Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Ottawa, ON

Cassandra Tenneriello
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Online Only
I have 9 years of experience working with individuals of all ages who are faced with trauma, addiction, sexual assault, and intergenerational trauma.
It takes great courage to begin taking steps towards starting therapy. As your therapist, I will walk alongside you on your therapeutic journey. My initial goal is to create a safe and compassionate environment for you to begin your healing process. From experience, all clients are unique, and my priority is to mould my therapeutic approach to suit your individual needs and goals. I use a strength-based, client-centred and collaborative approach meeting you where you are in your journey and empowering you to achieve growth.
I have 9 years of experience working with individuals of all ages who are faced with trauma, addiction, sexual assault, and intergenerational trauma.
It takes great courage to begin taking steps towards starting therapy. As your therapist, I will walk alongside you on your therapeutic journey. My initial goal is to create a safe and compassionate environment for you to begin your healing process. From experience, all clients are unique, and my priority is to mould my therapeutic approach to suit your individual needs and goals. I use a strength-based, client-centred and collaborative approach meeting you where you are in your journey and empowering you to achieve growth.

Welcome to Spark, where our team of caring and dedicated Psychotherapists specializes in overcoming the effects of trauma, difficult life transitions and circumstances, feelings of depression and anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and various other mental health challenges.
Spark Lifecare is a multidisciplinary, community-based practice, born out of the belief that all healthcare should be viewed through a human lens, where personal connections are paramount and all persons are treated with dignity and respect. We offer compassionate support to explore difficult inner experiences and build coping skills to empower you.
Welcome to Spark, where our team of caring and dedicated Psychotherapists specializes in overcoming the effects of trauma, difficult life transitions and circumstances, feelings of depression and anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and various other mental health challenges.
Spark Lifecare is a multidisciplinary, community-based practice, born out of the belief that all healthcare should be viewed through a human lens, where personal connections are paramount and all persons are treated with dignity and respect. We offer compassionate support to explore difficult inner experiences and build coping skills to empower you.

Hannah Altimas
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BSW
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1S
Waitlist for new clients
I work with teens, young adults, new parents, autistic folx, those navigating life-altering changes, living with complex and socially engendered trauma, and BPD.
I am strength-based and solution-focused, providing client-centred/informed care. With a decade of experience working with youth and young adults in alternative and wilderness-based settings, I offer a range of modalities, such as DBT and Mindfulness-based CBT, somatic, parts work, and nature-based therapy.
I work with teens, young adults, new parents, autistic folx, those navigating life-altering changes, living with complex and socially engendered trauma, and BPD.
I am strength-based and solution-focused, providing client-centred/informed care. With a decade of experience working with youth and young adults in alternative and wilderness-based settings, I offer a range of modalities, such as DBT and Mindfulness-based CBT, somatic, parts work, and nature-based therapy.

Christine Burton
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1Y
I am passionate about providing trauma-informed psychotherapy services to folks on their unique healing journey struggling with childhood trauma, sexual abuse, PTSD, BPD, relationship issues, burnout, and more.
This begins first with understanding where you are now; your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, your social context, relationship to others and to self. Together we can create a plan that shapes how best to support you, so you can live a life you enjoy by helping you feel grounded, empowered, and resilient.
I am passionate about providing trauma-informed psychotherapy services to folks on their unique healing journey struggling with childhood trauma, sexual abuse, PTSD, BPD, relationship issues, burnout, and more.
This begins first with understanding where you are now; your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, your social context, relationship to others and to self. Together we can create a plan that shapes how best to support you, so you can live a life you enjoy by helping you feel grounded, empowered, and resilient.

