Trauma Therapy
in Kitchener-Waterloo
Healing Begins With Feeling Safe.
Trauma can have a lasting effect on both your physical and emotional health, often making it difficult to manage daily routines, get restful sleep, or feel at ease. We provide trauma therapy for children, teens, and adults to help you process these experiences and develop effective ways to cope. Our goal is to support you in achieving a sense of calm and improving your overall well-being. We offer in-person therapy in the Kitchener & Waterloo region and virtual sessions for individuals and families throughout Ontario.
The effects of trauma leave a lasting impact
Going through something traumatic can affect both your mind and body. You might find it hard to relax, concentrate, or feel at ease. Sometimes, memories of what happened can come back unexpectedly, making you feel like you’re experiencing it all over again. This can make it difficult to go about your day, get good sleep, or feel your best overall.
At Colibri NeuroWellness, we help you understand how trauma affects your brain and daily life, and create a plan that supports your healing.
Trauma Therapy | Kitchener & Waterloo
What Trauma Therapy Can Do For You
Trauma can make the day feel overwhelming before it even starts.
Trauma therapy and coping strategies can help ease anxiety, reduce feelings of shame, and make progress in life feel more achievable.
Experiencing a traumatic event, such as abuse, a natural disaster, an accident, or combat, can affect how your mind and body respond to stress. You might notice feelings of anxiety, being on edge, feeling disconnected from yourself or others, or wanting to avoid certain situations. These reactions can make daily life more difficult.
At Colibri NeuroWellness, trauma therapy can help reduce these feelings and support you in regaining a sense of safety and control. Our therapists are here to provide caring and personalized support, working with you to find the best path forward so you can begin to heal and feel more like yourself again.
- Abandonment or neglect
- Intrusive thoughts of past distressing memories
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Negative beliefs about yourself (e.g., you're a bad person)
- Childhood sexual, emotional, or physical abuse
- Exposure to violence or violation of human rights
- Cultural and social loss or adjustment stress
- First responder PTSD
- Relational trauma (e.g, betrayal of trust, safety, or attachment)
- Prolonged or repeated isolation or exclusion
- Displacement or separation from family
- New or chronic health diagnosis (e.g., cancer)
- Night terrors or other sleep concerns
- Significant physical injury
Colibri NeuroWellness is here to support you as you navigate this healing journey.
Trauma Therapy | Kitchener & Waterloo
Embrace Recovery
Our caring therapists use proven methods such as EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). We focus on creating a safe and supportive space where you can share your feelings and begin your healing journey.
Safe and Supportive Space
Trauma therapy gives you a private and caring space where you can share your experiences without fear of judgment.
Process & Understand Traumatic Memories
Using techniques such as EMDR, your therapist will help you safely work through difficult memories so they feel less overwhelming and become easier to manage.
Reduce Distressing Symptoms
Trauma therapy can help lower feelings of anxiety and decrease upsetting thoughts that keep coming back.
Enhance Emotional Regulation & Resilience
With the help of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques, Trauma Therapy can teach you how to manage your feelings and bounce back from challenges more effectively.
Develop coping skills
Through approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), your therapist will teach you practical ways to handle strong emotions and stressful situations, making daily life easier.
Rebuild Trust & Healthier Relationships
Trauma Therapy can help you develop trust again and build stronger, more positive connections with others.
Gain Positive Self-Perception & Thinking
Together with your therapist, using approaches like Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), you’ll work on changing negative beliefs about yourself, so you can feel better and more confident.
Restore a Sense of Control
With support and new skills, you can feel more in control of your life and experience greater well-being.
Trauma Therapy | Kitchener & Waterloo
Approaches We Use in Trauma Therapy To Help You Heal
We use evidence-based approaches that are personalized to you. Depending on your needs, your Colibri NeuroWellness therapist may integrate:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
With ACT, you can learn how to handle strong emotions, stay focused on the present moment, and set healthy, respectful boundaries for yourself and others.
Circle of Security Parenting
Circle of Security Parenting teaches parents and caregivers how to respond to their child’s emotional needs with empathy and support. This approach helps builds trust and a sense of safety, making it easier for children to express and manage difficult feelings. Parents will learn practical tools to handle challenging behaviours and emotions, which can reduce stress and strengthen family relationships. By creating a nurturing environment, Circle of Security Parenting supports healing and resilience for both children and their caregivers after trauma.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT teaches you how to manage your emotions, handle difficult moments more easily, and improve your relationships. It is especially helpful if you have experienced hurt in your past relationships or feel overwhelmed by stress on a regular basis.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a technique that uses guided eye movements to help you safely process traumatic memories and reducing the emotional impact and frequency of intrusive thoughts.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS helps guide individuals, couples, and families understand themselves as well as those of others, improving communication, empathy, and relationships. Through IFS, you will learn to gently explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that may be linked to traumatic experiences, without judgment or shame. By fostering self-acceptance and inner harmony, IFS supports emotional healing, reduces the impact of trauma, and helps you feel more balanced and confident in daily
Narrative Therapy
This approach helps you look at your experiences in a new way, so you can see yourself as a survivor instead of a victim.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Trauma-Focused CBT helps you work through difficult memories, change negative thoughts about yourself, and learn new ways to manage upsetting feelings.
