Trauma

Trauma is a turning point. It’s an experience so shocking and indelible that it naturally divides one’s life into “before and after” the traumatic event. Trauma can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time and regardless of how long ago the trauma occurred, it can overwhelm a person’s ability to cope with daily life.

When we experience trauma, our minds instinctively switch into survival mode as a way of processing what happened. This protective “fight or flight” response can prompt us to suppress our experience or lash out in anger. Every individual responds to trauma differently depending on their nature and the nature of their experience.

Trauma can stem from violence, neglect and abuse or other transformational events like a sudden loss, accident, war, terrorist attack or natural disaster. A traumatic event can be something that just happened or an event that occurred deep in the past. There is no singular definition of trauma.

If you’re experiencing the effects of trauma, it’s important to know that support is available. Trauma-informed therapy employs a variety of techniques to lessen stress and promote self-regulation. With compassion and support, trauma counselling can help you process your pain and tap into your resilience while providing you with coping strategies for persevering into the future.

Areas of focus include:

• Traumatic Death

• Childhood Abuse

• Neglect and Abandonment

• Victims of Violent Crime

Traumatic Death

Have you suffered an unexpected or shocking loss? In addition to grief, do you feel abandoned, numb, or angry? Maybe you are grappling with feelings of guilt and shame.  Life after a tragic and unexpected loss can feel unbearable. Support is available.

Therapy is a proactive step in learning to process your trauma and walk through your grief. It allows you the space to process your pain and express your suffering in a safe and healthy way. Over time, you’ll learn to find meaning in loss,  healthy coping strategies, and develop resilience to move forward. 

Trauma from Childhood Abuse

During your childhood, you may have experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse at the hands of someone close to you. Perhaps you witnessed someone else, like a sibling or friend, experiencing maltreatment during your formative years. Your experience may be causing flashbacks, nightmares or emotional distress that is preventing you from living in peace.

Psychotherapy can help break the cycle of childhood abuse and empower you with the skills and confidence to find meaning in your future. You’ll be given the space to talk through your trauma and acknowledge your emotions. Together, we’ll develop your resilience to live a more peaceful and hopeful life.

Trauma  from Neglect or  Abandonment

Did someone you trust abandon you or neglect you during an important time in your life?  Do you find yourself often worrying about others leaving too? Do you find yourself having difficulty trusting or connecting to others because of worries of being left?  Perhaps you suffer from shame, guilt, or low self-worth stemming from those experiences.

Neglect and abandonment can leave a lasting imprint. Sometimes they stem from abuse and can result in challenges well into adulthood. Counselling enables you to process your traumatic experiences, build coping tools for managing your complex emotions,  and develop self-worth and confidence.  Over time, you’ll feel more confident in your relationships and capable of living a meaningful and peaceful life.

Trauma-Related to Violent Crime

Were you the victim of an assault, rape or other types of violent crime? Are you haunted by flashbacks or nightmares of the event? Do you avoid going out or making new connections for fear of being attacked again?  

The mental health impacts of violent crime can be far-reaching, but you don’t have to face them alone. Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for you to navigate your trauma and find new meaning in the future. Together, we can find ways of coping that fit with your lifestyle and allow you the freedom to heal at your own pace.