Trauma and PTSD

Trauma therapy offers a space to gently explore these patterns and begin healing at a pace that feels safe and respectful.

Understanding Trauma

Trauma does not only result from a single event. It can also develop through ongoing experiences such as emotional neglect, chronic stress, relational harm, discrimination, or growing up in environments where safety, stability, or validation were inconsistent.

Trauma can affect both the mind and the nervous system. Even when you logically know that you are no longer in danger, your body may continue to respond as if a threat is present. This can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, emotional overwhelm, dissociation, difficulty sleeping, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others.

Common effects of Trauma

Trauma can show up in many different ways, including:

Feeling constantly on edge or easily startled
Emotional numbness or shutdown
Intrusive memories or strong emotional reactions
Difficulty trusting others or maintaining close relationships
Avoidance of certain situations or emotions
Shame, self-blame, or harsh self-criticism
Difficulty regulating emotions or feeling safe in your body

These responses are not signs of weakness. They are adaptations to experiences that felt overwhelming or unsafe.

How therapy can help with trauma

Trauma therapy is not about reliving the past or forcing disclosure before you are ready. It focuses on helping your nervous system feel safer and supporting you in developing new ways of responding to stress and connection.

In therapy, we may work on:

Increasing emotional and nervous system regulation
Understanding trauma responses and triggers
Reducing hypervigilance, avoidance, or emotional shutdown
Rebuilding a sense of safety, agency, and self-compassion
Exploring how trauma intersects with identity, relationships, and culture

The work is collaborative and paced according to your needs.

Book a Free Consultation

Trauma support in Toronto & Ontario-Wide

Healing from trauma does not mean forgetting the past. It means gaining more choice, flexibility, and ease in the present. I offer trauma therapy virtually across Ontario and in person in Toronto. You are welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions and see if this feels like a good fit.

Book a Free Consultation!

Trauma therapy at Hedefa Psychology Clinic

At Hedefa Psychology Clinic, trauma therapy is grounded in a trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive approach. I recognize that trauma often intersects with anxiety, depression, ADHD, identity-related stress, and experiences of marginalization.

I draw from evidence-based approaches including:

Trauma-informed CBT
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Emotion-focused and somatic-informed approaches
Psychodynamic and relational therapy

Treatment is individualized and centered on respect, safety, and choice.