PTSD Therapy in Edmonton
Learn about PTSD
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
It’s the mind and body’s intense response to overwhelming stress — a survival system that gets “stuck” in high alert mode, even after the danger has passed.
PTSD is not a weakness or failure to “move on.” It is a real, treatable condition involving the brain’s memory, emotional regulation, and threat-detection systems.
Trauma can come from many experiences, including accidents, assaults, combat, natural disasters, loss, medical emergencies, or chronic childhood abuse.
There are several ways PTSD can show up, depending on the trauma and personal experience:
Acute PTSD: Symptoms develop soon after a trauma and last less than three months.
Chronic PTSD: Symptoms persist for more than three months and can intensify over time without treatment.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Arises from prolonged or repeated trauma (such as childhood abuse, long-term domestic violence, or captivity) and often includes profound difficulties with self-identity, trust, and emotional regulation.
Delayed-Onset PTSD: Symptoms may not appear until months or even years after the traumatic event.
Each type of anxiety can impact daily life differently, requiring personalized treatment approaches.
Key Characteristics
Intrusive Memories
Unwanted, distressing recollections of the trauma, including flashbacks and nightmares.
Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions (Hyperarousal)
Being easily startled, feeling constantly on edge, experiencing irritability or angry outbursts, and having trouble sleeping or concentrating.
Avoidance
Steering clear of places, people, conversations, or activities that are reminders of the trauma.
Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood
Feelings of guilt, shame, detachment, hopelessness, or difficulty feeling positive emotions.
How PTSD evolves over time
Immediately After Trauma
It’s normal to feel shocked, fearful, or hypervigilant after trauma. Many people experience intrusive memories, sadness, anger, or disconnection in the first few weeks.
Short-Term PTSD (First Few Months)
For some, symptoms gradually lessen. For others, they persist or worsen — especially if support systems are limited, or if new stressors occur.
Long-Term PTSD (After 6 Months or Longer)
Without intervention, PTSD symptoms can become deeply ingrained. Avoidance behaviors, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal can affect work, relationships, and physical health. People may feel “stuck in the past,” unable to enjoy life, trust others, or feel safe even in normal situations.
Healing is possible at any stage — even years after the trauma — with the right treatment and support.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing PTSD involves:
Clinical Interviews: Exploring trauma history, current symptoms, and their impact on daily life.
Standardized Screening Tools: Questionnaires and assessments like the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist) help measure symptom severity.
Differential Diagnosis: Distinguishing PTSD from related conditions like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders.
Diagnostic Criteria Includes
Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
Presence of intrusive symptoms (like flashbacks, nightmares).
Persistent avoidance of trauma-related stimuli.
Negative alterations in mood and cognition.
Alterations in arousal and reactivity (hypervigilance, irritability).
Symptoms lasting more than one month and causing significant distress or impairment.
A compassionate, thorough assessment helps ensure individuals receive the right kind of support.
Treatment Options
Anxiety is very treatable — and many people see significant improvements within a relatively short time of beginning care.
Some common treatment options are:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Helps individuals process traumatic memories safely, reframe unhelpful thoughts, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A specialized therapy that uses guided eye movements to help reprocess and desensitize traumatic memories.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Gradual, supportive exposure to trauma reminders in a safe setting to reduce avoidance and fear responses.
Medication: Antidepressants (like SSRIs) or anti-anxiety medications can help regulate mood, reduce hyperarousal, and manage intrusive symptoms.
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Training the brain to stay anchored in the present moment reduces flashbacks, dissociation, and emotional overwhelm.
Lifestyle Supports:
Establishing predictable, calming routines
Building strong social support networks
Physical activity to regulate stress hormones
Creative outlets (art, music, journaling)
Treatment is about empowerment, not re-experiencing — helping individuals regain control over their story, emotions, and future.
Strengths Often Associated with PTSD
Despite the pain of trauma, many people who survive traumatic experiences develop incredible inner strengths:
Resilience: The ability to endure hardship and rebuild after loss.
Empathy and Compassion: A deep sensitivity to others’ suffering.
Courage: Facing and processing trauma requires immense bravery.
Survivor Wisdom: A broader perspective on life, priorities, and what truly matters.
Connection to Purpose: Many trauma survivors find new meaning in advocacy, healing, or supporting others.
Healing doesn’t erase the past — but it can help transform pain into profound strength, wisdom, and hope.
Our approach
we believe healing from trauma is not about “forgetting” — it’s about reclaiming your sense of safety, identity, and connection.
Through evidence-based therapies and compassionate support, we help individuals process trauma safely, reduce distressing symptoms, and build a vibrant, meaningful future.
You are not broken. You are surviving — and healing is possible.
