Tara Syed
MSW, RSW | Clinical Director | Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
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Trauma, PTSD & EMDR Therapy in Scarborough
Trauma can affect your sense of safety, relationships, and everyday life long after an experience has passed. Optima offers trauma and PTSD therapy in Scarborough for clients in Toronto, with EMDR, IFS Therapy, Somatic Therapy and other approaches considered at a careful, collaborative pace.
Who this is for
Support for what you are carrying
Painful memories, flashbacks, or nightmaresPTSD or complex trauma symptomsEmotional numbness, shame, or hypervigilanceAnxiety, grief, attachment wounds, or relationship patterns linked to past experiences
How therapy can help
A steadier way forward
Build safety and stabilization before deeper work
Process painful memories without being pushed too quickly
Understand trauma responses with compassion
Reconnect with your body, boundaries, and sense of choice
PTSD therapy and support after difficult experiences
You may be looking for help with painful memories, nightmares, feeling constantly on guard, or avoiding reminders of what happened. Others seek support because past experiences are affecting trust, self-worth, or relationships. These concerns can be discussed without assuming a diagnosis.
The service described here is trauma-informed counselling and psychotherapy. You do not need to explain every detail in an initial consultation. Your therapist can help you explore your goals and whether their experience and approach fit your needs.
Trauma therapy is not only EMDR
EMDR is one of the approaches available at Optima, not the only way to work with trauma. Depending on therapist fit and your needs, sessions may draw on trauma-focused CBT, grounding skills, Sensorimotor psychotherapy, or IFS-informed work.
The early focus can be understanding what helps you feel safer and more supported. Deeper memory work is considered collaboratively rather than rushed. Ask your therapist about their training and whether EMDR is suitable for your circumstances.
Our approach
Evidence-based care, gently applied
EMDR
Trauma-focused CBT
Sensorimotor psychotherapy
IFS-informed work
Mindfulness and grounding skills
What to expect in your first session
The first session focuses on safety, history, goals, and fit. EMDR and other trauma informed therapies are not rushed. Your therapist will help you understand the process and decide together whether it is appropriate.
Insurance & payment
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. Direct billing is available for many insurance providers, and receipts can be provided for reimbursement when needed.
Therapist fit
Meet therapists who can support this work
Therapist fit matters. Approaches vary by clinician, and not every therapist provides EMDR. Explore the profiles or ask about training and fit during a consultation.
Mansureh Khatam
MSW, RSW | Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
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Nabila Al-Dobaye
MSW, RSW | Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
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Anju Nair
MSW, RSW | Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
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Learn moreLocal care
In-person therapy in Scarborough, virtual therapy across Ontario
Looking for trauma therapy in Toronto? Our office is in Scarborough at 4544 Sheppard Ave East, Suite 230, with in-person sessions by appointment. Clients across Toronto and the east GTA can explore local care, and virtual trauma therapy may be available across Ontario when clinically appropriate.
Related services
Explore connected supports
FAQ
Common questions about trauma & EMDR therapy in Scarborough
Can I seek PTSD therapy if I live elsewhere in Toronto?
Yes. Our in-person office is in Scarborough, within Toronto. Virtual therapy may also be available across Ontario when it is clinically appropriate. A consultation can help you discuss location, therapist fit, and the type of support you need.
Do I need a PTSD diagnosis before contacting you?
You can contact us to discuss trauma-related concerns without arriving with a diagnosis. This page describes therapy support, not a promise of diagnostic assessment. Your therapist can clarify suitability and next steps during a consultation.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they feel less intense and disruptive.
Do I have to talk about every detail of my trauma?
No. Trauma therapy can be paced carefully, and EMDR and other trauma-informed therapies do not require you to describe every detail out loud.
Do you offer trauma & EMDR therapy in person in Scarborough?
Yes. Optima offers in-person therapy at 4544 Sheppard Ave East in Scarborough by appointment only.
Is virtual trauma & EMDR therapy available across Ontario?
Yes. We offer secure virtual therapy for clients across Ontario when it is clinically appropriate and a good fit for your needs.
Can I use insurance or direct billing?
Many extended health plans cover psychotherapy or social work services. Direct billing is available for many insurance providers, and receipts can be provided when needed.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can contact us directly to request a free 15-minute consultation.
Start with a free consultation.
If trauma & EMDR therapy in Scarborough feels like the right next step, we can help you find a therapist fit and answer questions about in-person, virtual, and insurance options.
Book your free consultation