Trauma & PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that follows an event whereby a person perceives there may have been some serious risk of harm to them, or someone close to them. Events may include car accidents, violent acts such as robbery or rape, even natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. Symptoms may include frightening thoughts that don’t go away, memories or “flashbacks” of the event, and feeling emotionally numb.

People with PTSD often relive the trauma through nightmares or intrusive daytime memories. They may also experience depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, emotional detachment, or being easily startled. They may lose motivation, disengaging from previous activities and friends. They may feel angry and irritable, as well as easily triggered by experiences that they relate back to the trauma event.

PTSD is diagnosed only if the symptoms last more than a month. In those who do have PTSD, symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the trauma, and the course of the illness varies. Some people recover within 6 months, others have symptoms that last much longer. In some cases, the condition may be chronic. Occasionally, the illness doesn’t show up until years after the traumatic event.

At Associates Counselling, we have the capacity to assess and make recommendations with regards to a personal treatment plan. Call to set up an initial appointment with one of our treatment specialists.

Trauma

Trauma work has received considerable clinical attention over the last decade. We are beginning to understand that trauma is deeply personal to the individual and extends beyond experiencing a major disaster, being a veteran, or visiting a refugee camp. Trauma can happen to anyone and it does. According to Bessel Van der Kolk, a leading trauma clinician and researcher, trauma is anything that overwhelms the central nervous system and as a result changes the way we process and recall memories.

It is hard to capture a concise description of trauma, as it can mask itself within other psychological presentations or diagnoses, such as: anger issues, substance abuse, anxiety, physiological concerns etc.

If you are someone who often experiences a sense of helplessness, avoidance, disconnection, hypervigilance, or behavioral reactions that are disproportionate to the incident and context, it is possible that you may be experiencing a trauma response. Connect with one of our counsellors who specialize in trauma-informed care.

Counsellors with this Specialty

We are proud to offer a diverse and experienced team of counsellors. Whether you require the services of a psychologist or social worker, we have someone ready to help.