Trauma & PTSD Therapy in Ottawa & Across Ontario
Does this sound like you?
✔️ Have you experienced a traumatic event in your life?
✔️ Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, or physical symptoms as a result of trauma?
✔️ Are you hesitant to seek help for trauma due to stigma or fear?
✔️ Do you ask yourself if healing from trauma possible?
You are not alone. Around 60% of Canadian men have reported experiencing at least one traumatic event in their life, while 8% of all Canadians would meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Are You Struggling to Heal from Trauma?
Many Canadians go undiagnosed or untreated, which can lead to many mental health and physical challenges. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, and you don’t know how to move forward. It’s possible that you’ve tried to cope with these feelings on your own, but nothing seems to work. If this sounds like you, trauma therapy may be the solution you need. For many, trauma is often misunderstood and often is recognized more in the body than the mind as the individual tries to suppress or forget the painful memories of their trauma.
Are men affected differently by trauma than women?
In general, men are more likely to experience traumatic events related to accidents, combat, and physical violence, while women are more likely to experience trauma related to sexual violence, domestic violence, and childhood abuse. Men may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or aggressive behavior, as a way to cope with trauma.
Additionally, societal expectations and gender norms may impact how men perceive and respond to trauma. Men are often socialized to be stoic and not show emotions, which can make it difficult for them to seek help for trauma-related issues. There may also be stigma around seeking mental health treatment, which can make it harder for men to access the support they need.
Overall, while trauma can affect men differently, it's important to recognize that every person's experience of trauma is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to trauma therapy. It's essential to work with a therapist who is trained in trauma treatment and can provide individualized support to help each person heal and recover.
Trauma Can Take Many Forms, and It’s Not Always Easy to Recognize
Trauma can be acute, chronic, or complex. Some common types of trauma include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, natural disasters, war, sexual or physical assault, accidents, abuse, infidelity, divorce, and medical procedures. Trauma can also result from chronic stress or living in an unsafe environment. Regardless of the cause of one's trauma, it can have a lasting impact on your mental and physical health.
The Symptoms of Trauma in Men Often Lead to Many Physical and Mental Health Challenges.
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Symptoms of Trauma
If you’ve experienced trauma, you may be dealing with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance. You may feel like you’re on edge all the time, and it’s hard to relax. You may have trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating. You may feel disconnected from others and have difficulty forming or maintaining relationships.
Many men struggling with trauma often report feeling numb, detached, and unable to experience positive emotions or enjoy activities they used to enjoy. Lastly, you may be using substances and processes more to self-soothe and notice increased alcohol, drug, porn, or food consumption. These symptoms can be overwhelming and interfere with your ability to live your life.
Can trauma therapy help me?
Trauma therapy can help you address the root causes of your symptoms and develop coping strategies to manage them. Working with a trained trauma therapist can provide you with a safe, supportive space to process your experiences and emotions. It is important to recognize that processing and recovering from trauma takes patience, time, and safety. Over time, you can learn to reframe, understand, and heal from trauma, both mentally and physically.
Different Types of Trauma Therapy
There are many different types of trauma therapy, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best approach for your individual needs. Some common types of trauma therapy include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By recognizing and challenging negative beliefs, you can learn to cope with your symptoms in a healthier way.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing:
EMDR is a type of therapy that uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help process traumatic memories. EMDR can help reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and associated symptoms.
Somatic Experiencing:
Somatic experiencing focuses on the physical sensations associated with trauma. By helping you become more aware of bodily sensations, your therapist can guide you in releasing pent-up tension and emotions.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy:
Mindfulness-based therapy can help you develop a greater awareness of your thoughts and emotions. By learning to be present in the moment, you can reduce the intensity of your symptoms and develop greater resilience.
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Find your Trauma Therapist in Ontario Today
Ottawa-based therapists experienced in PTSD therapy.
Comfort, safety, and knowledge is key in finding a trauma therapist!
When choosing a trauma therapist, it’s important to find someone who is trained and experienced in working with trauma. Look for a therapist who has specialized training in trauma therapy and who is familiar with evidence-based treatments for trauma. It’s also important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust. You may want to schedule an initial consultation with a potential therapist to get a sense of their approach and see if it feels like a good fit.
Won't talking about my trauma make it worse? I am worried I will struggle more by talking about it.
Safety and pacing is key to trauma therapy. The therapists at First Step Men's Therapy recognize that safety, rapport-building, and comfort are important parts of the process when working with trauma. While processing and talking about the trauma is an important part of the healing process, it is also necessary to ensure that you do not get flooded or overwhelmed during this process, which can lead to more complications and greater distress. We work to build a strong foundation with you before moving to trauma processing and work.
How do I get started in getting help for my trauma?
If you're in Toronto and looking for trauma therapy, taking the first step can be daunting but it's crucial for your healing journey. Seeking help from a trained trauma therapist can help you regain control of your life and overcome the effects of trauma. First Step Men's Therapy offers free 20-minute consultations to those in Ontario to help determine if a therapist is a good fit and answer any questions you may have before starting.
Take a Look at our Trauma & PTSD Blog Posts...
Struggling with More than Trauma & PTSD?
Our team of specialized therapists based in Ontario are also experts in: