Counselling for Trauma
Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime, whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, violence, the impacts of colonization, or a natural disaster or ecological crisis.
While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends, others may experience the effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional or physical pain, fear, confusion, or post-traumatic stress.
In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.
Trauma Symptoms
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks
Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behaviour since the trauma
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) which are both recommended treatments for trauma.
If you or someone you know experiences the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and I invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.