Trauma Therapy Ajax Pickering
Our Ajax EMDR Therapists can help you heal from traumatic events, PTSD, CPTSD, and anxiety.
Supporting clients from Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville, and across the Durham Region
In Person Therapy in Ajax & Oshawa
Virtual Therapy Across Ontario
Get Matched With a Therapist Within 24 Hours
Trauma Therapy in Ajax & Durham Region
Do Past Experiences Still Control Your Present?
Do you find yourself reacting intensely to situations that others seem to handle easily?
Are intrusive thoughts or memories disrupting your daily life?
Do you feel constantly on edge, like you're waiting for something bad to happen?
Is it hard to trust people or let them get close, even when you want to?
Have you been avoiding places, people, or situations because they remind you of what happened?
Trauma doesn't just affect your memories—it changes how your nervous system responds to the world. You might feel like you're stuck in survival mode, unable to relax or feel safe even when there's no real danger. The hypervigilance, the racing thoughts, the emotional overwhelm—these aren't character flaws. They're your brain and body trying to protect you from threats that have already passed.
If past experiences continue to affect how you feel about yourself, how you relate to others, or your ability to feel safe in the world, you're not alone. At The Relationship Agency in Ajax, our trauma therapist Dee Martin specializes in EMDR therapy—a proven approach that can help you heal from PTSD, complex trauma, and childhood wounds.
You're Not Broken—You're Experiencing the Lasting Effects of Trauma
Trauma therapy can help you reclaim your sense of safety, quiet the racing thoughts, and rebuild your capacity for connection and trust.
Most People Don't Realize How Common Trauma Really Is
Trauma isn't rare—and it doesn't always look the way you might expect. Research shows that approximately 70% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, and many people carry the effects of trauma without recognizing what's happening.
What Counts as Trauma?
Trauma can result from:
Single incidents like car accidents, assault, medical emergencies, or sudden loss
Prolonged experiences like childhood neglect, emotional unavailability from caregivers, or ongoing abuse
Witnessing violence or repeatedly being exposed to traumatic situations (common for first responders)
Growing up in an unstable, unpredictable, or unsafe environment
You don't need to have survived a single dramatic event to benefit from trauma therapy. Many of our Ajax clients have spent years believing they "should just get over it" or that their experiences weren't "bad enough" to warrant help.
The Impact Shows Up in Your Nervous System
When you experience trauma, your brain and nervous system adapt to keep you safe. But sometimes these protective responses don't turn off—even when the danger has passed. That's why you might:
Feel constantly vigilant or easily startled
Have trouble sleeping or experience nightmares
Struggle with relationships because trust feels impossible
React with anger or shut down emotionally without knowing why
Avoid reminders of what happened, even when it limits your life
You're Not Alone in This
Many of our Durham Region clients come from cultural backgrounds that value resilience and self-reliance—where seeking help can feel like admitting weakness. We also work with first responders from Ajax and throughout Durham who carry the weight of traumatic calls and critical incidents, often in silence because of the "tough it out" culture in their professions.
If you've been carrying this alone, we see you. And we want you to know: seeking help isn't weakness. It's wisdom.
The good news is that with specialized trauma therapy like EMDR, your nervous system can learn to recognize that the threat has passed—and you can finally experience the peace and safety you deserve.
Results Our Ajax Trauma Therapy Clients Experience
Success looks different for everyone, but common changes include:
In Your Mind: A calm mind without constant racing thoughts. Memories that no longer intrude on your present. The ability to think clearly during stress.
In Your Body: Reduced physical anxiety (tight chest, racing heart, stomach knots). Better sleep. Feeling relaxed instead of constantly braced for threat.
In Your Relationships: Fewer emotional blow-ups. The ability to stay present during conflict. Deeper trust and connection. Feeling safe being vulnerable.
In Your Life: Socializing feels manageable. Enjoying activities you used to avoid. Making decisions without constant second-guessing. Feeling like yourself again.
EMDR Therapy in Ajax Can Help You Heal
At The Relationship Agency in Ajax, our trauma therapist Dee Martin uses EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)—one of the most effective, research-backed treatments for trauma available today. EMDR is recommended by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for treating PTSD and trauma.
How EMDR Works
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to describe your trauma in detail. Instead, it works directly with how your brain has stored traumatic memories.
