FIRST STEP MEN'S THERAPY

Trauma & PTSD Therapy for Men in Toronto, Ottawa and Virtually Across Canada

Supporting men and their partners

Services Available across Canada

Online & In-Person Sessions, Guaranteed No Waitlist

Accepted by most major insurance providers

Suivis/services thérapeutiques offerts en français

Does this sound like you?

✓ Have you experienced a traumatic event in your life?
✓ Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, or physical symptoms as a result of trauma?
✓ Are you hesitant to seek help for trauma due to stigma or fear?
✓ Do you ask yourself if healing from trauma possible?

You are not alone. Around 60% of Canadian men have reported experiencing at least one traumatic event in their life, while 8% of all Canadians would meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

trauma and ptsd therapy for men in toronto

Are You Struggling to Heal from Trauma?

Many Canadians go undiagnosed or untreated, which can lead to many mental health and physical challenges. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, and you don’t know how to move forward. It’s possible that you’ve tried to cope with these feelings on your own, but nothing seems to work. If this sounds like you, trauma therapy may be the solution you need. For many, trauma is often misunderstood and often is recognized more in the body than the mind as the individual tries to suppress or forget the painful memories of their trauma.

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Are Men Affected Differently by Trauma Than Women?

In general, men are more likely to experience traumatic events related to accidents, combat, and physical violence, while women are more likely to experience trauma related to sexual violence, domestic violence, and childhood abuse. Men may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or aggressive behavior, as a way to cope with trauma.

Additionally, societal expectations and gender norms may impact how men perceive and respond to trauma. Men are often socialized to be stoic and not show emotions, which can make it difficult for them to seek help for trauma-related issues. There may also be stigma around seeking mental health treatment, which can make it harder for men to access the support they need.

Overall, while trauma can affect men differently, it's important to recognize that every person's experience of trauma is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to trauma therapy. It's essential to work with a therapist who is trained in trauma treatment and can provide individualized support to help each person heal and recover.

Trauma Can Take Many Forms, and It’s Not Always Easy to Recognize

Trauma can be acute, chronic, or complex. Some common types of trauma include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, natural disasters, war, sexual or physical assault, accidents, abuse, infidelity, divorce, and medical procedures. Trauma can also result from chronic stress or living in an unsafe environment. Regardless of the cause of one's trauma, it can have a lasting impact on your mental and physical health.

The Symptoms of Trauma in Men Often Lead to Many Physical and Mental Health Challenges.

first step mens therapy - trauma and ptsd therapy for men

Symptoms of Trauma

If you’ve experienced trauma, you may be dealing with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance. You may feel like you’re on edge all the time, and it’s hard to relax. You may have trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating. You may feel disconnected from others and have difficulty forming or maintaining relationships.

Many men struggling with trauma often report feeling numb, detached, and unable to experience positive emotions or enjoy activities they used to enjoy. Lastly, you may be using substances and processes more to self-soothe and notice increased alcohol, drug, porn, or food consumption. These symptoms can be overwhelming and interfere with your ability to live your life.

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Can trauma therapy help me?

Trauma therapy can help you address the root causes of your symptoms and develop coping strategies to manage them. Working with a trained trauma therapist can provide you with a safe, supportive space to process your experiences and emotions. It is important to recognize that processing and recovering from trauma takes patience, time, and safety. Over time, you can learn to reframe, understand, and heal from trauma, both mentally and physically.

Different Types of Trauma Therapy

There are many different types of trauma therapy, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best approach for your individual needs. Some common types of trauma therapy include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By recognizing and challenging negative beliefs, you can learn to cope with your symptoms in a healthier way.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing:

EMDR is a type of therapy that uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help process traumatic memories. EMDR can help reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and associated symptoms.

Somatic Experiencing:

Somatic experiencing focuses on the physical sensations associated with trauma. By helping you become more aware of bodily sensations, your therapist can guide you in releasing pent-up tension and emotions.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy:

Mindfulness-based therapy can help you develop a greater awareness of your thoughts and emotions. By learning to be present in the moment, you can reduce the intensity of your symptoms and develop greater resilience.

Find your Trauma Therapist in Ontario Today

Ontario-based therapists experienced in PTSD therapy.

Comfort, safety, and knowledge is key in finding a trauma therapist!

When choosing a trauma therapist, it’s important to find someone who is trained and experienced in working with trauma. Look for a therapist who has specialized training in trauma therapy and who is familiar with evidence-based treatments for trauma. It’s also important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust. You may want to schedule an initial consultation with a potential therapist to get a sense of their approach and see if it feels like a good fit.

"Won't talking about my trauma make it worse? I am worried I will struggle more by talking about it."

