Therapy For First Responders and Healthcare Professionals in Burlington and Online

Supporting Those Who Support Others.

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Therapy for First Responders and Healthcare Professional in Burlington and Across Canada

At The Therapeutic Way, Counselling and Psychotherapy Services, we understand the unique mental and emotional toll that comes with being on the frontlines — whether you’re a nurse, paramedic, firefighter, police officer, or healthcare professional. You carry the weight of others’ crises, often without space to process your own. Over time, that weight can turn into burnout, anxiety, compassion fatigue, or emotional numbness.

You’ve trained to save lives, stay calm under pressure, and push through — but healing requires something different. It requires slowing down, feeling safe, and learning to regulate your own nervous system again.

We’re here to help you do exactly that.

Why First Responders and Healthcare Workers Need Specialized Support

First responders and healthcare professionals are exposed to chronic stress and trauma in ways that most people will never experience. You might:

  • Struggle to “turn off” after a shift

  • Feel emotionally detached from loved ones

  • Experience nightmares, flashbacks, or hypervigilance

  • Carry guilt or grief from calls or patient outcomes

  • Feel exhausted but unable to rest

  • Numb out with work, alcohol, or distraction

  • Find it hard to ask for help — or even know where to start

These are not signs of weakness. They are human responses to prolonged exposure to trauma and stress. Therapy can help you process those experiences and reconnect with yourself in a safe, grounded way.

THE THERAPEUTIC WAY

How Our Therapists Can Help

At The Therapeutic Way, our trauma-informed and somatic-based approach focuses on regulating the nervous system and rebuilding resilience from the inside out.

Through therapy, you can:

  • Burnout recovery therapy and moral injury, and learn how to recognize early signs of stress overload

  • Process trauma safely, at your own pace, without re-triggering or judgment

  • Strengthen boundaries between work and personal life

  • Rebuild trust and connection in relationships

  • Reduce anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion

  • Find balance and rediscover meaning in your work and life

  • Improve relationships with loved ones

  • Develop healthier self-beliefs and improve emotional resilience.

  • Feel more grounded and in control of your emotions.

  • Increased feelings of well-being and happiness.

Book a Therapy Consultation Call

Our therapists integrate Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, trauma-informed talk therapy, and attachment-based approaches to help you reconnect with your body, emotions, and inner safety.

We know that talking about what you’ve seen or experienced can be difficult — and sometimes words aren’t enough. That’s why we work gently with both the body and the mind, helping you release stored tension, regulate your nervous system, and restore emotional flexibility.

Whether you’re experiencing burnout, PTSD symptoms, or relationship strain, we meet you where you are and help you find your way back to balance.

Our Approach to Treatment


What to Expect in Your Sessions

General Therapy Roadmap

When it comes to the length and frequency of therapy, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The number of sessions you’ll need depends on your goals, the pace you’re comfortable with, and the depth of the work we’re doing together.

To give you a general idea, when working with trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, we’re not just addressing thoughts and emotions — we’re helping your nervous system learn new ways to respond to stress and safety. That kind of change takes time, consistency, and gentle practice.

Most people benefit from around 15+ sessions (roughly three months of weekly therapy). Many start to notice meaningful shifts after 6–7 sessions, while others may choose to continue longer for deeper or ongoing support.

Between sessions, you’ll receive short exercises to reinforce your progress and support lasting change


  • Sessions 1–2: History taking, understanding your background, identifying patterns, and setting therapy goals.

  • Sessions 3–4: Building resources, coping tools, and internal strengths to help you feel grounded and safe.

  • Sessions 5 and beyond: Ongoing therapeutic work tailored to your goals — exploring deeper themes, supporting nervous system regulation, and integrating change into your daily life

Therapists specializing in First Responders Counselling at The Therapeutic Way

Vidhi Joshi, EMDR therapist.

Book with Vidhi

Lilian Shonhiwa, EMDR therapist.

Book with Lilian

Syeda Zaidi

Book with Syeda

Samantha Burns

Book with Samantha

Why Choose The Therapeutic Way

  • Experienced therapists specializing in trauma, stress, and nervous system regulation

  • Confidential, judgment-free space — online or in-person in Burlington, Ontario

  • Flexible scheduling to fit the demands of shift work

  • Approaches rooted in compassion, evidence, and lived understanding

  • Tailored support for first responders, nurses, and healthcare professionals

In addition to offering therapy for first responders in Ontario, our clinic also provides therapy for healthcare professionals, trauma therapy in Burlington, PTSD support for first responders, and counselling for nurses and paramedics focused on stress management, recovery, and resilience.

