Trauma / PTSD

Trauma can profoundly affect our lives and the lives of those around us. It’s a painful and sometimes devastating experience that can cause long-term psychological damage and disrupt how we interact with our environment. Symptoms of trauma, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), include anxiety and panic attacks, reliving experiences through flashbacks, sleep problems, and feeling detached from others. All are distressing and can interfere with everyday life.

Thankfully, help is available for individuals who have experienced trauma. In our clinic, our compassionate mental health professionals offer psychotherapy specifically tailored to the unique trauma recovery needs of our clients. We recognize that everyone is affected differently by trauma, so we take an individualized approach to treatment—combining traditional talk therapy with proven techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic approaches and minfulness-based practices. This multi-faceted form of care helps individuals better process their experiences in a safe space to begin recovery and healing.

We also understand that trauma isn’t isolated to any particular demographic. Many people—veterans, survivors of sexual assault, victims of terrorism or natural disasters—are vulnerable to its effects. No matter what type or severity of trauma you may have experienced, we are here to listen without judgment and provide you with the support you need to move forward with your life.

“Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside of you as a result of what happened to you.”

— Gabor Maté

The Authentic Life is a psychotherapy clinic specializing in individual, family and relationship (e.g, couple, marriage) therapy. We also offer supervision and consultation services to mental health professionals.

We welcome all people into our practice. We are 2SLGBTQI+ allied and support all relationship configurations.

We have locations in Ottawa and Orleans. Our Ottawa clinic is located in the Nepean Medical Centre, at 1 Centrepointe Drive with easy access from Highway 417. Paid parking is available in a secure, on-site lot. Fees are $8.25 per day. On-street parking at city meters is available on Gemini Way. Free on-street parking is available on side streets off of Centrepointe Drive.

Our Orleans Clinic is located in the Centrum Plaza at 210 Centrum Boulevard. The plaza is situated directly across from Place D’Orleans, just off Highway 174. Centrum Plaza offers free parking.

Contact us to learn more!

Hours of Operation
Monday–Friday
9 am–8 pm

Saturday
9 am - noon