approach to therapy that is grounded in body-oriented or somatic psychology, attachment theory, and traditional psychological approaches.
Are you feeling stuck or hijacked by past events or current stress? In our humanness, our wellbeing and functioning is related to a complex interaction of so many factors. Our brain and body is made to prioritize survival, and is very responsive to what is happening around us and within us. Chronic survival signalling from within that might be contributing to symptoms and interrupting your attempts to move forward, is not your fault. Our brain and body move into survival to keep us safe and can get stuck there for many reasons. There are ways to support shifts back into more aliveness, choice, flow, authentic self, and connection.

I integrate DBT, somatic inquiry, EMDR, and energy work to support your healing journey, helping you rediscover balance and peace.
You deserve a healing approach that supports you as a whole person. DBT gives you practical tools to navigate emotional storms, while somatic inquiry helps you connect with where those storms reside in your body. EMDR processes the memories fueling the pain, and energy work invites light in, helping you reconnect with your authentic self.
I integrate DBT, somatic inquiry, EMDR, and energy work to support your healing journey, helping you rediscover balance and peace.
You deserve a healing approach that supports you as a whole person. DBT gives you practical tools to navigate emotional storms, while somatic inquiry helps you connect with where those storms reside in your body. EMDR processes the memories fueling the pain, and energy work invites light in, helping you reconnect with your authentic self.

Integrating Somatic Experiencing with parts work and DBT, I will support you to understand your trauma symptoms and learn new coping strategies for self-regulation.
Have you tried therapy before for your trauma (PTSD) and found you hit a plateau, as if something was missing? Do you suspect your trauma experience(s) may be impacting your sexual expression - like having low desire, dissociating during intimacy, or struggling to enjoy pleasure? Have you been diagnosed with things like anxiety or have panic attacks, or BPD, but believe these are a result of your trauma experience? Or, perhaps you are feeling as though watching porn or seeking sex has gotten out of control and you are looking for someone to talk to about it who isn't going to shame you.
Integrating Somatic Experiencing with parts work and DBT, I will support you to understand your trauma symptoms and learn new coping strategies for self-regulation.
Have you tried therapy before for your trauma (PTSD) and found you hit a plateau, as if something was missing? Do you suspect your trauma experience(s) may be impacting your sexual expression - like having low desire, dissociating during intimacy, or struggling to enjoy pleasure? Have you been diagnosed with things like anxiety or have panic attacks, or BPD, but believe these are a result of your trauma experience? Or, perhaps you are feeling as though watching porn or seeking sex has gotten out of control and you are looking for someone to talk to about it who isn't going to shame you.

Laurita Gorman - Holistic Psychotherapist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am a Trauma and Relationship Specialist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP).
Life can be hard at times, and when we meet the messy moments it can feel isolating, overwhelming, and hopeless. We are human, after all. It makes sense that we may find ourselves stuck at times - stuck in our feelings, thoughts, and behaviours and it can be tough to shift things in the right direction, especially if we are doing it on our own. With honesty and compassion, therapy is a place to explore what you're navigating and create sustainable change that supports your healing and growth. I support women who are wanting to shift out of survival mode so they can feel grounded, confident, and free.
I am a Trauma and Relationship Specialist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP).
Life can be hard at times, and when we meet the messy moments it can feel isolating, overwhelming, and hopeless. We are human, after all. It makes sense that we may find ourselves stuck at times - stuck in our feelings, thoughts, and behaviours and it can be tough to shift things in the right direction, especially if we are doing it on our own. With honesty and compassion, therapy is a place to explore what you're navigating and create sustainable change that supports your healing and growth. I support women who are wanting to shift out of survival mode so they can feel grounded, confident, and free.

Our work will include somatic, nervous system-based interventions.
Clarity is my hope for each person I see, whether we use Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Narrative approaches, EMDR, Mindfulness, yoga, polyvagal theory, or creative arts expression. Regardless if your struggle is with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, or trauma, clarity means a better awareness and understanding of yourself in the current situation. Knowing yourself allows you to make choices best for you, consciously. It can be challenging to unravel and understand all of the often conflicting messages we hear and give ourselves, but it is crucial. This is the work I will support and guide you in.
Our work will include somatic, nervous system-based interventions.
Clarity is my hope for each person I see, whether we use Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Narrative approaches, EMDR, Mindfulness, yoga, polyvagal theory, or creative arts expression. Regardless if your struggle is with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, or trauma, clarity means a better awareness and understanding of yourself in the current situation. Knowing yourself allows you to make choices best for you, consciously. It can be challenging to unravel and understand all of the often conflicting messages we hear and give ourselves, but it is crucial. This is the work I will support and guide you in.