Nora Elmi: Elmi Counselling And Wellness Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a Somali-Canadian Muslim woman, mother, and child of immigrants, I deeply understand the complexities of navigating intergenerational trauma, such as growing up in a single-parent home, facing poverty, living in social housing, and carrying the weight of self-parenting while reparenting those around you.
Together, we’ll explore practical tools and strategies to support your healing. My approach is grounded in anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles, always affirming your identity, culture, and spirituality. These intersections are essential for your overall wellness, and we’ll focus on your most pressing concerns and experiences.
As a Somali-Canadian Muslim woman, mother, and child of immigrants, I deeply understand the complexities of navigating intergenerational trauma, such as growing up in a single-parent home, facing poverty, living in social housing, and carrying the weight of self-parenting while reparenting those around you.
Together, we’ll explore practical tools and strategies to support your healing. My approach is grounded in anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles, always affirming your identity, culture, and spirituality. These intersections are essential for your overall wellness, and we’ll focus on your most pressing concerns and experiences.

I have extensive experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues.
Eating disorders are very rarely "just" eating disorders. There are underlying causes, and often appear with co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive/compulsive behaviours, grief, low self-esteem/body image, perfectionism, substance abuse, and relationship issues. I take a holistic approach to healing all contributing issues.
I have extensive experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues.
Eating disorders are very rarely "just" eating disorders. There are underlying causes, and often appear with co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive/compulsive behaviours, grief, low self-esteem/body image, perfectionism, substance abuse, and relationship issues. I take a holistic approach to healing all contributing issues.

In therapy, I often use compassionate, evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-focused methods, and Narrative Therapy.
Accepting New Clients. Life can present its share of challenges, and we all encounter bumps along the road, whether in our personal lives, relationships, family, or careers. These hurdles might feel overwhelming at times, making it tough to discover joy in everyday moments. But with the right support, healing and embracing peace and happiness are absolutely within reach. I genuinely believe that each of us carries inner wisdom that can light our way through life's journey. By partnering together, we can tap into your unique strengths and insights, helping you gain clarity, heal from past experiences, enhance your mental well-being,
In therapy, I often use compassionate, evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-focused methods, and Narrative Therapy.
Accepting New Clients. Life can present its share of challenges, and we all encounter bumps along the road, whether in our personal lives, relationships, family, or careers. These hurdles might feel overwhelming at times, making it tough to discover joy in everyday moments. But with the right support, healing and embracing peace and happiness are absolutely within reach. I genuinely believe that each of us carries inner wisdom that can light our way through life's journey. By partnering together, we can tap into your unique strengths and insights, helping you gain clarity, heal from past experiences, enhance your mental well-being,

Antoine Lemay
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), DESP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1C
I help individuals navigate the challenges of depression, anxiety, trauma, sports related issues and emotional distress.
In therapy with me, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they can be fully themselves without fear of judgment. The therapy space is designed to foster trust and collaboration, allowing you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace. You will feel heard, supported, and empowered.
I help individuals navigate the challenges of depression, anxiety, trauma, sports related issues and emotional distress.
In therapy with me, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they can be fully themselves without fear of judgment. The therapy space is designed to foster trust and collaboration, allowing you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace. You will feel heard, supported, and empowered.

I am a trained psychotherapist with specialties in art therapy, somatics, and trauma informed methods.
I can offer a variety of methods to explore and find ways to produce change. Being able to understand ourselves in relation to the world and others is key to building the best version of ourselves.
I am a trained psychotherapist with specialties in art therapy, somatics, and trauma informed methods.
I can offer a variety of methods to explore and find ways to produce change. Being able to understand ourselves in relation to the world and others is key to building the best version of ourselves.

Healing Connections Therapeutic Services
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
We specialize in a variety of areas, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
We offer virtual services to children, adolescents, adults, and couples, with the goal of enhancing well-being and fostering the development of healthy, fulfilling patterns and lifestyles. Our team consists of Registered Social Workers with extensive experience in the field. We are deeply committed to meeting individuals where they are in their journey and empowering them to become the best version of themselves.
We specialize in a variety of areas, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
We offer virtual services to children, adolescents, adults, and couples, with the goal of enhancing well-being and fostering the development of healthy, fulfilling patterns and lifestyles. Our team consists of Registered Social Workers with extensive experience in the field. We are deeply committed to meeting individuals where they are in their journey and empowering them to become the best version of themselves.

