Domestic Abuse Therapists in Hamilton, ON

Welcome to Sara's Place Counselling. Congratulations to you for choosing to embark on this vulnerability journey towards healing. Sara's Place is a space where you can show up authentically to be seen, heard, and accepted. I am a registered Psychotherapist who specializes in supporting adults in working through the far-reaching impacts of abuse-specific trauma on the mind and body. Trauma can manifest itself in many different ways including but not limited to symptoms of Anxiety or Depression. My intention is to encourage, educate, empower and validate your experiences as we work together to explore and process your trauma.

Embarking on a journey of healing is like taking steps toward a life of health and wellness. In my role, I strive to cultivate a nurturing environment where you can feel secure and embraced as you draw upon your inner strength, progressing towards a state of well-being. My mission involves crafting a space that encourages you to bring forth your true self without any reservations, fostering an atmosphere free from judgment or fear. With a foundation rooted in inclusive and trauma-informed practices, I aim to guide you towards recognizing your strengths and shaping a positive narrative.

You have everything, yet nothing. You try to make meaning of your life, but deep down a feeling of emptiness lingers. You deeply want to feel a genuine sense of happiness, but sadness overwhelms you. The deep wound of your past has you in a state of depression, anxiety, anger, and chronic stress. You have uncontrollable thoughts you try to ignore but cannot. Living with a sense of peace is hard to gain and you are exhausted. These feelings are affecting your relationships, your employment, academic pursuits or just your ability to manage day to day activities. If this sounds familiar, I am here to help.

Many of us come to periods in our lives when we feel overwhelmed, confused or immobilized by our circumstances and our feelings. Or we reach a point in life when we know in our gut that something has to change, but we just don’t know where to begin. Doubt and negative self-talk can make us feel stuck. Sometimes we struggle with feelings of sadness, anger, shame or anxiety and can feel very alone in that struggle. Having a safe place to talk and a safe, non-judgmental person to talk to is key to healing and moving beyond the “stuck place”.

Are you struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety or depression? Have you experienced sexual abuse or other forms of trauma? If so, I am here to help. It takes courage to reach out for help when life is challenging but we all have difficulties at one time or another. The good news is that you don’t have to go through these times alone. I provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can discuss your issues openly and honestly while being treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity.

I believe therapy allows people to share their stories and feel their emotions in an environment that is safe and considers their unique needs. I strive to validate people’s emotions (because they are understandable), to highlight their strengths (because sometimes people can’t see them) and to build hope (because it can be restored).

Are you in a relationship where you are not heard or everything you say is taken negatively? You feel like you are the one putting in the effort and it's getting tiring. You are deciding whether to make it work or walk away. This can leave you feeling alone, hopeless, depressed, and even resentful. You wonder are they emotionally immature, a narcissist, or an avoidant. I help people move from an unhealthy relationship to a secure one. You will be able to make decisions about your relationships, gain clarity, and learn ways to improve your relationship. You will learn to cope better and learn to navigate unhealthy relationships.

Life is a journey of growth and change. And no matter how daunting the change, or painful the growth, we deserve to be supported on that journey. If you're struggling to take a step forward, or are unpacking the memories from journeys of the past, counselling provides a safe space for exploration and problem solving. This might include mental health, trauma, major life transitions, and identity exploration. Wherever you are on your journey, we can get to the next step together.

Now accepting new clients. I prioritize in creating a space that is compassionate and judgement free. I serve a wide range of individuals at different stages of life. I help individuals navigate through anxiety, depression, addiction, cycles of abuse, etc.; by exploring the root cause and reaching a new level of awareness. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed, CBT, DBT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy and other frameworks to support individuals reach a new sense of awareness, create opportunities to change and support with implement that change. Reach out for a free consultation to start the healing journey together.

Does it feel like you are stuck in the past and unable to truly enjoy what’s happening in your life now? Unresolved trauma can lead to problematic and distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and impact your work and relationships. My primary area of experience is supporting first responders, frontline workers, helping professionals and adult survivors of relational and childhood abuse. My experience also includes supporting clients to address challenges due to a variety of other mental health and wellness concerns including depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, self-esteem, grief, addiction, stress and relationship dynamics.

We all go through many different challenges and struggles in our lives. Often at times, we feel that we are stuck and are not being understood. It's difficult to make the first step to call someone, but once you do, there is a great sense of relief. I provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. Together, we will work through challenges, to help you realize your full potential, and growth. I use an eclectic approach in my treatment, and come from a culturally sensitive background in my work. I am very passionate about helping others. I also conduct psychological, vocational and psychoed assessments.

My approach to counselling is strengths based, client centred and collaborative. That means working with you to figure out what’s working well, and how to do more of it. Feelings can often become overwhelming, I help people find balance and meaning. Through our work together, we will explore patterns of thoughts and behaviours which may be keeping you stuck, as well as ways of coping that aren’t helpful. I empower people to make connections between early life experiences and who they are today, moving towards change and building on their resilience.

