Trauma

What is Trauma?

Trauma encompasses the emotional challenges that arise from experiencing a distressing event. It is not the event itself but rather the impact it has on an individual’s well-being. What may be deeply traumatic for one person might not affect another in the same way, highlighting the deeply personal nature of trauma. Understanding that any experience can be traumatizing emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy in recognizing and supporting those affected by trauma. By offering a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, providing professional support, and fostering a supportive community, we can help those impacted by trauma begin to heal and reclaim their well-being.

Signs and Symptoms of Trauma

  • a recent, single traumatic event (e.g., car crash, violent assault)
  • a single traumatic event that occurred in the past (e.g., a sexual assault, the death of a spouse or child, an accident, living through a natural disaster or a war)
  • a long-term, chronic pattern (e.g., ongoing childhood neglect, sexual or physical abuse).

A person who has experienced a traumatic event might develop either simple or complex PTSD:

  • Experiencing a single traumatic event is most likely to lead to simple PTSD.
  • Complex PTSD tends to result from long-term, chronic trauma and can affect a person’s ability to form healthy, trusting relationships. Complex trauma in children is often referred to as “developmental trauma.”

Experiences that can cause Trauma

  • Experiencing or witnessing violence
  • Natural disasters
  • Bullying
  • Physical Abuse
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Racism
  • Oppression and Isms
  • Sex trafficking
  • Divorce or seperation
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Medical procedures
  • War
  • Giving birth
  • Community violence
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Adverse childhood experiences (e.g. abuse, neglect, witnessing violence)
  • Terrorism
  • Witnessing pain and suffering
  • Adoption

The different types of trauma

  • Childhood trauma
  • Complex Trauma
  • Single Traumatic Events (e.g. motor vehicle accident)
  • Relational Trauma
  • Intergenerational trauma
  • Identity-based Trauma
  • Race based trauma
  • Abuse: Sexual, psychological, emotional, financial etc.
  • Traumatic grief
  • Domestic violence trauma
  • Natural disasters trauma
  • Refugee trauma
  • Birth trauma
  • Reproductive and Postpartum trauma
  • Medical trauma
  • Vicarious / Secondary Trauma or Compassion Fatigue

Trauma can cause other health issues

  • Attachment Issues
  • Psychosis
  • Dissociation
  • Substance use / abuse
  • Anger issues
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Difficulties creating and maintaining relationships

We can help with your trauma

Diagnosis and Treatment options

  • One of our psychologists, Sian Roberts, is a trauma specialist and has developed a Psychotraumatological Assessment process to help identify and diagnose trauma. This will help us reach a formal diagnosis, if trauma is present.
  • With Informal assessments it can give us a general idea of symptoms and level of distress. 
  • We can help with evidence based psychological treatments for trauma including: EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, Trauma-Focused CBT, EFT for Trauma, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Advance Trauma specialist

Sian Roberts

Trauma Specialist

Our Lead Trauma Specialist

Sian Roberts
South & West Office
Registered Psychologist
Accepting New Clients
Online or In-Person
Rate: $275/hour

Our Trauma Specialists

Dr. Amanda Stillar
South Office
Registered Psychologist
Accepting New Clients
Online
Rate: $220/hour
Dr. Thea Comeau
South Office
Registered Psychologist
Current Clients Only
Online
Rate: $220/hour
Kayla Lucas
South Office
Registered Psychologist
Accepting New Clients
Online or In-Person
Rate: $220/hour
Jasmine Nathoo
South Office
Registered Psychologist
Current Clients Only
Online or In-Person
Rate: $220/hour
Ruchelle Mendes
South Office
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Accepting New Clients
Online or In-Person
Rate: $190/hour
Nasim Switzer
South Office
Canadian Certified Psychologist
Currently on Maternity Leave
Online
Rate: $170+GST/hour
Jessica Johansson
South & West Office
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Accepting New Clients
Online or In-Person
Rate: $190/hour
Virginia Dowdell
South Office
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Accepting New Clients
Online or In-Person
Rate: $190/hour
Nadia Keyes
West Office
Registered Psychologist
Current Clients Only
Online or In-Person
Rate: $220/hour
Heather Sinclair
West Office
Registered Psychologist
Accepting New Clients
Online or In-Person
Rate: $220/hour