THE THERAPEUTIC WAY

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We support stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, PTSD, emotional reactivity, relationship strain, and the impact of repeated exposure to trauma.

    We also offer couples counselling and family counselling.

  • Yes, with some exceptions required by law- which includes harm to self or others and child abuse. Our therapists are trained to assess for these and knows when to take necessary action (not every disclosure requires breaking confidentiality).

    Everything discussed in sessions is private and separate from your workplace or evaluations.

  • Yes, we offer both in-person and secure online and phone sessions to accommodate shift work and variable schedules.

    We ask for 24 hrs notice if there needs to be a reschedule.

    We encourage you to talk to your therapist directly regarding your schedule so they are aware as well.

  • Our trauma-informed approach prioritizes safety. Sessions focus on regulation, coping, and processing at a pace that feels safe.

    You will not have to open up, until you are ready.

  • Yes. Therapy is flexible — you don’t need to be “ready” to talk about everything. We start where you are and build trust and tools gradually.

You Deserve Support, Too

We offer a 20 mins free consultation so we can discuss how therapy can help you. 

Book A Consult Today

FAQs

Please reach us at info@thetherapeuticway.ca if you cannot find an answer to your question.

  • Fees

    Individual therapy: 50 mins, 75 mins, 90 mins: $150- $180 +HST

    Couples therapy: 50 mins, 75 mins, 90 mins: $170- $210 +HST

    Family therapy: 50 mins, 75 mins, 90 mins: $170- $210 +HST

    Cancellation fee is charged as follows:

    Less than 24 hours before the appointment: 100% of session rate

    No-show appointment: 100% of session rate

    In case of illness or emergency, one time exemption and thereafter we require 24 hours notice

  • Yes, we do.

    It is recommended that you reach out to your insurance provider before our session to confirm whether your services are covered by a registered psychotherapist and eligible for reimbursement.

    After our session, you will be provided with a receipt that includes all the information required to submit to your insurer for reimbursement. If you have not been reimbursed, remember to keep your receipts to claim for tax deductions as medical expenses on your personal income tax filing.

  • The type of therapy that is best for you, depends on you as a person and the reason you are seeking therapy. There are different types of therapy, such as somatic-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, trauma-informed therapies, holistic therapy, existential therapy, and more. The type of therapy that is right for you will depend what you are looking for. While you may have an input in this, majority of the time the therapist will know what is best suited for you and will let you know.

    At The Therapeutic Way, we work with clients using an integrative approach to therapy, meaning using different modalities to suit your needs. We use a trauma-informed, holistic, and relational approach to working with you. Click here to learn more.

  • The difference between psychotherapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist, depends on education and scope of practice.

    Psychotherapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist can provide therapy called talk therapy.

    A psychotherapist can provide therapy under the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario, a psychologist can provide therapy under the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and a psychiatrist can provide therapy under College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

    Difference:

    Psychotherapist Education: Master’s Degree or higher

    Psychologist Education: PhD or PsyD.

    Psychiatrist: MD

    ————

    Psychotherapist: Can’t diagnose

    Psychologist: Can do assessment and diagnose

    Psychiatrist: Can do assessment, diagnose, and prescribe medication

    ————

    Psychotherapist Training: Counselling and focus on therapy techniques

    Psychologist: Focus on clinical research and assessment

    Psychiatrist: Use medical treatment such as prescribing medications for mental health conditions

    Before seeking help, it’s important to know what you need and are seeking. A consultation call can help you decide.

    At The Therapeutic Way, we are registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario.

  • The term psychotherapy and counselling are often used interchangeably with some slight differences. Psychotherapy refers to the treatment based for psychological disorders and mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ect. Counselling refers to wellness support and providing insights and clarity which leads to growth or personal betterment.

    At The Therapeutic Way, we provide both psychotherapy and counselling.

  • Online therapy is as effective as in person therapy. What is most important with any format of therapy is the strong therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist. Online therapy is a good option when coming in-person is not feasible, when you have dependents at home, and it is also more convenient.

    At The Therapeutic Way, we offer online therapy and therapy by phone from the convenience of your home. Click here to learn more about our online therapy.