ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling - ptsd therapy calgary

How Does Our PTSD Therapy Calgary Help You?

Our PTSD therapy Calgary is a comprehensive and personalized approach to help individuals heal from trauma and stress. Our experienced therapists work with clients to identify the root causes of their PTSD symptoms and create individualized treatment plans tailored to their needs. Our approach utilizes a variety of techniques, including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and exposure therapy to help clients process their trauma in a safe and supportive environment. Through this collaborative process, our clients are empowered to build resilience, develop coping skills, and regain control over their lives.


Overcoming PTSD: A Personalized Approach to Therapy in Calgary

ShiftGrit is a professional trauma-informed therapy in Calgary that specializes in helping individuals who suffer from PTSD Calgary (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) find relief and healing. Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to using evidence-based techniques to help our clients overcome the symptoms of PTSD and improve their overall quality of life.

Our approach is designed to target the limiting beliefs that often result from trauma and use reconditioning the responses in the “walnut brain,” which is referred to as our primitive, pre-evolutionary brain, akin to our animal instincts. This process employs psychological techniques reminiscent of classical conditioning, as used by behaviourists like Pavlov with dogs, but in this case, it’s an inverted form of classical conditioning. By addressing the root causes of PTSD, our clients can experience significant improvements in their mental and emotional well-being.

Reconditioning can be an effective approach for individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by helping them confront and process the traumatic memories and associated emotions. The process incorporates elements of exposure therapy and integration techniques, which are tailored to address the specific needs of PTSD clients. Here’s how the Shift Program works for PTSD:

  • Assessment and psychoeducation: The therapist assesses the client’s PTSD symptoms and provides education about the disorder, the therapy process, and the rationale for using Reconditioning. Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance and a sense of trust is crucial for the success of the therapy.
  • Identifying traumatic memories: The therapist works with the client to identify specific traumatic memories that need to be addressed during therapy. These memories might be related to a single event or a series of events.
  • Creating a hierarchy: The client and therapist create a hierarchy of traumatic memories, ranking them according to the intensity of emotional distress they cause. This helps structure the exposure process in a gradual and manageable way.
  • Exposure: The therapist guides the client through repeated and controlled exposure to traumatic memories. This can be done through imaginal exposure (mentally revisiting the traumatic event) or in vivo exposure (visiting places or engaging in activities related to the trauma). The purpose of exposure is to help the client confront and tolerate their distress, and ultimately reduce the intensity of their emotional response to the memories.
  • Integration: During and after exposure, the client is encouraged to process their emotions and thoughts related to the traumatic memories. This can involve cognitive restructuring (challenging negative or distorted thoughts), emotional processing (expressing and understanding their feelings), or mindfulness techniques (accepting thoughts and emotions without judgment). Integration helps the client create new, healthier associations with the traumatic memories.
  • Habituation: As the client repeatedly engages in exposure and integration, they become less sensitive to the traumatic memories, and their emotional response decreases. This is known as habituation.
  • Generalization and maintenance: Once the client has successfully habituated to the traumatic memories, they may need to practice confronting related situations or memories to generalize their new emotional responses. The therapist will also work with the client on strategies to maintain their progress and prevent relapse.

ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling - ptsd therapy calgary

Understanding the Complexity of PTSD: Common Contributing Factors

PTSD is a complex mental health condition that can result from exposure to a traumatic event or ongoing stress. Understanding the potential causes of PTSD is an important part of effective treatment. Here are five common factors that can contribute to PTSD:

  • Trauma from physical or sexual assault, accidents, or natural disasters: Exposure to a life-threatening event, such as a serious accident or a natural disaster, can result in symptoms of PTSD.
  • Exposure to combat or other violent situations: People who have been in combat, experienced violence, or witnessed a traumatic event can develop PTSD symptoms.
  • Childhood neglect or abuse: Trauma experienced during childhood, such as abuse or neglect, can have long-lasting effects and lead to PTSD and be treated by childhood trauma therapy in Calgary.
  • Ongoing stress and lack of social support: Living with ongoing stress, such as financial difficulties or social isolation, can increase the risk of developing PTSD symptoms.

Genetic factors and brain chemistry: Research has suggested that there may be genetic factors that contribute to the development of PTSD and changes in brain chemistry may also play a role in the disorder.


ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling - ptsd therapy calgary

Downtown Therapist Calgary

ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling

Address:
815 17 Avenue SW #210, Calgary, AB, T2T 0A1, Canada

Phone: (587) 352-6463
Email: mountroyal@shiftgrit.shop

FAQ

What is PTSD?

PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a mental health condition that can occur after a person experiences a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, car accident, or physical or sexual assault. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, and avoidance of certain people or places.

How is PTSD treated?

PTSD is typically treated with a combination of PTSD counselling in Calgary and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of therapy used to treat PTSD. It helps individuals understand and change their thoughts and behaviors related to the traumatic event. Other types of therapy that may be helpful include exposure therapy and mindfulness-based therapy. Medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, can also be helpful in managing symptoms of PTSD.

How long does PTSD therapy take?

The length of PTSD therapy can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual's response to treatment. Some individuals may benefit from short-term therapy, while others may require longer-term treatment. It is important to work with a therapist to determine the most appropriate length of treatment.

Is PTSD therapy covered by health insurance?

In Canada, PTSD therapy is typically covered by provincial health insurance plans. However, it is always a good idea to check with your specific plan to determine what is covered.

How do I find a PTSD therapist in Calgary?

There are several ways to find a PTSD therapist in Calgary. One option is to search online directories of mental health professionals, such as the Alberta College of Social Workers or the Canadian Psychological Association. You can also ask your primary care physician for a referral to a PTSD therapist in your area.

What should I expect during PTSD therapy?

During PTSD therapy, you can expect to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the traumatic event. You may also be asked to do homework assignments, such as writing about your experiences or practicing relaxation techniques. Your therapist may also use exposure therapy, which involves helping you confront your fears related to the traumatic event in a controlled and safe environment.

Is it normal to feel worse before feeling better during PTSD therapy?

It is common for individuals to experience an increase in symptoms during the early stages of PTSD therapy, as they begin to confront and process their traumatic experiences. This is known as "processing" or "working through" the trauma. While this can be difficult, it is a necessary step in the healing process. It is important to talk with your therapist about any concerns or struggles you may be experiencing during treatment.

Can I see a PTSD therapist online?

Yes, it is possible to see a PTSD therapist online. Many mental health professionals offer teletherapy, which allows you to have therapy sessions over the phone or through video chat. This can be a convenient option if you are unable to physically go to a therapist's office.

What type of therapist is best for PTSD?

It is important to feel comfortable and supported by your therapist. If you don't feel that your therapist is a good fit for you, it may be helpful to try working with a different therapist. It is also important to remember that therapy is a process, and it may take some time to find a complex ptsd therapist near me.

Is it normal to feel overwhelmed during PTSD therapy?

It is normal to feel overwhelmed during PTSD therapy, as you may be discussing difficult and emotional experiences. It is important to communicate with your therapist about your feelings and to take breaks if you need them. It is also important