Trauma therapy from experienced therapists in Calgary
The worst thing about experiencing trauma is being stuck in the grip of a traumatic response. Feelings of hopelessness, emotional dysregulation, nightmares, racing thoughts, and negative self-perceptions can prevent you from achieving your goals or enjoying life.
But you are not alone. Traumatic experiences are much more common than you think. At Viable Mindset, we believe you can recover from severe life adversities. Not only do we work with our clients to remove and heal the root of their traumas, but we also guide them towards a path of wholeness and inner peace.
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
According to Dr. Pat Ogden, “Any experience that is stressful enough to leave us feeling helpless, frightened, overwhelmed, or profoundly unsafe is considered a trauma.” Traumatic responses remain long after the traumatic event has passed, leading to significant problems in social situations, work situations, and in relationships. Simple daily tasks also become more difficult, like doing the dishes or even getting out of bed.
Many people tend to minimize the impact that traumatic experiences have on their lives. This minimization pushes people to engage in unhealthy behaviours, such as excessive drinking and addiction. Also, it becomes difficult to maintain a satisfying romantic relationship.
Remember, unhealed trauma can last for many years, whether you’re consciously aware of it or not.
Trauma Symptoms
Trauma symptoms range from mild to severe. Examples of mild symptoms include:
- Difficulties with being present in your body
- Difficulties experiencing positive emotions
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Trouble concentrating
Examples of severe symptoms include:
- Recurrent unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic events
- Nightmares
- Hopelessness about the future
- Avoiding activities, places, or people that remind you of the traumatic event
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
- Always being on guard for danger or in a heightened state of vigilance
- Overwhelming guilt or shame
- Engaging in addictive behaviours
There are many other symptoms, but the important thing to realize is that even mild symptoms can make our lives—and the lives of those around us—miserable.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Not only is it possible to heal traumas, but to foster the life for yourself you always wanted.
Effective
Solution Focused & Trauma Informed
Caring
Psychologists Who Care
Flexible
Evenings & Saturdays Availability
Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma can result from many different situations (sexual, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, even lack of nurturance and love). Also, individuals are affected differently by a similar situation.
The biggest question is whether Childhood trauma is affecting your life right now. Some indications that you may still be holding on to trauma include a lack of trust in others, being very critical with yourself, emotional instability, problems with focus, low self-worth, problematic addictive behaviours, excessive worries, and angry outbursts.
You have been experiencing childhood traumas for so long that you might not believe healing is possible. Remember, many people heal and change their lives. It takes effort and time and guidance, but you can always, at any point, create a more satisfying life.
Our approach to Trauma Therapy
Bessel Van Der Kolk, one of the most famous trauma researchers, wrote, “You have to find someone you can trust enough to accompany you, someone who can safely hold your feelings and help you listen to the painful messages from your emotional brain. You need a guide who is not afraid of your terror and who can contain your darkest rage, someone who can safeguard the wholeness of you while you explore the fragmented experiences that you had to keep secret from yourself for so long.”
We believe that to be that guide a person should be strong but gentle; someone caring, empathetic, authentic, and able to provide unconditional acceptance.
Our distinctive approach to trauma counselling is that we strive to cultivate these qualities with each and every client. We use the most recognized therapeutic modalities and techniques and focus on creating an individualized approach based on the unique needs of our clients.
Our Team
Stanislav Pak
Registered Psychologist
Yvonne Bachoura
Registered Psychologist
Welcome to Viable Mindset Counselling
1167 Kensington Crescent Northwest Suite 316, Calgary
Our clinic is located in the heart of Calgary, Alberta with a public parkade nearby as well as a wheelchair accessible entrance. We also work with people across the city, either in person or online, and can offer appointments in the evenings as well as on weekends.
Do you have questions? Get in touch!
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our clinic or counselling & therapy services. We understand that starting counselling for trauma can be a large and emotional step. Feel free to fill in our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.