What is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy, also known as trauma counselling or PTSD treatment, is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Through proven therapeutic techniques, trauma therapy helps you understand how trauma affects your mind and body, develop healthy coping strategies, and integrate traumatic experiences in a way that reduces their impact on your daily life.
Our Specialized Trauma Therapy Services in Calgary
EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD. This specialized therapy helps your brain process traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing natural healing to occur.
Complex Trauma and C-PTSD Treatment Comprehensive therapy for individuals who have experienced prolonged or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or ongoing traumatic situations. Our approach addresses the unique challenges of complex trauma including emotional regulation difficulties and relationship challenges.
Childhood Trauma Therapy Specialized treatment for adults recovering from childhood abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We help you understand how early trauma impacts adult relationships and develop healthy coping strategies.
Acute Trauma and Single-Incident PTSD Treatment for trauma resulting from specific events such as motor vehicle accidents, medical procedures, natural disasters, assault, or workplace accidents. Our approach helps you process the traumatic event and prevent long-term PTSD symptoms.
Medical Trauma and Health-Related PTSD Specialized support for trauma related to serious illness, medical procedures, hospitalizations, or life-threatening diagnoses. We address both the psychological and physical aspects of medical trauma.
Vicarious and Secondary Trauma Treatment for healthcare workers, first responders, therapists, and others who experience trauma through their work with traumatized individuals. Our approach addresses compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.
Somatic Trauma Therapy Body-based trauma treatment that addresses how trauma is stored in the nervous system and body. This approach helps release physical tension and trauma symptoms through mindful body awareness and regulation techniques.
Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment Approaches
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) The gold standard for trauma treatment, EMDR helps your brain process traumatic memories without re-traumatization. This approach reduces flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional reactivity associated with traumatic memories.
Mindfulness-Based Trauma Therapy Present-moment awareness practices that help you observe trauma responses without being overwhelmed, developing a healthier relationship with difficult emotions and memories.
Why Choose Trauma Therapy at King Psychology & Health?
Specialized EMDR Training Led by Lesley King, a registered psychologist with specialized training in EMDR and trauma-informed care, ensuring you receive expert treatment from a qualified trauma specialist.
Trauma-Informed Environment Our Calgary therapy office is designed to be a safe, calming space where you can process trauma without re-traumatization. We prioritize your sense of safety and control throughout the healing process.
Individualized Treatment Plans Every trauma experience is unique. We create personalized treatment plans based on your specific type of trauma, symptoms, and healing goals, ensuring the most effective approach for your recovery.
Evidence-Based Methods Our trauma therapy approaches are backed by extensive research and proven effective for treating various types of trauma and PTSD, giving you confidence in your treatment.
Integrated Approach We address trauma's impact on your whole self - mind, body, emotions, and relationships - providing comprehensive healing that goes beyond symptom management.
Cultural Sensitivity We recognize that trauma impacts individuals differently based on cultural background, identity, and life experiences, and we provide culturally responsive trauma care.
What to Expect in Trauma Therapy
Initial Trauma Assessment (First 1-2 Sessions) Comprehensive evaluation of your trauma history, current symptoms, strengths, and resources. We assess your readiness for trauma processing and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Safety and Stabilization Phase Before processing traumatic memories, we ensure you have adequate coping skills, emotional regulation tools, and internal resources to handle trauma work safely.
Trauma Processing Phase Using EMDR or other evidence-based approaches, we help you process traumatic memories in a controlled, safe environment, reducing their emotional charge and impact.
Integration and Consolidation Working to integrate your trauma experiences into your life story in a healthy way, developing meaning and post-traumatic growth from your healing journey.
Relapse Prevention and Maintenance Developing long-term strategies to maintain your progress, handle triggers, and continue your healing journey independently.
Common Trauma Symptoms We Treat
Re-experiencing Symptoms:
- Flashbacks and intrusive memories
- Nightmares and sleep disturbances
- Emotional and physical reactions to triggers
- Feeling like the trauma is happening again
Avoidance Symptoms:
- Avoiding trauma reminders (people, places, activities)
- Emotional numbing and detachment
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings about the trauma
- Social withdrawal and isolation
Hyperarousal Symptoms:
- Hypervigilance and being easily startled
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Irritability and anger outbursts
- Feeling constantly "on edge" or unsafe
Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood:
- Negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world
- Persistent guilt, shame, or self-blame
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Feeling disconnected from loved ones
Types of Trauma We Treat
Childhood Trauma:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Neglect and abandonment
- Witnessing domestic violence
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
Adult Trauma:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Physical or sexual assault
- Natural disasters
- Workplace accidents or violence
Complex Trauma:
- Prolonged abuse or neglect
- Human trafficking
- War and combat exposure
- Repeated traumatic experiences
Medical Trauma:
- Life-threatening illness or injury
- Surgical procedures and hospitalization
- Emergency medical situations
- Chronic illness diagnosis
Interpersonal Trauma:
- Domestic violence and intimate partner abuse
- Betrayal trauma and infidelity
- Bullying and harassment
- Emotional abuse and manipulation
Signs You Might Benefit from Trauma Therapy
Consider trauma therapy if you're experiencing:
- Persistent intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Avoiding situations that remind you of the trauma
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Heightened anxiety or fear responses
- Feeling unsafe even in safe situations
- Relationship difficulties or trust issues
- Substance use to cope with trauma symptoms
- Feeling stuck or unable to move forward
- Physical symptoms without medical cause
Our Approach to Complex Trauma Recovery
Phase-Oriented Treatment Following established trauma treatment protocols that prioritize safety, stabilization, trauma processing, and integration for sustainable healing.
Window of Tolerance Work Helping you expand your ability to handle difficult emotions and memories without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down.
Attachment and Relationship Healing Addressing how trauma impacts your ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, developing secure attachment patterns.
Post-Traumatic Growth Supporting you in finding meaning, strength, and growth from your trauma experience, not just symptom reduction.
Cultural and Identity Considerations Recognizing how trauma intersects with your cultural background, identity, and life experiences for more effective treatment.
