PTSD & Trauma Therapy
Find Safety, Support, and Relief After Trauma
At Journey Psychology, proudly serving Sherwood Park, we provide compassionate, client-centred psychological care to support you through life’s challenges. We help you understand your experiences, rebuild a sense of safety, and regain control of your life in a way that feels respectful, collaborative, and empowering. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based therapy and tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you can move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence—at a pace that feels right for you.
“Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.”
– Gabor Maté
Understanding Trauma & PTSD
Trauma happens when an event overwhelms your ability to cope; such as an accident, assault, abuse, sudden loss, medical emergencies, or natural disasters. Even long after the event, your body and mind may continue responding as though the danger is still present.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop when these overwhelming experiences remain unprocessed. You may feel constantly on edge, experience intrusive memories or nightmares, or avoid reminders of the event. Trauma can also show up in unexpected ways, such as irritability, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, or feeling disconnected from others.
Everyone responds to trauma differently. What feels manageable for one person may be deeply distressing for another. Therapy provides a safe place to understand your reactions, calm your nervous system, and rebuild a sense of stability and control.
Common Symptoms of Trauma or PTSD
Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
Feeling constantly “on alert” or easily startled
Emotional numbness or detachment
Irritability or anger outbursts
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
How Therapy Can Help
At Journey Psychology, we provide trauma-informed care that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment. Our clinicians are trained in:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
A trauma-focused therapy that helps reduce the emotional impact of distressing memories and supports healing from past traumatic experiences.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
Helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors related to trauma, while teaching coping skills and reducing avoidance.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
Supports responding to trauma-related thoughts and feelings with flexibility and self-compassion, helping you live according to your values and build long-term resilience.
These approaches help you gently reprocess painful memories, regulate your nervous system, and rebuild a sense of security both within yourself and your environment.
Trauma Therapy Supports You In
- Making sense of traumatic experiences at your own pace
- Processing emotional pain without becoming overwhelmed
- Learning practical skills to manage triggers and daily stress
- Cultivating self-compassion, emotional safety, and resilience
How Trauma Therapy Supports Recovery
- Fewer intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and trauma-related nightmares
- Improved emotional regulation and mood stability
- Better sleep, focus, and day-to-day functioning
- Reduced avoidance and fear responses
- Stronger connection to self and others
Why Choose Journey Psychology?
Healing from trauma requires compassion, expertise, and a safe environment. At Journey Psychology, we offer:
Trauma-informed, evidence-based care grounded in EMDR, CBT, and ACT
A calm, supportive atmosphere designed to help your nervous system settle
A collaborative approach where you guide the pace of your healing
Skilled clinicians experienced in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, dissociation, and emotional regulation
In-person and virtual options to make therapy accessible and comfortable
Coping Tools We Teach
- Grounding and somatic strategies to reduce dissociation
- Breathwork and relaxation techniques
- Journaling or creative expression for safe emotional processing
- Gradual, supported exposure to reduce avoidance
- Mind-body awareness practices like mindfulness or gentle movement
What to Expect
Your therapy experience is supportive, paced, and tailored to you:
1. Complimentary 15-Minute Consultation
Start with a brief, no-pressure call to explore your concerns and be matched with a therapist who aligns with your goals and comfort level.
2. First Session
Your therapist will begin building trust and safety, get to know your experiences, and understand what helps you feel grounded and supported.
3. Personalized Treatment Plan
Together, you’ll create a treatment plan that reflects your goals, comfort level, and readiness—always at your pace.
4. Ongoing Therapy & Growth
Your therapist guides you through trauma-focused approaches, coping tools, and emotional processing. As symptoms ease, sessions evolve to support resilience and long-term wellbeing.
FAQ: PTSD & Trauma Therapy
How long does trauma therapy take?
Each person’s healing timeline is unique. Some clients see improvement within a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will help you find a pace that feels right.
What’s the difference between trauma and PTSD?
Trauma refers to the distressing event itself. PTSD is a condition that can develop afterward when symptoms like flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance persist and impact daily life.
Can virtual therapy help with PTSD?
Yes. Many clients find online trauma therapy safe and effective, especially when paired with grounding techniques guided by the therapist.
Will talking about my trauma make things worse?
In a safe, structured environment, discussing your trauma helps reduce its emotional intensity. Therapists pace the work carefully so you never feel overwhelmed.
What types of experiences can cause PTSD?
Accidents, abuse, assault, combat, medical trauma, natural disasters, or any life-threatening or destabilizing event can lead to PTSD.
Do I have to talk about the trauma directly?
Not always. Trauma therapy does not require you to revisit details before you feel ready. Many approaches focus first on stabilizing the nervous system, building coping tools, and strengthening safety.
