Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an acute mental health condition that occurs in people who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. Psychological Trauma is damage to the mind as a response to a traumatic event in a person’s life. This could be from an isolated experience, or a set of events that affect our ability to cope and merge our emotions with our ideas. Symptoms of trauma and PTSD can include insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, alcohol and substance abuse, avoidance, and panic attacks.
What is Trauma Psychotherapy & Counselling?
Psychotherapy and counselling can provide individuals much needed support in the field of past trauma and PTSD. Trauma and PTSD therapists at Mind + Zest are armed with the tools to understand the difficulties that come with talking about and reliving painful memories. They also have experience working with survivors using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Goals for treatment in therapy include helping you process traumatic memories in a safe and open environment, dealing with any symptom of trauma, including flashbacks or nightmares, and helping alleviate other effects of trauma such as depression, fear and anxiety.
How does Trauma Therapy at Mind + Zest Work?
1. 15-minute intake Session
We begin with a 15-minute intake session with one of our dedicated intake specialists.
During these 15-minutes, we ask a set of questions to determine the issue. We then assess the best approach at improving your self-worth. We also try to get a good sense of your personality. At Mind + Zest, we want to match you with the therapist that would make the best possible fit based on what you need, and who you are. This consultation is also a great opportunity to address any concerns or questions you may have.
At the end of the session, our intake counsellor will set you up with a tailored ‘plan of action’ that includes the recommended PTSD and trauma therapist best suited to help you, the recommended duration of your therapy, and a suggestion for any further testing or psychological service they feel would best fit your needs.
2. 50-minute Sessions
After the initial intake, clients will attend regular 50-minute sessions for the recommended duration of treatment. Here, we work with you through the treatment plan, and build towards the objectives set during your intake session. We can re-evaluate and tweak these goals as time goes on.
3.Finish and Reflect
After concluding the treatment plan, we take time to reflect. Here, you tell us what your experience was like. If you still find yourself struggling in certain areas of your life, we may suggest further therapy to keep you on track to accomplish what you set out to do. If you feel like you have achieved the goals you have set for yourself, your sessions with us will end there. We will likely provide reading materials to help maintain and further your progress, and you are welcome to book a check-in appointment any time you feel you may need one. We also love to hear how you’re doing, and what you’ve achieved since your treatment plan!
Readings on Trauma Issues and Therapy
“Trauma Recovery” by Judith Herman (1992).
“Back From the Brink: A Family Guide to Overcoming Traumatic Stress,” by Don Catherall (1992).
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