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.

Our Commitment To Survivors

100%
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

RESTART, A Trauma-
Informed Pathway to Healing from Gender-Based Violence

  • RESTART (Reformed Engagement for Safety, Trauma Awareness, and Resilience Together) is a signature trauma-informed program offered by Inner Wellness Psychotherapy (IWP). Designed to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), RESTART provides accessible, culturally responsive, and evidence-based mental health care. Our program is available in-person in Mississauga and Brampton and virtually across Ontario.

  • What is RESTART?

    RESTART serves as a clinical framework that guides the care we offer survivors of abuse, domestic violence, and complex trauma. The program integrates early intervention, safety planning, trauma-informed practices, and culturally sensitive approaches. With this foundation, RESTART addresses both the visible and invisible wounds of trauma, empowering clients with tools for emotional healing, resilience, and long-term well-being.

RESTART is rooted in three interconnected pillars:

. Trauma-Informed Services
. Healing Stories Program
. Modeling Empowerment

These pillars ensure that every therapeutic experience at IWP prioritizes:

Safety:
. Creating secure spaces for healing Therapy
Awareness:
. Identifying trauma responses with care and curiosity.
Empowerment:
. Restoring voice, self-worth, and agency.
Healing:
. Rebuilding connection to self, others, and community.

Trauma-Informed Services

Our trauma-informed services address the mental, emotional, and physiological effects of trauma with a focus on dignity, compassion, and empowerment. Whether you are seeking domestic violence counselling in Mississauga or trauma therapy in Ontario, RESTART offers individualized and community-based support.

Services Include:

  • Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions for survivors of GBV, using approaches such as CBT, IFS, DBT, ACT, and somatic therapy.
  • Group Therapy & Peer Support: Safe spaces for shared healing and community connection.
  • Psychoeducation: Information sessions that help survivors understand how trauma impacts the mind and body.
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy: Supporting diverse communities, including BIPOC, immigrants, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

In-person support in Mississauga & Brampton. Virtual therapy is also available across Ontario

Healing Stories Program

The Healing Stories Program integrates narrative therapy and expressive arts to help survivors process trauma and reclaim their voices. By creating and sharing personal stories, individuals can cultivate resilience and draw strength from their lived experiences.

Program activities include:

  • Storytelling Circles: Guided sessions that foster connection, reflection, and meaning-making.
  • Writing For Healing: Journaling exercises and expressive writing that support identity restoration.
  • Art Therapy: Using creative expression to externalize feelings and experiences.
  • Group Sharing: Opportunities to connect with others through shared narratives and collective resilience.

Ideal for clients seeking trauma therapy with creative, holistic healing methods.

Modeling Empowerment

Empowerment is embedded in how we engage, support, and collaborate with clients. Through therapeutic modeling, mentorship, and leadership development, survivors are encouraged to become active participants in their healing journey.

Key components include:

  • Therapist Modeling: Practitioners demonstrate emotional regulation, assertive communication, and boundary-setting.
  • Mentorship Program: Peer support and lived experience-based guidance.
  • Community Engagement: Participation in advocacy, education, or leadership-building initiatives.

These activities foster emotional strength, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Why RESTART Matters

Survivors of gender-based violence often face layers of trauma, stigma, and systemic barriers. RESTART bridges these gaps by offering trauma therapy in Ontario that is affordable, inclusive, and rooted in cultural humility. Our therapists understand that healing looks different for everyone, and our flexible approach ensures that every client is met where they are.

We recognize the unique needs of survivors from BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, and 2SLGBTQIA+ backgrounds. RESTART is designed with intersectionality in mind, providing affirming care that honors cultural identity, generational trauma, and lived experience.

 

A Path Forward with RESTART

Healing is not linear—it’s a process of preparation, acknowledgment, reclamation, and overcoming. RESTART is more than a therapy program—it’s a trauma-informed lens that guides how we care, connect, and empower.

Whether you’re looking for individual therapy for abuse recovery, peer support groups, or creative healing programs in Ontario, RESTART is here to support your journey.

 

Explore RESTART today and begin your path to Healing, Growth, and Balance.