Treatment Approach
A layered, evidence-informed, trauma-responsive way of supporting emotional healing
Healing doesn't have to feel overwhelming or confusing
My approach at Pathfinders is steady, integrative, and grounded in both compassion and evidence-informed care. I support your whole self: body, emotions, nervous system, relationships, and identity , at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.
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I work with trauma (acute, chronic, and complex), depression, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, BPD, bipolar-related challenges, and long-standing patterns shaped by difficult early experiences.
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We begin where you are. We move at your pace. We build capacity one layer at a time.
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A Layered Framework for Healing
Healing is not linear.
It unfolds in layers, much like scar tissue softening over time.
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As the nervous system becomes steadier, people naturally gain more capacity for emotional processing. And as deeper layers heal, many experience greater confidence, connection, and meaning in their lives.
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Grounded in trauma theory, attachment science, emotional regulation research, and evidence-informed psychotherapy modalities.
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Layer One: Safety & Stabilization
Goal: Support the nervous system and create steadiness.
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Focus areas:
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grounding and emotional regulation
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DBT-based strategies
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reducing overwhelm
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understanding nervous-system responses
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establishing predictable support
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building therapeutic trust
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This layer creates the foundation for deeper emotional work.
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​Layer Two: Emotional Foundations & Meaning-Making
Goal: Understand emotional patterns shaped by earlier experiences.
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Focus areas:
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trauma-informed DBT
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somatic and body-based awareness
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attachment and relational patterns
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parts-informed exploration
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reducing shame and self-blame
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strengthening boundaries and self-trust
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This is not about reliving trauma, it’s about understanding your story with compassion.
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Layer Three: Integration & Forward Growth
Goal: Reconnect with life as your whole, supported self.
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Focus areas:
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identity and confidence
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healthy relationships and boundaries
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values-based living
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reconnecting with meaning and purpose
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emotional resilience
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sustaining your growth in daily life
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Healing becomes movement, not toward perfection, but toward wholeness.
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Healing work Is Layered, and Always Collaborative
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In therapy, we may ground your body, explore something meaningful, and strengthen forward movement, all in the same session.
You will never be rushed or asked to go deeper than your system can manage.​​​
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My approach is:
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collaborative
paced
trauma-informed
evidence-informed
relational
strengths-based
adaptive to your needs
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We work together to create the conditions for healing to unfold safely and sustainably.
Integrated Modalities For Strengh and Balance
Evidence-informed approaches woven into the layers of healing:
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Trauma-focused psychotherapy
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DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
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Somatic and nervous-system regulation
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Attachment-based and relational therapy
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IFS-informed parts work
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ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
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Solution-Focused Therapy
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Strengths-based, client-centreed approaches
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These modalities are often interwoven, not used in isolation.
We choose what supports you best, in the layer you’re in, at the pace your system can hold.
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Supporting adults seeking trauma therapy, trauma counselling, and complex trauma treatment in Kitchener–Waterloo, Cambridge and area. Our approach includes developmental trauma therapy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) support, and DBT therapy for those looking for a DBT therapist or counsellor in the region for treating borderline personality disorder (BPD).