Sexual Abuse & Childhood Trauma
Healing starts with being seen and heard.
Experiences of sexual abuse or childhood trauma can shape how you see yourself, your relationships, and the world. You may carry shame, fear, guilt, or numbness—sometimes all at once. You might feel like the past is always just beneath the surface, affecting decisions, emotions, and your sense of safety.
At Serene Woods Psychotherapy, we understand that trauma isn’t just an event—it’s the ongoing impact it has on your life. We create a safe, compassionate space for you to explore, process, and heal at your own pace.
Our Approach
We are experts in trauma therapy and know every person’s journey is unique. Our approach is:
Trauma-informed – safety, trust, and respect are central
Collaborative – you guide the pace and focus of therapy
Practical and reflective – tools for day-to-day coping paired with deeper understanding
Strength-based – recognizing resilience alongside challenges
Therapy isn’t about reliving the past—it’s about reclaiming your life and learning to move forward with awareness, boundaries, and self-compassion.
What We Support
We work with individuals navigating:
Sexual abuse and assault, past or recent
Childhood trauma and adverse experiences
PTSD / C-PTSD, anxiety, depression, dissociation, and more
Difficulty trusting self and others
Shame, guilt, or low self-esteem
Relationship challenges or intimacy struggles
Navigating triggers, flashbacks, or intrusive memories
Life transitions complicated by past trauma
and more…
What If…
What if the trauma didn’t define who you are?
What if you could move through the fear, shame, or anger with guidance and support?
What if you could start trusting yourself again—your instincts, your feelings, your choices?
What if the past could stop controlling your present, and you could create space for connection, joy, and safety?
Even small steps toward understanding, self-compassion, and emotional safety can ripple outward into every part of your life—relationships, work, and your sense of purpose.
Imagine a life where you feel grounded, understood, and able to show up fully as yourself. That’s what healing can look like—and it starts with one brave choice: reaching out.
Ontario-Wide Virtual
Ottawa and the surrounding areas can receive in-person sessions at any of our locations.
Experts in trauma therapy - No matter where you are in Ontario, you can access secure, confidential virtual therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home.
Flexible scheduling to fit your life
Safe, private online platform for therapy
Access to our specialized trauma team without geographical limits
Consistent support for long-term healing, even if you live outside major urban centers
Whether you live in Toronto, Barrie, Timmins, Kitchener, Oshawa, Sudbury, Hamilton, London or a smaller community in any direction, you can receive the same high-quality, trauma-informed care that has made Serene Woods Psychotherapy a trusted name in trauma therapy.
Getting Started
Taking the first step toward healing can feel daunting, and that’s completely normal. You may be wondering: “Do I have to share everything right away?” or “What if I’m not ready?” The truth is, you don’t have to have all the answers—or even the words. Therapy is about meeting you where you are, at your pace.
Here’s what you can expect when you reach out:
Safe, Confidential Contact
You can reach out online, by phone, or via email. All communication is private and handled with care. Simply starting a conversation is a step toward empowerment.Initial Consultation
In your first session, we focus on understanding your needs and what feels most important to you. There’s no pressure to recount everything—you set the boundaries.Tailored Therapy Plan
Together, we develop an approach that respects your experiences, goals, and pace. This may include trauma-informed techniques, coping strategies, or tools to navigate emotions safely.Ongoing Support
Healing isn’t linear, and we honor that. Sessions provide a consistent, supportive space to explore, process, and develop practical skills for daily life.Empowerment & Choice
You are in control of your healing journey. You choose what to share, when, and how. Our role is to provide guidance, support, and strategies to help you feel stronger and more grounded.
You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step. Reaching out is an act of courage and self-compassion. Every session is a step toward reclaiming safety, trust, and your sense of self.
