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Couples Counselling

PTSD And Trauma therapy

Healing the scars of the past, building a stronger future.

Sherwood Park Based Psychological Services

Addressing Trauma Memories with EMDR

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One of the primary challenges of PTSD is the recurring, intrusive memories of the traumatic event. EMDR therapy is particularly effective in this area. It works by helping the brain reprocess these memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact. This means that while the memory of the event remains, the intense emotional response associated with it diminishes, allowing for a more controlled and less distressing recall.

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Reshaping Thought Patterns through CBT

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Negative thought patterns and beliefs are common in those experiencing PTSD, often leading to a sense of helplessness or fear. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses these by helping you identify, challenge, and change these harmful thoughts. This approach empowers you to shift your mindset from one of victimization to one of resilience and control over your emotions and reactions.

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Building Coping Skills for Symptoms Management

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Symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbances can make daily life challenging. Our therapy sessions include teaching and practicing coping strategies such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and grounding exercises. These skills not only provide immediate relief but also build your long-term resilience against PTSD symptoms.

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Providing a Safe Therapeutic Environment

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The feeling of being unsafe or constantly on edge is a significant hurdle in PTSD. By offering a safe, understanding, and supportive therapeutic environment, we help re-establish a sense of security. This safe space is crucial for exploring and processing traumatic experiences, enabling healing in a controlled and supportive setting.

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Leveraging Our Experience for Your Recovery

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Our years of experience in dealing with PTSD and trauma have equipped us with a deep understanding of these conditions. We’ve seen firsthand the positive changes that can occur with dedicated therapy. This experience guides our approach, ensuring that we offer not just treatment, but a pathway to a better, more peaceful life.

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Our therapeutic solutions at Little Tree Psychology are thus not just methods; they are paths tailored to meet the specific challenges of PTSD and trauma, offering hope and a way forward for those grappling with these difficult experiences.

In our approach to treating PTSD and trauma at Little Tree Psychology, we don't just offer solutions; we tailor them to directly address the specific challenges and obstacles you face. Here's how our therapeutic methods provide a beacon of hope and healing.

How Our Therapies Address PTSD and Trauma Challenges

Do you find yourself constantly haunted by the memories of a traumatic event? Are feelings of anxiety, fear, or sadness making it difficult for you to live a normal life? Trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can be incredibly debilitating, affecting your mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Many individuals struggling with PTSD find themselves reliving their traumatic experiences through nightmares and flashbacks, leading to a state of constant alertness and emotional turmoil. This can severely impact day-to-day functioning, making it hard to work, maintain relationships, or even engage in simple tasks. The intense emotional responses, including panic attacks, depression, and irritability, can feel overwhelming and unmanageable.

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For some, the aftermath of trauma leads to avoidance behaviors. You might find yourself steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind you of the traumatic event, further isolating you from your surroundings and loved ones. This avoidance can create a vicious cycle, where isolation and loneliness exacerbate the symptoms of PTSD.

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Additionally, trauma can manifest physically, with symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, and a heightened startle response. These physical manifestations not only affect your health but also serve as constant reminders of the trauma, making it challenging to move forward.

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One of the primary concerns for many individuals with PTSD is finding a way to regain control over their lives. The constant emotional and physical toll of reliving traumatic experiences can make it seem like there’s no way out. Seeking professional help is a crucial step in addressing these challenges, helping you to process your trauma and embark on a path towards healing and recovery.

You Are Not Alone in This Struggle

Did you know that experiencing trauma and the subsequent development of PTSD is more common than many believe? It's a shared journey for many, and understanding this can be a crucial step in seeking help and beginning the healing process.

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Trauma and PTSD can result from a variety of experiences, including but not limited to, physical or emotional abuse, serious accidents, natural disasters, or military combat. Studies suggest that about 7-8% of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. This statistic demonstrates that if you are struggling with PTSD, you are certainly not alone.

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The symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the traumatic event, are common among those who have experienced trauma. It's also typical to feel a sense of detachment or estrangement from others, and to have difficulty sleeping or concentrating. These are normal reactions to abnormal events, and recognizing them as such is a key step in the path to healing.

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Importantly, it's essential to know that effective treatments are available. Therapy can provide a safe space to process traumatic experiences, learn coping strategies, and reduce the symptoms of PTSD. Various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), have been shown to be particularly effective in treating PTSD.

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Ending this section on a positive note, remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Therapy is not just about managing symptoms; it's about rediscovering your sense of self and reclaiming control over your life. By taking this step, you are moving towards a future where the trauma does not define you, but rather where you emerge stronger and more resilient.

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Are Traumatic Experiences Overwhelming Your Life?

A childhood sexual abuse survivor by two

Individualized Therapy Approach

A Path to Healing from PTSD and Trauma

At Little Tree Psychology, we understand that coping with PTSD and trauma can be an incredibly challenging journey. Our therapeutic approach is designed to help you manage, recover, and heal from these experiences.

We begin with an individualized approach, recognizing that each person's experience with trauma is unique. The first step often involves discussing your history and the specific events that have led to your current challenges. This helps in creating a tailored therapy plan that addresses your individual needs.

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Trauma-Focused Therapies

Our therapists are trained in trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). CBT helps in understanding and changing the thought patterns that contribute to traumatic stress, while EMDR is a specialized approach that helps the brain process traumatic memories more healthily.

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Building Coping Strategies

A significant part of therapy involves building new skills and strategies to cope with the symptoms of PTSD. This might include techniques for managing anxiety, dealing with flashbacks, and improving sleep. We also work on developing resilience and strengthening your ability to handle stress and emotional upheaval.

