Trauma Therapy - South Edmonton

Name: Boost Psychology
Address: 2307 - 90B Street SW, Edmonton, AB, T6X 0P4
Telephone: 780-628-5446

Welcome to Boost Psychology. We are an ethically minded and evidence-based group psychology practice in South Edmonton that specializes in treating trauma symptoms. We have a diverse group of psychologists who provide treatments for various psychological and mental health concerns, including trauma. One thing our practitioners have in common is our specialization on trauma treatment. Our group prides ourselves on offering evidence-based treatments for trauma that have been proven to provide benefit through research on its effectiveness. Our hope is to support you in improving your functioning if you are managing symptoms of trauma, and get on your way and back to your life. Our group of registered psychologists has taken specific training for treatments for trauma, such as eye movement desensitization and processing (EMDR), prolonged exposure therapy (PE), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT,) which are gold standard treatments for trauma treatment. Not all therapies work on treating people who have experienced trauma. It’s important to find a psychologist who is specifically trained and specialized in working with people who have experienced trauma. Almost every member of our clinical team has specialized training in treating symptoms of trauma. Please connect with us today to see how we can support you in moving past trauma symptoms.

Trauma Therapy – Edmonton
Registered Psychologists
South Edmonton Trauma Counselling
780-628-5446
2307 – 90B Street SW Edmonton
click for Directions
*just off of Ellerslie Road on 91 St. – Located in Summerside
Book an Appointment Online

When you arrive at Boost Psychology for your appointment, you will be greeted by a receptionist who will have forms for you to fill out. Our forms consist of a consent sheet, an intake sheet to gather your name, address, emergency contact, etc., and usually a brief measure of trauma or depression symptoms. The first session is time for you to share with your psychologist about what is going on for you. This also may be where you choose to share about the trauma, but not everyone chooses to share their trauma story in the first session. Either way is fine. Your psychologist will be looking to see areas you are doing well in and areas that need some support. Usually, at the end of the first session or two, the psychologist will be able to give you an estimate of treatment length and recommendations. The average length of treatment for trauma is 8 to 20+ sessions, depending on the severity of symptoms or if it’s a single incident trauma, like a car accident, or repetitive trauma like childhood abuse.

The purpose of trauma therapy is not to retraumatize you. It’s a space for you to share about and process what has happened. Your psychologist will guide the process to keep you at a tolerable level of distress where you are still processing but not avoiding. It’s common for people to avoid their thoughts and feelings pertaining to trauma. This behavior, done in the name of safety, is actually strengthening the trauma symptoms. People often find relief when they start to talk about what they have been avoiding.

When someone is experiencing symptoms of trauma, it’s as if their world starts to become smaller. Individuals find that they are drawn inward, feeling as if other people can’t understand what they are going through. Simple tasks such as going to the grocery store, spending time with your family, or going to work can feel impossible. Others experience flashbacks where a memory of the trauma intrudes into their lives either spontaneously or because of a trigger. Others have nightmares about the traumatic event. Avoidance of situations, thoughts, and people that pose reminders of the trauma is common – this behavior is done in the name of safety, but actually increases anxiety for the individual. Emotional symptoms related to trauma include depressed mood, memory difficulties, feeling numb, lack of positive emotion, fatigue, and hopelessness. Physically, people may have trouble sleeping, engage in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug use, or be easily startled.

Trauma Counselling – Edmonton
Registered Psychologists
South Edmonton Trauma Therapy
780-628-5446
2307 – 90B Street SW Edmonton
click for Directions
*just off of Ellerslie Road on 91 St. – Located in Summerside
Book an Appointment Online

Frequently asked questions about trauma therapy:

How do I know if I have trauma or PTSD?

Psychologists frequently see people presenting with trauma symptoms. Doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists can diagnose a person with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Not everyone who has experienced trauma will meet the criteria for PTSD, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t experienced trauma and are having symptoms. Your psychologist will let you know their assessment of your symptoms when you meet.

How long does trauma treatment take?

Treatment for trauma varies for everyone. Depending on the modality used and the circumstances of the individual, treatment can take anywhere from 8 – 20+ sessions. When you meet with your psychologist, they can provide you with an estimate based on your assessment and the type of trauma treatment being used.

Will I get better?

People do frequently see a reduction in their trauma symptoms. Although nothing is guaranteed, by using evidence-based practices such as CPT, PE, CBT, and EMDR, the likelihood of improvement of symptoms is greater. It’s important to complete exercises outside of the session to ensure that you are making all the progress that you can.

Living with trauma can be debilitating, and people often wait to get help. There are treatments available to reduce, and in some cases, eliminate symptoms of trauma. The first step of seeking help is often the most challenging for people. Many people recover from trauma symptoms and go on to live healthy, calm lives. Don’t put off getting support. Invest in your wellness – life can get better.

Author: Kirsten Klemm