Trauma & PTSD

Our PTSD Counselling services are specifically tailored for individuals seeking help in overcoming the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Understanding the profound impact that trauma can have on your life, our expert counsellors are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based support designed to facilitate healing and recovery. We offer a safe, respectful environment where you can explore your experiences, learn coping strategies, and begin the journey towards reclaiming your sense of self and well-being. Our approach is centered on understanding each individual's unique experience of PTSD, employing therapeutic techniques that empower you to process trauma and move forward with resilience and strength.

Embark on a transformative journey towards healing with our specialized services focused on recovery from trauma. We believe in fostering a nurturing environment that offers hope and positive outcomes for those affected by traumatic experiences. Our dedicated counsellors employ compassionate, evidence-based approaches to support you through every step of your healing process. We understand the profound impact trauma can have on your life and are committed to helping you reclaim your strength, resilience, and peace of mind. With a focus on personalized care, we guide you towards understanding, processing, and ultimately transcending your experiences.

Our online counselling services are dedicated to addressing the wide spectrum of traumatic stress, recognizing that individuals can be impacted by a vast array of traumatic experiences. We understand that trauma comes in many forms and affects each person differently, which is why our approach is inclusive and adaptable to the unique needs of each client. Our therapists are experienced in navigating the complexities of traumatic stress, offering compassionate support and evidence-based strategies to aid in the healing process. By acknowledging the individuality of trauma, we provide a safe space for you to explore your experiences, understand their impact, and embark on a personalized path towards recovery.

We recognize and honour the incredible strength of those who seek help for trauma and PTSD, acknowledging each individual as a survivor. Your decision to pursue healing marks you as resilient and courageous, qualities that we celebrate and build upon in our therapeutic journey together. Our counselling services are designed to empower survivors, focusing on your inherent strengths and resilience to navigate the recovery process. We provide a compassionate and supportive environment where your experiences are validated, and your survivor status is seen as a testament to your strength. By working together, we aim to enhance your coping skills, facilitate emotional healing, and support you in reclaiming a sense of control and purpose.

In our counselling services for trauma and PTSD, the cornerstone of effective therapy is establishing a foundation of safety and trust. We prioritize creating a secure, confidential, and compassionate environment where individuals feel truly heard and understood. Recognizing the sensitivity and vulnerability associated with trauma, our therapists are dedicated to building strong, trusting relationships with each client. This approach ensures that you feel safe to express your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment. Through fostering an atmosphere of trust, we facilitate a therapeutic process that encourages healing, growth, and empowerment.

Our approach to counselling for trauma and PTSD centers on fostering resilience and empowerment, with a focus on helping individuals rediscover their strength and regain control over their lives. We believe in the inherent capacity of each person to overcome adversity, and our therapy sessions are designed to unlock this potential. Through personalized strategies and supportive guidance, we assist you in building resilience, enhancing your ability to cope with life's challenges, and empowering you to make positive changes. Our goal is to transform the way you see yourself and your experiences, enabling a journey from vulnerability to strength, from feeling overwhelmed to taking charge of your life.

At the forefront of our counselling services for trauma and PTSD is our commitment to utilizing evidence-based therapies. These scientifically supported treatment methods are chosen for their proven effectiveness in facilitating recovery and promoting lasting change. Our experienced counsellors are trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other modalities that have been rigorously tested and validated. By integrating these techniques, we offer a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs, ensuring the most effective path to healing and empowerment.

Our online counselling services are dedicated to addressing the wide spectrum of traumatic stress, recognizing that individuals can be impacted by a vast array of traumatic experiences. We understand that trauma comes in many forms and affects each person differently, which is why our approach is inclusive and adaptable to the unique needs of each client. Our therapists are experienced in navigating the complexities of traumatic stress, offering compassionate support and evidence-based strategies to aid in the healing process. By acknowledging the individuality of trauma, we provide a safe space for you to explore your experiences, understand their impact, and embark on a personalized path towards recovery.

We embrace the power of choice by offering both individual and group therapy options, recognizing that healing comes in various forms and settings. Individual therapy provides a private, one-on-one space to delve deeply into personal experiences, guided by our compassionate therapists. Group therapy, on the other hand, offers a supportive community setting where individuals can share experiences, gain insights from peers, and learn that they are not alone in their journey. Both approaches are designed with your healing in mind, allowing us to tailor the therapeutic experience to best meet your needs and preferences. Whether you find strength in solitude or solidarity, our diverse therapy options empower you to engage in your recovery journey in a way that feels most supportive and effective for you.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands at the core of our approach to counselling for trauma and PTSD, recognized for its effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges these conditions present. CBT is a therapeutic approach that empowers individuals to identify and reframe negative thought patterns, providing tools to cope with distressing emotions and symptoms. Our skilled counsellors are adept at applying CBT techniques, tailoring sessions to meet your specific needs and goals. Through this evidence-based method, we guide you towards understanding the link between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, enabling transformative change and healing.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a groundbreaking, evidence-based therapy specifically designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Our counselling services incorporate EMDR as a cornerstone approach for individuals grappling with PTSD, offering a path to healing that is both innovative and deeply effective. Through EMDR, we help you process these memories safely, aiming to reduce their lingering impact and empower you to move forward. This therapy involves guided eye movements that, in conjunction with targeted recall, facilitate the brain's natural healing processes. Our trained therapists are committed to creating a supportive environment for your journey through EMDR, guiding you towards emotional freedom and renewed mental health.

