Emotion Regulation
and Trauma Therapy

Providing virtual therapy on a secure online platform,
based in Toronto and offered Ontario-wide

When we’re feeling unhappy, stuck, or disconnected and want to make a change…

It can be hard to know what to do next - or even to imagine how life could be different if these problems have been present for so long.

I’m here to offer understanding, encouragement, and specific interventions to help.

Through years of experience working with trauma and serious mental health concerns, I am confident that change is possible and that even the most turbulent storms in life can be weathered.

I’m Jessica Sawatzky, MSW, RSW

I have over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health through community health centers, outpatient hospital treatment, and private practice. I’m honored to work with and for people on their healing journey.

The therapy I practice focuses on learning and practicing new evidence-based skills to navigate painful emotions and life experiences- to help you feel more empowered, capable, and reconnected with the best version of yourself.

Some concerns that can lead to emotions that feel dysregulated (very strong/out of balance) can include:

  • Complex Trauma/C-PTSD (an ongoing traumatic situation, such as childhood abuse or domestic violence)

  • Trauma/PTSD (a one-time event)

  • Impulsive or reckless behaviors

  • Suicidal/self harm urges

  • Mood disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder)

  • Borderline personality disorder

  • Disordered eating (eg. restricting, binging, purging/compensatory behaviors, excessive food rules)

  • Addictive Behaviors (eg. substances both legal and illegal, gambling, shopping, internet)

  • Interpersonal/relationship difficulties

  • Life transitions

  • Grief and loss

Trauma is emphasized in the name of my practice as it can be at the root of these other concerns - our brain doing its best to protect us but causing additional problems as a result.

How I can Help

  • Internal Family Systems

    Internal Family Systems builds compassion for the different (and sometimes challenging) ways we respond to stressful experiences.

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

    One of the most effective treatments for difficulties managing intense emotions and behavioral urges is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT. DBT balances acceptance of painful experiences and events with developing change strategies to manage them as best we can, and is ultimately about finding a more balanced approach to living.

  • Somatic Psychology

    Somatic Psychology brings more awareness to how emotions and the body are connected.

For more information on each of these modalities, as well as what to expect from our time together, please check out my Services