Is this how you feel?
What is trauma?
Trauma is caused by experiencing an event (or ongoing events) that overwhelms our capacity to cope with it. Trauma also refers to the overwhelming and uncontrollable events that result in feelings of helplessness, unbearable aloneness, loss of safety and loss of control in survivors.
People who experience traumatic events may:
Avoid reminders of the event
Experience flashbacks, nightmares & unwanted thoughts
Feel "on edge" or irritable
Have difficulty concentrating
Feel numb or detached from others
Experience sleep disturbances
What is C-PTSD?
C-PTSD is caused by repeated traumatic events involving interpersonal relationships (attachment trauma). Examples of this could include physical, emotional and sexual abuse or neglect, as well as ongoing mis-attunement or criticism by a parent or loved one. C-PTSD is the feeling of aloneness and helplessness that makes these events so painful to experience.
People with marginalized identities are more likely to experience C-PTSD. This includes racialized folks, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent identities.
People struggling with C-PTSD may experience:
Low self-worth
A sense of loneliness even when you are among people
Feeling numb or empty inside
Having difficulty maintaining trusting relationships
Becoming easily overwhelmed or anxious in social situations
Being irritable or angry
Why should you seek trauma/C-PTSD therapy?
Therapy can help you resolve trauma symptoms and improve your relationship with yourself and others, for a better quality of life.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, have difficulty regulating emotions and maintaining healthy relationships following a traumatic event you should seek help from a licensed professional.
What if I tried trauma therapy in the past?
If you participated in therapy in the past but still feel as though you are carrying a heaviness, reach out! Some people describe this as an undercurrent of sadness, anxiety or having a burden. For other people they may notice feeling emptiness inside that doesn’t resolve despite gaining new skills in therapy. If that's what you're going through, let's talk!
Trauma therapy helps you heal from the psychological and emotional wounds caused by experiencing traumatic events.
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
Discover effective trauma therapy
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is a transformational, healing-oriented, experiential mind-body therapy with roots in affective neuroscience and attachment theory.
AEDP is an experiential therapy that offers transformative emotional and relational experiences, not just cognitive or intellectual conversations offered by many traditional “talk therapies.”
Healing occurs within the safety of a secure therapeutic relationship. These new, healing experiences (felt sense of safety, acceptance and emotional regulation) create new neural networks in the brain that allow clients to integrate the changes experienced in the session into their everyday lives more easily.
How is AEDP different from "traditional" talk trauma therapy?
While talk therapy can help develop insight, provide education and model new coping skills, it primarily relies on engaging our sense of logic (our “rational” brain). Somatic and experiential therapies target the underlying emotions and subconscious beliefs stored in our physical body following a trauma.
This allows for greater resolution of trauma symptoms. Experiential therapies provide in-the-moment opportunities to apply new skills during the appointment, while accompanied by the therapist to help you face what has been previously avoided and feared to be overwhelming.
Bumbleberry Counselling
What can you expect from trauma/C-PTSD therapy?
At Bumbleberry, you can expect a down to earth, friendly atmosphere where you can talk openly, process your feelings, and foster a deeper self-understanding to build resilience.
Trauma therapy provides corrective experiences to support well-being including tools for emotional regulation, understanding trauma triggers, and identifying new adaptive actions.
Trauma therapy can help you:
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Gain better insight into your life
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Build healthier relationships
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Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
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Increase your self-esteem
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Regain control over your life
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Rebuild your sense of safety & balance
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Improve your overall mental & emotional well-being!
Trauma therapy: Rates & conditions
$200 per 50 minute session
We accept e-transfer, preauthorized debit, credit card as well as direct bill to many insurance providers.
Virtual & in-person appointments are available
Virtual sessions are available to residents of Alberta and Nova Scotia.
In person appointments available in Airdrie:
108 Edmonton Trail NE, Airdrie, AB, T4B 1R9
Frequently asked questions about trauma therapy
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How frequently will we meet?
Most people book sessions bi-weekly to start and then space them out as they begin to notice improvements. Some people prefer to book more or less frequently depending on the severity of their symptoms, scheduling and financial needs.
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How many therapy sessions are required?
Healing from trauma is a deeply personal experience which varies from person to person. A small percentage of people experience lasting change from as little as 3-4 appointments, with 8-12 sessions being considered brief therapy. Due to the complex nature of trauma, a typical course of treatment is usually about 22 sessions.
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What can I expect in a therapy session?
AEDP uses different techniques to support clients to process traumatic experiences such as tuning into sensations in the body, visualization and mindfulness, and eliciting feedback about the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. These interventions aim to transform painful experiences of aloneness into a sense of connection and belonging.
Are you ready to start?
Book trauma therapy in Airdrie & across AB
Past experiences can be difficult, but they don’t have to affect your functioning today. Thanks to trauma therapy, you can regain confidence and sense of security, overcome difficult experiences from your past, and live your life to the fullest.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here for you! I warmly invite you to book a free initial consultation with me. During this first call, you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns as well as ask questions about trauma therapy and my approach. If you feel like we’re a good fit, I will guide you through the next steps. However, there’s no obligation to start the counselling process after this initial session.
I look forward to talking to you!
Diana
