Trauma & PTSD Treatment Ontario
Overview: Trauma Therapy Toronto, GTA and Ontario
People who suffer the longer-term effects of traumatic experiences may end up with post-traumatic stress disorder. Here at Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, we provide various forms of therapy for all trauma-related responses.
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Table of contents
Trauma Definition: What Is Trauma?
Trauma is a form of psychological damage that occurs to the brain after one or more subjective painful experiences. These events create an ongoing sense of anxiety, fear and stress. People with trauma may be reacting to situations in an extreme fashion due to past experiences that have impacted how they think, feel and relate overall to the world. Individuals with trauma can re-experience the same physical sensations that they experienced when the traumatic event occurred. The brain can respond as if the event is happening in real time. Trauma can lead people to develop behaviours such as isolation to protect themselves from the harm they may face, even if no threat is present. Trauma is often broken down into different types of trauma.
The 4 Trauma Responses
Acute Trauma: Often occurs as a result of a single event. If an individual witnesses a gruesome scene, for instance, a vehicle collision or a violent crime, this can be described as acute trauma. The person may show all the signs of trauma and experience the same type of symptoms, but the experience and trauma may begin to dissipate in your mind. This may lead to a recovery from the event.
Chronic Trauma: This is often from numerous experiences in highly stressful situations or events. Chronic trauma often leads to numerous symptoms that may hinder the quality of life for the individual. The person may have symptoms related to the event they witnessed or were directly involved with.
Complex trauma: Often occurs when an induvial is involved in events where escape is not possible. This may involve a person being trapped or involved in a situation where escape from the situation was not an option.
Secondary or Vicarious Trauma: This can arise from exposure to other people’s trauma. This form of trauma often affects doctors, paramedics, police officers, military, nurses and other first responders. After numerous experiences, people may make a conscious effort to not care as much in order to protect their own mental health.
Signs and Symptoms of Trauma
Emotional and psychological trauma symptoms:
- Confusion and difficulty staying on task
- Denial or Shock
- Anger, irritability and difficulty regulating mood
- Fear and anxiety
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Feeling withdrawn and disconnected from people and everyday life
Physical health trauma effects:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Nightmares
- Muscle Tension
- Aches and Pains
- Being startled easily
- Racing heartbeat
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Making Sense of Trauma
Making sense of trauma and traumatic experiences can be a daunting, complicated and overwhelming experience. It’s impossible to say how long it will take for someone to digest and make sense of a trauma or traumatic experience. Here are a few ways someone can begin to try and make sense of a traumatic experience:
Seek Professional Help
Talking to a therapist or counsellor specializing in treating trauma may provide a safe space to work through any reactions to the traumatic incident. By addressing the trauma and developing strategies for moving forward with one another, individuals will be able to heal faster.
Talk To Someone You Trust:
One method to begin processing traumatic experiences is via conversation with supportive loved ones. Speaking with a friend or family member can help individuals feel heard and validated while they go through their emotions.
Writing:
Journaling about a traumatic event may be an effective means of working through thoughts, fears, and emotions. This activity can help with articulating feelings and ideas and keeping track of progress while recovering.
Engage in Self-Care:
It is crucial to prioritize self-care while processing traumatic experiences. Individuals may feel stability and empowerment by eating well, removing stressors and getting enough sleep. Moreover, incorporating regular exercise and leisure activities into your routine can further boost your resilience, helping you navigate through challenging times with greater ease and confidence.
Practice Mindfulness:
Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing are all examples of mindfulness techniques that may help you live in the now rather than ruminate on the past. Embracing these practices not only enhances your mental well-being but also fosters a sense of inner peace and balance, anchoring you firmly in the present moment.
Note: It’s important to keep in mind that recovering from a traumatic experience is a lengthy process. Have patience and ask for assistance if you feel stuck.
Trauma Treatment
Due to the complex nature of trauma and PTSD treatment will vary on the individual and their type of trauma and will require a personalized approach. Trauma Treatment may encompass cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or medication. The treatment, often staged, aims to stabilize the individual, process the trauma, and integrate coping mechanisms. Professional help from trauma treatment centers or specialized therapists is vital to alleviate symptoms, enhance life quality, and promote healing.
Inpatient Trauma Treatment
Treatment may involve different approaches for each issue. At SAMH, Our therapists are trauma-informed professionals that treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapists can sit with you and address the events that lead to your ongoing struggles and can assist you to develop better coping strategies. Skills will be introduced to you that will make the healing process easier for you. People may feel anxious about the idea of sharing these events with another person, but rest assured that our team is patient and considerate of how challenging these issues are to discuss and our team will begin the process when you’re ready. We meet you where you are in your recovery and support you accordingly.
Trauma Counselling
Trauma counselling, also known as trauma therapy, is a kind of psychotherapy that assists people in coping with and healing from the psychological impacts of a traumatic incident. Trauma counselling is a safe and supportive setting in which people may work through their emotions and experiences with a qualified therapist, who will use evidence-based techniques to process and deal with the traumatic incident. Improved mental health, stronger coping strategies, and a better capacity to go ahead and live a whole and fulling life are some of the advantages trauma therapy can provide. Trauma is hard to measure as it is highly subjective to the individual.
Different Kinds of Counselling For Trauma
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Group Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A method that helps people understand and change the thoughts and actions that make them unhappy.
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
In this therapy, traumatic memories, thoughts, and feelings are slowly faced and dealt with in a safe and controlled environment.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
A type of therapy that looks at how the body reacts to trauma. It helps people let go of and deal with the physical feelings that come with traumatic memories.
Group Therapy
Brings together people who have been through similar traumas and gives them a safe place to talk about their experiences and learn from each other.
All options are thought to be good ways to treat trauma symptoms. However, depending on the individual’s subjective level of trauma, a certain method’s effectiveness may differ for each person. When choosing a therapist, it’s crucial to find a trained therapist to help you figure out what will work best for you and your needs.
Conclusion: Getting Into Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy is widely available throughout Toronto, the GTA, and Ontario to support those dealing with the psychological impact of trauma. The effects of trauma may be incapacitating and can set off a chain reaction of reactions, including anxiety, despair, and emotional instability. Fortunately, trauma therapy provides patients with a protected, nonjudgmental environment where they may work with their experiences and emotions utilizing therapies supported by scientific evidence. Individuals can get the help needed for their healing and recovery via trauma counselling, inpatient and virtual outpatient therapy, and virtual inpatient treatment. Individuals who participate in trauma treatment often report that the experience was transformative, giving them coping strategies and a deeper insight into how trauma has influenced their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions: Trauma Treatment and Therapy
Trauma damages the brain, specifically the amygdala and hippocampus, which control emotions and memory. Disturbances in these areas have been known to lead to other mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression. After a trauma, the brain’s stress response system may increase hypervigilance, emotional instability, and other PTSD symptoms. Trauma survivors may struggle to handle everyday stress. Trauma’s emotional and neurological repercussions need professional help.
Trauma bonding occurs between the victim and the abuser after a catastrophic event like abuse, confinement, or other trauma. Despite the abuse, victims may feel an emotional connection to the abuser. Due to emotions of reliance, guilt, humiliation, and worthlessness, they may struggle to leave the abusive relationship. Trauma-bonding survivors must seek mental health counselling to end the cycle of abuse and heal.