Meet Our Team
Connect With a Trauma Therapist for In-Person or Online Sessions
Heather Wesselo
MN. NP. CNE.
Nurse Practitioner
Tess Ingram
BSc, MSW
Therapist
Leanna Callum
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Amy Battistone
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker
Di-Anne Martin
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker
Michelle Helder
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker
Dana Orton
MACP, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Christina Kahlou
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker
Our therapists offer compassionate trauma‑informed care in a safe, respectful environment where healing and meaningful change can unfold at your pace. We value authenticity and build genuine, transparent relationships that support nervous‑system regulation, resilience, and personal growth.
Trauma Therapy | Kitchener & Waterloo
Trauma Therapy FAQs
Does trauma therapy really help?
Yes, trauma therapy can be very effective. Many people notice relief from symptoms and improvements in their well-being, sometimes even after just a few sessions.
Research shows that EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help resolve trauma in as few as 4-5 sessions for some individuals, though more sessions may be needed for complex trauma. Other proven approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), are also supported by evidence and can provide meaningful results. Trauma therapy uses these effective methods to support your recovery and healing.
How can I tell if I have trauma or anxiety?
Our therapists specialize in treating both trauma and anxiety, and can help you understand the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing. Trauma and anxiety often occur together, and our team will work with you to identify the underlying causes of your distress.
We’ll offer treatment options tailored to your needs, with a focus on resolving trauma and supporting your recovery. If you’re struggling with ongoing distress, anxiety, or difficulty coping after a stressful event, our therapists are here to help you gain clarity and find effective ways to move forward.
Can I bring my partner or a support person to a session?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a supportive person with you to your sessions. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about starting therapy, and having a loved one present can offer comfort and encouragement. Sometimes, beginning to address trauma can temporarily increase anxiety, so having someone you trust by your side can be helpful. Please let your therapist know what you need to feel safe and supported throughout the process.
Will I have to relive my trauma to get better?
No. Therapy for trauma, especially with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), does not require you to relive the traumatic event in detail. Instead, your therapist will help you address the negative thoughts and feelings that resulted from the trauma, and work with you to develop healthier ways of thinking and coping. This approach allows you to process the effects of trauma without having to revisit every detail. Therapy is paced according to your comfort and always prioritizes your sense of safety and support.
Will I have to do therapy with the person who hurt me?
No, if you are in a physically, emotionally, or psychologically abusive relationship, the therapist will recommend individual trauma therapy before considering any family or couples counseling. Relational therapy is also not appropriate when abuse has occurred.
Your comfort and safety are always the top priority, and if you feel triggered during sessions, your therapist may suggest focusing on your individual needs first. You will never be required to participate in therapy with anyone who has harmed you.
How many sessions will I need to feel better?
The number of sessions needed to feel better varies for each person. Some people notice improvement after a few sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing support. Your therapist will work with you to set goals and regularly review your progress together.
Have more questions? See All FAQs
Trauma Therapy | Kitchener & Waterloo
How Life Can Feel After Trauma Therapy
Starting therapy is a brave choice. With steady support and a good fit, small shifts add up and daily life starts to feel more doable.
- Anxiety is reduced, allowing for greater peace in daily life
- Trauma-related symptoms decrease in frequency or intensity
- Improved emotional-regulation
- Relationships become healthier and more fulfilling
- A greater sense of safety and security
- Increased self-awareness, understanding how trauma has affected you
- Feeling better equipped with tools and coping strategies
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Participation in daily activities becomes easier
“Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls your life.”
Colibri NeuroWellness
How To Get Started
You deserve to feel supported and understood, and connecting with us is simple. You can reach out in the way that works best for you.
Book a free 20-minute consultation online, send a message through the form, or contact us by phone or email.
226-212-4842
info@colibrineurowellness.com
826 King Street North, Unit 17, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 4G8
We provide in-person therapy in Waterloo and surrounding communities, including Kitchener, Cambridge, Elmira, and St. Jacobs. For those across Ontario, we also offer secure virtual therapy so you can access support from the comfort of your home.