Talk-based Treatment for Trauma in Kingston, Eastern Ontario, and Online
Hey there, brave soul!
So the past few years.... um, yeah.... that happened.
People don't seem the same, fuses are shorter, tears are easier to spill, and we've all been through more than we give ourselves credit for.
Trauma can come in many shapes and sizes.
A worldwide pandemic counts.
But so does witnessing something scary where someone you cared about was maybe not gonna make it, or maybe, didn't. So does having a serious injury where you really suffered, or perceiving that you were about to. So does someone doing something to you that you did not consent to. (and yep, we believe you)
So does working in emergency services, whether it be in a patrol vehicle, an ambulance, a prison, in the OR, or in the ER.
If you've been through the wringer and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. At Limestone Clinic, we're all about supporting you through the ups and downs, helping you find your footing, and reclaiming your power with a dash of humour and a whole lot of heart.
Limestone Clinic's core staff and Clinical Associates have extensive experience working with individuals who haven't recovered from their trauma(s)... yet.
Understanding Trauma - What You Need to Know
Let's dive deeper into the world of trauma, shall we? Trauma isn't just about big, dramatic events – it's about how those events impact us on a deep emotional level. It's the car accident that left you shaken to your core, the loss that shattered your heart, or the abuse that stole your sense of safety and ability to connect with others.
But here's the thing: Not every tough moment leaves you feeling traumatized. It's all about how you process and cope with it. It's about the meaning of what happened to you. That's where our team of experts comes in. We're here to help you make sense of the chaos, find healing in the madness, give you an opportunity to release the stuff you didn't know what to do with, and reclaim your power in the face of adversity.
What is Trauma Therapy?
Different people feel things differently.
Trauma therapy is like your trusty compass in the storm – it guides you through the darkness and helps you find your way back to the light. Whether it's Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or good old-fashioned talk therapy, we've got the tools to help you heal and thrive.
Signs You Haven't Healed From Your Trauma
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Your trauma.
It's the things that happened to you that shouldn't have.
Or, it's the things that didn't happen to you that should've.
We get it – it's not exactly a topic you bring up over brunch with friends. But here's the thing: Ignoring the signs that you haven't fully recovered from trauma won't make them magically disappear. If your strategies for coping with unresolved trauma are not healthy, odds are things will get worse. So, let's shine a light on those sneaky red flags, shall we?
Flashback Fiascos
Ever find yourself transported back to that fateful moment at the most unexpected times? Whether it's during your morning coffee or in the middle of a Zoom meeting, those pesky flashbacks just won't quit. It's like a not-so-fun trip down memory lane – minus the souvenirs.
Sleepless Nights
Ah, insomnia – the unofficial mascot of unresolved trauma. If counting sheep feels more like counting your worries, you might be dealing with some lingering trauma baggage. Because let's face it, nothing says "party" like staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., right?
Your Emotion Rollercoaster Rides
One minute you're riding high on the happiness express, and the next, you're plummeting into the depths of despair. Sound familiar? It's like your emotions have a mind of their own – and they're not afraid to make themselves known. Cue the dramatic music.
Avoidance Olympics
You know that thing you've been avoiding like the plague? Yeah, that's probably tied to your unresolved trauma. Whether it's certain places, people, or activities, steering clear seems like the safest bet. But spoiler alert: Ignoring the problem won't make it disappear – trust us, we've tried.
Relationship Dramas
Ah, relationships – the ultimate trauma magnifying glass. If your romantic entanglements resemble a never-ending soap opera, complete with drama, tears, and a splash of chaos, it might be time to take a closer look at your unresolved trauma. After all, love is a stabilizing force that helps you regulate, unless your nervous system isn't certain about that.
Difficulites Fulfilling Your Life Demands
From time to time life can get hard and it's a challenge to keep up. But we're not talking about that. When trauma non-recovery gets to be too much, the life tasks that you used to feel like you were able to complete on the regular also start to feel like too much. It's things like managing your relationships without withdrawing or becoming Oscar the Grouch. Things like taking care to feed yourself and your family healthy meals instead of 24/7 Pizza Pockets (not that we don't like Pizza Pockets), and not just eating cheese from the block. Showering. Submitting those reports at work. Combing your hair. Walking the dogs - whatever it is you used to be able to do but that feels like such a burden - we're talking about that. If the distress, the numbness, the moods, the inability to tolerate people, work, your picky neighbour, is becoming more than you have capacity for, it's a sign your trauma non-recovery is likely rearing its ugly head and calling out for your attention.
Now what?
This information is meant to be helpful, but not diagnostic. If you think you have a problem with your emotional balance, that is enough to justify giving yourself a boost with knowledgeable, professional support. You get to decide if you are ready to take some action to improve your emotional life, and you do not have to have a diagnosis or a doctor's approval to get started in counselling. You just gotta want to change.
