Trauma & PTSD Therapists in Ottawa

Browse 1 therapist specializing in Trauma & PTSD in Ottawa. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Traumatic experiences can leave lasting marks on how your mind and body respond to the world. You might find yourself startled easily, avoiding reminders of what happened, struggling with intrusive memories or nightmares, or feeling emotionally numb or cut off from the people around you. These are not signs of weakness or failure to move on. They are ways the nervous system tries to protect itself after something overwhelming. PTSD is a recognized condition that develops in some people following exposure to a traumatic event, and it responds well to specific therapeutic approaches.

What to look for in a Trauma & PTSD therapist on Purple Lotus

  • Formal training in a trauma-specific protocol such as EMDR, CPT, or trauma-focused CBT
  • Clear emphasis on safety, pacing, and stabilization before processing
  • Experience with your type of trauma, including complex or developmental trauma if relevant
  • Willingness to adjust the approach based on your tolerance and readiness

1 therapist for Trauma & PTSD in Ottawa

Browse 1 therapist specializing in Trauma & PTSD in Ottawa. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Julianna Servello

Julianna Servello

I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. My goal is to create a warm, supportive space where you can feel comfortable being yourself while working toward meaningful and lasting change. I bring a strong clinical background to my private practice, with experience working in hospital and community settings with individuals and families navigating a wide range of mental health, emotional, relational, and life challenges. My hospital experience has given me the opportunity to work with people during some of the most difficult and uncertain periods of their lives, supporting clients and families through complex circumstances, significant transitions, illness, trauma, crisis, grief, and changes in functioning. This experience has shaped the way I practice today: with compassion, clinical thoughtfulness, and an understanding that every person’s circumstances and needs are different. My clinical work includes supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, ADHD, OCD, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma, burnout, self-esteem concerns, and major life transitions. I also support clients through prenatal and postpartum challenges and the emotional impact of motor vehicle accidents and other traumatic experiences. I work with clients across the lifespan and tailor therapy to their individual goals, strengths, personality, and circumstances. OCD is a particular area of clinical interest and expertise for me. I have extensive training and experience supporting clients with OCD and related anxiety concerns, and I understand how consuming and disruptive intrusive thoughts, uncertainty, compulsions, and avoidance can become. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-informed, with the goal of helping clients better understand their experiences and develop greater confidence in responding to difficult thoughts, feelings, and sensations. I also provide OCD-focused clinical supervision and consultation to other clinicians looking to strengthen their knowledge and confidence in this area. I also have a strong interest in ADHD and emotional regulation. For clients with ADHD, I recognize that challenges can extend far beyond attention and organization and may affect relationships, self-esteem, emotional regulation, work, school, and day-to-day functioning. Therapy can provide a space to better understand these patterns, develop strategies that are realistic for your life, and move away from shame or self-criticism toward greater self-understanding. My approach is integrative and individualized. I draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed practice, narrative therapy, and strengths-based approaches. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, I consider what you are experiencing, what has or has not worked for you in the past, and what you hope to change. Together, we can identify practical strategies while also exploring the deeper patterns, experiences, and relationships that may be contributing to what you are experiencing. I believe therapy should be both clinically meaningful and genuinely human. You do not need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy, and you do not need to know exactly what you need. Sometimes people simply know that something is not feeling right, that they are exhausted from trying to manage everything on their own, or that they keep finding themselves caught in the same patterns. Therapy can provide an opportunity to slow down, make sense of what is happening, and develop a clearer path forward. Whether you are navigating anxiety, OCD, ADHD, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, burnout, a major life transition, or simply feeling stuck, I aim to meet you where you are. My role is not to tell you who you should be or how you should live, but to work alongside you to better understand yourself, build on your existing strengths, and develop meaningful changes that fit your life. I welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with clients and, when appropriate, with families and other healthcare professionals involved in their care. My hospital background has reinforced for me the value of collaboration and continuity of care, and I believe that connecting clients with the right supports can make an important difference in their overall wellbeing. Above all, I want therapy to feel like a space where you can be honest, understood, and supported without judgment. Whether you are coming to therapy for the first time or have been in therapy before, we can start wherever you are and work together from there.

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Frequently asked questions

What is PTSD and how is it diagnosed?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. It is characterized by intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, changes in mood and thinking, and heightened reactivity. Diagnosis is made by a qualified mental health professional based on your symptoms and history.

What is the difference between trauma and PTSD?

Trauma refers to the psychological impact of a distressing experience. PTSD is a specific condition that develops when trauma symptoms are severe, persist beyond a month, and significantly affect daily functioning. Many people are affected by trauma without meeting full criteria for PTSD, and both situations can benefit from professional support.

What therapy approaches are most effective for PTSD?

Several approaches have strong research support for PTSD, including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure. Somatic therapies and trauma-informed approaches are also widely used. The most effective approach depends on your history, preferences, and the nature of your trauma.

Do I have to relive the trauma in therapy?

Not necessarily. Modern trauma therapy does not require you to recount every detail of what happened. Many approaches focus first on building coping skills and safety before gently working with traumatic material at a pace you can manage. Your therapist should explain their approach and adjust based on what you are ready for.

How long does trauma therapy take?

Treatment length varies depending on the nature and complexity of the trauma. Single-incident PTSD may respond well within a shorter course of treatment. Complex or developmental trauma often requires longer, more gradual work. A trauma therapist can give you a clearer estimate after an initial assessment.

What is Complex PTSD?

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can develop after prolonged or repeated trauma, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or living in unsafe conditions over an extended period. In addition to PTSD symptoms, it may involve difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. It requires trauma-informed therapy that addresses these additional layers.

Can PTSD improve without therapy?

Some people see a natural reduction in symptoms over time, but PTSD often persists or fluctuates without treatment. Evidence-based therapy significantly improves outcomes for most people. If symptoms are affecting your daily life or relationships, professional support is worth exploring.

Is online therapy effective for trauma and PTSD?

Yes. Research supports the effectiveness of online trauma therapy for PTSD, including EMDR and CPT delivered via video. Many people find that working from a familiar environment feels safer, which can support the therapeutic process. Check each therapist profile for available session formats.

How do I find a trauma therapist in Ottawa?

Look for therapists in Ottawa who list trauma or PTSD as a specialty and mention specific training in approaches like EMDR or Cognitive Processing Therapy. Checking credentials, experience with your type of trauma, and available session formats can help you find a good match.

Is trauma therapy covered by insurance in Ottawa?

Many extended health plans in Ottawa cover trauma therapy when provided by a registered psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker. Coverage amounts and eligible designations vary by plan, so review your benefits for session limits and any referral requirements before starting.

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