We illuminate the path to healing from PTSD by providing effective coping strategies, offering hope and practical ways to manage and alleviate symptoms. Understanding that recovery is a journey, we equip you with a toolkit of personalized strategies designed to foster resilience, enhance well-being, and improve quality of life. From grounding techniques and stress management to emotional regulation and mindfulness, our experienced therapists guide you through adopting coping methods that resonate with your experiences and goals. By embracing these strategies, you can navigate the challenges of trauma with strength and confidence, opening the door to a future where you feel in control and empowered.

Integrating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into our online counselling services for trauma and PTSD offers a powerful method to help manage symptoms and reduce stress. These practices are essential tools in the journey towards healing, providing you with ways to stay present, grounded, and calm amidst the challenges posed by trauma. Our therapists guide you through various mindfulness exercises and relaxation strategies, tailored to your individual needs, helping to ease anxiety, improve focus, and foster a sense of peace. By learning to incorporate these techniques into your daily life, you can gain control over your emotional responses and create a sanctuary of calm within.

Our online counselling services prioritize the effective management of the symptoms associated with PTSD and trauma, understanding the critical role this plays in your healing journey. We address the complexity of symptoms — from anxiety and flashbacks to insomnia and emotional numbness — with evidence-based strategies tailored to your unique experience. Our skilled therapists are dedicated to providing you with the tools and support needed to mitigate these symptoms, enhancing your ability to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Through a combination of therapeutic techniques, personalized coping strategies, and continuous support, we help you navigate the challenges of symptom management.

Payments
Payment for private counselling is not covered under Alberta Health Care. However, most benefit plans provide coverage for therapy under Psychological Services. 

ACS service fees are guided by the Recommended Fee Schedule endorsed by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta, which can be viewed here. Rates listed are effective as of January 1st, 2023 and are subject to change. Our administrative staff will confirm the fee schedule when you contact us.

We recommend couples and family counselling sessions are 1.5 hours in length.

Telephone consultations with clients, parents, teachers, and physicians will be charged in 15 minute increments of the therapist's hourly rate.

Formal reporting requests by clients or 3rd parties (e.g., insurance companies, lawyers) will be billed according to our fee schedule.

Please note that the fees for some of our specialized therapies may be different. We will discuss them prior to your session.

We are happy to take payment in the following forms:

• Credit Card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express)
• Internet Bank Transfer
• Direct Deposit

Third Party Billing
In some cases, our fees may be covered through and billed directly to a third party payors. In the past, we have worked with legal firms, Section B, and community not-for-profit organizations. Prior to an appointment being booked under this arrangement, the ACS accounting department will contact the third-party payor to confirm billing procedures.

Insurance
Employer Health Benefit (EHB) and Personal Health Benefit (PHB) insurance plan providers often cover mental health services. Plans provide a fixed dollar amount for services, a pooled account for "paramedical services" including psychology, or a coverage based on a percentage. You can find your specific coverage in your online account, benefits book, or by contacting your human resources department or plan provider. Some plans provide a Health Spending Account that gives the employee flexibility to cover the services they need individually.

Not every insurance plan offers direct billing and not every plan covers every type of mental health therapist, so it's important to confirm your coverage before you schedule an appointment.

Questions to ask your insurance provider are:

1. What types of clinicians (e.g. Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Canadian Certified Counsellors) do I have coverage for?
2. Does my plan offer direct billing for all clinicians?
3. Is there a maximum coverage amount (per year/lifetime)? If so, what is it?
4. When does my insurance coverage 'roll-over' or 'renew'?

Please note that only your insurance company can provide this information to you. As a service provider, we are unable to request your plan's details.

You are responsible to pay any outstanding balance that is not covered by your insurance plan.

We do all assessments and therapy sessions using video chat software, screen sharing, and remote administrational of psychological questionnaires. We follow provincial and federal legislation regarding privacy and security, and we continue to update our knowledge.

While some people prefer the experience of being in the room with the therapist during traditional in-person therapy, our clients find there are distinct advantages to online therapy.

• Accessibility: Clients with limited mobility often struggle to arrange transportation to and from their home or to navigate professional buildings that often have difficult parking and building design. Online therapy eliminates this physical and financial cost.
• Convenience: Couples seeking therapy have the added challenge to schedule sessions around two busy schedules. With online therapy, they can attend sessions even if they are in different postal codes due to work-related travel. Additionally, sessions are more easy to access when emergencies arise, even if you are not near your therapist's office.
• Economy: Scheduling therapy means budgeting the expense and time to travel to and from the location. It also can mean arranging childcare and the related travel time. Online therapy eliminates some if not all of these considerations.
• Familiarity: It is often easier to open up about difficult subject when you are more comfortable. With online therapy, you can literally attend with all the comforts of home.
• Privacy: Sometimes it is hard to discuss problems in a relationship when the person is sitting beside you. Couples therapy and Family therapy can often benefit from a little physical distance during a difficult conversation.
• Safety: Commuting is no longer a hindrance to therapy during bad weather. Icy roads and snowstorms will not cause traffic delays and won't create the backlog of appointments during the day.

• Go to our online booking page.
• Choose your service, therapist, date & time.
• Input your credit or debit card to secure booking slot.
• Send insurance details to admin@auschratcounselling.ca.
• We will send intake forms to complete before your session.
• We will call via phone or video call at session time.
• Straightforward & clear communication.
• Relax in your space & chat with your therapist.