Private Matters Psychotherapy

Private Matters Psychotherapy Therapy that gets it. Trauma-informed support for helpers, healers & humans in Ontario.

EMDR | CBT | ACT | Somatic focused
Personalized therapy in Burlington, Halton & across Ontario.
📞 Free 20-minute consultation → 905.681.7359 | info@pmptherapy.com At Private Matters Psychotherapy, we support teens, adults, families, first responders, and front-line professionals facing trauma, burnout, anxiety, grief, and overwhelm. We specialize in therapy for youth & adults struggling with:
✔ A

nxiety & stress – Tame the overthinking spiral and regain peace of mind.
✔ Trauma & PTSD – Heal past wounds with evidence-based therapy.
✔ ADHD & executive functioning challenges – Build strategies for focus, motivation & organization.
✔ Codependency & people-pleasing – Set boundaries without guilt.
✔ Relationship & couples counseling – Navigate conflict, strengthen connection, and improve communication.
✔ Burnout & emotional exhaustion – Learn how to care for yourself without feeling selfish.

🧠 EMDR • CBT • ACT • Mindfulness-based & Somatic-based approaches
💻 Virtual therapy across Ontario | 📍In-person in Burlington
💬 Free 20-minute consultations | info@pmptherapy.com | 905.681.7359

You don’t have to do it alone. Follow us for grounded support, mental health education, and reminders that healing is possible, even if you're still carrying the weight.

08/03/2025

Burnout doesn’t always look like falling apart.
Sometimes it looks like holding it together… but feeling nothing at all.

We support the people who show up when it matters most.At Private Matters Psychotherapy, we specialize in trauma-informe...
07/28/2025

We support the people who show up when it matters most.

At Private Matters Psychotherapy, we specialize in trauma-informed therapy for first responders, front-line workers, and emergency personnel across Ontario.

From complex PTSD and moral injury to invisible burnout and nervous system overwhelm - we get it.

Our team offers evidence-based support with deep respect for the realities of this work. We know how hard it is to ask for help. And we're here when you're ready.

We offer:
• EMDR therapy (including intensives)
• Structured support programs (like Help for the Helpers)
• First responder-informed clinicians who understand trauma in the body

📍 Serving Ontario virtually + in-person in Burlington
💬 DM 🧠 or book a free 20-minute consult to get started

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Trusted by first responders since 2013.

That's the thing about being a helper, a responder, a protector, people see your calm.They see the steady hands, the col...
07/28/2025

That's the thing about being a helper, a responder, a protector, people see your calm.
They see the steady hands, the collected voice, the competence.

What they don't see is the jaw you keep clenching. The tension in your shoulders that never really lets go. The way you zone out after a shift because stillness feels dangerous.

You might not cry. You might not lose it. But inside, you feel... off.
Flat. Numb. Wired.

This is nervous system burnout.
And for a lot of first responders, it doesn't show up like it does for everyone else.

It sneaks in through emotional distance. It shows up in the little things:
* Losing your patience at home
* Needing noise or distraction just to fall asleep
* Feeling like you've become a different version of yourself

If this feels familiar, you're not imagining it.nAnd it doesn't mean you're weak.
Your body has been working overtime to keep you functional... but it's not the same as being okay.

🧠 DM this emoji if any of this resonates. We're building something for people like you , who carry a lot, but rarely ask for support.
You deserve more than just making it through.
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This post is for education only and not a substitute for therapy.

Not everything that hurts is a red flag Some pain is a red flag.But not all pain means stop.If you’ve been unlearning ol...
07/23/2025

Not everything that hurts is a red flag

Some pain is a red flag.
But not all pain means stop.

If you’ve been unlearning old patterns, setting boundaries, or letting go of identities that once kept you safe, of course it feels hard.

That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
It means you’re healing in real-time.

Here are 5 growing pains that might feel uncomfortable… but are actually signs of forward movement.

✨ Save this for the moments your nervous system gets loud.
💬 Which one hit home for you?

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not therapy.





04/30/2025

Clinical supervision isn’t just about checking boxes or clinical outcomes.

It’s a space to reflect, get curious, and think through the work—especially the parts that feel unclear, overwhelming, or complex.

The goal isn’t perfection.
It’s support.
It’s perspective.
It’s room to grow without having to prove anything.

I offer collaborative supervision and EMDR consultation groups for therapists at all stages.

Ever said “yes” to something when you really wanted to say “no”?➡️ Helping a friend when your own plate was already over...
04/02/2025

Ever said “yes” to something when you really wanted to say “no”?

➡️ Helping a friend when your own plate was already overflowing.
➡️ Taking on extra work because you didn’t want to seem difficult.
➡️ Agreeing to plans just to avoid upsetting someone.

It might feel easier in the moment, but the cost of always saying yes is high.

😞 You feel drained because your own needs never come first.
😞 You feel anxious because you’re always overthinking what others think of you.
😞 You feel frustrated because deep down, you know you deserve better.

Here’s the truth: Saying “no” isn’t selfish—it’s survival.

Therapy can help you:
✔ Set boundaries without the guilt.
✔ Break free from the need to please everyone.
✔ Learn that your voice matters too.

Drop a 🤓 if you relate!
Don't forget to share with those who could use this reminder.