I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, stress, burnout, and life transitions with an integrative approach that combines talk therapy and somatic methods.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, struggling with stress, anxiety, or the weight of unresolved trauma? Perhaps you're finding it difficult to navigate family dynamics, set healthy boundaries, or overcome patterns of people-pleasing. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress, burnout, grief, or facing a life transition, you may feel disconnected from your true self or unsure of how to move forward. It's common to feel lost in these moments, and you're not alone in experiencing these difficulties. If you're looking for support to heal, grow, and reconnect with your inner strength, you're in the right place.
I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, stress, burnout, and life transitions with an integrative approach that combines talk therapy and somatic methods.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, struggling with stress, anxiety, or the weight of unresolved trauma? Perhaps you're finding it difficult to navigate family dynamics, set healthy boundaries, or overcome patterns of people-pleasing. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress, burnout, grief, or facing a life transition, you may feel disconnected from your true self or unsure of how to move forward. It's common to feel lost in these moments, and you're not alone in experiencing these difficulties. If you're looking for support to heal, grow, and reconnect with your inner strength, you're in the right place.

Some of the evidence-based therapeutic modalities I pull from include: DBT, EFT, Narrative, Mindfulness Based CBT, ACT, Gottman, Mindful Self-Compassion, Biopsychosocial, Somatic, & many others!.
If you're waiting for a sign, this is it. I'm so glad you're here! The human experience is HARD. Unresolved grief and trauma can leave us feeling disconnected from our true selves and stuck in a cycle of shame. I focus on meeting clients where they are at and providing a collaborative, safe space to allow you to say things you haven't been able to express before, and support you in figuring out how to live a more authentic, fulfilling life, while processing how your past has shaped and impacted you in many ways- but does not define you or your future!
Some of the evidence-based therapeutic modalities I pull from include: DBT, EFT, Narrative, Mindfulness Based CBT, ACT, Gottman, Mindful Self-Compassion, Biopsychosocial, Somatic, & many others!.
If you're waiting for a sign, this is it. I'm so glad you're here! The human experience is HARD. Unresolved grief and trauma can leave us feeling disconnected from our true selves and stuck in a cycle of shame. I focus on meeting clients where they are at and providing a collaborative, safe space to allow you to say things you haven't been able to express before, and support you in figuring out how to live a more authentic, fulfilling life, while processing how your past has shaped and impacted you in many ways- but does not define you or your future!

I am dedicated to a holistic integrative approach to provide clients with somatic, experiential, and evidence based treatments with a goal of integrating the mind and body as part of the healing process.
I joined the team at Holistic Wellness for Health in May, 2019. I have a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology and an Honours Bachelor degree in Science, specializing in psychology. I am a Certified Trauma Integration Clinician (CTIC). I have experience working with all ages and enjoy seeing the gains clients can make with the right support!
I am dedicated to a holistic integrative approach to provide clients with somatic, experiential, and evidence based treatments with a goal of integrating the mind and body as part of the healing process.
I joined the team at Holistic Wellness for Health in May, 2019. I have a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology and an Honours Bachelor degree in Science, specializing in psychology. I am a Certified Trauma Integration Clinician (CTIC). I have experience working with all ages and enjoy seeing the gains clients can make with the right support!

Alma Garcia-Barajas (Attunement Psychotherapy)
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, CCATP, CATP, CCTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6M
My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, such as EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), and Play Based Therapy; which empower clients to develop healthier coping strategies.
As an empathetic, trauma certified psychotherapist, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and transitions. With personal experience in overcoming family struggles and profound personal losses, I am passionate about providing a safe and supportive space for my clients to heal, grow, and create fulfilling lives. If you are seeking guidance in processing trauma, managing grief, or adapting to life in a foreign country; I am here to support you every step of the way.
My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, such as EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), and Play Based Therapy; which empower clients to develop healthier coping strategies.
As an empathetic, trauma certified psychotherapist, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and transitions. With personal experience in overcoming family struggles and profound personal losses, I am passionate about providing a safe and supportive space for my clients to heal, grow, and create fulfilling lives. If you are seeking guidance in processing trauma, managing grief, or adapting to life in a foreign country; I am here to support you every step of the way.
Meet Our Somatic Counsellors

I also work with somatic inquiry and energy therapies.
My areas of focus are: Self compassion, highly sensitive individuals and empaths, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, fertility, pregnancy loss and infancy loss, relationships, sexuality, codependence, grief and major life transitions. I work with ages 18 and over. All genders.
I also work with somatic inquiry and energy therapies.
My areas of focus are: Self compassion, highly sensitive individuals and empaths, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, fertility, pregnancy loss and infancy loss, relationships, sexuality, codependence, grief and major life transitions. I work with ages 18 and over. All genders.

