Melissa Lindstrom, RSW (She/Her)

Melissa Lindstrom, RSW. Trauma Therapist in Ottawa, Ontario.

CBT and Trauma (PTSD) Therapist near Ottawa

Helping you process trauma - so that you don’t have to do it alone. With specialized therapy, you can break free from the aftermath of trauma. We have a variety of trauma therapists to choose from.

Melissa Lindstrom is a social worker specializing in Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT). She is located near Ottawa, Ontario and provides online psychotherapy to Ontario residents.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Social Work with Honours from Laurentian University in 2015 and is currently working on her Master’s of Social Work.

Melissa has over 7 years of experience working in the field which includes providing counselling within the partner violence sector, behavioural interventions with children on the autism spectrum, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in an outpatient setting.

Melissa works full-time for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program providing CBT. She specializes in providing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or trauma. Melissa is a registered CPT Provider. Melissa also specializes in helping people with a variety of anxiety disorders.

Melissa has a very relaxed approach, using structure on an as-needed basis. She uses humour in her sessions to help make light of sometimes difficult topics, while also challenging you on unhelpful cognitions. Ensuring the client feels supported and comfortable in session is her priority.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time travelling, reading, and being outdoors with her partner and 80lb lap dog - Jasper (who has made his debut on the Virtual CBT Instagram page).

Therapy Specialties

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma

  • ADHD

Therapy Modalities

Population Served

  • Adults

  • Teens

  • Ontario residents

Appointment Availability

  • Evenings

Therapy Fees

See our therapy fees

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Meet Our Team

Psychologists

Social Workers

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Book a Free Consultation - We are here to Help!

We have a variety of trauma experts to choose from! Book a free consultation to see how a trauma therapist can help.

Therapist Endorsements:

"I have been working with Melissa since about 2019 in a variety of roles. She has extensive training in psychotherapy and offers exceptional care. She is also compassionate and will teach you useful tools to help you feel better."

"Melissa is a client-centred and compassionate therapist. She is knowledgeable in the work that she does, and cares about helping those she works with, succeed in their mental health goals!"

"Melissa possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise. She approaches every situation with empathy, understanding, and a deep commitment to helping others achieve their goals. I highly recommend her!"

"Melissa is a highly trained, skilled professional with extensive and diverse experience (trauma and PTSD) in supporting clients with various mental health needs. Melissa is an engaging, kind, compassionate therapist who always ensures a client centered approach."

Trauma and Its Effects

Trauma deeply distresses you and overwhelms your ability to cope. A single event like a car accident or natural disaster can cause it, or ongoing experiences such as abuse or neglect. Trauma can affect your mental, emotional, and physical health in many ways, including:

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Flashbacks and nightmares

  • Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems

Understanding the nature of trauma and its effects is an important first step in healing.

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Our Trauma Therapies

  • Icon that says "CPT"

    Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

    CPT is a type of therapy that helps people who have gone through traumatic events. It focuses on changing negative thoughts and beliefs that are causing distress. In CPT, you work with a therapist to understand how the trauma affects your thinking. You and your therapies will work together to develop healthier ways to cope.

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    Prolonged Exposure (PE)

    What should we know about the services you PE is a therapy that helps people face their fears related to trauma. In PE, you gradually and repeatedly talk about the traumatic event in a safe environment. This helps reduce the fear and anxiety associated with those memories over time. The goal is to help you feel less scared and more in control.

  • Iconn that says "EDMR"

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    EMDR is a therapy that helps people process and heal from trauma. During EMDR, you focus on the traumatic memory while following the therapist's hand movements with your eyes. This helps your brain reprocess the memory. EMDR helps to reduce its emotional impact, making it easier to move forward.

  • Icon that says "CBT"

    Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

    Trauma-informed CBT combines the principles of CBT with an understanding of how trauma affects people. It helps you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviours related to trauma. This therapy focuses on providing a safe and supportive environment. CBT helps you build coping skills and regain a sense of control.

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Self-Care and Coping Strategies for Trauma Survivors

Healing from trauma can be a long and challenging journey. But many self-care and coping strategies can help you along the way. Some strategies include:

  • Mindfulness Meditation: Helps you stay grounded in the present moment.

  • Exercise: Reduces stress and improves mood.

  • Journaling: Provides a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings.

  • Spending Time in Nature: Calms your mind and body.

It’s also important to focus on self-care that brings you joy and relaxation. Remember, healing is a process, and it's okay to take things one day at a time. If the aftermath of trauma continues to impact your well-being, it may be time to connect with a trauma specialist.

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Finding the Right Trauma Therapist

Finding the right therapist can make a big difference in your healing journey. Look for someone who:

  • Has experience and training in trauma therapy

  • Makes you feel safe and understood

  • Uses approaches that resonate with you

Reach out to therapists, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to switch if you don’t feel comfortable. Your healing is the priority, and the right therapist will support you through the process.

We have therapists across Ontario including in Ottawa, Kanata, Mississauga, and Toronto. We serve all of Ontario.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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  • Trauma therapy is a type of counselling that helps people who have gone through very scary or painful events. It helps them understand and deal with their feelings so they can start to feel better. There are a variety of trauma therapies available. Learn more about our trauma therapists in Ontario.

  • There are a variety of symptoms that may suggest you need trauma therapy, including:

    Talking to a therapist can help you decide if it's right for you.

  • A trauma therapist listens to your experiences and feelings. They use special techniques to help you process what happened and find ways to cope. They create a safe space for you to talk and heal.

  • If you prefer in-person therapy, you can search online for trauma therapists in Ottawa. You could ask your doctor for recommendations. There are also websites where you can read reviews and find therapists.

  • In your first session, the therapist will ask you about your experiences and what you're struggling with. They might also ask about your goals for therapy. It's a chance for you to get to know each other and see if you feel comfortable.

  • The length of trauma therapy can vary. Some people feel better after 6-8 sessions, while others might 12-16 sessions. It depends on your situation and how much support you need. It also depends on how much you engage in therapy. For example, people who attend sessions every week and do homework tend to respond quicker than those who don't.

  • Yes, trauma therapists keep your information confidential. They won't share what you talk about with anyone else. In rare cases, they have tho share your information if they think someone is in danger.