Specializing in Trauma Therapy in Ottawa
Trauma is not what happened to us, but rather what happened inside of us as a result of what happened to us.
You may know exactly what happened to you. Or you may simply know that something doesn’t feel right. Perhaps you struggle with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, anger, shame, panic, numbness, hypervigilance, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others. You may find yourself stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, despite your best efforts to move forward. Trauma is not simply something that happened in the past. It is often the way the nervous system continues to respond in the present. At the Centre for Hope and Recovery, we help individuals understand and heal the impact of trauma through evidence-based psychotherapy that addresses both the mind and the body. We specialize in trauma and related issues including addictions, problematic sexual behaviour, infidelity, and other post-traumatic coping mechanisms.
Our Understanding of Trauma
Many people think trauma is defined by an event. While difficult experiences matter, what often creates ongoing suffering is the lasting impact those experiences have on the nervous system, the body, and brain.
Trauma can develop from:
- Childhood emotional neglect or abuse
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Betrayal trauma and infidelity
- Relationship trauma
- Family dysfunction
- Bullying
- Medical trauma
- Accidents and injuries
- First responder and workplace trauma
- Significant loss or grief
- Exposure to violence or chronic stress
From our perspective, trauma is often experienced as a cluster of symptoms in the present:
- Anxiety and panic
- Chronic stress
- Emotional dysregulation
- Shame and self-criticism
- Difficulty trusting others
- Relationship challenges
- Hypervigilance
- Numbness or emotional disconnection
- Sleep difficulties
- Addictive or compulsive behaviours
Healing involves more than understanding what happened. It involves helping the nervous system, the body, and the brain learn that the danger has passed.
Trauma Therapy Services
Individual Trauma Therapy
Individual therapy provides a safe and collaborative space to explore the impact of trauma at a pace that feels manageable with highly trained psychotherapists.
Treatment may focus on:
- Nervous system regulation
- Emotional processing
- Trauma recovery
- Relationship difficulties
- Anxiety and depression
- Shame and self-worth
- Addictive and compulsive behaviours
- Building healthy coping strategies
Our therapists draw from evidence-based approaches including:
- Somatic and body-based interventions
- Polyvagal Theory
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed approaches
- Mindfulness-based interventions
- Trauma-focused psychotherapy
Trauma Recovery Groups
Together in Healing
Our trauma recovery groups provide opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others who understand the impact trauma can have on daily life and relationships.
Group participants can develop:
- Greater self-awareness
- Improved emotional regulation
- Practical coping skills
- Healthier relationships
- Increased connection and support
Many clients find that group therapy complements individual work and accelerates recovery or can function well as a stand-alone approach to healing.
Why Choose The Centre for Hope and Recovery?
At the Centre for Hope and Recovery, we believe healing occurs through a combination of safety, connection, understanding, and evidence-based treatment.
Our approach is:
- Trauma-informed
- Compassionate and non-judgmental
- Grounded in current research
- Focused on lasting change rather than symptom management alone
- Available both in-person in Ottawa and virtually across Ontario
- Covered by most insurance companies
Whether your trauma stems from childhood experiences, relationship wounds, betrayal, addiction, or overwhelming life events, recovery is possible.
Take The First Step
You do not need to continue carrying the weight of trauma alone. A brief conversation can help determine whether trauma therapy is right for you and which services may best meet your needs.