When you experience trauma, your brain can struggle to properly process the memory. Instead of being filed away as "something that happened in the past," the memory remains emotionally charged and vivid—which is why you might feel like you're reliving it through flashbacks, nightmares, or intense reactions.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—guided eye movements, tapping, or audio tones—while you briefly focus on the traumatic memory. This activates your brain's natural healing mechanisms, similar to what happens during REM sleep. Over time, the memory loses its emotional intensity. It doesn't disappear, but it no longer hijacks your present.
What Makes EMDR Different
Here's what often surprises our Ajax clients: relief can come faster than you expect. While trauma therapy is a commitment that happens over time, many people notice meaningful shifts early in the process—feeling calmer, sleeping better, reacting less intensely to triggers.
EMDR is particularly helpful if you:
Find it difficult or overwhelming to talk about your trauma
Feel like traditional talk therapy isn't creating lasting change
Experience strong physical reactions (panic, tension, stomach issues) to reminders
Want a structured, evidence-based approach with a clear process
Who Benefits from EMDR in Ajax
Dee Martin works with Ajax and Durham Region clients, and virtual clients across Ontario experiencing:
PTSD from single traumatic incidents (accidents, assault, medical emergencies, loss)
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) from childhood trauma, ongoing abuse, or repeated exposure
First responder trauma - police, fire, paramedics carrying the weight of critical incidents
Childhood trauma and attachment wounds from abuse, neglect, or emotionally unavailable caregivers
Survivors of violence including domestic violence, assault, or community violence
Anxiety rooted in past trauma that keeps you feeling unsafe in the world
Relationship difficulties stemming from trauma or attachment wounds
Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) with EMDR
Dee doesn't believe in one-size-fits-all trauma treatment. She integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS)—a therapeutic approach that helps you understand the different "parts" of yourself that developed in response to trauma.
This integration is especially powerful for complex trauma because it helps you:
Understand why you might feel conflicted or stuck
Work with the protective parts of yourself that developed to keep you safe
Access your core Self—the calm, compassionate center beneath the trauma
EMDR Intensives for Focused Healing
For clients ready to make concentrated progress, we offer EMDR Therapy Intensives: sessions that can range from 3 hours to two full days of trauma therapy in a condensed format. This immersive approach allows you to dive deep into healing work and leave having made significant progress—without the stop-and-start rhythm of weekly sessions.
We're Part of Your Community
Our therapists don't just work in Durham Region—we live here. In Pickering, Ajax, and Oshawa. We understand the communities we serve, and we're committed to making trauma therapy accessible to our neighbors who've been carrying these burdens alone.
What Makes Our Approach Different
Meet Your Trauma Therapist: Deidre (Dee) Martin, RSW, MSW
Deidre (Dee) Martin is a Registered Social Worker with specialized training in trauma therapy. She brings both clinical expertise and genuine compassion to her work with Ajax and Durham Region clients healing from trauma.
Dee's Trauma-Specific Training:
EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training (S.A.F.E Approach)
EMDR Training
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Traumatic Incident Reduction and Life Stress Reduction
Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Dee participates in ongoing consultation and learning about trauma therapy—because the field is constantly evolving, and she's committed to bringing the latest understanding of the brain, nervous system, and memory reconsolidation to her work.
What Dee loves most: "I get to build long-term therapeutic relationships where I witness genuine transformation. I'm fascinated by human resilience—the remarkable ways our brains and nervous systems adapt to protect us, and how, with the right support, they can heal."
Dee practices from our Ajax location at 62 Harwood Ave South, with free on-site parking and a comfortable, private space designed for healing.
Our Trauma Therapy Process: What to Expect
Step 1: Free 20-Minute EMDR Consultation
Your healing journey starts with a no-pressure conversation. Fill out our Get Started form or call us, and we'll match you with Dee for a free 20-minute consultation.
In this consultation, you'll:
Meet Dee and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable with her
Learn about the EMDR therapy process
Ask any questions you have about trauma therapy
Discuss whether EMDR is the right fit for your needs
There's no obligation—just honest information to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Step 2: Intake & Safety Building
Your first full session is about getting to know you, understanding your history, and collaboratively creating your treatment plan. Before any memory reprocessing, we spend time building your emotional resources and coping skills. You'll learn techniques to calm your nervous system and manage difficult emotions.
This preparation phase is critical. We never rush it. Some clients need weeks; others are ready sooner. We move at your pace.
Step 3: EMDR Processing
Once you're ready, we begin the EMDR work. You'll briefly focus on targeted memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. What surprises many clients: how much can shift without having to describe every painful detail.pace.
