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Trauma Therapy in Hamilton, Ontario
Trauma-informed care for PTSD, complex trauma, and relational wounds
Trauma isn’t only what happened — it’s how your mind and body learned to survive it. When something overwhelms your capacity to cope, it can leave you feeling unsafe, on edge, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that don’t match the life you want now.
At Access Therapy, we provide trauma therapy in Hamilton (and virtually across Ontario) that’s evidence-informed, nervous-system aware, and paced with care. You don’t have to “push through” or re-live everything to heal. We focus on safety, stabilization, and integration—step by step.
Start with a free consultation to explore fit and next steps.
Sessions are eligible for reimbursement through most extended health insurance plans.
Signs Trauma Might Still Be Affecting You
Trauma can show up long after the events have passed—sometimes in ways that don’t look like “classic PTSD.”
You might notice:
feeling chronically on edge, hypervigilant, or easily startled
panic, shutdown, numbness, or dissociation
sleep disruption, nightmares, intrusive memories, or flashbacks
people-pleasing, over-functioning, or avoiding closeness
shame, self-criticism, and feeling “too much” or “not enough”
anger, irritability, or emotional overwhelm that feels sudden
body-based symptoms (fatigue, headaches, tension) alongside emotional distress
Big “T” Trauma and Little “t” Trauma
Some trauma is unmistakable (assault, violence, accidents, disasters). Other trauma is quieter but still deeply impactful—chronic stress, emotional neglect, discrimination, or relationship dynamics that eroded safety over time. While Big “T” trauma is often easier to acknowledge, the cumulative impact of ongoing “little t” trauma is no less significant. When trauma is woven into what feels normal or familiar, its effects can be easier to overlook, but no less real.
Both can shape the nervous system and your sense of self.
You don’t need to compare your pain to anyone else’s to deserve support.
You don’t have to know exactly why — only that you don’t want to carry it alone anymore.
Evidence-Informed Trauma Therapies We Offer
Different trauma histories respond to different approaches. Your therapist will help you choose a path based on your goals, symptoms, nervous system capacity, and preferences.
EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD
EMDR is a structured trauma-focused therapy that helps you process traumatic memories while using bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements or taps), with the aim of reducing distress and changing how the memory is stored and triggered.
Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting is a brain–body approach that uses eye position as a way to access and process unresolved traumatic experiences and difficult emotions. Many people like it because it can feel more “body-led” and less cognitive. Research is still developing, but it’s increasingly used as a trauma intervention.
Trauma Therapy Beyond EMDR and Brainspotting
Not all trauma work is memory-processing. Often, the most important work is building safety, relationship repair, and emotional capacity—so your system can metabolize what was too much, too soon, too alone.
Depending on what you’re healing from, therapy may integrate:
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and other attachment-based work to repair relational wounds and strengthen emotional safety
AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) to support deep emotional processing in the context of secure connection and “undoing aloneness”
CBCT (Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy) for PTSD, when trauma symptoms and relationship strain are intertwined (a partner is involved to support recovery and improve relationship functioning)
trauma-informed CBT, grounding, and skills for emotion regulation and stabilization
Your plan isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s tailored to the type of trauma you’ve lived through and what your nervous system needs now.
What Healing Can Look Like
Trauma therapy doesn’t erase the past. It can help the past stop hijacking the present.
Over time and with the right support, clients report:
fewer triggers and a faster return to baseline after stress
more emotional regulation and less shutdown or overwhelm
increased self-trust and a stronger sense of agency
improved boundaries and healthier relationship dynamics
feeling more present in the body, with greater ease and steadiness
Healing is gradual, but it can be deeply transformative—one grounded step at a time.
The Details about Trauma Therapy at Access Therapy
Choose what supports your safety and consistency best, here are some of the details.
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✔ In-Person Psychotherapists in Hamilton, Ontario
✔ Virtual Therapy Across Ontario
✔ No Waitlist — Start SoonOur office is a calm, welcoming space designed to support comfort, presence, and grounded therapeutic work.
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Individual Therapy (50 minutes): $150–$200
Rates reflect therapist training and experience.Most clients use extended health insurance benefits, and receipts are provided after each session.
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Say “Hello” to our team of exceptional and experienced trauma therapists. Each one has their own niche and approach which will be uniquely geared towards your needs.
Finding the right trauma therapist matters.
Effective trauma therapy depends not only on training and modality, but also on trust, pacing, and fit.
In a free consultation, we’ll:
hear what you’ve been navigating
answer questions about trauma therapy, EMDR, and Brainspotting
discuss fees, insurance, and availability
recommend the best-fit therapist and next step
For a deeper dive into trauma therapy and the different approaches, see our Trauma Therapy Info Page.