As therapists, we are so happy to see a day appointed to bring awareness (and hopefully acceptance) to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with the goal of decreasing the stigmatization. PTSD is developed after experiencing or witnessing something traumatic either direct or indirect. Canada has the highest incidence of PTSD [out of 24 countries] with 9.2 percent of Canadians suffering from PTSD (Van Ameringen, Mancini, Patterson & Boyle).
Commonly experienced PTSD symptoms include:
· Nightmares/trouble sleeping
· Depression
· Anxiety
· Flashbacks
· Memory loss
· Avoidance/isolation
· Addiction
· Distorted thought patterns (e.g. I am bad, I am not good enough)
Our practice looks to decrease the stigma of PTSD and help build awareness and understanding of the effects PTSD has on an individual and their families. We want to help our client heal their past and develop coping strategies that will allow them to decrease the symptoms while finding normalization and peace again in themselves.
With many years of dedicated research, there are several evidence based modalities that help individuals who are experiencing PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Exposure Therapy, are only a few that have been proven to help decrease the symptoms and develop positive coping strategies for PTSD.
We have a strong passion about trauma and the impact it has on a person (and their family). With PTSD, many feel shame and embarrassment in their diagnosis. However, we teach our clients that it takes courage and vulnerability to face their PTSD with the goal of healing their trauma. We have discovered over the years that providing education on the symptoms and effects PTSD has on the individual [and their family] has been crucial in the healing process. Strengthening the understanding on of PTSD, symptoms, and reactions build resiliency in their journey.
It is not about what is wrong with you…. It is about what has happened to you!
Jenna is on the Farah Kurji Counselling Team. We are grateful that she is healed and back to work now. You can book with her HERE or learn more about here HERE . She welcomes your inquires and is happy to support you through these changing times.
Reference:
Van Ameringen M, Mancini C, Patterson B, Boyle MH. Post-traumatic stress disorder in Canada. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008 Fall;14(3):171-81. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00049.x. PMID: 18801110; PMCID: PMC6494052.