NARM Therapy in Ontario
Virtual across Ontario, in person in London
NARM stands for the NeuroAffective Relational Model, an approach often used with complex and developmental trauma and the survival patterns that can show up in adult life.
Some struggles are not just symptoms. They are patterns of protection that formed in relationships and kept going long after the original context changed. NARM therapy focuses on what happens in the present, how your nervous system organizes around connection and safety, and how certain survival strategies may shape identity, emotion, and relationships.
This work is paced and collaborative. We pay attention to what helps you stay connected to yourself while we explore what tends to pull you into shutdown, urgency, pleasing, or self-criticism.
When NARM may be a fit
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you understand the logic of your patterns, but your body does not cooperate
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you feel stuck between over-functioning and collapsing
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you can look fine on the outside, but feel disconnected, numb, or tense inside
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relationships bring up shutdown, conflict, caretaking, or a fear of needing anything
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you have a history of attachment stress, chronic misattunement, or developmental trauma
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you are tired of retelling the story and want to work with what happens in the room, in real time
NARM tends to focus less on digging for memories and more on understanding the survival style that still runs in the background.
Orient to the present
We slow things down and notice what is happening right now, in your body, thoughts, and relational stance, without forcing anything.
Name the survival strategy
We identify the adaptations that helped you cope, including how they shape boundaries, agency, and self-worth in daily life.
Build capacity and choice
Over time, we work toward more flexibility, more honest contact, and more choice in how you respond when old patterns get activated.
Virtual across Ontario, in person in London
Sessions are available virtually across Ontario and in person in London, Ontario. If you are unsure which is best, we can talk it through on the intro call.
Book a free intro call
Steve Sunseth
MSW, RSW, NARM Therapist, EMDR Practitioner
I am a registered social worker and psychotherapist (MSW, RSW) and the founder of Anxiety and Trauma Clinic of Ontario. My approach is trauma informed, structured, and paced. I work with people who are living with anxiety, the impacts of adverse childhood experiences, and the kind of relational stress that can shape identity, self-trust, and connection.
In sessions, you can expect collaboration, clear next steps, and steady attention to what is happening in the present. With NARM-informed work, we often focus on patterns that show up in real time, the places you lose agency, the places you go away from yourself, and the protective strategies that once helped. We stay respectful of your pace and your consent throughout.
What does NARM stand for?
NARM stands for the NeuroAffective Relational Model. It is an approach often used for complex and developmental trauma and the relational patterns that can continue into adulthood.
Do I need to talk in detail about my past?
Not necessarily. We may reference history when it helps, but the work often focuses on what happens in the present, including patterns of disconnection and protection.
Is this a body based approach?
It can include body awareness, because your nervous system and your relational patterns are connected. We use this gently, without pushing you to feel more than you can hold.
How is NARM different from other trauma therapies?
Many trauma approaches focus on processing events. NARM often focuses on the survival strategies that formed around attachment and developmental stress and how those strategies show up now in identity, relationships, and agency.
How long does it take?
It varies. We can start with a clear first phase, usually focused on stabilizing patterns that are disrupting day to day life, then review as we go.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a free intro call to ask questions and see if the fit feels right. If we decide to work together, you will leave the call with clear next steps.