STILL CARRYING SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED?
Trauma & PTSD Therapy in Toronto
Difficult experiences can stay with you long after they're over, in your body, your sleep and the way you see yourself and others. Learn how trauma can show up, how our clinicians approach treatment, and what to expect when you get started.
How Trauma Can Affect You
Trauma isn't defined only by what happened. It's also about how it affected you. Some people notice changes right away, and others only months or years later. You might recognize some of these:
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Memories, images or dreams that come back when you don't want them to
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Feeling on guard, jumpy or unable to relax, even when you're safe
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Avoiding places, people or conversations that remind you of what happened
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Feeling numb, disconnected or far away from your own life
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Trouble sleeping or concentrating
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Strong reactions that seem bigger than the situation in front of you
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Blaming yourself, or feeling that the world is no longer safe
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Difficulty trusting others or feeling close to people
These are common responses to overwhelming experiences, not a sign that you're weak or broken.
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At One Psychology Clinic, our registered psychologists help teens and adults heal from trauma and PTSD, offering a safe, supportive space to process difficult experiences, ease distressing symptoms, and regain a sense of safety and control. We see clients in person in midtown Toronto, near Yonge and Eglinton, and virtually across Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
TRAUMA DISORDERS
What We Help With:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
After a single event, such as an assault, medical emergency or sudden loss
Complex Trauma
The effects of repeated or long-term experiences, often beginning in childhood or within relationships
Workplace Trauma
Distressing incidents at work, including WSIB claims and support with returning to work
Relationship & Interpersonal Trauma
The impact of abuse, betrayal or controlling relationships
How We Treat Trauma
Trauma therapy starts with safety. You won't be asked to share more than you're ready to, and you'll decide the pace together with your clinician.
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Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): a well-researched approach for PTSD that helps you work through the beliefs trauma can leave behind, such as self-blame or feeling unsafe.
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Prolonged exposure (PE): gradually and safely approaching memories and situations you've been avoiding, so they lose their intensity over time.
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Trauma-focused CBT: skills to manage symptoms and make sense of what happened.
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Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills: practical skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress and staying grounded, taught one-on-one with your clinician.
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Stabilization and coping skills: tools for grounding, sleep and managing strong emotions, especially in the early stages of therapy.
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Your first sessions focus on getting to know you, understanding how trauma is affecting your life now and building a plan that feels manageable. Many people start with coping skills before working on the memories themselves.
ADHD & EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING
Frequently Asked Questions
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What counts as trauma? Trauma can follow any experience that felt overwhelming, frightening or threatening, whether it happened once or over a long period. If something that happened is still affecting you, it's worth talking about, even if it doesn't seem "big enough."
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What's the difference between trauma and PTSD? Trauma refers to the experience and its effects. PTSD is a specific diagnosis that includes symptoms like intrusive memories, avoidance and feeling constantly on guard for more than a month. Many people benefit from therapy whether or not they meet criteria for PTSD.
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Will I have to talk about what happened in detail? Not necessarily and not right away, and not until you're ready. Your clinician will start by building safety and coping skills. Some approaches involve revisiting memories later, and you'll always have a say in how and when.
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How long does trauma therapy take? It varies. Structured PTSD treatments often run about 12 to 16 sessions, while complex trauma usually takes longer. Your clinician will review progress with you regularly.
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Can a psychologist diagnose PTSD? Yes. In Ontario, registered psychologists can assess and diagnose PTSD, which can be helpful for WSIB, insurance or legal purposes.
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Do I need a referral from my doctor? No. You can book directly. Some benefit plans ask for a referral before they reimburse, so check your plan.
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What's the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD (C-PTSD)? PTSD often follows a single event or a short period of trauma. Complex PTSD usually develops after repeated or long-lasting trauma, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. Along with PTSD symptoms, it involves ongoing difficulty managing emotions, a deeply negative view of yourself and challenges in relationships. Complex PTSD is recognized in the World Health Organization's ICD-11, and therapy for it often takes longer, with more focus on safety and emotional skills early on.
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Reviewed by Dr. Danielle Kofler, C.Psych., Registered Psychologist. Last updated October 2026.
In-Person, Video, or Phone Sessions - Whatever Works Best For You
We provide in-person services in Toronto and virtual assessment services across Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Appointments are available by secure video, telephone, or in person, allowing you to access mental health care in the format that works best for you.
THE INTAKE PROCESS
How it works
