Trauma and PTSD therapy in North York and online

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain reprocess memories that still feel distressing. You briefly hold a memory in mind while following gentle bilateral stimulation, such as guided side-to-side eye movements. The aim is that the memory stays, but the distress around it softens. It is widely recognized as a treatment for PTSD. At our practice, EMDR is offered by Melissa Huang.

"Big-T" trauma refers to major events like an accident, assault, or sudden loss. "Small-t" trauma refers to the quieter, accumulated experiences, times we felt unsafe, unseen, criticized, or not enough. Both can leave a real imprint on the nervous system, and both are valid reasons to seek support. You do not have to decide whether your experience "counts."

Yes. We support people after a single event such as a car accident or assault, and people carrying long-standing, childhood or complex trauma that has built up over years. The pace and the plan are shaped around which kind of trauma you are holding.

EMDR is gentle and paced, and we never rush it. We spend significant time building safety and grounding skills before any reprocessing begins, and you stay in control throughout. You do not have to describe every detail of what happened or "relive" it. EMDR works with the memory without requiring you to narrate every part, and you never have to say more than feels safe.

Yes. You can have trauma therapy and EMDR both in person at our North York office, near Leslie and Sheppard, and online by secure video across Ontario. EMDR adapts well to online delivery, and many clients appreciate doing this work from a space where they already feel safe. Office details and directions are on our page about therapy in North York.

It varies with the type of trauma and your history. Single-incident trauma can sometimes resolve relatively quickly, while complex or developmental trauma is a longer, gentler process. We move at the pace your nervous system can trust, and we check in often on how it is going.

It may be. After a car accident, the practice is licensed by FSRA and enrolled with HCAI, so with an open accident benefits claim it can bill your auto insurer directly. Insurer approval is never guaranteed. Many extended health plans also include psychotherapy. See our car accident page for how to start, and bring your questions to the free call so we can work out what applies to you.

Sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist may be covered under extended health plans that include psychotherapy. All our therapists direct bill Sun Life and Green Shield Canada, and our Registered Psychotherapists also direct bill many other insurers, including Manulife, Canada Life and Desjardins. Which insurers depends on your therapist, so ask at your consultation. For any plan we cannot bill directly, you receive a detailed receipt to submit for reimbursement. Coverage varies, so confirm with your provider, and ask us if you are unsure.