Trauma Therapy
HAS TRAUMA NEGATIVELY AFFECTED YOUR LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS?
Do you find yourself reliving a traumatic event over and over? Are you experience depression and/or anxiety in the aftermath of a traumatic experience? Do you often feel overwhelmed or on edge?
Experiencing or witnessing trauma can be a transformative experience. Any sudden and unexpected event that negatively impacts your well-being and sense of security can lead to difficulties in coping after the event.
Trauma symptoms can be long-lasting
You may constantly feel anger, irritation, or a general sense of overwhelm due to the aftereffects of a more recent traumatic event (or even one that happened long ago).
Or perhaps, you experience some of the other common signs of trauma, which include:
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Disruptive memories, trouble sleeping, or nightmares
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Feeling afraid, anxious, and insecure
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Difficulty concentrating
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A sense of disconnection from self and others
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Feelings of shame and self-blame
Whatever your symptoms or your experience with trauma, not knowing how to overcome the effects may often leave you feeling helpless.
While it can be difficult deciding if you should seek treatment for your trauma, reaching out to a specialist can allow you to take a significant step to help you recover. Participating in therapy is one of the most effective ways to build the skills needed to overcome the impact of trauma on your life.
Start your journey today!
MANY PEOPLE GO THROUGH TRAUMA, BUT NOT EVERYONE'S EXPERIENCE IS THE SAME
It is estimated that about 76% of Canadians experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. With this statistic in mind, though, we need to recognize that trauma doesn't just happen in the context of a war or an assault. Although these events are extremely valid, one can also experience trauma from a severe injury, a break in trust, or a violation of boundaries.
In these and other instances, it is normal to have feelings of shock, denial, and/or other strong reactions following a distressing event. However, if these feelings continue for a prolonged amount of time and include unpredictable emotions, nightmares, and physical symptoms that cause difficulties in daily life, it’s important to seek therapy.
You don't have to feel alone in your struggle
Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial to those suffering from trauma and help improve symptoms. We are here to provide you with the guidance, support, and strategies you will need to manage your symptoms.
With the help of an experienced therapist, you will be able to process and cope with your emotions and memories tied to traumatic experiences. Counselling for therapy can offer you a safe space to face your fears and address the traumatic events affecting your ability to function.
THERAPY CAN HELP YOU HEAL THE WOUNDS OF TRAUMA
At Stark Wellness Clinic, our therapists have expertise in treating different types of trauma and approach each session in an inviting and inclusive manner. Whether your issues are related to past or current traumas, we will explore how they may be affecting your life and make improving your overall well-being a priority.
Our clinic offers various options and treatment methods to help you process your emotions connected to those events and manage difficult thoughts to begin healing traumatic wounds.
What you can in treatment sessions
During your free consultation call, a counsellor will explain what the process for trauma therapy will look like. At that time, you will also get a chance to ask any questions you may have.
The initial session(s) will help you and your therapists to discuss your motives for seeking therapy and how trauma is affecting you, your relationship, work, and daily life. Together, you will also explore the typical trauma responses and gain a deeper understanding of what you are going through right now. All of this will help us build the base to figure out your therapeutic goals
and which strategies can help you potentially unpack your trauma.
Generally, trauma therapy can provide help with:
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Developing the coping skills to manage symptoms of trauma, including depression
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Reducing nightmares and improving sleep
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Feeling more connected to those you have a relationship with
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Better understanding of negative and distorted thoughts that make you feel shame and fear
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Correcting untruths related to the trauma and feeling liberated from the troubling event(s)
Trauma-informed therapy methods for your unique needs
Our therapists at Stark Wellness Clinic are highly trained in the different types of treatment options used for overcoming trauma. Therefore, your therapist will work closely with you to create a tailored treatment plan for addressing your particular concerns.
The primary approaches for trauma treatment we use at our clinic are Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS).
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) is an empirically validated approach used to help you better understand yourself and your trauma at a deeper level. IFS provides a safe space for you to learn how to improve your emotional regulation and relationships, as well as understand how to overcome feelings related to shame and self-esteem.
Exposure Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that was developed to help confront trauma and worries. Using this treatment can help you build tolerance and break the pattern of fear and avoidance you may have developed due to your trauma.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a form of CBT commonly used in psychotherapy that is also helpful with treating trauma. It utilizes techniques such as mindfulness and distress tolerance to help you improve your emotional regulation skills. The aim of this approach is to help you better recognize and understand how to manageyour emotional reactions and change the thought patterns related to your trauma.
At Stark Wellness Clinic, we aim to help you understand why you feel the way you do and learn ways to better cope with the symptoms of your trauma.
Questions and concerns you may still have about anxiety therapy
Will talking about my trauma make it worse?
It is common for those who have a history of trauma to want to avoid talking about painful memories. At our clinic, we prioritize your well-being and, therefore, start at a slow pace to make sure you are comfortable disclosing that information with your therapist. Our therapists have experience with many types of trauma and know how to effectively deal with your trauma-related concerns.
What if therapy doesn't help me heal?
Therapy is a process and everyone's journey is different. In most instances, it takes time to see results. But if you feel that your sessions are not helping you, you should talk about it with your therapists. If needed, together you will be able to adjust the approach to your treatment in order to see what is most effective for you.
Shouldn't therapy fix me after one session?
It is possible to see signs of progression after your first therapy session, but in most instances, it takes a few sessions to reach your therapeutic goals. Starting off the right way is very important. That is why the first session aims to help you build a connection with your therapist, share why you are seeking counselling for trauma, and develop strategies for your unique situation to make improvements.
ARE YOU READY TO FIND HEALING AND A NEW LEASE ON LIFE?
If you find yourself struggling with difficult thoughts and/or emotions in connection to an experienced or witnessed traumatic event, therapy at Stark Wellness Clinic in Toronto can offer the support and resources needed to effectively heal your trauma and take back your life. We invite you to book a free, 15-minute consultation with our therapist to get more information about our services. You can also email us at info@starkwellnessclinic.com.
Our services are offered both in-person and virtually as our top priority is to offer a safe and non-judgmental space for all our clients.