anxiety and depression, trauma ans PTSD.
“Look outside and you will see yourself. Look inside and you will find yourself.” — Drew Gerald Feeling unsettled? Mind is always in overdrive ? Worried about any and everything? Feeling anxious? Reaching out for help is one of the most courageous things anyone can do. Embarking on a healing journey to re-discovering one’s strengths , acknowledging one’s resilience and finding solutions to presenting challenges is the beginning to finding peace of mind. Ryta works from a holistic strength based perspective and brings over 30 years of experience in counselling and psychotherapy.
anxiety and depression, trauma ans PTSD.
“Look outside and you will see yourself. Look inside and you will find yourself.” — Drew Gerald Feeling unsettled? Mind is always in overdrive ? Worried about any and everything? Feeling anxious? Reaching out for help is one of the most courageous things anyone can do. Embarking on a healing journey to re-discovering one’s strengths , acknowledging one’s resilience and finding solutions to presenting challenges is the beginning to finding peace of mind. Ryta works from a holistic strength based perspective and brings over 30 years of experience in counselling and psychotherapy.
Meet Our Trauma and PTSD Counsellors

In my practice, I primarily use person-centered therapy, strength-based therapy, and trauma-informed therapy to help my clients overcome obstacles, build resilience, understand their thoughts and feelings, and develop emotional regulation skills.
Many people struggle with anxiety, depression, and substance use. My practice is centered around navigating these challenges, with a commitment to honoring the diverse cultural backgrounds of my clients. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where teenagers, young adults, and young professionals can explore their mental health concerns with a deep appreciation for their unique experiences.
In my practice, I primarily use person-centered therapy, strength-based therapy, and trauma-informed therapy to help my clients overcome obstacles, build resilience, understand their thoughts and feelings, and develop emotional regulation skills.
Many people struggle with anxiety, depression, and substance use. My practice is centered around navigating these challenges, with a commitment to honoring the diverse cultural backgrounds of my clients. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where teenagers, young adults, and young professionals can explore their mental health concerns with a deep appreciation for their unique experiences.

Emily Davison
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2H
Waitlist for new clients
I work with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, loss/grief, life transitions, and stress.
You're the expert of your experience and I'm here to support you along the way - through the good and bad. I'll listen like a trusted friend and offer the insights of a trained professional. We can deepen your understanding of yourself, process your experiences, practice adaptive coping strategies, and learn how to access your inner wisdom.
I work with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, loss/grief, life transitions, and stress.
You're the expert of your experience and I'm here to support you along the way - through the good and bad. I'll listen like a trusted friend and offer the insights of a trained professional. We can deepen your understanding of yourself, process your experiences, practice adaptive coping strategies, and learn how to access your inner wisdom.

Fabio Rancevas
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1Y
I have a particular research interest in Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP), emotion regulation, and the connection between trauma, maladaptive behavior, and addiction.
Presently, I am a student Masters level in Counselling Psychology practicing under clinical supervision. My approach to therapy consists primarily of building a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients. I value the unique dignity of every human person. I see the therapeutic relationship as a way of affective “being” with a person as opposed to effective “doing”. One of my goals is to reveal my client's intrinsic goodness. Therefore, I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment in my therapy sessions. For a theoretical method, I use an integrative psychotherapy approach based on research-based theories.
I have a particular research interest in Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP), emotion regulation, and the connection between trauma, maladaptive behavior, and addiction.
Presently, I am a student Masters level in Counselling Psychology practicing under clinical supervision. My approach to therapy consists primarily of building a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients. I value the unique dignity of every human person. I see the therapeutic relationship as a way of affective “being” with a person as opposed to effective “doing”. One of my goals is to reveal my client's intrinsic goodness. Therefore, I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment in my therapy sessions. For a theoretical method, I use an integrative psychotherapy approach based on research-based theories.

As a Certified EMDR Therapist and trauma specialist, I dedicate my practice to supporting individuals navigating the complexities of childhood trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), abuse, and assaults.
My approach is rooted in continuous learning—I am always Learning in training to deepen my understanding and refine my skills to best serve those I work with. In therapy, I create a safe and supportive space for clients to process their experiences.
As a Certified EMDR Therapist and trauma specialist, I dedicate my practice to supporting individuals navigating the complexities of childhood trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), abuse, and assaults.
My approach is rooted in continuous learning—I am always Learning in training to deepen my understanding and refine my skills to best serve those I work with. In therapy, I create a safe and supportive space for clients to process their experiences.

