Survivors of Violence Against Women

You are not alone. Healing is possible.

Experiencing violence—physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial—can leave lasting effects on your sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. Many women carry shame, fear, or guilt long after the events have passed.

At Serene Woods Psychotherapy, we provide a safe, compassionate space for women to explore their experiences, rebuild confidence, and reclaim their lives. Healing is not about forgetting or excusing what happened—it’s about understanding, processing, and taking back your sense of control.

Urgent Appointments Available

(within 72 hours)

You Are Not Alone

Violence can affect many areas of life, including:

  • Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression

  • Difficulty trusting others or forming relationships

  • Physical tension, hypervigilance, or chronic stress

  • Challenges with self-esteem and self-worth

  • Trauma-related flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories

  • Difficulty setting boundaries or asserting needs

What happened to you is not your fault. You deserve safety, support, and a path to healing. Therapy helps you understand your experiences and empowers you to take steps toward recovery.

Ontario-Wide Virtual Sessions

You can access therapy safely from anywhere in Ontario through secure virtual sessions. Flexible scheduling allows you to prioritize healing without disrupting your daily life.

In-person sessions available for Ottawa and the surrounding area.

Woman with short dark hair and light brown top standing near a window with her eyes closed and face uplifted, enjoying the sunlight.

Our Approach

We combine lived experience and professional training to provide trauma-informed care tailored to your needs:

  • Empathetic and non-judgmental – you are seen, heard, and believed

  • Evidence-based therapy – techniques that help you regulate emotions and rebuild safety

  • Personalized support – your healing journey is unique, and therapy is designed for you

  • Practical strategies – tools for coping, grounding, and reclaiming agency

You are in control of the process, moving at your own pace, and supported every step of the way.

What If…

  • What if the fear and shame didn’t define you?

  • What if you could start trusting yourself and others again?

  • What if healing felt possible—and you didn’t have to do it alone?

  • What if you could regain your sense of safety, confidence, and personal power?

  • What if the coping strategies that once helped you survive could be replaced with tools that help you thrive?

  • Even small steps toward self-compassion, understanding, and emotional safety can ripple outward into all parts of your life—relationships, work, and your own sense of self.

Imagine a life where you feel empowered, grounded, and able to reclaim your story. That life is possible, and it begins with one brave step.

A woman sitting on grass near water at sunset, with her back to the camera and hair blowing in the wind.

Getting Started

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

  1. Confidential Contact
    You can reach out online, by phone, or by email. All communication is private and handled with care.

  2. First Consultation
    The first session is about understanding your needs, setting boundaries, and discussing what feels safe to explore. You are in control of the pace.

  3. Tailored Therapy Plan
    Therapy is personalized to your experiences and goals, using trauma-informed techniques and coping strategies.

  4. Ongoing Support
    Healing isn’t linear. Each session provides a safe space to process experiences, develop tools, and build confidence in your recovery.

  5. Empowerment & Choice
    You choose what to share, when, and how. Our role is to provide guidance, support, and practical tools that help you feel stronger and more grounded.

You don’t have to have all the answers to start healing. Reaching out is an act of courage and self-compassion.

  • “Every step toward understanding yourself is a step toward freedom.”

  • “You are not defined by what happened to you—you are defined by your courage to heal.”

  • “Safety, boundaries, and choice are your rights—and your power.”

  • “Healing ripples outward, improving every part of your life.”

Get started today.