Online PTSD Counselling in British Columbia
PTSD can develop when a traumatic event overwhelms the body’s natural coping mechanisms, leaving unresolved emotions and responses. This can result in intense reactions to reminders of the event, such as flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or emotional numbness. You might find yourself avoiding situations that trigger memories or feeling disconnected from daily life.
Trauma isn't always about direct danger—it can stem from witnessing distressing events or learning about a loved one's experience. First responders and caregivers often carry hidden trauma from constant exposure to others’ suffering.
At The Commons Wellness Collective, we understand that trauma affects everyone differently. Our compassionate, trauma-informed approach provides a safe environment to explore these experiences and reconnect with your sense of security. Together, we’ll help you process lingering emotions and rebuild a life where you feel more grounded and in control.
Start your healing journey—reach out today.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD occurs when the physical, mental, and emotional experiences of a traumatic event persist as if the event is still happening, long after it has ended. For most folks, trauma-related symptoms fade over time. However, if the distress continues for more than a month, you may meet the criteria for PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD
It’s not always obvious that someone has PTSD, especially since vicarious trauma (hearing about an event) counts too. Focusing on noticeable behaviors can be helpful in recognizing the signs:
PTSD symptoms include:
Feeling isolated
Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
Apathy toward previously enjoyed activities
Self-blame or blaming others for the event
Memory gaps related to the trauma
Aggression or irritability
Hypervigilance
Heightened startle response
Risky behavior
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
First responders, medical staff who regularly deal with trauma, and others exposed to vicarious trauma often do not realize how they might be using risky behavior to cope, distracting or numbing themselves. This can include substance use, risky sexual behavior, and other harmful activities.
Why Therapy is Crucial for PTSD
Therapy plays a crucial role in navigating PTSD, as it helps us develop compassion for ourselves and recognize that our body did its best to keep us safe. Our body’s response to a traumatic event—whether fight, flight, or freeze—is not within our control. We need to support our body in processing its response and help ourselves realize that we are now safe. This process often involves having our experience acknowledged as trauma by someone else, in a space where we feel safe enough to express and process our emotions.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Counsellors in BC Today
Therapeutic Techniques for PTSD
There are many therapeutic techniques that can support recovery from PTSD. One commonly used AEDP technique involves portrayals, where we revisit the traumatic experience and rewrite the ending. Our brain processes imagined events similarly to real experiences on an emotional level. This technique allows us to safely explore and release trauma-related emotions without re-experiencing the event physically. While revisiting the trauma in your mind may feel overwhelming, doing so in a safe therapeutic space with a supportive therapist can help your body complete the stress cycle. If you’re curious whether portrayals might work for you, discuss this with your AEDP therapist.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach at The Commons
At The Commons Wellness Collective, we embody the key principles of trauma-informed care:
Safety (Physical and Emotional): Processing trauma requires a sense of safety to manage the distress that may arise. You need to trust your therapy relationship and feel supported while working through intense emotions.
Choice: In trauma-informed care, you always have a choice. You can say yes, no, or suggest a different direction at any point in therapy.
Collaboration: We work together to find the best approach for you—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Empowerment: Recovering from trauma is not about being rescued but reconnecting with your inner strength. You’ll learn to trust yourself and your ability to stay safe in the face of challenges, supported by your therapist.
Trustworthiness: Trust is critical for feeling safe. We’re committed to open communication and sharing our experiences with you. We want you to feel seen, heard, and never alone.
We’re here to support you on your journey toward healing. If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to schedule a consultation—we’re with you every step of the way.
