Trauma & PTSD Counselling
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is the body’s response to a terrible and unexpected event, such as an accident, rape, or natural disaster. These are horrible events that leave the victim with ongoing reactions, which can last for a long time after the occurrence of trauma. Trauma is a sensitive issue, and the person who has experienced trauma is simply coping in the best way that their body knows how. They should never be expected to “just get over it.” Time is needed, as well as a safe and secure place in which to process what happened, work through the issue, and come up with better ways to respond in the future.
How Does Trauma Affect Me?
When the body experiences a traumatic event that it does not feel safe or able to process, one reaction is to suppress the details and emotions, leading to shock and denial. As challenging as this is to live through, it is a normal process as the body is working to protect itself and the individual. If you are a family member of someone who has experienced trauma it is important that you do not try to pressure them into moving past it before they are able. If the trauma is not process properly, it can lead to long term reactions, such as “unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.”
What is Trauma Counselling?
If you or someone you love is experiencing negative repercussions from trauma, then counselling may be an option for you to explore. Through therapy the client can process their trauma through a number of proven psychological practices. For those experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or its symptoms, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, or trauma therapy such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Observed Experiential Integration (OEI) have been shown in clinical studies to provide help and healing. Freedom Counselling therapists are trained in these methods, and can help you on your path to freedom.
Helpful Resources
British Columbia Government
This Government of British Columbia website provides information as to the various supports and resources offered to victims of trauma by the provincial government. Click here for more information.
Provincial Health Services Authority
Another important resources is offered by the PHSA, with information about resources offered. Follow this link for more information.
Center for Addiction and Mental Health
The CAMH gives a overview of trauma. To learn more click here.