Therapy for Trauma
Experiences of abuse, neglect, poverty, oppression, relationships with caregivers, and more can leave us vulnerable to anxiety and depression long after these experiences may have passed through our lives.
Ready for Support in Navigating Trauma?
Your trauma history is best described as ongoing experiences of abuse, neglect, oppression, etc. rather than a single traumatic incident
You struggle with “emotional flashbacks”: “sudden, intense regressions to the emotional states of past childhood trauma or chronic neglect without visual or auditory memories of the event itself” (CPTSD Foundation)
You find it hard to accept support or to trust others will be there for you
You are hyper-attuned to everyone else’s emotions & need
You have a vague fear of “getting in trouble”
Everything feels like it could fall apart at any moment
You struggle with exhaustion, low mood, and anxiety symptoms
You often struggle to feel loved, worthy, or good enough
You are tired of feeling out of control; you’re ready to deeply connect with the parts of you that were wounded and to feel connected & safe
How We Support You With Trauma
We use an attachment-focused approach to gently learn about you without necessarily diving directly into traumatic memories or events
We aim to build a safe, secure relationship with you. A sturdy connection is key to trauma work
We guide you in exploring all of the ways you have learned to keep yourself safe
We explore your patterns, parts of self, and the unconscious rules you’ve learned to live by
When appropriate, we guide you through exercises that go beyond logic and tap into your emotional brain where change truly happens
We help your nervous system learn to regulate and help you learn to trust so you can move forward
Our Hamilton Trauma Therapists
virtual across Ontario
-
Summer Erickson
Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying
Summer specializes in supporting people going through anxiety, difficult chapters, relationship and attachment struggles, and works with histories of trauma.
Vibe: Dedicated, passionate, validating, and kind. Summer is relatable and down to earth & values a good laugh as much as the therapeutic work
-
Sarah Kennedy
Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying
Sarah specializes in supporting children, youth, and parents to navigate the toughest parts of family life: anxieties, transitions, traumatic events, guilt, self-criticism, and more.
Vibe: Nurturing, warm; compassionate, validating; a deeply relatable mom of two young kids
-
Maggie Clapperton
MSW, RSW Psychotherapist
Maggie specializes in working with millennials who were taught to stay small, keep the peace, and deny their inner worlds in order to be seen as ‘good’. Anxiety, self-criticism, and developmental trauma.
Vibe: Dedicated, calm, compassionate; non-judgmental, empathic; millennial, eldest daughter
not currently accepting new clients
Anxious about getting started? A free meet & greet is a no-pressure way to check if we’re a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
I charge $175 per 50 minute session.
-
We accept credit card or e-transfer.
-
We do not direct bill to insurance companies. You will pay at the end of each session and your therapist will provide a receipt you can use to make a benefits claim with your provider.
-
We are located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We see individuals virtually across Ontario and in person at 57-B John Street South, Hamilton, ON.
-
Maggie and Summer work with individuals age 18+. Sarah works with adults, as well as children (Age 6+) and their parents.
-
Phase 1 – Get to Know Each Other + Assessment
In this phase, your therapist’s role is:
to get to know you and help you feel comfortable, validated, seen, and heard
to assess your history, your needs, and develop a tentative plan for our work together.
Your role here is to simply be open and honest, to assess if you feel like you and your therapist are a good fit for each other, and to pin down your focus/goals for therapy.
Phase 2 – The Work
In this phase, you begin to actively work on the symptoms, patterns, and challenges that brought you into therapy. This is when your therapist may mindfully push you into a zone of discomfort.
This phase will look different for everyone depending on what you decide to work on together. This may include new insights into your experiences and behaviours, new perspectives and skills, body based interventions, and/or visualizations. The work may include “homework” for you to practice out in the world.
Phase 3 – Maintenance
Once you feel a shift in your mental wellness, you may see your therapist less frequently or you may choose to take a break from therapy. During this time, the focus is on keeping up the gains you have acquired during your time together.
Alternatively, you may choose to focus on an area you have not tackled yet. If so, you cycle back into “the work” for another round.
-
As frequently as once a week and as infrequently as once a month. It is recommended you attend weekly or bi-weekly for the first few months of therapy.
-
Each therapy session is up to 50 minutes and begins on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Whether you decide to commit for a number of weeks, a number of months, or a number of years depends on your personal needs and goals.
-
Your therapist belongs to a regulated college of heath professionals authorized to practice psychotherapy under the Psychotherapy Act of Ontario.
As a member of one of these colleges, we are mandated to continually engage in professional development, peer consultation, and supervision with mentors.
-
Your therapist is trained in any number of attachment oriented therapy modalities, such as:
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
Attachment Focused Therapy (DDP)
Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
Family Systems Therapy
Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
As well as other modalities such as:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)