Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of counselling aimed at helping individuals overcome the psychological and emotional effects of traumatic experiences. Our psychologists in Calgary specialize in providing compassionate and effective trauma therapy to support clients in their journey toward healing and recovery.

Understanding Trauma

Trauma can result from a wide range of experiences, including physical or sexual abuse, accidents, natural disasters, combat, loss of a loved one, or witnessing violence. These experiences can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed, fearful, and unable to cope with the impact of the event. Trauma can manifest in various ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in relationships.

Key Components of Trauma Therapy:

Assessment and Safety Planning: The therapy begins with a thorough assessment of the client's trauma history and current symptoms. Safety planning is prioritized to ensure the client feels secure and supported throughout the therapeutic process.
Psychoeducation: Clients are provided with information about trauma and its effects on the brain and body. Understanding how trauma impacts their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours can help clients regain a sense of control and empowerment.
Emotional Regulation Techniques: We can help clients learn techniques to manage overwhelming emotions and regulate their nervous system. Techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, and mindfulness can help clients feel more grounded and present in the moment.
Cognitive Restructuring: Therapy focuses on challenging and reframing negative beliefs and thought patterns that contribute to feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame. By identifying and challenging these distorted beliefs, clients can develop a more compassionate and realistic view of themselves and their experiences.
Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy involves gradually and safely confronting traumatic memories or situations in order to reduce fear and avoidance. This can help clients process and integrate their traumatic experiences in a controlled and supportive environment.
EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized approach to trauma treatment that has been shown to be highly effective. It involves using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to help clients process traumatic memories and reprocess negative beliefs associated with the trauma.

Benefits of Trauma Therapy:

Symptom Reduction: Trauma therapy can help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance, allowing clients to experience greater peace and stability in their lives.
Improved Coping Skills: Clients learn effective coping strategies to manage triggers, regulate emotions, and navigate through difficult situations. By developing healthy coping mechanisms, clients can build resilience and enhance their ability to cope with stressors.
Enhanced Self-Esteem: Therapy helps clients rebuild their sense of self-worth and self-esteem that may have been damaged by their traumatic experiences. By challenging negative beliefs and fostering self-compassion, clients can develop a more positive and confident sense of self.
Increased Resilience: Trauma therapy helps clients develop resilience and adaptive coping strategies to navigate through adversity. By processing their trauma and learning new skills, clients can emerge from therapy feeling stronger and more empowered to face life's challenges.

If you've experienced trauma and are struggling to cope with its effects, trauma therapy in Calgary can provide you with the support and guidance you need to heal and reclaim your life. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward healing and recovery.

Trauma Therapy provided in Calgary and online by all of our psychologists

EMDR provided in Calgary and online by Gillian and Scott

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