Trauma Therapy
Put the trauma behind you and find a sense of calm, safety, and connection.
Trauma comes in many different forms.
For instance, through childhood abuse or neglect, involvement in a frightening or life threatening event, or through having lived through unhealthy or destructive relationships. Experiences of oppression, marginalization, and discrimination (e.g., racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, classism, xenophobia, etc.) are also traumatic. They threaten our sense safety in the world, limit access to resources, and lead to chronic stress. Trauma leads to feelings of hypervigilance and being on guard. It is associated with negative physical and psychological consequences that can be quite disruptive.
Trauma can significantly impact many parts of your life.
It is common for those who have lived through trauma to experience changes in eating or sleeping patterns, anxiety, depression, avoidance of people or places that bring up the trauma, and feeling easily triggered into painful memories or feelings related to the trauma. Trauma can also impact your relationships and self-esteem. Traumas are often senseless, thus, by definition it is very difficult to make sense of them.
You can heal and find a sense of safety.
With the help of evidenced-based trauma treatments, therapy with a licenced mental health professional can help you make sense of what happened to you, process the related feelings, and work towards a sense of calm and safety in your life. In our work together, we will build on your pre-existing resiliency, increase self-confidence, and develop healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions.
With the right therapy and a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable, it is possible to put the trauma behind you, feel connected, and move forward with your life.
Trauma FAQs
It is natural to have questions about trauma therapy as you consider seeking support for yourself or a loved one. We have compiled answers to commonly asked questions below. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions.
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I’m afraid of talking about my trauma. How do I handle this?
We get this fear. And you won’t be expected to talk about it until you are ready. In the beginning of trauma treatment, we will address the immediate problems in your life that are causing you the most pain (e.g., difficulty regulating your feelings).
As you begin to feel more stable and feel ready to manage the memories and feelings related to the trauma, we will move towards trauma processing. Know that the pace of therapy is up to you – together, we will collaboratively decide on goals and the best course of treatment.
I am worried you are going to blame my parents, my culture, my community for my trauma. How is this going to work?
When the people in our lives are both the source of safety, love, care AND the source of significant hurt and trauma, we feel confused. On one hand, we want to protect them because we love them, but on the other hand, we want to heal. Our job as therapists is to help you understand the nature of your injuries.
Our therapists understand the complexity of intergenerational trauma and how it impacts the resourcing of our caregivers and community. We are not here to blame or judge. We are here to help you integrate all parts of your experience.
To help you make decisions about what/who to keep close and what/who you need to distance from. The work will happen at a pace that you feel comfortable with.
I’ve heard that trauma therapy is hard and takes time. Is it worth my energy and time?
Indeed, trauma treatment can take time and is emotionally challenging. You are invited to think about trauma therapy as an investment in yourself, your well-being, and your future.
Untreated trauma can have significant negative impact on your mood, anxiety, and daily functioning. With appropriate trauma therapy, over time, you will feel better as you gain control over your emotions and behaviours, and improve your day to day functioning.
In my culture, we are encouraged to speak to religious and community leaders when we need psychological help. It’s not working. Am I weak? What is going on here?
Religious and community leaders play a vital role in healing. We believe in integrating all your supports in all forms throughout your healing journey.
Sometimes, additional support is needed through the services of a qualified mental health professional. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or that you shouldn’t turn to your culture or community for support. It just means that we may need to add additional tools to your toolbox.
Our therapists will work with you to help provide you with the integrated support you need.