But, if I can make an observation? You're all the way down this webpage reading about Trauma, yeah? That's enough of a sign that something important is going on. We encourage you to take the action needed to get the life you want (or to get it back, even better). You can start now and get support.
You're not alone on this journey. With the support of our compassionate team at Limestone Clinic, you'll have the tools, resources, and hope-filled therapy sessions you need to reclaim your power and rewrite your story. So go ahead, take that first step – your brighter tomorrow awaits.
What are the Types of Trauma Disorders?
A non-recovery issue stemming from trauma qualifies as a diagnosable condition or "disorder" upon meeting specific criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
When trauma-related challenges persist and impede your ability to fulfill your life roles consistently, it may escalate from a non-recovery syndrome to a "disorder." This isn't merely a rough patch; it's when socializing, working, studying, or managing daily tasks becomes consistently difficult.
Most Common Trauma Disorders Seen at Limestone Clinic
Depressive disorders are what they sound like - a certain way of classifying the mental health conditions that feature the problems that come with feeling very down - persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed. Depressive disorders are quite common - estimate suggest that roughly 8% of Canadians will experience a diagnosable depressive disorder at some point in their lives. Further, about 5% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported that they had experienced symptoms of depression in the past 12 months (Statistics Canada, 2019). Women report higher prevalences of depression than do men, and certain groups and populations may also be more likely to suffer from depression (e.g., those living rurally and those in lower income groups are more likely to report feeling depressed, just to name two). Most importantly, clinically diagnosable depression has a significant impact on a person's quality of life.
The disorders we see most commonly in our clinic are Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and Dysthymic Disorder.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder):
Ah, the classic trauma disorder – the one you've probably heard of before. PTSD can rear its head after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leaving you with a whirlwind of emotions, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. It's like your brain hitting the "rewind" button on a nightmare you just can't shake.
Acute Stress Disorder:
Think of acute stress disorder as PTSD's lesser-known cousin – similar symptoms, just on a shorter timeline, and not so "cute." If you find yourself struggling to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event for a few days to a few weeks, you might be dealing with acute stress disorder. But fear not – with the right support and coping strategies, you can weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.
Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD)
Developmental trauma occurs in our formative years, often meaningfully related to the attachment figures who are supposed to love us, comfort us, and take care of us, and feelings of aloneness, rejection, humiliation, and fear of annihilation. This results in a potentially larger range of symptoms resulting from prolonged exposure to adverse experiences during critical developmental periods. These experiences may include chronic abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma that disrupt healthy psychological and emotional development. This may even be related to trauma experienced during a difficult birth. Symptoms often manifest in difficulties with self-regulation, interpersonal relationships, and overall functioning.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Picture PTSD, but with a twist. Complex PTSD typically occurs after prolonged exposure to trauma, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. It's like PTSD on steroids, with additional symptoms like difficulty regulating emotions, distorted self-perception, and challenges in forming healthy relationships. But hey, where there's trauma, there's also hope – and our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of C-PTSD with compassion and expertise.
Adjustment Disorders:
Life throwing you a curveball? Adjustment disorders might be the culprit. These pesky little disorders can crop up after a major life change or stressful event, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. But fear not – with the right support and coping strategies, you can adjust to life's twists and turns with grace and resilience.
Dissociative Disorders:
Ever feel like you're watching your life unfold from the sidelines? That's where dissociative disorders come into play. These sneaky disorders can cause a disconnect between your thoughts, feelings, and sense of identity, often as a way to cope with overwhelming trauma. But fear not – with the right support and understanding, you can reconnect with yourself and reclaim your sense of wholeness.
Any of the above listed conditions, and even a problem with persistently mild symptoms from the descriptions above, can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life and can lead to a number of other problems, such as difficulty at work or school, problems in relationships, and an increased risk of other mental health conditions. It's important for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of trauma non-recovery to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. With competent help, those with traumatic exposure or histories of abuse and neglect can reclaim feeling good on a regular basis.
FAQs - Depression Psychotherapy and Counselling in Kingston, ON
Which of your staff are trauma experts?
(answer - all of us!)
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Is Trauma Actually Treatable?
YES! Psychotherapy stands as a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with the debilitating effects of trauma non-recovery. Talk therapy interventions hold profound transformative power, offering a path towards healing and reclaiming life after trauma.
At its core, psychotherapy provides a supportive environment for individuals to understand the interplay of their experiences, the meanings they ascribed to their experiences, their emotions, and thoughts about what happened to them in depth. Through evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, and Psychodynamic Therapy, your treatment provider will guide you in deepening your self-compassion and insight, processing traumatic memories, and restructuring maladaptive beliefs that you needed to get by in those harder times.
