Trauma and stress can show up in many ways

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

1 month after an event like physical or sexual violence, a natural disaster, accident, injury, or death, you may have unwanted memories, thoughts or nightmares, anger or irritability, feel on edge, guilt, shame, fear, or numbness, avoid reminders, or have negative thoughts about yourself or others.

Acute stress disorder

Following the same kinds of events that can lead to PTSD, similar symptoms develop lasting between 3 days to 1 month.

Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED)

Often resulting from severe early traumatic experiences such as neglect or abuse, kids can become very comfortable separating from their caregivers, overly affectionate or unafraid and wander off with unfamiliar people. 

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD)

Often starting before 5 years old, after chronically unmet emotional needs or frequent changes in caregivers, kids can have difficulty forming secure attachments, and become irritable, sad, fearful, and withdrawn, rarely seeking comfort or not responding to comfort when distressed.

Adjustment disorder

Severe emotional or behavioural changes can occur in adults or kids following a major change, loss, or transition, like divorce, job loss or death.

Prolonged grief disorder (complicated/traumatic grief)

Grief, such as feeling like you lost a part of yourself, disbelief, avoidance of reminders, intense emotional pain, or severe loneliness, following the death of a loved one that lasts more than 1 year in adults, or 6 months in kids.

Complex trauma (cPTSD)

Exposure to multiple, chronic, or repeated trauma over a prolonged period of time, such as childhood abuse or maltreatment, domestic violence, community violence, bullying, or systemic oppression, can cause PTSD-like symptoms such as emotional or behavioural difficulties, negative thoughts or feelings about yourself, a sense of worthlessness, shame, guilt or failure, nightmares, impulsivity, irritability, patterns of avoidance, and challenges in relationships or feeling close with others.
Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body.

​- Bessel van der Kolk

Counselling alone can relieve PTSD symptoms for over 70% of survivors.

What you can do

Trauma Assessment

Do you wonder if you're living with an undiagnosed trauma or stress related disorder? A mental health assessment can help you clarify and contextualize your experiences and get you started on the right track toward a healthier, happier life.

Trauma Counselling

Counselling is proven effective for helping adults, kids, teens, and relationships affected by trauma or stress related disorders. Gain insight, develop adaptive coping strategies, and cultivate a more fulfilling life for yourself and your loved ones.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of having tried to survive something that should have never happened.

​- J. L. Witterick

Trauma-Focused Care

Empower your trauma recovery with expert support. You don't have to face this alone. We are passionate about helping you and your loved ones recognize and heal from the effects of trauma. Reach out to get started today.​
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