In‑Person in St. Catharines | Virtual Therapy Across Ontario
From the outside, it may look like you’re managing just fine.
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Your friends, family and coworkers might see you as “okay,” capable, or holding it together.
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But inside, the experience can feel very different.
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You may feel sad, numb, hopeless, angry, guilty, or overwhelmed.
You might notice that you’ve lost interest in things you once enjoyed, feel anxious or on edge much of the time, struggle with sleep, or find yourself repeating patterns you know aren’t in your best interest—especially in relationships.
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You may want to talk about what’s really going on, but worry that others won’t understand, will try to fix it, or tell you to “just get over it.”
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All you want is to feel better.
To wake up with more energy.
To feel motivated, present, and content.
To stop carrying the weight of your past—your childhood, painful experiences, or mistakes—and finally feel at ease in your life.
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You don’t have to do this alone.
We can help you get there.
We can help you get there.
You don’t have to do this alone.
A Safe Space to Be Real
At Peaceful Minds Psychotherapy, we offer a supportive, confidential space where you can explore what has been weighing on you—without judgment, pressure, or expectations to have it all figured out.
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Many people begin therapy feeling unsure where to start, but knowing that something needs to change. Therapy doesn’t require you to relive or explain everything all at once.
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We move at your pace, guided by what feels safe and meaningful for you.
Trauma Therapy for Adults & Teens
We work with adults and teens who are experiencing challenges such as:
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Anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and feeling constantly “on edge”
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Low mood, numbness, or loss of motivation
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Trauma, abuse, neglect, and adverse life experiences
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Grief and loss
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Relationship and attachment challenges
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People‑pleasing, perfectionism, and low self‑esteem
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Disordered eating patterns
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Emotional regulation difficulties
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Developmental and relational trauma
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Neurodivergence
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Life transitions such as breakups, divorce, job changes, or loss
Many clients come to us feeling disconnected from themselves, stuck in familiar patterns, or unsure why life feels harder than it should.
Together, we work toward greater clarity, stability, and self‑trust.
​​We offer both in person and virtual sessions for your convenience. We are available virtually throughout all of Ontario and our office for in person sessions is located in Niagara.
Our Approach to Psychotherapy
At Peaceful Minds Psychotherapy, we offer trauma therapy that is thoughtful, process-oriented, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
We believe:
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Healing looks different for every person
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Change is always possible with the right support
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Therapy should feel safe, respectful, and collaborative
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We do not use a standardized or time‑limited therapy model. Instead, treatment is shaped around your unique history, goals, and nervous system needs.
Our therapists focus on helping you:
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Understand how past experiences impact present‑day challenges
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Address root causes rather than symptoms alone
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Develop emotional regulation and resilience
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Build insight, self‑compassion, and inner resources
When appropriate and with informed consent, we offer evidence‑informed trauma therapies, including EMDR and other body‑based approaches.
In‑Person & Virtual Therapy Options
We offer:
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In‑person psychotherapy at our office in St. Catharines, Niagara
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Secure virtual therapy for clients across Ontario
Virtual therapy provides flexibility and accessibility while maintaining the same standards of care, privacy, and professionalism.
About Peaceful Minds Psychotherapy
-Established in 2018
Peaceful Minds Psychotherapy is led by Vanessa Nixon, Registered Psychotherapist (RP), who has been supporting individuals across Niagara and Ontario since 2000. She has been in private practice for 18 years and founded Peaceful Minds Psychotherapy as a group practice in 2018.
Our team includes experienced Registered Psychotherapists who are committed to ethical trauma practice, ongoing professional development, and supportive care. Particular consideration was put into creating a team that is warm, intuitive and empathic while also being professional and knowledgeable.
We support women and men from their teens through middle age who are ready to make meaningful changes and move toward a more content, fulfilling life.
"My associates are all wonderful psychotherapists with varying years of experience in counselling and social services, including graduate interns who offer low-fee services. We're looking forward to helping you on your journey to healing and self-discovery."
- Vanessa Nixon
Taking the First Step
Starting therapy can feel like a big decision—especially if you’ve been carrying things on your own for a long time.
If this sounds like what you’ve been searching for, we invite you to reach out. We’re here to answer your questions, talk about next steps, and help you decide whether therapy with us feels like the right fit.
Contact us to learn more or book an appointment.
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