Trauma Counselling
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Understanding Trauma
What is trauma, and when does it become a concern?
Trauma is the emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event, or series of events, that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. Not everyone who experiences a difficult event develops lasting trauma responses, but when symptoms persist, intensify, or begin to interfere with daily life, it may be time to seek support.
Trauma can result from a single incident or from ongoing experiences such as abuse, neglect, or chronic stress. Whether you experience flashbacks, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, or difficulty trusting others, you are not alone, and effective, compassionate help is available.
At Brock Counselling, our therapists meet you where you are, without judgment. We work collaboratively to understand what is driving the trauma response, what unhelpful patterns are reinforcing your trauma, and how you are coping with this discomfort. The goal of therapy is to help you understand why you are getting stuck in the same unhelpful patterns, and how to make meaningful change that feels manageable and long-lasting.
Common signs of trauma
Trauma can show up differently from person to person. These are some of the ways it commonly presents — recognizing them is often the first step toward feeling better.
Emotional & Cognitive
- Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe
- Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected
- Persistent guilt, shame, or self-blame
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling on edge
Physical & Behavioural
- Hypervigilance or an exaggerated startle response
- Avoidance of people, places, or reminders of the event
- difficulty falling and staying asleep
- Irritability or intense anger
- Withdrawing from relationships or activities
How we support your healing
Our therapists use evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment approaches. Therapy is tailored to each person’s individual goals and needs.
No two journeys look the same, and neither should therapy.
Understand the Root
We begin by exploring what happened and how it continues to affect you, your patterns, history, and triggers, so that therapy addresses the cause, not just the symptoms.
Build Practical Tools
Trauma-Informed CBT is an example of a therapy model that specifically targets the distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, while teaching psychoeducation, relaxation and emotional regulation. TF-CBT is a gold standard treatment for trauma survivors.
Sustain Progress
As you grow, we adjust the focus to help you maintain your gains, strengthen resilience, and feel confident moving forward.
How we work with trauma
Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based modalities, selecting and blending approaches based on what will work best for you.
Trauma-Informed CBT
Targets distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, while teaching psychoeducation, relaxation and emotional regulation skills.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Explores how different "parts" of the mind can exacerbate discomfort, while other "parts" heal the self.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Focuses on emotion-regulation, distress tolerance and mindfulness.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Builds cognitive flexibility and helps you move toward your goals, values and the life you want to live.
What to expect when you reach out
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You’re right – it is! Here’s how the process works at Brock Counselling, so you know exactly what to expect.
1
Understand the Root
We begin by exploring what happened to you and how it continues to affect you, along with your history, triggers, and coping patterns, so that therapy addresses the cause, not just the symptoms.
2
Your First Session
During this appointment, your therapist will spend time getting to know you and discussing your goals for therapy. Goals can be determined solely by you, or in collaboration with your therapist. This appointment requires you to bring nothing, other than a willingness to participate.
3
Ongoing Support
At the end of the first session, you and your therapist will discuss frequency of sessions, as well as a plan for future sessions. Therapy is not a "one size fits all." Sessions are tailored to your individual needs. As you begin to heal, the frequency may change, giving more time in between sessions to allow you to utilize skills and begin to cope.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Choosing to reach out is the hardest part. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right fit — no pressure, no commitment.
Ready When You Are
Book a Free Phone Consultation
Book a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our therapists. During this call, we’ll discuss your needs and goals and explore how our tailored approach can support your healing journey.
FAQs
How do I book an appointment?
There are many ways to book an appointment:
NEW CLIENTS: If you are a NEW client to Brock Counselling, please follow this link to send us a message: Contact Brock Counselling for Support and Therapy Services.
You can also book directly by e-mailing info@brockcounselling.ca or calling us at 905-320-2342.
EXISTING CLIENTS: If you are a CURRENT client, please use the Owl Portal link on the top right-hand side of the page. This will take you to the online booking platform: OWL, where you can book an appointment.
Alternatively, you can reach out to your therapist directly to book an appointment or contact info@brockcounselling.ca.
Therapy may be a good fit if:
- You have a problem that is interfering with your daily life;
- You have unresolved negative feelings that are affecting your work, home tasks, parenting, or relationships;
- Your family doctor recommended that you speak with a social worker or psychotherapist;
- You have been diagnosed with a mental health condition;
- Your coping strategies are harmful to your health and well-being (drinking alcohol in excess, using drugs, disordered eating, isolation, ‘doom scrolling’); OR
- You are looking for impartial feedback about your life and life choices.
People begin therapy for many different reasons. You do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out for support.
Therapy welcomes all individuals and requires no prior experience.
You do not need to bring or prepare anything for your first appointment – other than a willingness to participate and engage in the therapy process.
Your therapist will guide and support you through the first appointment. At the end of this appointment, your therapist will help you with setting goals and discussing what your hopes are for your therapy journey.
The primary differences between an RSW (Registered Social Worker) and a Psychologist are their education and the services they provide.
RSWs hold a Bachelor of Social Work or a Master of Social Work. This allows them to provide psychotherapy in Ontario.
Psychologists hold of Doctor of Psychology. While they can provide psychotherapy, most psychologists exclusively provide mental health assessments (i.e., Psychoeducational assessments, ADHD assessments, autism assessments).
It is best to speak directly with the professional about what services they provide.
Yes! Evening appointments are offered most nights of the week.
Weekend appointments are offered on Saturday morning and early afternoon.
Yes. What you share is confidential and your privacy is prioritized.
The information you share during a therapy session is protected by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), ensuring a safe and trusting therapeutic relationships between you and your therapist.
If you chose to share information with your spouse, family, employer, or other individual, you would sign a written consent. You have the right to revoke this written consent at any time.
Short answer, no.
Services are not offered outside of Ontario.
Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists are governed by separate regulatory bodies.
The Ontario College of Social Workers restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
The College of Registered Psychotherapists also restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
Absolutely!
In fact, fit is very important as it reflects the compatibility between you and your therapist.
Research consistently supports that the relationship between a client and therapist is the single most predictor in therapy success – as opposed to treatment type used, number of sessions, and diagnosis.
It may be a good fit if:
- You feel comfortable opening up, especially about the hard or embarrassing stuff;
- You feel heard, understood, and respected;
- You feel comfortable with your therapist challenging you in healthy ways;
- You genuinely want to attend sessions, even when what you’re talking about is difficult.
Yes, some insurance companies allow for direct billing. Please reach out to the practice directly at info@brockcounselling.ca to inquire if your insurance company is on the list of approvals.