Safety and pacing is key to trauma therapy. The therapists at First Step Men's Therapy recognize that safety, rapport-building, and comfort are important parts of the process when working with trauma. While processing and talking about the trauma is an important part of the healing process, it is also necessary to ensure that you do not get flooded or overwhelmed during this process, which can lead to more complications and greater distress. We work to build a strong foundation with you before moving to trauma processing and work.

"How do I get started in getting help for my trauma?"

If you're in Ontario and looking for trauma therapy, taking the first step can be daunting but it's crucial for your healing journey. Seeking help from a trained trauma therapist can help you regain control of your life and overcome the effects of trauma. First Step Men's Therapy offers free 20-minute consultations to those in Ontario to help determine if a therapist is a good fit and answer any questions you may have before starting.

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Still Have Questions About Trauma & PTSD Therapy?

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to help improve and maintain one's mental health and face challenges both in the present and going forward.
Is a therapist covered by OHIP? How about my company's health insurance plan?

Unfortunately, OHIP does not currently cover the cost of psychotherapy services. Some insurance providers may cover the cost, however, you will have to check whether your insurance provider covers the designation (i.e. Registered Psychotherapist or Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist/Registered Social Worker) prior to starting therapy to ensure coverage.
How long does each session last?

Each individual session lasts 50 minutes. We use the final 10 minutes to finish up our documentation such as case notes that are required by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and when developing a tailored treatment plan to help guide us in our work.
I have insurance. Can you direct bill to my provider?

To keep things simple, we ask that you pay for our services first, then submit any claims directly to your own insurance provider. Check with your insurance providers to learn more about whether you are covered for services offered by your individual therapist's designation (i.e. Social Worker, Registered Psychotherapist, & Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist).
Do you have a physical location?

Yes, we have an office in Ottawa, Ontario located at Bank & Cooper in the heart of Centretown. Don't live in Ottawa? We offer online therapy options for individuals residing across Ontario. We have clients in Windsor, Kingston, Toronto, London, Hamilton, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Niagara Falls - and everywhere in between!
I have never done therapy online. Is is safe? What can I expect?

Working with a therapist requires an environment that is safe, private, and secure. We use a telehealth platform that enables us to work together in such an environment. There is also an added layer of comfort for many clients, as you can meet us in the safety and privacy of your own space. We ask that you minimize any distractions prior to our session, such as silencing all cell phones and ensuring you have water or a pen/paper prior to joining the session.
Do you provide receipts?

Yes, we provide you with a .pdf receipt after each session to allow you to keep for your own records and, if needed, submit it for your insurance coverage or tax records (if applicable).
My partner isn't convinced he needs therapy. Can I book an appointment for him?

While understandable, we ask that the individual who requires our services make the first step and reach out to us directly. We are unable to book appointments from partners, friends, or family.
How many sessions will it take to feel better?

The answer depends on many factors/variables. Some individuals start to feel better quickly as a result of simply talking open and honestly about their concerns for the first time. However, deeper level change does take time. The longer you have been struggling with your concern the more therapy sessions you will most likely need. On average many clients do notice some progress within the first 2-3 months of therapy.
Is therapy confidential?

Your privacy and confidentiality are crucial. The information that you share will not be disclosed without your consent. There are some exceptions to this (required by Ontario law): You disclose information that indicates you or someone else is in imminent danger You disclose information about abuse or neglect of a child under the age of 16 You disclose information about abuse by a health care professional You disclose information about the abuse or neglect of a senior The court subpoenas your records The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario requests your records as part of an audit Before and throughout therapy, we will discuss these circumstances in detail and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.
How is my personal health information stored?

Your personal health information is stored on a secure and private PIPEDA and PHIPA compliant electronic record management software, Jane Practice. PIPEDA: The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act PHIPA: Personal Health Information Protection Act
I have some things I am not ready to talk about. Will I have to speak about them early on in therapy?

The short answer is no. You will never be forced to discuss something that you don’t feel comfortable disclosing. It can help to think of therapy like driving a car – you’re in the driver’s seat, the therapist is the passenger. A therapist can work with you to determine a better roadmap, but ultimately the decision to turn is yours. You can always discuss the pros and cons of discussing a certain topic with your therapist.
What will a 20-minute consultation help me with?

An important predictor of success in therapy is fit between client and therapist. While it will take you some time to develop trust, after this call you should have an idea of whether this is someone you’d like to work with. We will review basic questions that you have and determine if fees and appointment availability work for you. You do not have to make a decision during this call about proceeding with therapy. You can take your time, think about it, and reach out at a later time to schedule your appointment.
I am ready to get started. What's the process look like?

Once ready to book a first session, we will send you an intake form and informed consent form that outlines all the policies and procedures within the course of your therapeutic relationship (confidentiality, cancellation, fees etc). Once your form has been completed and signed, you will be ready to start your session. ** A valid credit card is required prior to starting your first session and throughout the therapeutic relationship.