Trauma/PTSD Therapy
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Most of us have or will have experience with some kind of trauma during our lifetime. Each of us will deal with, either habitually or consciously, a reaction to this trauma. If you consciously recognize it or identify the symptoms, you have a better chance of overcoming them. Habituating those symptoms allows them to become perpetually present in your life, becoming PTSD (or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or have witnessed a traumatic event. This sustained or reoccurring condition results from a level of trauma, many times violence or a disaster, that is out of their control, and that overwhelms one’s capacity to cope with it and carry on effectively. This event has an impact on the way we view ourselves and the world, to the point of affecting our ability to function.
Many people do not develop full-blown PTSD symptoms but may have aspects of it that they live with. It may not be an event that happens to you that is overwhelming, it may be an absence of something that you need, that can also lead to trauma. Everyone has a different life experience and way of processing events. A trauma counsellor can help you identify and deal with your unique situation.
What are some signs or symptoms of Trauma/PTSD?
- Destructive behaviour patterns (like substance abuse)
- A general feeling of guilt or shame
- A phobia, or unusual fear of a specific thing or situation
- Distressing thoughts that reoccur
- Distressing dreams or nightmares about a situation or event
- Vivid memories or flashbacks that revisit or relive an event
- Panic attacks that cause sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations
- Constant negative feelings about yourself or others, many times resulting in “self-talk.”
- Constant worry tension, or anxiety at a chronic level
- Numbing. You might emotionally distance yourself, avoiding people or events.
- A continually agitated state of over-alertness
We can help
Carl Jung was quoted as saying– “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” This is the ability we all have, with proper guidance and assistance, to direct and realize our full potential, and become what we choose.
We provide a safe environment to create long-lasting change and healing. We’ll alleviate your symptoms, rebuild your self-esteem, and teach you skills for dealing with your difficulties.
As experienced trauma counsellors, we can focus your awareness of your internal experience in a safe, non-judgmental environment that will allow you to acknowledge your pain while connecting with your strengths. This creates an ability to adapt and develop hope for the future.
The next step
If you feel stuck in the middle of processing a traumatic event or feeling disabled by a difficult situation, our treatment is useful, particularly if started early. Taking action can help living a more joyful life.
Gaia Counselling provides trauma therapy and PTSD counselling in Vancouver BC. We know that each person is unique, with a unique set of experiences. We meet you where you are. We will take this journey with you, as you discover your healing path.
What are our clients saying:
Our Services
ADHD Therapy
Children and young adults who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder struggle with their interactions with others and the environment around them.
Anxiety Therapy
Almost everyone experiences general anxiety throughout their lives. People may develop any of a variety of related disorders if they experience it frequently.
Depth Therapy
The goal of depth psychology is to discover the root cause of your difficulties by exploring your subconscious mind, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Dreamwork Therapy
Based on the premise that dreams can embody messages from the subconscious, this approach aims to heal physical, mental, and emotional issues.
Emotional Focused Family Therapy
This therapy strives to create a feeling of trust, respect, and communication between members of a family.
Focusing-Oriented Therapy
FOT is a collaboration and a secure and empowering way for the client to bring new perspectives for surmounting their challenges.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorder is an emotional mental state. In most cases, it manifests as periods of extreme happiness, extreme sadness, or moving from one mood to another.
Psychedelic Integration
Psychedelic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can be used to understand psychedelic experiences, to process them, and to integrate them into your daily life.
Shamanic Work
With shamanic work, you will be able to discover your own spiritual resources and strengthen your connection to the spirits.
Trauma/PTSD Therapy
A psychiatric disorder known as posttraumatic stress disorder may affect people who have been exposed to traumatic events.