Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Some people may develop a mental health condition known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in response to witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Traumatic events include exposure to death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence. The person may have directly experienced the traumatic event, witnessed it, learned that someone close to them was exposed to a trauma, or been indirectly exposed to details of the trauma (e.g., first responders, paramedics).

PTSD symptoms persist long after a traumatic event has ended (at least more than one month afterwards). PTSD can result in intrusive memories, avoidance of anything that reminds oneself of the trauma, negative changes in mood and thinking, and increased reactivity (i.e., hyperarousal). These symptoms significantly impair functioning and can negatively affect various aspects of life, including relationships and work performance.

Symptoms of PTSD include:

  • through unwanted memories, nightmares, flashbacks

  • occur after exposure to traumatic reminders

  • whether thoughts, feelings, or external reminders

    • Inability to recall key features of the trauma

    • Negative thoughts and assumptions about oneself or the world

    • Exaggerated self-blame or blaming of others for causing the trauma

    • Increase in negative moods (anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, shame, irritability)

    • Feeling isolated

    • Decreased interest in activities

    • Difficulty experiencing pleasant emotions

    • Irritability or aggression

    • Risky or destructive behaviour

    • Excessive sensitivity to surroundings and constantly assessing for potential threats to safety (i.e., hypervigilance)

    • Heightened startle reaction

    • Difficulty sleeping

    • Trouble concentrating

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How Do We Treat PTSD?

PTSD can be treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Medication may help with mood-related symptoms like depression and anxiety, as well as improve sleep quality for those struggling with frequent nightmares. Trauma therapy often involves one of several types of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help individuals identify and change negative thought and behaviour patterns related to the traumatic event(s).

Although it is normal to want to avoid reminders of a traumatic event, this ultimately reinforces fear. A specific type of CBT known as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) helps with challenging and modifying unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma to reduce distress. Another form of CBT known as Prolonged Exposure (PE) involves gradually confronting trauma-related memories and feelings to reduce avoidance in response to trauma cues.

Seeking PTSD Therapy In Toronto?

WG Psychology is a mental health clinic dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based assessment and psychotherapy services for adults. We offer trauma therapy in Toronto for adults aged 18-65 struggling with the difficult and distressing consequences of traumatic events. Our clinic’s approach to PTSD treatment pulls from numerous psychotherapy orientations, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE). WG Psychology’s skilled clinicians offer PTSD treatment in Toronto both in-person at our downtown location and virtually for anyone located in Ontario. Connect with us to book an appointment!

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Toronto PTSD Treatment Team