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Safe and Supportive Environment

Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial in our therapy sessions. We ensure that you feel heard and understood, providing a space where you can explore your feelings and thoughts without judgment. This supportive setting is essential for effective healing and recovery.

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Experienced and Compassionate Care

With years of experience in dealing with PTSD and trauma, our therapists bring a depth of understanding and compassion to each session. We have seen many clients make significant strides in their recovery journey, and this experience reinforces our belief in the effectiveness of our approach.

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Our solution for dealing with PTSD and trauma at Little Tree Psychology focuses on understanding each individual’s unique experience and providing them with the necessary tools and strategies to heal. Our experienced therapists are committed to helping you navigate through this challenging journey, guiding you towards a life where trauma no longer controls your daily existence. With dedication and commitment, we have seen the transformative power of therapy and are here to support you every step of the way.

PTSD and Trauma Therapy – Sherwood Park Trauma Psychologists | Edmonton Trauma Psychologists

Little Tree Psychology

2181 Premier Way #100, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2V1

PTSD and Trauma Therapy in Sherwood Park

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Evidence of Our Effectiveness in PTSD Therapy

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At Little Tree Psychology, while we cannot guarantee specific outcomes for every individual, our experience and the effectiveness of our methods provide a strong basis for confidence in our PTSD counselling services.

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Evidence-Based MethoDS

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Our therapies are grounded in evidence-based practices, proven through research to be effective in treating PTSD. Methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have been extensively studied and have shown significant positive outcomes in treating trauma and PTSD. These therapies are not merely theoretical; they are backed by scientific evidence demonstrating their efficacy.

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Tailored Therapeutic Approaches

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We understand that each person's experience with PTSD is unique. Our approach is to tailor therapy to the individual needs of each client. This personalization is a key component of our effectiveness, as it addresses the individual rather than applying a generic treatment plan. By focusing on your specific challenges and goals, we enhance the likelihood of successful outcomes.

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Track Record of Success

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Our years of experience in counselling individuals with PTSD have equipped us with a deep understanding of the condition. We have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of dedicated therapy. Many of our clients have reported significant improvements in their symptoms, ability to cope, and overall quality of life. While respecting client confidentiality, these success stories offer valuable insights into the potential for recovery and healing.

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Continuous Professional Development

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Our commitment to continuous professional development ensures that our methods remain at the forefront of trauma therapy. Staying updated with the latest developments in PTSD treatment means that we are always equipped to provide the most effective support possible.

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Our confidence in our ability to help clients with PTSD stems from our use of evidence-based methods, individualized approach, track record of success, and commitment to ongoing learning and adaptation. We believe in the potential of each individual to overcome their trauma and are dedicated to providing the guidance and support needed to facilitate this journey.

"I'm afraid to relive the trauma during therapy."

A common fear is that therapy will force you to relive your traumatic experiences, intensifying your distress. While it's true that therapy involves confronting difficult emotions and memories, it's done in a safe, controlled environment. Our therapists are skilled at guiding this process gently and supportively, ensuring you are not overwhelmed. The goal is to help you process these memories safely, not to re-traumatize you.

"What if therapy doesn't work for me?"

Doubting the effectiveness of therapy is understandable, especially if you've been struggling with PTSD for a long time. It's important to remember that healing is a process, and it can take time to see the results. Our therapy methods are evidence-based and have been proven effective for many individuals with PTSD. We work closely with you to find the approach that best suits your needs and adjust as necessary.

"I worry I might be judged or not taken seriously."

Feeling apprehensive about being judged or not taken seriously by a therapist is a common concern, especially when it comes to sharing deeply personal and traumatic experiences. At Little Tree Psychology, we prioritize creating a non-judgmental, empathetic space for all our clients. Our therapists are not only professionally trained but also deeply committed to understanding and validating your experiences. You can trust that your feelings and memories will be met with compassion and respect, and that your healing journey is our utmost priority. Remember, the therapy room is a safe space where your voice matters and your experiences are acknowledged with the seriousness they deserve.

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A Transformative Approach to PTSD &

Trauma Therapy at Little Tree Psychology

At Little Tree Psychology, what sets our PTSD and trauma therapy apart is not just our methods, but the transformative journey we offer. Our approach transcends traditional therapy; it's a profound journey of healing and empowerment, deeply anchored in empathy and understanding.

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In our sessions, we create a powerful therapeutic alliance, where empathy is not just a tool, but the very foundation of our interaction. This deep empathetic connection allows us to truly understand and resonate with the unique stories of each individual. It’s more than professional expertise; it’s about creating a bond that nurtures trust and facilitates profound healing.

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Our understanding of trauma goes beyond clinical knowledge; we recognize the human struggle in each story. This insight guides us to tailor our approach to each client’s personal journey, making each therapy session a bespoke experience. We don't just address the symptoms; we aim to unlock a deeper healing process, helping our clients reclaim their narrative from the grip of trauma.

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The transformative nature of our therapy lies in empowering our clients. We strive to turn therapy sessions into a space of self-discovery and growth, where each individual can find their path to resilience and inner strength. Our goal is to not only provide relief but to inspire a powerful sense of control and self-empowerment in those we help.

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At Little Tree Psychology, we offer more than just therapy; we offer a pathway to a renewed life, where healing from trauma becomes a journey of transformation, leading to a future of resilience and hope.

Start Your Change Today

Think we might be a good fit? Simply contact us for a free consultation. Offering online and in-person counselling in Sherwood Park and Edmonton.

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Barbara Garside

Cherisse Kovacs

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Our team consists of skilled providers with a commitment to nurturing stronger relationships through personalized care. With diverse expertise and a unified goal of fostering connection and understanding, they are the backbone of our practice, ready to support your journey toward a healthier partnership.

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