Laura McGavin
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1Y
Or maybe you're struggling with past trauma or loss.
I use a trauma-informed and integrative approach, and see therapy as a process of learning, exploration and growth. I often draw from emotion and body-focused therapies, mindfulness, attachment theory, and IFS/parts work. As a relational, feminist therapist, I welcome all orientations, including queer and gender-diverse clients.
Or maybe you're struggling with past trauma or loss.
I use a trauma-informed and integrative approach, and see therapy as a process of learning, exploration and growth. I often draw from emotion and body-focused therapies, mindfulness, attachment theory, and IFS/parts work. As a relational, feminist therapist, I welcome all orientations, including queer and gender-diverse clients.

Shelley Briscoe-Dimock Ottawa Psychotherapy Services
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD, , RP, RSW, RMFT-SM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2G
I draw on relevant evidence-based approaches to provide effective treatment and supervision and consultation from a trauma-informed and inclusive approach with particular attention to culture and diversity.
Are you struggling with your mental health or in your relationship with your partner or family? Reaching out for help can be a daunting experience. Successful therapy depends on finding the right therapist - one you can connect with and one who is competent to work with your issues. These are two of the most important factors in getting the right help. Are you a therapist looking for your own therapist, clinical supervision or mentorship? Are you developing your competencies to become and independent practitioner or looking for consultation to navigate difficult cases?
I draw on relevant evidence-based approaches to provide effective treatment and supervision and consultation from a trauma-informed and inclusive approach with particular attention to culture and diversity.
Are you struggling with your mental health or in your relationship with your partner or family? Reaching out for help can be a daunting experience. Successful therapy depends on finding the right therapist - one you can connect with and one who is competent to work with your issues. These are two of the most important factors in getting the right help. Are you a therapist looking for your own therapist, clinical supervision or mentorship? Are you developing your competencies to become and independent practitioner or looking for consultation to navigate difficult cases?

I am a psychodynamic therapist who specializes in complex trauma.
We will explore how your developmental history uniquely shaped who you are and how you experience the world and yourself. I use different modalities based on your history and goals to help integrate different parts of yourself to release emotional pain and limiting beliefs. This can result in increased internal harmony and deeper self understanding.
I am a psychodynamic therapist who specializes in complex trauma.
We will explore how your developmental history uniquely shaped who you are and how you experience the world and yourself. I use different modalities based on your history and goals to help integrate different parts of yourself to release emotional pain and limiting beliefs. This can result in increased internal harmony and deeper self understanding.

Substance use, trauma and other mental health issues can do horrible damage to someone's quality of life.
Authentic therapeutic connection changes things and it forms the core of my practice. I am a client-centered therapist with extensive experience counselling adults and teenagers with substance use, trauma, anger, anxiety, and depression problems. I like to think I have a warm and engaging counselling style that respects where you are at without expectations.
Substance use, trauma and other mental health issues can do horrible damage to someone's quality of life.
Authentic therapeutic connection changes things and it forms the core of my practice. I am a client-centered therapist with extensive experience counselling adults and teenagers with substance use, trauma, anger, anxiety, and depression problems. I like to think I have a warm and engaging counselling style that respects where you are at without expectations.

Shannon LaBelle - Centre for Hope and Recovery
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1G
My current practice is focused on supporting individuals who are experiencing substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or major life transitions.
I am skilled at adapting my approaches to meet the distinct therapeutic goals of my clients. My past experience working in both community and in-patient mental health and addiction programs has graced me with an understanding that recovery is always possible.
My current practice is focused on supporting individuals who are experiencing substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or major life transitions.
I am skilled at adapting my approaches to meet the distinct therapeutic goals of my clients. My past experience working in both community and in-patient mental health and addiction programs has graced me with an understanding that recovery is always possible.
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Nearby Trauma and PTSD Counsellors Searches for Ottawa
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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.