Inner Wellness Psychotherapy

Partnering with Survivors
to
Prepare, Acknowledge, Reclaim and Overcome (P.A.R.O)

At Inner Wellness Psychotherapy (IWP), we honor your readiness to heal. Inspired by the Latin word PARO, meaning “I Am Ready,” we are committed to providing trauma-informed services, and our approach supports survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) through compassionate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based care.

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Embark on a journey with us

PHILOSOPHY OF PRACTICE

P.A.R.O: A Belief in Readiness, Resilience & Renewal

At Inner Wellness Psychotherapy, we are grounded in a trauma-informed, empowerment-based approach that honours the strength, dignity, and complexity of trauma survivors. Our clinical philosophy is shaped by current research, neurobiological insights, and the lived experiences of individuals impacted by Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and interpersonal trauma.

The P.A.R.O practice was developed in response to the layered and often non-linear healing journeys we witness in our clinical work. It reflects a practice-based framework designed to support clients in restoring safety, identity, and self-agency at a pace that honours their readiness and capacity.

The name PARO comes from Latin, meaning ready — a reflection of both the therapeutic process and the inner readiness each client brings to healing.

While not a manualized or evidence-based treatment, P.A.R.O serves as a clinical lens that guides how we relate to and support each person in therapy. It is grounded in trauma-informed principles and aligned with recognized best practices in the field.

P.A.R.O stands for:
  • Prepare – for safety (physical, emotional, relational)
  • Acknowledge – the trauma and lived experience
  • Reclaim – identity, trust, and personal agency
  • Overcome – with resilience, renewal, and a sense of direction

The P.A.R.O practice informs our therapeutic stance: one that centres on readiness, collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and client-led care. It also supports the integration of evidence-informed modalities, including: TF-CBT, CBT, IFS, narrative, polyvagal theory, and somatic experiencing therapy.

 

Each session is guided by the belief that healing begins with readiness — and that every client deserves to be met with trauma-informed care, empathy, and respect.

Your Partner in Healing, Grow and Balance

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Our Approach to

Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Our approach is built on core trauma-informed principles—Safety, Choice, Collaboration, Trustworthiness, and Empowerment. These principles guide every phase of the program, creating a compassionate, effective pathway from trauma to thriving.

Out of the Cycle of Violence

Recognizing the overt and covert impact of trauma while breaking patterns of harm

Into Healing

Processing trauma and reclaiming identity through therapeutic interventions

Into Growth

Rediscovering strengths, building resilience, and setting purposeful goals.

Into Safety

Establishing a foundation of physical and emotional safety to enable healing.

Into Trust

Rebuilding trust in oneself, others, and the therapeutic process.

Into Balance

Achieving long-term well-being by integrating healing into daily life.

IWP’s RESTART Initiative for GBV

A Holistic, Trauma-
Informed Program

  • Our new initiative, RESTART (Reformed Engagement for Safety, Trauma Awareness, and Resilience Together), aligns with the Ontario Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This program focuses on Priority Area #2: Early Intervention & Prevention, aiming to prevent future violence and promote safety. By raising awareness, offering specialized support, and providing trauma-sensitive care, we support survivors and their families in reclaiming their lives.

  • The RESTART program integrates trauma-informed services, culturally sensitive interventions, and specialized therapeutic support to help survivors heal. We provide a safe space for individuals to understand the overt and covert wounds caused by sexual violence, supporting them every step of the way.

Recognize Patterns Phase

Core Activity:
- Psychoeducation & Healing Stories
"We Listen, We Don’t Judge" Integration:
- We listen attentively to clients’ experiences, offering space for self-reflection without judgment.

Establish Safety Phase

Core Activity:
- One-on-One Therapy, Group Therapy
"We Listen, We Don’t Judge" Integration:
- Clients’ safety is our priority. We foster an environment where they feel understood, respected, and supported.

Strengthen Awareness Phase

Core Activity:
- Trauma Education, Self-Reflection
"We Listen, We Don’t Judge" Integration:
- We ensure that clients can explore and understand their trauma in a safe, non-judgmental space.

Transform Pain Phase

Core Activity:
- Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, Writing Exercises and Compassion-focused therapy 
"We Listen, We Don’t Judge" Integration:
- Through guided therapeutic support, exercises, we encourage creative self-expression, providing clients with a safe space to reclaim their voice without fear of being misunderstood.

Activate Resilience Phase

Core Activity:
- Resilience Training, Peer Modeling 
"We Listen, We Don’t Judge" Integration:
- We provide tools and guidance to help clients build resilience, actively listening to their needs without imposing expectations.

Restore Balance Phase

Core Activity:
- Mindfulness, Self-Care Workshops
"We Listen, We Don’t Judge" Integration:
- We offer wellness practices while maintaining a non-judgmental attitude toward each client’s healing journey.

Thrive Together Phase

Core Activity:
- Community Engagement, Leadership Mentoring
"We Listen, We Don’t Judge" Integration:
- Clients are encouraged to engage in leadership and advocacy, with our active listening supporting their empowerment.

The RESTART Approach

How RESTART Integrates with IWP’s Services. The RESTART initiative seamlessly integrates with IWP’s core trauma-informed approach, ensuring that all clients have access to the support and resources needed to heal. By focusing on early intervention and prevention, we are creating a pathway from trauma to thriving.

Activities under Trauma-Informed Services

  • Individual Therapy: One-on-one therapy sessions that address the specific needs of survivors.
  • Group Therapy/Support: Peer support sessions for those ready to engage in community healing.
  • Psychoeducation: Knowledge-sharing on trauma and its psychological and physical effects.
  • Culturally Sensitive Approaches: Respecting diverse backgrounds through culturally competent care.
  • Healing Stories Program: Uses narrative therapy to help survivors process their trauma. Personal storytelling and creative expression are powerful tools for healing.

Activities under Healing Stories Program

  • Storytelling Circles: Clients share and reflect on their healing journeys.
  • Writing Exercises: Guided writing that helps reclaim one’s voice.
  • Art Therapy: Visual expressions of healing through drawing and journaling.
  • Group Storytelling: Encouraging shared healing through the exchange of experiences.
  • Modeling Empowerment: Modeling Empowerment involves demonstrating self-advocacy, emotional resilience, and personal growth. IWP supports clients in becoming leaders of their own healing journeys.

Activities under Modeling Empowerment

  • Therapist Modeling: Therapists demonstrate healthy emotional expression and boundary-setting.
  • Mentoring Program: Pairing clients with mentors for peer support and leadership training.
  • Community Engagement: Encouraging clients to take active roles in advocacy and leadership, further empowering them in their recovery.

At IWP, we are committed to supporting survivors of GBV on their healing journey. Our programs are designed to help individuals reclaim their strength and live empowered, balanced lives. Together, we can create a safer, more supportive community for everyone.