AREA OF FOCUS:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Therapy in Niagara Region and Virtually Province Wide: Reclaiming Safety and Stability

Experiencing trauma can have lasting effects, sometimes leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—a condition that impacts emotions, thoughts, and daily functioning. PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a distressing event, leaving individuals feeling stuck in survival mode.

At Wellness Counselling Centre, we provide evidence-based therapy for PTSD to help you process trauma, manage triggers, and regain a sense of control over your life.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD can develop from various traumatic experiences, including:

Physical or sexual assault
Combat or war-related trauma
Car accidents or natural disasters
Childhood abuse or neglect
Loss of a loved one
Medical trauma

PTSD isn’t just about memories—it can change how your brain and body respond to stress, making it difficult to feel safe even in everyday situations.

Signs Of PTSD:

Common symptoms of PTSD include:

Re-experiencing Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts
Avoidance Behaviours: Steering clear of reminders or triggers
Hyperarousal Symptoms: Feeling on edge, trouble sleeping, heightened startle response.
Emotional Numbing: Difficulty connecting with others, feeling detached

PTSD can impact relationships, work, and overall well-being, but healing is possible with the right support.

How Trauma Informed Therapy Can Help With PTSD

Trauma-informed therapy provides a safe and supportive space to process trauma, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Our therapists work collaboratively with clients to:

1. Understanding Trauma & PTSD

Exploring how trauma affects the brain, body, and nervous system
Identifying personal triggers and trauma responses
Creating a treatment approach tailored to individual needs

2. Managing Triggers and Symptoms

Practicing grounding techniques and relaxation strategies to reduce distress
Learning ways to regulate emotions and manage hypervigilance
Processing traumatic memories in a safe, structured way that supports healing

3. Rebuilding Confidence & Connection

Exploring self-blame, guilt, and shame in a way that fosters self-compassion
Strengthening relationships and developing trust at a comfortable pace
Identifying long-term strategies for resilience and emotional well-being

How Therapy For PTSD May Support You

Trauma therapy focuses on helping you shift from disempowerment to empowerment for

✔️ Greater awareness and emotional regulation – Learning techniques to manage distress and regain a sense of balance

✔️ Improved emotional regulation and stress management

✔️ A greater sense of safety and control
✔️ Stronger relationships and social connection

Our Approach to Trauma Therapy

At Wellness Counselling Centre, we take a holistic, trauma-informed approach to PTSD, recognizing that healing involves both the mind and body. Our therapy focuses on rebuilding a sense of safety, emotional regulation, and self-trust in a non-judgmental, supportive environment where healing happens at your own pace. Our approach includes:

Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Exploring and healing emotional parts impacted by trauma, fostering inner balance and self-compassion
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Identifying and reframing distressing thoughts related to trauma
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Strengthening emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and coping strategies
Somatic & Sensorimotor Therapy – Addressing trauma stored in the body and supporting nervous system regulation
Narrative Therapy – Helping individuals process their experiences and reshape their trauma story in an empowering way
Mindfulness-Based Therapy – Cultivating present-moment awareness to reduce distress and promote emotional stability
Art Therapy – Providing creative, non-verbal ways to express and process trauma safely