Olga Klimenkova
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, GIT Dip
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6J
The anchor of my work is Gestalt therapy, which has a strong relational, somatic and existential lens.
It takes courage to reach out for support when not knowing what to do. That can be quite a lonely and painful experience, together with feeling disconnected, stuck and overwhelmed. You can get a better understanding of your feelings and behaviors, see how you are entrenched in your own patterns or how you get in your own way, process past experiences and just talk about heavy stuff without feeling like a burden. This work can bring you closer to understanding and experiencing your authentic self. < < < I have a waiting list for online therapy, but I currently have 3 in-person openings available. > > >
The anchor of my work is Gestalt therapy, which has a strong relational, somatic and existential lens.
It takes courage to reach out for support when not knowing what to do. That can be quite a lonely and painful experience, together with feeling disconnected, stuck and overwhelmed. You can get a better understanding of your feelings and behaviors, see how you are entrenched in your own patterns or how you get in your own way, process past experiences and just talk about heavy stuff without feeling like a burden. This work can bring you closer to understanding and experiencing your authentic self. < < < I have a waiting list for online therapy, but I currently have 3 in-person openings available. > > >

We provide Psychodynamic therapy, Certified Trauma therapy, EMDR, Systemic- Familiy Therapy, TF-CBT, Mindfulness CBT, Somatic Therapy.
At Attunement Psychotherapy Centre, we are a dedicated team of Registered Psychotherapists, offering outstanding psychotherapy, and mental health counselling for children, adults, couples, and families. Our team brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the Halton Region community. We strive to provide timely, personalized, and inclusive services to our diverse clients, both in-person and virtually.
We provide Psychodynamic therapy, Certified Trauma therapy, EMDR, Systemic- Familiy Therapy, TF-CBT, Mindfulness CBT, Somatic Therapy.
At Attunement Psychotherapy Centre, we are a dedicated team of Registered Psychotherapists, offering outstanding psychotherapy, and mental health counselling for children, adults, couples, and families. Our team brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the Halton Region community. We strive to provide timely, personalized, and inclusive services to our diverse clients, both in-person and virtually.

Barbara Lesniak
Psychological Associate, MA, C, Psych, Assoc
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I offer various therapeutic modalities: DBT, IFS, Trauma Informed, Somatic Experiencing, Attachment-based Therapy, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and Self-Compassion based approaches.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, unresolved trauma or relationship issues with your partner, parent or yourself? Perhaps you hard on yoursef, critical or "empty". I am passionate about assisting you in restoring the sense of personal power, facilitate growth and/or healing important relationships. Together we will explore the sources of your present or ongoing struggle and co-create a more effective blueprint on how to regain control over your difficulty. The better we understand our inner emotional life, the easier it is to change destructive and self-sabotaging behaviour patterns and repetitions.
I offer various therapeutic modalities: DBT, IFS, Trauma Informed, Somatic Experiencing, Attachment-based Therapy, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and Self-Compassion based approaches.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, unresolved trauma or relationship issues with your partner, parent or yourself? Perhaps you hard on yoursef, critical or "empty". I am passionate about assisting you in restoring the sense of personal power, facilitate growth and/or healing important relationships. Together we will explore the sources of your present or ongoing struggle and co-create a more effective blueprint on how to regain control over your difficulty. The better we understand our inner emotional life, the easier it is to change destructive and self-sabotaging behaviour patterns and repetitions.

I provide somatic and talk therapy for teens and adults.
Have you been wishing things felt different? Maybe you haven't felt understood or accepted in your friendships or relationships. Maybe you're going through a breakup, the death of a loved one, or job loss. Or maybe you've been struggling to feel happy, even when things seem to be going well. Do you want to better understand where your emotions are coming from, why they have such a hold on you, and how to feel better? Are you curious to explore your early childhood experiences that influenced how you learned to be in the world, and whether those adaptations are still working for you today?
I provide somatic and talk therapy for teens and adults.
Have you been wishing things felt different? Maybe you haven't felt understood or accepted in your friendships or relationships. Maybe you're going through a breakup, the death of a loved one, or job loss. Or maybe you've been struggling to feel happy, even when things seem to be going well. Do you want to better understand where your emotions are coming from, why they have such a hold on you, and how to feel better? Are you curious to explore your early childhood experiences that influenced how you learned to be in the world, and whether those adaptations are still working for you today?

