Trauma

Supporting a Loved One Through Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Dealing with a partner who is going through PTSD can be challenging, but knowing what to anticipate and how to provide support can make a world of difference in your relationship. Understanding Trauma In the words of our Clinical Director, Samantha Pekh, M.A., Registered Psychologist, trauma results from experiencing something that was unexpected and/or which…

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Mastering Your Emotions: A Guide to Developing Emotional Regulation

Emotions are an integral part of our human experience. They can be powerful forces, guiding our thoughts and actions. However, when emotions run amok, they can disrupt our lives and relationships. Developing emotional regulation is the key to managing these powerful feelings, and below, we will explore what emotional regulation is and how to cultivate…

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Developing Inner Emotional Stability

Developing inner emotional stability is a gradual process that requires self-awareness, practice, and the cultivation of healthy habits. Here are some strategies that can help you develop inner emotional stability: Self-Awareness: Start by developing a deep understanding of your emotions, triggers, and patterns of reactivity. Pay attention to how different situations and events impact your…

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What is EDMR – Healing Trauma

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach used to address and heal trauma. It was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since gained recognition as an effective treatment modality for trauma-related disorders. The underlying concept of EMDR is that traumatic or overwhelming experiences can…

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What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. That’s a mouthful, for sure. It means moving your eyes in a rapid yet rhythmic way while recalling a traumatic event. Doing so helps reduce the intensity of your emotions and sometimes the bodily sensations you associate with that event. The therapist will guide you to shift…

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EMDR Works. Here’s How We Know

EMDR References List of international guidelines and organizations recognizing the effectiveness of EMDR. American Psychiatric Association (2004).   Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines. EMDR is recommended as an effective treatment for trauma. Bleich, A., Kotler, M., Kutz, I., & Shalev,…

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How EMDR Can Help Traumatic Memories with Dr. Dalene Forester Thacker

This is a podcast that was originally aired on the “Functional Medicine Doc Show,” which is hosted by Dr. Carri Drzyzga. It is an easy to listen podcast that covers the basics of EMDR, how it works, and what it can be used for. Dr. DaLene is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, an expert in traumatic stress, and is certified in EMDR. She has a private practice specializing in the treatment of eating…

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What is a Trigger

It may feel like your trauma symptoms come “out of the blue” but often they arise because of a trigger. To begin learning how to cope with triggers, it will be important to begin identifying what your triggers are. When talking about trauma, a trigger can be anything that reminds you of the trauma. It can be an object, a type of person, a place, a situation, a smell, a noise, a piece of music, or even a colour. A trigger may also be an action or particular activity you have to do…

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