Trauma psychotherapy equips individuals with a diverse array of coping skills and strategies to manage PTSD symptoms effectively. From relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices to assertiveness training and stress management, therapists collaborate with clients to cultivate resilience and enhance emotional regulation.
But, importantly, psychotherapy extends beyond symptom reduction, fostering holistic healing on emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal levels. Therapeutic relationships serve as a cornerstone of this healing, providing individuals with validation, empathy, and support as they navigate their journey towards recovery
What are some common causes of Trauma/PTSD?
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Oh, I dunno... living through a worldwide pandemic?
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Combat exposure: Trauma experienced during military combat, including witnessing or participating in violent events.
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Physical assault: Surviving a violent attack, such as robbery, mugging, or domestic violence.
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Sexual assault: Enduring any form of unwanted sexual contact or violence.
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Childhood abuse: Experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood.
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Natural disasters: Surviving events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires.
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Serious accidents: Involvement in car crashes, industrial accidents, or other life-threatening incidents.
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Medical trauma: Traumatic experiences during medical procedures, surgeries, or serious illnesses.
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Terrorist attacks: Witnessing or being directly affected by acts of terrorism.
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Witnessing violence: Observing violence, including shootings, stabbings, or physical assaults.
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Military sexual trauma (MST): Experiencing sexual assault or harassment while serving in the military.
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Loss of a loved one: Sudden or traumatic death of a family member or close friend.
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Kidnapping or hostage situations: Being held against one's will or fearing for one's safety during abduction.
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Torture: Enduring physical or psychological torture, often in captivity or imprisonment.
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Intimate partner violence: Experiencing abuse or violence from a romantic partner or spouse.
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Community violence: Living in neighborhoods with high rates of crime or witnessing violence in the community.
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Bullying: Persistent harassment, intimidation, or abuse from peers or authority figures.
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Refugee or war trauma: Fleeing war-torn regions or experiencing displacement due to conflict.
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Occupational trauma: Traumatic events occurring in the workplace, such as accidents or violence.
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Hazing: Enduring physical or psychological abuse as part of initiation rituals or group activities.
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Cult involvement: Experiencing manipulation, coercion, or abuse within a cult or extremist group.
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Human trafficking: Being coerced, exploited, or trafficked for labor, sex, or other purposes.
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Accidental injury: Suffering severe injuries or disabilities due to accidents or mishaps.
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Animal attacks: Surviving encounters with aggressive or dangerous animals.
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Racial or hate crimes: Being targeted or victimized based on race, ethnicity, religion, or identity.
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Fire-related trauma: Surviving fires, explosions, or other incidents involving fire hazards.
What should I expect in therapy for my Trauma Non-Recovery?
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You book a free consultation or a full-length first appointment with us by sending us a message or phoning our office (613-877-4148)!
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Once you and your therapist decide to work together, you and your therapist will get really curious about all the things that are going on that are related to your depression problems.
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You and your therapist will examine your past, including any traumatic experiences, to identify any connections that may be relevant to your current condition.
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Together, you and your therapist will develop a level of trust that will allow you to share all the aspects of your inner thoughts and feelings that are relevant to your therapy.
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You will investigate how the events in your life, your thought patterns, and your current circumstances are contributing to your depression.
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You will develop techniques that are unique to the way YOU think and react, to reduce the triggers that cause intense emotions. You will do this without losing your individuality or sense of self.
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You will start feeling better after a period of putting in the work. It takes about 8 sessions before you start to really notice changes happening, and the next 8 sessions are even more transformative. Of course, this happens only, IF you're being honest and transparent with your therapist. If not, it'll take longer and be a little less satisfying in terms of seeing results.
Is Psychotherapy for Trauma Non-Recovery right for me?
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Are you committed to making a change in your emotional life and your relationships?
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Are you willing to trust a helping professional, share even the tricky parts of your experiences, in the interest of diving head-first into feeling better?
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Are you willing to invest in yourself financially and do you have the funds to give this a fair shake (think 8 sessions to begin to feel different, 16 sessions to really begin to nail the depression coffin shut)?
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Will you honestly give yourself the time you need to turn around a challenging problem and hang in through the challenging parts at the beginning? For most people seeking help for depression, you can expect that a fair shake at psychotherapy would be 6-8 sessions before you can expect to see a noticeable difference.
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Realistically, only you can decide if this is right for you. Don't come because your mother wants you to come. Come because you are certain you're reading to take action now, to make your life different.
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If you're not sure, an option is to book a free 15-minute consultation to get a "feel" for the therapist of your choosing?