Therapists, let’s be honest—we all have that one phrase we say in every session.Maybe it’s:💬 “Let’s unpack that.” (Class...
03/29/2025

Therapists, let’s be honest—we all have that one phrase we say in every session.

Maybe it’s:
💬 “Let’s unpack that.” (Classic.)
💬 “Where do you feel that in your body?” (Said at least twice per session.)
💬 “That sounds really hard—how are you holding all of that?” (Therapist translation: “Wow, that’s a lot.”)
💬 “I wonder what would happen if you gave yourself permission to rest.” (You already know the answer.)

We don’t even realize how often we say it… until we hear ourselves on repeat.

What’s your go-to therapy phrase? Drop it in the comments using GIFs or emojis only! ⬇️

🚀New here? We talk about mental health, therapy, and real-life healing—minus the fluff. Follow us for more!

What clients don’t see behind the scenes of therapy:Writing notes after session – Translating an entire deep conversatio...
03/26/2025

What clients don’t see behind the scenes of therapy:

Writing notes after session – Translating an entire deep conversation into a few bullet points (harder than it looks).

Reheating our coffee for the third time – Because session times and hot drinks don’t mix.

Mentally tracking progress – “Okay, this ties back to what they said in week three… let’s connect the dots.”

Brainstorming between sessions – Yes, we actually think about you outside of session! Planning how to best support you takes work.

The serious therapist face vs. the inner reaction – "Did they just casually drop a life-changing realization?!"

Therapy is so much more than what happens in the session—it’s a process, and we’re here for every step of it.

What’s one thing you didn’t expect about therapy? Let’s talk in the comments!

Therapists, which one is the most relatable? Drop an emoji below! ⬇️

We all have that one phrase we say at least 5 times a day. Maybe it’s:“Let’s unpack that.” (Therapists, we know you’re g...
03/24/2025

We all have that one phrase we say at least 5 times a day. Maybe it’s:

“Let’s unpack that.” (Therapists, we know you’re guilty of this one!)
“It is what it is.” (The unofficial mantra of adulthood.)
“I need coffee first.” (Priorities. ☕)
“No thoughts, just vibes.” (For those days when functioning isn’t an option.)

Now it’s your turn! Drop your go-to phrase in the comments ⬇️
Bonus points if you catch yourself saying it at least once before lunch!

New here? We talk all things mental health, therapy, and real-life healing. Follow us for more!

A lot of people think therapy is just for:❌ Major breakdowns❌ Trauma survivors❌ “Serious” mental health issuesBut therap...
03/22/2025

A lot of people think therapy is just for:
❌ Major breakdowns
❌ Trauma survivors
❌ “Serious” mental health issues

But therapy is also for:
✔ Feeling stuck and not knowing why
✔ Struggling with anxiety, stress, or self-doubt
✔ Wanting to break old habits & grow

You don’t need a crisis to get support. If you’ve been wondering if therapy is right for you, let’s chat. I offer free consultation calls—no pressure, just a conversation.

📞 Book yours today: https://privatematterspsychotherapy.janeapp.com/ #/new-clients-free-initial-phone-chat

🥴 Burnout Mode🥰 Feeling Good🤯 Overwhelmed😴 Running on Caffeine💪 ThrivingI’ll go first: 🤓 Feeling nerdy because I have be...
03/21/2025

🥴 Burnout Mode
🥰 Feeling Good
🤯 Overwhelmed
😴 Running on Caffeine
💪 Thriving

I’ll go first: 🤓 Feeling nerdy because I have been doing a lot of reading. The book I'm reading now: The Lost Bookshop By Evie Woods

Drop yours below! ⬇️ (I’ll reply to everyone! )

Marleen specializes in trauma therapy and EMDR, helping clients process PTSD, complex trauma, and dissociation so they c...
03/20/2025

Marleen specializes in trauma therapy and EMDR, helping clients process PTSD, complex trauma, and dissociation so they can finally move forward without feeling stuck. With 17 years of experience, she’s worked with first responders, survivors of trauma, and individuals struggling with anxiety, burnout, and people-pleasing.

Her Therapy Style:
✔ Practical – You’ll leave sessions with tools you can actually use.
✔ Insightful – She helps clients uncover the patterns that hold them back.
✔ Compassionate – No judgment, just real, meaningful conversations.

Fun Facts About Marleen:
✔ If therapy had a mascot, she says it would be a Rottweiler—loyal, protective, and full of heart.
✔ She started her career as a trauma counselor in Haiti working for the UN.
✔ When she’s not in session, you’ll find her walking her dog, enjoying outdoorsy things, or trying to get through her never-ending reading list.

Her Favorite Part of Being a Therapist?
That moment when a client realizes they don’t have to carry their past alone anymore—when the weight lifts, and they start seeing a future that actually feels possible.

Ready to start therapy? Marleen offers a free 20-minute phone consultation to help you take the first step.

DM Marleen to book your free consultation today!

(Drop a 💙 in the comments if you relate to her therapy approach!)

Address

440 Elizabeth Street #302
Burlington, ON
L7R2M1

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm

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A little about PMPTherapy and me.

I work with teens, tweens, and adults, who experience painful emotions and have lingering negative thoughts and images due to anxiety, a traumatic experience, relationship issues, low self-esteem, stress, procrastination, grief, anger, depression, and peer relationships.

My areas of specialization are


  • Emergency Responders (i.e. Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Paramedics, and ER personnel)