Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Greely, ON

Gerard Vardy is a dedicated and compassionate professional trauma and addictions psychotherapist with over twenty years of experience.

Faisa’s background in Neuroscience coupled with counselling has given her understanding on how trauma and stress effect the brain. She also has a passion providing counselling at-risk youth through her time working with the legal system and school systems.

I personally know how it feels to be overwhelmed by the demands of school, work, everyday responsibilities and personal relationships. When challenged by the symptoms of AD(H)D, anxiety or depression everyone can become burdened by life's distractions, unable to prioritize and find the time to nurture relationships, pursue personal interests, meet desired goals and find peace and happiness in our day. To facilitate the changes you would like to see, I will create a safe place to process relationship issues, symptoms related to AD(H)D, trauma, depression, anxiety that have impacted your quality of life.

I provide a caring and safe environment for my clients, valuing the process of getting to understand them on a deeper level. Therapy will be both emotionally explorative and solution-focused each session, allowing the client to learn about one’s thoughts and feelings, as well as develop coping skills in order to reduce negative symptoms. I have gathered experience working with teens, adults, and couples, with a special interest in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, individual therapy for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-harm and trauma, as well as couples therapy focusing on relational, marital and/or sexual difficulties.

Life can present challenges that sometimes seem overwhelming. Whether you are struggling with a recent difficulty, an ongoing issue, or a past trauma, it can be helpful to explore ways you can work toward a resolution, personal growth, and achieve a greater sense of well being. I am a registered clinical social worker / psychotherapist providing mental health and trauma / PTSD therapy services. I am EMDR certified and also draw from a wide range of therapeutic approaches based on the client's needs.

I work with individuals and couples experiencing trauma, grief/loss, anxiety, and relationship disruptions. I have a special interest in Somatic Experiencing and Parts Work, with couples I follow the PACT approach (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) although we may draw on other approaches as they suit your needs.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, ready for change? I am here to provide a safe and comfortable space where we can explore your concerns together. Whether you are struggling with self-acceptance, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, or otherwise, these concerns may be negatively impacting your quality of life. Therapy can help. Through our work together, we will strive to reduce the symptoms causing you distress and do our best to create positive change to lead to a life that is more rewarding, fulfilling, and valuable for you.

I enjoy working with individuals who are on a journey of self-discovery, which may include unresolved issues from the past, or difficulty finding the path forward. As someone who has had an eventful journey so far, I am happy to share my combined clinical knowledge, and life lessons learned, with those who are searching for answers to their own questions. I help clients understand how they move through the world, how the mind works, how to develop better coping and communication skills, and how to improve resiliency and functioning.

When someone experiences life changes such as grief, loss, relationship challenges, job loss, parenting, postpartum, trauma and abuse, these situations can evoke feelings of anxiety and depression. You will be supported through these challenges and life stressors by engaging in therapeutic conversations which will stimulate change and promote healthy coping strategies. Together, therapeutic goals are explored and established, with a core focus on your individual needs. Talk-therapy, Cognitive-Behavourial Therapy and Brainspotting are some approaches used as well as working with lifestyle modifications to achieve optimal results.

I specialize in attachment disruptions, adoption support, children in care, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and family support. I work alongside children, youth, adults, and families that are seeking a safe, and non-judgemental space to explore their struggles, relationships, emotional distress, and behavioural challenges.

The impacts of trauma rewire the brain and nervous system to experience the world as a threatening place. This adaptation alters how we relate to ourselves and others, and it leads us away from authentic identity. Trauma, whether big or small, includes events like past childhood abuse, emotional neglect, violence, grief, rejection, chronic pain and illness, to name a few. You may become stressed, anxious, experience intrusive thoughts, fear, and rage. You may feel alone, easily triggered, trapped, and like there’s a void within—like you just can’t be yourself again. Yet, you have no clue that it all stems from unprocessed trauma.

Every client has the capacity to experience change in their lives. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we can find ourselves feeling stuck and unsure which direction to take. I encourage clients to draw from their strengths as a source of empowerment and resilience. I encourage curiosity, vulnerability and self-compassion. Trust and respect are important in the therapeutic process and I welcome all parts of self clients wish to give a voice to during our time together.

I endeavour to help you get to the root of what is causing your distress. I view anxiety, depression, lack of self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and anger as symptoms of unhealed wounds from your painful experiences. Together, we will work through issues and challenges in your life caused by: childhood trauma, significant life changes (divorce, infidelity, job loss, career changes), grief and loss, shock traumas (natural disasters, accidents, diagnosis of a critical illness, experiences of war and terrorism), systemic trauma (experiences of discrimination, inequality, poverty, and the difficulties of immigration).

Telephone Counselling for Women: I am a cross-cultural feminist therapist, weaving together ancient wisdom such as mindfulness, modern scientific discoveries, & a grassroots feminist approach. We both bring something special to the counselling relationship; you bring wisdom about yourself, I offer expertise on healing. Together we build a compassionate connection, & as a team we focus bringing balance into your life. As a telephone counsellor, I work with women across the globe. Research shows that telephone counselling is as effective as in-person support; it is convenient for women with time constraints, mobility issues, & those with limited access to quality therapy.

Thoughts, feelings, and body sensations are sources of information, behaviour is always a form of communication, and memories are at the core of mental health and symptoms. As a Registered Social Worker in Ontario and British Columbia, I help clients navigate trauma, relationships, grief, and loss. I offer Psychotherapy online in British Columbia, and in-person or online in my private practice in Ottawa, Ontario.