Step 4: Integration & Healing
As traumatic memories lose their emotional charge, we strengthen positive beliefs and integrate your new perspective into daily life. This is where you notice real changes:
Racing thoughts quiet down
Physical anxiety symptoms ease
You can be in public or social situations more comfortably
Conflicts with loved ones decrease
You feel more present and less guarded
Sessions vary in length (50-75 minutes) based on what you need that day.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
You Don't Have to Carry This Alone Anymore
You've already taken the hardest step—recognizing that something needs to change and that you deserve support.
At The Relationship Agency in Ajax, we believe healing from trauma is truly possible. Not just managing symptoms, but genuinely living with more peace, freedom, and connection than you ever thought possible.
Here's what we wish more people knew: You really can significantly reduce the impact trauma symptoms have on your life. The racing thoughts can quiet. The hypervigilance can ease. The relationships that feel so hard can become sources of comfort and joy.
Book Your Free Consultation with Dee Martin
Ready to take the next step? Fill out the form below to book your free 20-minute EMDR therapy consultation. You'll get to ask questions, meet Dee, and see if trauma therapy at The Relationship Agency is right for you.
Or call us at 289-271-1909 to speak with our team.
We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Trauma Therapy at Our Ajax Location
The Relationship Agency - Ajax Office
62 Harwood Ave South, Unit 4
Ajax, ON
Conveniently located:
Just south of the 401
Free on-site parking
Easy access from Ajax, Pickering, and eastern Durham Region
Next door to Coyote Jacks (great for grabbing breakfast after your morning session)
We serve clients from: Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, and throughout Durham Region. Virtual therapy is also available across Ontario.
Scheduling: Day, evening, and weekend appointments available. Sessions are 50-75 minutes. We currently have availability for new trauma therapy clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR & Trauma Therapy
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Yes! While EMDR is best known for trauma treatment, it's also effective for anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, and other issues—especially when those issues are rooted in negative beliefs or past experiences. Your therapist will help determine if EMDR is the right approach for your specific concerns.
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No. One of the benefits of EMDR is that you don't need to share every detail of what happened. You'll identify the memory or issue to work on, but you won't need to narrate the entire experience aloud. This makes EMDR particularly helpful for people who find it difficult or re-traumatizing to talk about their experiences.
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Yes. EMDR is extensively researched and considered safe when practiced by a trained therapist. You remain in control throughout the process, and your therapist will teach you coping skills to manage any distress that arises. We go at your pace and ensure you feel grounded and safe.
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The length of EMDR therapy varies depending on your specific history and goals. Some people experience significant relief in 6-12 sessions for a single traumatic event, while complex trauma may require longer-term treatment. Your therapist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and regularly assess your progress.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event—such as a serious accident, assault, natural disaster, combat, or sudden loss of a loved one. While it's normal to feel upset after trauma, PTSD occurs when symptoms persist long after the event and significantly interfere with your daily life.
PTSD Symptoms Include:
Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories that make you feel like the trauma is happening again
Avoidance: Going out of your way to avoid people, places, activities, or conversations that remind you of the trauma
Hyperarousal: Feeling constantly on edge, having difficulty sleeping, being easily startled, or experiencing irritability and angry outbursts
Negative changes in thoughts and mood: Persistent negative beliefs about yourself or the world, feeling detached from others, loss of interest in activities, difficulty experiencing positive emotions
PTSD keeps your nervous system stuck in "survival mode," as if danger is still present even when you're safe. EMDR therapy helps your brain recognize that the threat has passed, allowing you to finally feel at peace.
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What is Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) develops from prolonged, repeated trauma—especially trauma that occurred over time and in situations where escape wasn't possible. This often includes:
Childhood abuse, neglect, or growing up in an unpredictable environment
Domestic violence or ongoing relationship abuse
Long-term captivity or exploitation
Ongoing community violence or war
Chronic medical trauma
CPTSD affects not just how you remember specific events, but your core sense of self and your ability to feel safe in relationships. The good news? EMDR therapy, combined with other trauma-focused approaches, can help you rebuild your sense of safety, self-worth, and connection.
CPTSD includes PTSD symptoms plus:
Emotion regulation difficulties: Intense emotions that feel uncontrollable, frequent emotional overwhelm, or feeling emotionally numb
Negative self-concept: Deep-seated beliefs that you're worthless, broken, damaged, or fundamentally unlovable
Relationship difficulties: Trouble trusting others, fear of abandonment, difficulty maintaining healthy boundaries, or patterns of unhealthy relationships
Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from yourself, your body, or reality; losing time or feeling like you're watching yourself from outside your body
