PTSD & Trauma Therapy
Compassionate, Evidence-Based Treatment at Peace of Mind CBT
Healing from Trauma is Possible
If you’re living with intrusive memories, emotional overwhelm, or constant hypervigilance, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Evidence-based trauma therapy can help you regain a sense of safety and control.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma- and stress-related condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing an extremely distressing event. This may include:
Sexual violence or assault
Severe accidents
Witnessing death or serious injury
Sudden loss
Physical violence
Medical trauma
PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is the nervous system’s attempt to survive overwhelming experiences.
Emotional & Cognitive Changes
Guilt, shame, anger, or hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Persistent negative thoughts about yourself or the world
Hyperarousal / Hypervigilance
Feeling constantly on guard
Easily startled
Irritability or sudden anger
Difficulty sleeping
PTSD often occurs alongside depression, anxiety, or substance use challenges. Treating trauma effectively means addressing the whole picture.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD can affect your thoughts, emotions, and body.
Re-Experiencing (Intrusions)
Intrusive memories or thoughts
Flashbacks that feel real and immediate
Nightmares
Avoidance
Avoiding people, places, or situations linked to the trauma
Withdrawing from friends or family
Emotional numbing
Is PTSD Treatable?
Yes. PTSD is highly treatable.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered one of the most effective treatments for PTSD. When delivered properly and safely, trauma-focused therapy can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting what happened.
It means reducing the power it has over you.
Evidence-Based Approaches Used in PTSD Treatment
-
Reconsolidation Therapy is an evidence-based, neuroscience-informed approach that helps reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories without erasing the memory itself. Developed by Alain Brunet, this structured 5–6 session method combines psychotherapy with medication (typically propranolol, prescribed by a medical provider) to help the brain “re-store” memories with less fear and reactivity.
When a traumatic memory is safely recalled in session, it temporarily becomes flexible. During this window, the emotional intensity can be reduced before the memory is reconsolidated. Over time, memories often feel more distant, less intrusive, and less overwhelming.
This approach may help with:
Intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
Heightened emotional or physiological reactivity
Trauma related to accidents, assault, combat, or first responder exposure
PTSD that has not fully responded to traditional therapy
-
CPT helps you examine and shift trauma-related beliefs that may be keeping you stuck, such as guilt, shame, or self-blame.
You learn to:
Challenge distorted trauma beliefs
Reduce emotional reactivity
Develop healthier, balanced perspectivesn text goes here
-
MBCT supports emotional regulation by helping you:
Notice triggers without being overwhelmed
Reduce reactivity
Strengthen present-moment awareness
This is particularly helpful for hyperarousal and intrusive symptoms.
-
These approaches help you:
Reframe your trauma story
Process unresolved emotional pain
Regain a sense of empowerment
Reduce shame and self-criticism
You are not defined by what happened to you.
-
These approaches help you:
Reframe your trauma story
Process unresolved emotional pain
Regain a sense of empowerment
Reduce shame and self-criticism
You are not defined by what happened to you.
-
Trauma often leaves individuals feeling guilt or self-blame.
Self-compassion work helps reduce:
Shame
Harsh self-criticism
Internalized blame
And builds:
Emotional safety
Kindness toward yourself
Resilience
Trauma Therapy at Peace of Mind CBT
Our approach is practical, structured, and grounded in evidence-based methods proven effective for trauma recovery.
As your CBT therapist, our work is:
Direct and goal-focused
Symptom-reduction oriented
Collaborative and paced
Focused on emotional regulation and resilience
Trauma therapy is not about reliving pain without purpose. It is about helping your nervous system process what happened safely and gradually.
What Trauma Therapy Looks Like
Trauma therapy at Peace of Mind CBT is:
Structured and paced
Focused on building safety first
Skill-based and practical
Gradual and collaborative
You will learn tools to:
Manage triggers
Regulate intense emotions
Reduce intrusive thoughts
Rebuild confidence and stability
The goal is not to “erase” the trauma. The goal is to reduce its impact and help you feel safe again.
Who Trauma Therapy Can Help
PTSD therapy may be right for you if:
You feel constantly on edge
You avoid situations linked to a past event
You experience flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
You struggle with guilt or shame
Your trauma still feels present
You do not have to meet every diagnostic criteria to benefit from trauma therapy.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider reaching out if:
Symptoms persist for more than a month
You feel your quality of life has declined
Sleep or concentration is significantly disrupted
Emotional reactions feel intense or unpredictable
Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Begin Your Healing Journey
Trauma can change how safe the world feels.
Therapy can help restore that sense of safety.
You don’t have to carry this alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Therapy
-
It varies by individual, but many clients begin seeing improvement within several months of structured, consistent therapy.
-
Not necessarily. Trauma work is paced carefully and always prioritizes emotional safety.
-
Yes. Trauma-focused CBT and CPT are considered gold-standard treatments backed by extensive research.
-
Co-occurring conditions are common and addressed as part of your treatment plan.