PTSD Therapy in Ottawa: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Updated: April 30, 2025If you're dealing with trauma or PTSD, therapy can be a crucial step in your healing journey. Finding a trauma therapist in Ottawa who understands your unique needs is essential. Here's what you need to know to prepare for your sessions and find the right therapist.
Understand the different types of PTSD therapy.
When you look for PTSD therapy in Ottawa, try to find a therapist who understands trauma and uses proven treatments. Different types of therapy help with PTSD, so it’s important to find someone who uses the right approach for your needs.
Here are some therapies that work well for PTSD:
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). This helps you recognize how the trauma changed the way you think about yourself and the world. You learn how to challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more balanced ones.
Prolonged Exposure (PE). In PE, you slowly face the memories, places, or situations you’ve been avoiding. Over time, this helps reduce fear and anxiety. Learn about CPT vs PE for PTSD.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR uses eye movements or tapping while you think about the trauma. This helps your brain process the memory so it feels less upsetting. Find out more about EMDR Therapy in Ottawa. Discover 5 Benefits of EMDR.
Written Exposure Therapy (WET). In WET, you write about your trauma during short sessions. This can help you feel less stuck in the memory and lower your PTSD symptoms.
CBT for Trauma. This version of CBT helps you understand how your thoughts affect your emotions and actions. It teaches tools to manage anxiety, cope with triggers, and feel more in control.
To find the right therapist, ask your doctor, friends, or family for recommendations. You can also search online and check websites like Psychology Today to read about therapists and what they offer.
Hi, I’m Melissa, a registered social worker, RSW, outside of Ottawa. I am one of the Clinical Directors of Virtual CBT Psychotherapy and I am one of the therapists who you could meet with for your free consultation.
Book a free call with us and we will match you with a trauma therapist. We are here to help!
Learn more about our team from Ottawa and our trauma therapists in Ontario.
Prepare for your first treatment session.
Before your first session, it's important to prepare yourself mentally. Set aside some time to reflect on why you're starting therapy. It can be helpful to write down goals that you might have and make a list of your symptoms.
It can also be helpful to write down any questions or concerns you have for your therapist. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and your therapist will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.
Finally, arrive on time with an open mind, ready to start your journey toward healing and recovery.
Be open and honest with your trauma therapist.
One of the most important things you can do during your trauma therapy sessions is to be open and honest with your therapist. This means sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, even if they are difficult or painful to talk about. Your therapist is there to support you and help you work through your trauma, and they can only do this effectively if they have a clear understanding of your situation.
Remember that therapy is a safe and confidential space, and your therapist will not judge you or share your information with anyone else without your permission. By being open and honest, you can build a strong therapeutic relationship with your therapist and make progress towards your goals.
Practice self-care outside of therapy sessions.
While PTSD therapy can be helpful, it's important to remember that healing is a process that takes time and effort. One way to support your healing journey is to practice self-care outside of therapy sessions.
This can include things like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. It's also important to set boundaries and prioritize your own needs, even if it means saying no to certain obligations or relationships. By taking care of yourself in these ways, you can support your mental and emotional well-being and make the most of your trauma therapy sessions.
Blog Posts on PTSD
Trauma Informed Care vs Trauma Treatment
Overcome Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
We also outline 3 types of therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are all well-supportive by research. Read about complex trauma.
Connect with a Therapist who Can Help
At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we specialize in providing high-quality PTSD treatment that works. You can start to feel better in as little as 6-8 sessions. We offer two therapies that are effective and highly recommended by the American Psychological Association (APA), including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) and EMDR. Meet our trauma therapists in Ottawa. We have over 20 therapists to choose from who live across Ontario, including Barrie, Midland, Kenata, Mississauga, Ottawa, and Toronto (and more).
Book a free consultation by clicking the tab below to get started with a trauma and PTSD specialist.
