Does OHIP cover trauma therapy in Ontario?

OHIP does not generally cover private Registered Social Worker services. Some extended health plans cover RSW sessions. Confirm eligibility, limits, and out-of-pocket costs with your insurer before treatment.

How long does trauma therapy take?

There is no reliable session range that applies to everyone. Timing depends on goals, current safety and stability, the concerns being addressed, session frequency, therapeutic fit, response, and outside circumstances. Andrew can discuss a preliminary plan after assessment and review it over time.

Do I have to describe my trauma in detail during sessions?

Not necessarily. The amount of detail varies by approach, clinical need, consent, and client preference. EMDR can often proceed without a detailed verbal account, but some discussion is still needed for assessment, planning, safety, and monitoring. You can ask questions and discuss pacing before trauma processing begins.

What's the difference between trauma and PTSD?

PTSD is a diagnosis with defined criteria. People can experience significant distress after difficult events without meeting those criteria. Assessment by a qualified professional is needed to understand symptoms, possible diagnoses, safety needs, and appropriate options.

Can trauma therapy be provided virtually?

Yes, virtual trauma therapy is supported by research for many clients and concerns. It is not the right format for every person or every stage of treatment, so Andrew discusses clinical suitability, privacy, safety, and client preference before proceeding.

Trauma Therapy in Scarborough & Ontario

What Is Trauma?

Trauma isn't just what happened to you — it's what happened inside you in response to it. It's the nervous system stuck in a state of threat, the brain that can't file the experience away as “over,” the body that carries what the mind tries to forget.

Trauma can come from a single overwhelming event — an accident, assault, loss, or medical emergency. It can also come from prolonged or repeated experiences: childhood neglect or abuse, years in a high-stress occupation, domestic violence, or growing up in an unstable environment. No two people's trauma looks exactly the same, even if their experiences were similar.

Signs You May Be Carrying Unprocessed Trauma

Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Feeling “on guard” or easily startled even in safe situations
Emotional numbing or feeling disconnected from yourself or others
Avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you of the experience
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Intense emotional reactions that feel disproportionate to the situation
Physical tension, chronic pain, or unexplained symptoms
A persistent belief that you are broken, worthless, or in danger

Approaches Andrew Uses for Trauma

Andrew draws on several evidence-based modalities for trauma, choosing and combining them based on what suits you:

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) — A structured trauma-focused psychotherapy included in clinical guidance for some adult PTSD presentations. It uses bilateral stimulation while attending to aspects of a target memory; suitability and outcomes vary. Learn more about EMDR →

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy — This body-oriented approach attends to physical sensations, posture, movement, arousal, thoughts, and emotions alongside cognitive work. Describing trauma as “living in the body” is a metaphor, not a claim that memories are literally stored in body tissue.

CBT for Trauma (TF-CBT) — Addresses the negative beliefs trauma creates about yourself and the world, and helps you build more accurate, functional ways of thinking.

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) — When trauma has shaped your identity and avoidance has become a way of life, ACT helps you reconnect with your values and build a meaningful life alongside whatever has happened.

Complex Trauma and C-PTSD

Some people experience what's called Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) — the result of prolonged, repeated trauma, often beginning in childhood or sustained over years. C-PTSD is characterized by difficulties regulating emotions, persistent negative self-perception, and challenges in relationships. It requires a careful, phased approach — Andrew is trained in this work and will not rush the process.

Who Trauma Therapy Is For

Andrew works with adults who have experienced any form of trauma, including:

Childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or assault
Occupational trauma (first responders, military, healthcare)
Accidents, natural disasters, or sudden loss
Medical trauma and traumatic health events
Domestic violence or intimate partner violence
Witnessing violence or death
Systemic and historical trauma

Approaches Used

✓ EMDR
✓ Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
✓ Trauma-Focused CBT
✓ ACT
✓ DBT Skills

Evidence & Further Reading

Authoritative Sources

These resources provide general evidence and guidance. They do not determine whether a particular approach is suitable for an individual.

Addressing PTSD and trauma — Government of Canada
Explore evidence-based PTSD treatments — U.S. National Center for PTSD

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OHIP cover trauma therapy in Ontario?: OHIP does not generally cover private Registered Social Worker services. Some extended health plans cover RSW sessions. Confirm eligibility, limits, and out-of-pocket costs with your insurer before treatment.
How long does trauma therapy take?: There is no reliable session range that applies to everyone. Timing depends on goals, current safety and stability, the concerns being addressed, session frequency, therapeutic fit, response, and outside circumstances. Andrew can discuss a preliminary plan after assessment and review it over time.
Do I have to describe my trauma in detail during sessions?: Not necessarily. The amount of detail varies by approach, clinical need, consent, and client preference. EMDR can often proceed without a detailed verbal account, but some discussion is still needed for assessment, planning, safety, and monitoring. You can ask questions and discuss pacing before trauma processing begins.
What's the difference between trauma and PTSD?: PTSD is a diagnosis with defined criteria. People can experience significant distress after difficult events without meeting those criteria. Assessment by a qualified professional is needed to understand symptoms, possible diagnoses, safety needs, and appropriate options.
Can trauma therapy be provided virtually?: Yes, virtual trauma therapy is supported by research for many clients and concerns. It is not the right format for every person or every stage of treatment, so Andrew discusses clinical suitability, privacy, safety, and client preference before proceeding.

Trauma Therapy in Scarborough