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 more than an outcome—it’s a process embedded in how we engage with clients. Through role-modeling, mentorship, and community involvement, survivors build leadership, boundary-setting skills, and confidence in their ability to heal.

Activities include:

  • Therapist Modeling: Practitioners demonstrate skills like emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and communication.
  • Mentorship: Peer support opportunities that foster leadership and lived experience guidance.
  • Community Engagement: Clients may choose to participate in local advocacy, peer-led initiatives, or healing justice projects to further their growth.

These activities foster not only emotional resilience but also a sense of purpose and belonging.

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We're here to support your journey

A PATH FORWARD

Why RESTART Matters

Survivors of GBV often face layers of trauma, stigma, and systemic barriers. RESTART helps reduce these burdens by integrating clinical insight with compassionate community-based support. Whether a client is accessing in-person therapy in Mississauga, seeking virtual sessions across Ontario, or attending a support group, they are met with respect, cultural humility, and tools to rebuild.

RESTART is also responsive to the needs of BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities, recognizing that healing from gender-based violence must account for cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and intersectional lived experiences. Moving Forward with Purpose.

RESTART reflects our belief that healing is not linear—it is a journey of preparation, acknowledgment, reclamation, and overcoming. This clinical lens ensures we remain intentional in offering a safe, accessible, and affirming space for those navigating the impacts of gender-based violence.

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

Our Commitment To Survivors

100%