Trauma Focused Therapy PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The trauma may involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. It is characterized by persistent, intrusive, and distressing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. PTSD can occur after a single traumatic event or as a result of repeated trauma but is typically focused on the impact of one or more distinct incidents. Re-experiencing Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event. Avoidance Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of the trauma. Avoiding thoughts or feelings about the event. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world. Feelings of detachment, emotional numbness, or difficulty experiencing positive emotions. Hyperarousal Increased alertness, being easily startled, irritability, or trouble sleeping. C-PTSD Complex Trauma Complex trauma, or Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), refers to the psychological impact of repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often occurring in childhood or within close relationships. These events usually involve a betrayal of trust or a sense of powerlessness, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. Chronic Emotional Dysregulation Intense difficulty managing emotions, leading to frequent feelings of overwhelm, anger, sadness, or numbness. Altered Self-Perception Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, worthlessness, or being “damaged.” Relational Difficulties Trouble forming or maintaining healthy relationships due to mistrust, fear of intimacy, or emotional dependency. Dissociation and Memory Issues Difficulty recalling details of traumatic events or feeling disconnected from reality or one’s body. Distorted Beliefs About Others A belief that others are untrustworthy, harmful, or unsafe. Persistent Negative Beliefs A sense of hopelessness or helplessness about the future. Differences Between PTSD and Complex Trauma Aspect PTSD Complex Trauma Trauma Type Usually a single or isolated event Repeated, prolonged abuse Focus Reactions to specific traumatic memories Broader patterns of relational and emotional challenges Key Symptoms Intrusions, avoidance, hyperarousal Emotional dysregulation, self-esteem issues, dissociation Causal Factors A distinct traumatic event Chronic betrayal, criticism, neglect, or abuse What Should I Expect from Trauma-Focused Therapy? Trauma-focused therapy is designed to help individuals process and recover from the effects of traumatic experiences. At Riven Psychology, we focus on the following elements. A Safe and Supportive Relationship We prioritize establishing a sense of safety and trust. You will not be pushed beyond what you feel ready to share or explore, and the pace will be tailored to your needs. Understanding and Processing Trauma We will help you understand how trauma affects your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We’ll explore how your past experiences influence your present struggles, including emotional triggers, self-perception, and relational patterns. Emotional Regulation Skills You’ll learn techniques to manage distressing emotions and reduce symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, or avoidance. This might include mindfulness, grounding exercises, and breathing techniques. Cognitive Strategies for Overcoming Trauma We will identify how your thoughts and expectations stem from past traumatic experiences, whether this has affected your sense of safety and control, or your view of yourself, others, or the world. We will explore ways to update these perspectives to enable a more hopeful, meaningful, and functional outlook on life. Behaviour Strategies for Overcoming Trauma We will also rely on exposure techniques and goal-setting to help you overcome fear, reduce avoidance, and rebuild your life. Challenges and Progress Trauma-focused therapy can be challenging at times, as it may involve confronting painful memories or emotions. However, it is also empowering and transformative, with a focus on helping you regain a sense of safety, courage, confidence, trust, and purpose. Book your session now! Your journey of change begins now Frequently Asked Questions What is PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Traumatic experiences provoke intense fear and a sense of powerlessness, which can impact brain function in a sustained way. Flashbacks, a heightened sense of threat, disconnection from others, and drug use or reckless behaviour can all be part of the psychological impacts of trauma. What are the symptoms of PTSD? PTSD involves four symptom clusters: Re-experiencing symptoms: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event. Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the trauma (people, places, situations), as well as avoiding thoughts or feelings about the event. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, feelings of detachment, emotional numbness, or difficulty experiencing positive emotions. Hyperarousal: Increased alertness, being easily startled, irritability, or trouble sleeping. What is the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD? PTSD typically arises after a single or isolated traumatic event and focuses on reactions to specific traumatic memories. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), on the other hand, is a response to repeated, prolonged trauma, often occurring in childhood or within close relationships, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. C-PTSD symptoms are broader and involve patterns of relational and emotional challenges, including emotional dysregulation, self-esteem issues, and dissociation. How is PTSD treated? A variety of therapies have been shown to be effective for treating PTSD. Riven Psychology uses an integrative approach that combines cognitive-behavioral and schema therapy. For single-event PTSD, we use cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE). Schema therapy and mentalization-based therapies are used for complex trauma. What should I expect from trauma-focused therapy? Trauma-focused therapy aims to help individuals process and recover from the effects of traumatic experiences. At Riven Psychology, we focus on: Establishing a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship to allow for the exploration of difficult memories and experiences. Helping individuals understand how trauma affects their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how past experiences influence present struggles. Teaching emotional regulation skills, such as mindfulness, grounding exercises, and breathing techniques. Identifying and challenging negative thoughts and expectations that stem from the traumatic experience. Using exposure techniques and goal-setting to help individuals overcome fear, reduce avoidance, and rebuild their lives. Is trauma-focused therapy challenging? Trauma-focused therapy can be challenging at times as it may involve confronting painful memories or emotions. However, it is also empowering and transformative, helping individuals regain a sense of safety, courage, confidence, trust, and purpose. How long does trauma recovery take? The duration of trauma recovery varies greatly and depends on several factors, including the complexity of the trauma history. Short-term therapy for a single traumatic event experienced as an adult may last 12-20 weeks. Long-term trauma-focused therapy for repeated childhood trauma has no predefined timeline. Can I access therapy services if I live outside of Ottawa? Yes, Riven Psychology offers teletherapy services to individuals located anywhere in Ontario. This is particularly helpful for those who may have difficulty finding suitable mental health services in their local area.