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.
- Somatic Experience Therapy is a body-focused therapeutic approach designed to help individuals heal from trauma and chronic stress. Unlike traditional talk therapies, SE works directly with the nervous system, helping clients release stored tension and emotions through gentle, body-centered awareness.
Other forms of treatment include:
- Exposure therapy (ET)
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
- Sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP)
- Neurofeedback
- Brainspotting
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
- Trauma sensitive yoga
- Hypnosis/hypnotic therapy
- Animal therapy
- Equine therapy
- Somatic experiencing method Ⓡ
- The grief recovery method Ⓡ
- Art therapy
- Group therapy
- 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.