This includes fMRI backed therapies like Deep Brain Reorienting, Structural Parts Work, Polyvagal/ Somatic Work & EMDR from an attachment focus.
You’re not “broken.” You can heal. I believe it’s not your fault, even if you struggle to believe it. I offer a safe space where we’ll heal the root issues so you can make lasting change. We'll address your thoughts, emotions & neurobiology to heal all of you, allowing you to thrive in unexpected ways. The deep sense of peace, calm & joy on the other side of pain is something I want everyone to feel. I know there may be some worry & hesitation showing up right now. Know that I'm very comfortable to work with that. Rest assured, I’m dedicated to being the best I can be for you.
This includes fMRI backed therapies like Deep Brain Reorienting, Structural Parts Work, Polyvagal/ Somatic Work & EMDR from an attachment focus.
You’re not “broken.” You can heal. I believe it’s not your fault, even if you struggle to believe it. I offer a safe space where we’ll heal the root issues so you can make lasting change. We'll address your thoughts, emotions & neurobiology to heal all of you, allowing you to thrive in unexpected ways. The deep sense of peace, calm & joy on the other side of pain is something I want everyone to feel. I know there may be some worry & hesitation showing up right now. Know that I'm very comfortable to work with that. Rest assured, I’m dedicated to being the best I can be for you.

Using approaches like psychodynamic, EMDR, and somatic therapies, I help clients process trauma and build fulfilling relationships with themselves and others.
Trauma and complex PTSD can deeply impact your relationship with yourself and others as an adult. You may feel stuck in painful patterns—questioning your worth, struggling to set boundaries, or giving so much that you’re left drained. Isolation might seem like the safest way to avoid pain, even when you long for connection. Trusting yourself can feel just as difficult, with self-doubt clouding every decision. Perfectionism and self-criticism push you to achieve more, yet “enough” always seems out of reach. Even in calm moments, anxiety keeps you bracing for the next storm.
Using approaches like psychodynamic, EMDR, and somatic therapies, I help clients process trauma and build fulfilling relationships with themselves and others.
Trauma and complex PTSD can deeply impact your relationship with yourself and others as an adult. You may feel stuck in painful patterns—questioning your worth, struggling to set boundaries, or giving so much that you’re left drained. Isolation might seem like the safest way to avoid pain, even when you long for connection. Trusting yourself can feel just as difficult, with self-doubt clouding every decision. Perfectionism and self-criticism push you to achieve more, yet “enough” always seems out of reach. Even in calm moments, anxiety keeps you bracing for the next storm.

I am a Registered Professional Counsellor, VITA Certified Sex Coach and Certified Somatic Sex Educator, specialized in female pleasure.
Is there something missing from your sex life? Is it all you thought it would be? Do you want more intimacy? More pleasure? Passion? Desire? We are not born knowing how to have great sex or develop healthy relationships. Nothing could be further from the truth! Sex and romantic relationships are both an art and a skillset developed through experience, and also through support and guidance. In my practice, I aim to help you to learn and understand how to create a sex life filled with pleasure and intimacy rather than shame, fear, or performance anxiety.
I am a Registered Professional Counsellor, VITA Certified Sex Coach and Certified Somatic Sex Educator, specialized in female pleasure.
Is there something missing from your sex life? Is it all you thought it would be? Do you want more intimacy? More pleasure? Passion? Desire? We are not born knowing how to have great sex or develop healthy relationships. Nothing could be further from the truth! Sex and romantic relationships are both an art and a skillset developed through experience, and also through support and guidance. In my practice, I aim to help you to learn and understand how to create a sex life filled with pleasure and intimacy rather than shame, fear, or performance anxiety.

More than talk therapy - I help you heal deep relationship wounds & patterns using a trauma-informed, somatic & embodied approach.
Deep down you feel broken-hearted and hurt - what you want out of family or relationship is far from ideal. You have unmet needs, you feel defensive, tired & resentful in your relationship. You often feel like you walk on eggshells or live to please others for fear of making others upset. How others behave with you dictates your mood, you're easily triggered & your nervous system is dysregulated.
You want to be free from the constant self-doubt, deep-seated insecurity and shame. You feel uncertain about the future; you're stressed and sad about tolerating others.
You can break free from these trauma patterns & feel safe to be you
More than talk therapy - I help you heal deep relationship wounds & patterns using a trauma-informed, somatic & embodied approach.
Deep down you feel broken-hearted and hurt - what you want out of family or relationship is far from ideal. You have unmet needs, you feel defensive, tired & resentful in your relationship. You often feel like you walk on eggshells or live to please others for fear of making others upset. How others behave with you dictates your mood, you're easily triggered & your nervous system is dysregulated.
You want to be free from the constant self-doubt, deep-seated insecurity and shame. You feel uncertain about the future; you're stressed and sad about tolerating others.
You can break free from these trauma patterns & feel safe to be you
See more therapy options for Oakville
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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.