Trauma

Absolutely anyone can be psychologically affected by trauma. Whether it’s the sudden death of a loved one, suffering an assault or abuse, losing a job, being in an accident of some kind, being the victim of a crime, or any other type of ordeal, the results can have an effect on one’s mental health or emotional wellbeing. According to our specialized trauma therapist Sian Roberts, “trauma is anything that a person perceives as life-threatening to oneself and/or others and leaves you feeling overwhelmed.”

Symptoms & signs of trauma

Emotional symptoms

  • Shock, denial, confusion
  • Lack of self-worth
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Inability to complete normal daily functions
  • Withdrawing from others

Physical symptoms

  • Sleeplessness
  • Sleeping too much
  • Lack of energy
  • Flashbacks or nightmares of the traumatic incident
  • Memory issues
  • Aches and pains
  • Tense muscles

When is it time to get help?

Symptoms of trauma will certainly affect your life and ability to carry on everyday tasks. Perhaps your friends and family say “you’re just not the same” or “I’m worried about you” – those are indicators that you may need some help. If you find that you cannot move past what happened, or you think you have, but are still exhibiting symptoms of trauma, or maybe you still feel “off”, it’s time to see a therapist.

Trauma treatment methods

There are several treatments that are effective in managing or overcoming trauma. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best method for your individual circumstances and needs. Treatments include:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
  • Eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is defined by EMDR Canada as an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and many other mental health problems that utilized bilateral eye stimulation or somatic responding.
  • Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses narratives and/or client’s personal stories to help people separate themselves from their problems, believing that the person isn’t the problem; the problem is the problem.

Other forms of treatment include:

  1. Exposure therapy (ET)
  2. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
  3. Sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP)
  4. Neurofeedback
  5. Brainspotting
  6. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
  7. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
  8. Trauma sensitive yoga
  9. Hypnosis/hypnotic therapy
  10. Animal therapy
  11. Equine therapy
  12. Somatic experiencing method Ⓡ
  13. The grief recovery method Ⓡ
  14. Art therapy
  15. Group therapy
  16. Play therapy

What will I get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?

At Insight, we treat a lot of clients who have suffered various trauma, and we have many therapists with training and specialties in helping people deal with trauma. Counselling can help you deal with a recent or past  trauma, no matter how it is affecting you. We will work with you on an individual basis to come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. You’ll learn tools and methods to help you move past the trauma, so you can feel better and get your life back.

Insight’s therapists are available for in-person, online, or telephone counselling at several locations in Alberta. Contact us to learn more.

 

Brooke Hendricks

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Assessments

Loriann Quinlan

Edmonton South, Edmonton West, Online

Adults, Seniors

Brandi Enns

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Sabrina Brady

Edmonton Central, Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Karla Buchholz

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality

Terri Mulveney

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), LGBTQ community

Nikesha Deenoo

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Sexuality

Nicole Donovan

Edmonton South, Online, Sherwood Park

Adults, Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17)

Kathryn Maier

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Families, Assessments

Cody Cobler

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Families, LGBTQ community

Dawn Doucet Banting

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community

Chantelle Owen

Edmonton South, Edmonton Central, Online, Edmonton West

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality

Luke Suelzle

Edmonton South, Online, Edmonton Central

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Families, Couples, Sexuality

Kim Phua

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Dr. Hendriatta Wong

Corporate Services

Shirley Leonard

Corporate Services

Shaheel Hooda

Corporate Services

Lisa Standeven

Corporate Services

Tara-Lee Goerlitz

Corporate Services

At this time, Insight Psychological does not have therapists who specialize in this specific area, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help you! Please contact us to talk with our Intake Personnel to find a therapist that is a good fit for you and your unique circumstances.