ISSUES
Treating Trauma: Healing at Your Own Pace
What is Trauma?
Trauma is the emotional and physiological response to distressing or life-threatening events. It can stem from a single incident, such as an accident or assault, or from ongoing experiences like childhood neglect or systemic oppression. Trauma affects the brain, body, and nervous system, often leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in survival patterns.
At Amanda Neves Therapy, we recognize that trauma recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Our approach is gentle, paced, and attuned to your unique needs, allowing you to build tolerance for exploring the body safely and gradually. We acknowledge that for many trauma survivors, connecting with bodily sensations is neither easy nor comfortable, which is why we work with an integrative approach combining body-based and cognitive models to create a path to healing that feels safe and empowering.
Recognizing the Impact of Trauma
Trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, including:
Emotional responses: Anxiety, depression, shame, numbness, or emotional overwhelm.
Physical symptoms: Chronic pain, digestive issues, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances.
Cognitive effects: Difficulty concentrating, intrusive memories, or self-blame.
Relational struggles: Trust issues, people-pleasing, emotional withdrawal, or difficulty setting boundaries.
Nervous system dysregulation: Hypervigilance, dissociation, or difficulty feeling safe in the present moment.
If you see yourself in these descriptions, you are not alone, and healing is possible. Therapy can help you restore a sense of safety, connection, and self-compassion.
Who Does Trauma Affect?
Trauma does not discriminate—it affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. However, in Ontario, specific groups may experience trauma uniquely due to systemic barriers, historical harm, and social injustices, including. Trauma affects:
Survivors of interpersonal and relational trauma: Including childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or workplace harassment.
Black and racialized individuals: Carrying the effects of racial trauma and discrimination.
LGBTQ2S+ communities: Experiencing trauma from societal stigma, family rejection, or violence.
Refugees and immigrants: Navigating trauma from forced displacement, war, or resettlement stressors.
No matter where your trauma comes from, your experiences are valid, and healing is possible.
How We Approach Trauma Therapy at Amanda Neves Therapy
Our clinic takes an integrative, trauma-informed approach, weaving together different therapeutic models to ensure a tailored and effective healing process. Key aspects of our approach include:
Pacing therapy to your nervous system’s capacity: We never push you beyond what feels safe. Instead, we build tolerance slowly so that engaging with your experiences doesn’t feel overwhelming.
A balance of body-based and cognitive therapies: We incorporate both somatic therapies (such as breathwork and grounding techniques) and talk-based approaches to help integrate trauma in a way that respects your comfort level.
Building self-compassion and nervous system regulation: Through AEDP, IFS, and attachment-based approaches, we support emotional processing, self-trust, and resilience.
Bridging mind and body: Trauma often gets trapped in the body. We gently introduce body awareness strategies that allow you to reconnect with yourself in a safe and gradual way.
If you’re ready to start your healing journey, book a session today and begin at a pace that feels right for you.
What to Expect in Your First Trauma Therapy Session
Your first session is about creating a sense of safety and control in your healing process. This does not mean digging into every single detail about your history. Remember, you control the pace of what’s discussed and what’s not. You can expect:
A collaborative conversation where you share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
A discussion about your experiences with trauma and how it has impacted your life.
The introduction of gentle strategies to regulate your nervous system and manage overwhelming emotions.
A flexible and personalized approach that respects your boundaries and comfort levels.
At Amanda Neves Therapy, we meet you where you are—there’s no rush, no pressure, only support.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Recovering from trauma is a journey, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Amanda Neves Therapy, we provide in-person therapy at our Toronto office and virtual therapy across Ontario, ensuring you have access to the care you need, wherever you are.
Find the right therapist for you with our Meet Your Match process—a simple way to connect with a therapist best suited to your needs.
Start at your own pace. Reach out today.