Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

(PTSD)

Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Sentience Counselling is dedicated to providing empathetic and supportive services for individuals dealing with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD/C-PTSD). While trauma and PTSD are often used interchangeably, it's essential to understand their distinctions. Trauma is the acute emotional response to a distressing event, while PTSD can emerge at any time, from one month to many years after such an event. Experiencing traumatic events does not always lead to PTSD, however it is important to recognize the signs of PTSD. 

PTSD can profoundly impact one's life, with symptoms categorized into four main types: 

  • intrusive memories (including flashbacks and nightmares)
  • avoidance behaviors related to triggering memories
  • negative shifts in thinking and mood
  • changes in physical and emotional reactions. 

It's crucial to recognize that these symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may evolve over time.

A word on Complex PTSD….Although C-PTSD is not officially a diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5), it presents as a particularly severe form of PTSD due to the nature of the trauma. Frequently, when one presents with C-PTSD, the traumatic events may have happened early in life, involved a parent or carer-giver (resulting in attachment wounds), experienced over a long time-frame, the person may have been alone during the trauma, and/or remains in contact with the perpetrator of the traumatic event(s). Individuals who are experiencing C-PTSD can present with the same or similar symptoms of those with PTSD, however they may also experience additional symptoms, including relationship difficulties, issues with self-esteem and emotion dysregulation.

We want you to know that healing and relief are possible. Sentience Counselling is here to support you or your loved one on this journey. Please don't hesitate to reach out for a free 20-minute consultation, where we can discuss your options and work together toward a path of recovery and well-being. Your well-being is our priority, and we're here to help you navigate the challenges of trauma and PTSD/C-PTSD with compassion and understanding.

Nurturing Well-being: Your Path to Recovery from Trauma and PTSD

At Sentience Counselling, we understand the profound challenges that come with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma, an emotional response to distressing events, can cast a long shadow, sometimes emerging years later. It can deeply affect your daily life, leading to intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative shifts in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.
We recognize that these challenges can feel overwhelming, often leaving you or your loved ones feeling lost and disconnected. That's why Sentience Counselling offers a solution—a path towards understanding and nurturing well-being. 
Our counselling services provide a safe, empathetic space where you can explore your experiences, express your feelings, and work through the emotional impact of your past. Through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we will support you in managing your symptoms.
Counselling offers a multitude of benefits: 

  • Gain tools and strategies to cope with intrusive memories
  • Reduce avoidance behaviors
  • Improve your mood and thought patterns
  • Process the emotions and memories associated with the trauma
  • Regain control over your physical and emotional reactions 

We understand that your journey is unique, and we're here to accompany you every step of the way. Recovery is possible. With Sentience Counselling, you'll discover a renewed sense of hope, well-being, and empowerment. 
 

Land Acknowledgment: Recognizing and Honoring Treaty 7 and Metis Nation in Southern Alberta

Sentience Counselling Services, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Metis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).

Guiding You Towards Inner Peace: Our Approach to Trauma and PTSD/C-PTSD Support

At Sentience Counselling, we're here to offer you or your loved ones a compassionate and effective path to managing trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We understand the profound impact that these experiences can have on your life, and we're committed to guiding you towards inner peace and well-being.

Our services are designed to provide you with a safe and nurturing environment, where you can explore and process your traumatic experiences. We employ a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, tailored to your unique needs such as: 

  • Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) delves into the complexity of your inner world, helping you understand and heal the different parts of yourself affected by trauma. By harmonizing these parts, we aim to bring you a sense of wholeness and self-compassion.
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy fosters awareness of the present moment, enabling you to manage stress and reduce anxiety related to trauma. It promotes self-compassion and helps you regain control over your emotional responses.
  • Somatic-Informed Therapy teaches clients to regulate their nervous system; manage dissociation; increase awareness of bodily sensations; tolerate difficult sensations, memories, and strong emotions to process trauma through breath work, visualization, etc.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to your distress. By working together, we can help you develop healthier coping strategies.

We believe that these approaches, combined with our empathetic support, can empower you to navigate the challenges of trauma and PTSD. If you're unsure about taking the first step, we offer a free 15-minute consultation. It's an opportunity for you to explore our services, discuss your needs, and decide if our counselling is right for you.

What Does Therapy Look Like at Sentience Counselling?

Sentience Counselling Services offers a transformative journey towards healing and personal growth. With a commitment to individualized support, the counselling process is designed to address your unique needs. Begin your path to emotional well-being by scheduling a free 20-minute consultation and discover the tailored guidance that Sentience Counselling provides on your journey to self-discovery and healing.

Contact us by email or phone to schedule your free 20 minute consultation.
Contact us by email or phone to schedule your free 20 minute consultation.
Book your initial appointment for consent and intake assessment 
Book your initial appointment for consent and intake assessment 
Book your initial therapy session
Book your initial therapy session
Therapy Sessions with regular milestone checkins
Therapy Sessions with regular milestone checkins

Your Path to Healing from Trauma and PTSD

At Sentience Counselling, we offer compassionate support for those facing trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our mission is to guide you towards inner peace and well-being. Through the use of evidence-based therapies such as internal family systems therapy (IFS), somatic-based therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy we will help you to understand the mind-body connection, process difficult emotions and body sensations, access and befriend parts of yourself that are wounded carry trauma memories that are keeping you stuck, and cultivate mindfulness to manage stress.

We understand that seeking help can be a challenging step, which is why we provide a free 15-minute consultation. It's an opportunity for you to explore our services and discuss your needs in a supportive environment. Take the first step on your path to healing. Reach out today to book a session, and together, we can work towards a brighter, more balanced future. Your journey to inner peace starts here.

Discover Our Range of Psychological Services

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Experience Recovery from Trauma and PTSD

At Sentience Counselling, we believe in the resilience of the human spirit. We understand that navigating the complexities of trauma and post-traumatic stress sisorder (PTSD) can be daunting, but we're here to guide you towards a brighter, more balanced future. To help you on your journey, we've compiled answers to some common questions about our trauma and PTSD support services. By gaining knowledge and understanding, you're taking the first steps towards renewal and healing.

Trauma is a distressing event that can result in an emotional and physical response, while post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a specific mental health condition that can, but does not always, develop following trauma. Trauma is the experience, and PTSD is a set of symptoms that may result from it.

Counselling provides a safe and supportive space to explore and process traumatic experiences. Therapeutic techniques like internal family systems therapy (IFS), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), accelerated resolution therapy (ART), and somatic- and mindfulness-based therapies are used to help individuals manage symptoms and work towards recovery.

Yes, it is possible to develop PTSD long after the traumatic event, sometimes even years later. Delayed-onset PTSD can occur, and it's important to seek support if you're experiencing symptoms, regardless of when they emerge.

Sentience Counselling: Illuminate Your Path to Healing and Personal Growth

Embark on your path to personal growth and healing with Sentience Counselling in Alberta, where our therapists provide dedicated support. Discover transformative counselling services tailored to your needs. Take the first step towards emotional well-being – schedule a free 20-minute consultation with Sentience Counselling today.