Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Counselling
Traumatic events are situations that are shocking, frightening, threatening, and can be sudden or ongoing (such as the case of child abuse). Individuals experiencing trauma feel helpless and do not experience control in the situation they are in. Post-traumatic stress is the non-recovery from the experience of trauma.
“Trauma changes the way we think, what we think about, and our capacity to think”- Bessel Van der Kolk, MD
Our minds and bodies are deeply connected. Sometimes in post-trauma, however, there is a disconnect between the two. In trauma therapy, a mind-body focus can strengthen our ability to recover from the trauma and restore the body’s ability to adapt and heal.
Healing from Trauma: Trauma therapy helps people process traumatic events and the lasting experience of trauma that may follow those events.
Trauma reactions can surface long after the event, prompted by triggers in everyday life. These reactions can sometimes feel overwhelming. Trauma therapy helps us to make sense of what has happened so that we can integrate the experience in a realistic, coherent narrative. It also facilitates restoration of self-control, meaning-making, and evaluates our beliefs of self, others and the world. These are often negatively impacted by past trauma(s).
FAQ
What are symptoms of post-traumatic stress?
Symptoms can consist of flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, a high level of alertness, irritability or anger, little interest or pleasure in doing things, lack of concentration, restlessness, and an avoidance of activities and particular situations that remind the individual of the traumatic incident.
When does a trauma experience(s) become post-traumatic stress disorder?
Not everyone who has experienced trauma has PTSD. When an individual experiences a traumatic event, there is an activation of emotional, physical, and brain-based responses. There is a myriad of biological, genetic, psychological and environmental factors that can contribute to the non-recovery or recovery of trauma.
Do I have to revisit all of the details of my trauma?
No, trauma research has shown us that we do not need to talk about the details of our trauma experience for effective change to happen. We are more interested in hearing about how you presently think about your trauma and other important aspects of your life.
My trauma happened years ago. Why is it still impacting me?
Trauma triggers the brain’s fight-flight-freeze response system. This is when the mind detects the threat and sends an automatic message to the body to move or freeze, which creates a rush of stress hormones that produce physiological changes to fight off the perceived threat to one’s safety. After trauma, the body holds the memories of the traumatic experience, and these can cause a number of physiological, and psychological symptoms well after the traumatic event.
How to become a client
To send a confidential message, please fill out our contact form or email us directly at info@turningpt.ca. Our administrative support team will contact you within one business day. Once we have assessed what your needs are we will connect you with a therapist that, we believe, is aligned with what you are looking for.