An intriguing fact: We are wired for emotional connection. Yet, do you find that you and your partner or family member always get into misunderstandings and conflict? Are you hurting from the wounds of betrayal, abandonment, abuse, leaving you feeling angry, lonely, and struggling to trust others? There is hope! I understand how individuals, families and couples fall into patterns that are hurtful, and feel stuck. I help clients gain an understanding of their patterns of communication; help them heal relational wounds; give them tools to shift into a more skilful, calm, satisfying feeling within themselves and their relationships.

I have over 30 years of experience in the field of social work and 20 years of experience as a family mediator. My professional expertise includes a background in psychiatry and management. I counsel individuals, couples and families. I work with clients experiencing stress and trauma, anxiety and depression, relationship and family conflict including neglect, abuse, anger management and gender identity issues. I help couples with relationship conflict, communication, sexuality and parenting challenges, separation and divorce. I have experience in working with individuals struggling with addictions, making career decisions grief and day to day challenges.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist with years of experience in the mental health field. I currently work with adults, teens and children. I believe that strength is a characteristic that resides in all people. It can however, be difficult to see during times of hardship and vulnerability. I have the goal of helping my clients feel empowered and to make the positive changes needed to live healthy, fulfilled lives. I focus primarily on issues related to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. I also have experience working with clients battling substance abuse issues, abandonment and victims of domestic violence.

It's no secret that life's challenges can be overwhelming. Support from family and friends is important, but support from a mental health professional is unique and without the bias that often comes with a pre-existing relationship. I seek to support my clients during their life challenges and stressors while increasing resiliency and focusing on strengths. Our work together will be reflective, supportive, and collaborative.

Fiona is a Registered Social Worker who is passionate about helping people navigate their past while being mindful of the present, so they can obtain the future they desire. She has experience working with young parents and their children and is currently working in domestic violence with individuals who have used abusive behaviour. Fiona works from a restorative lens and believes that helping one individual heal can strengthen families, intimate-partner relationships, neighbourhoods, and society.

Hi, I’m Stephanie, and I am a Registered Psychotherapist. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Gerontology from McMaster University, a post-grad in Brain Injury Disorders and I have completed my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. My background in working with Traumatic Brain Injuries has given me the opportunity to work with individuals who have experienced loss, grief, anger, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, changes in personality, and social behaviours. Being in this field fueled my passion to help individuals achieve their mental health and well-being goals.

My approach to counselling is strengths based, person centred and collaborative. I help clients to optimize strengths, build resilience and cultivate growth.

I provide a non-judgmental, confidential, responsive space to process, gain insight, knowledge and strategies, and work towards resolution. Using an integrative, client-centered approach, with elements of Narrative Therapy, CBT, EFT, etc., I primarily work through the exploration of relationship dynamics and patterns, addressing attachment wounds, and using a focus on emotions and cognition. Perhaps you are dissatisfied with your relationships, or are not getting along with a family member or co-worker, are feeling alone or stressed? Compassion and empathy based, I encourage self-compassion, self-acceptance and authentic self-expression.

Currently Accepting New Clients - Are you living your best life? It's possible, and within your reach! Therapy can help you actualize your personal goals, and help you on your journey to wellness. I provide counselling and support to adults and adolescents who may be experiencing a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger issues, substance abuse, grief and trauma. My approach to therapy is client-centred, and based on your identified needs.

Trauma shows up in many different ways. Perhaps you’re experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, unexplained pain or illness, digestive issues, disturbing reminders of past events, past or current abuse or emotional numbness. Maybe you just haven't been able to shake the emotional effects of the pandemic on you and your family. With over 30 years of clinical experience providing psychotherapy services, I work with adults whose lives have been affected by such overwhelming feelings and situations, grief and loss, family and relationship concerns, emotional abuse, attachment wounds, intergenerational issues and workplace stressors.

Navigating life and relationships can be challenging, exhausting, confusing, and downright overwhelming. In a world where one is constantly connected through social media, increasingly, we can feel isolated and alone as we strive to meet relationship and work demands, while living up to our own personal and relational expectations. In seasons of uncertainty, it is normal to feel a sense of spinning out of control, and struggling with where do I go from here? The thought of therapy can be scary, which is why I am committed to creating an environment of trust and understanding.

I work with youth and adults who are struggling with cumulative stress, anxiety, or trauma and want to develop a sense of emotional stability and well-being; they're looking for a therapist who can be authentic. Going beyond traditional talk therapy, I use somatic (body-based) psychotherapy in healing trauma, including developmental trauma - childhood abuse, neglect, or caregiver misattunement. Somatic therapy is a gentle, experiential approach that integrates awareness of body sensations to allow the body, mind and emotions to heal from trauma, so you can feel more connected and engaged in your life.