Trauma
At YEG Psychology, we recognize that trauma can leave lasting impacts – on the mind, body, and sense of self. Whether the trauma stems from a single distressing event or prolonged exposure to overwhelming experiences, the effects can ripple through daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being. You may find yourself feeling stuck, hypervigilant, disconnected, or unable to make sense of what happened. Our team is here to walk alongside you with compassion and expertise. Specializing in trauma-informed care, we offer evidence-based approaches in a safe, nonjudgmental space where healing can begin. Wherever you are in your journey, we’re here to help you process the past, build resilience, and move forward with a renewed sense of safety, strength, and self-understanding.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event or series of events that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. It can stem from various experiences, such as accidents, natural disasters, childhood or domestic abuse, witnessing violence, or even be the result of your job. Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and its effects can be long-lasting if not addressed. In Canada, approximately 76% of adults report experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, highlighting the widespread nature of trauma.
Understanding the different types of trauma-related diagnoses can help in recognizing the need for professional help. Some of the most common trauma diagnoses include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Characterized by flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about a traumatic event. In Canada, it’s estimated that about 9.2% of Canadians will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, according to Statistics Canada.
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): Similar to PTSD, ASD occurs shortly after a traumatic event and lasts for a minimum of three days and a maximum of four weeks. It affects up to 20% of individuals exposed to a traumatic event.
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Often resulting from prolonged or repeated trauma, C-PTSD includes symptoms of PTSD along with difficulties in emotional regulation, consciousness, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships.
- Adjustment Disorders: These occur when an individual has difficulty coping with a significant life change or stressor, leading to emotional or behavioral symptoms.
Modalities Used to Treat Trauma
YEG Psychology employs a range of therapeutic modalities to address trauma, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Our psychologists are trained in specific modalities used to treat trauma disorders, ensuring the highest standard of care:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy
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Why Choose YEG Psychology for Trauma Therapy
Expertise: At YEG Psychology, our psychologists are not only trained in one trauma modality but typically hold expertise in multiple, if not all, of the three gold-standard trauma treatment methods.
Experience: Many of our psychologists have extensive experience working in rehabilitation settings, specifically within traumatic psychological injury programs. They have worked exclusively with individuals who have experienced trauma, including those from diverse professional backgrounds who have witnessed work-related accidents, suffered limb loss, experienced abuse or violence, witnessed or contributed to a death, or responded to numerous traumatic incidents as first responders. This extensive experience equips our psychologists to handle even the most challenging content in the therapy room with understanding, professionalism, and a focus on your treatment.
Humanity: As individuals in this world, we too have faced our own versions and severities of trauma, such as the loss of loved ones, witnessing family members undergo medical treatments, navigating toxic relationships, and experiencing significant accidents. Through our personal experiences, we can relate to your struggles and are committed to providing the highest quality of compassionate therapy. We understand that what you’re experiencing is incredibly difficult to discuss, but we are here to support you. With the right fit and treatment, things can and do get better.
YEG Psychology Recommended Resources
Navigating the path to healing from trauma can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are numerous resources available to support individuals in understanding and overcoming the effects of trauma. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reading, practical tools, or community support, the following curated resources offer valuable insights and guidance.
Books:
Websites:
The National Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Offers a wealth of information on PTSD, including resources for veterans and the general public.
Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center
Provides resources for implementing trauma-informed care practices.
Podcasts:
“Trauma Therapist Podcast” hosted by Guy Macpherson
Features interviews with trauma therapists and experts sharing insights and experiences.
“Therapy Chat” hosted by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C
Discusses topics related to trauma, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
“Unlocking Us” hosted by Brené Brown
Explores vulnerability, courage, and resilience, often touching on trauma-related themes.
Apps:
Headspace
Offers meditation and mindfulness exercises tailored for stress management, available to first responders through some workplace programs.
Calm
Provides guided meditation, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques to help manage stress and anxiety.
PTSD Coach
Developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this app offers tools to help manage PTSD symptoms.