Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a diagnosis that means you have experienced a traumatic event that has led to changes in the way you think, feel, and behave afterwards in response to the trauma.
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The traumatic experience may have been personally experienced, witnessed, or something you learned about another person experiencing.
The symptoms of PTSD fall into the four symptom clusters listed here and include more specific examples of how these symptoms may be experienced by a person living with PTSD:
Symptom types
The four PTSD symptom clusters
Intrusion Symptoms
- Repeated & unwanted memories
- Dreams or nightmares of trauma
- Flashbacks
- Physical reaction to reminders
- Distressed by reminders of trauma
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding thoughts, memories, or feelings about trauma
- Avoiding people, places, or situations (conversations, objects, etc.) that remind you of trauma
Negative changes to mood & thinking
- Trouble remembering aspects of the trauma
- Strong negative beliefs about self, others, or the world
- Persistent blame of self and others
- Persistent negative mood
- Loss of interest in meaningful or important activities
- Feeling detached or estranged from others
- Inability to experience positive emotions
Changes in arousal & reactivity
- Irritable & angry outbursts
- Acting reckless or self-destructive
- Hypervigilance (being on guard)
- Feeling "jumpy" & easily startled
- Problems with concentration
- Trouble with sleep
How is PTSD treated?
PTSD is highly treatable. We draw on evidence-based approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), tailored to your experience and paced so therapy feels safe and supportive. If you have lived through trauma, you do not have to carry it alone.
Frequently asked questions
PTSD therapy, answered
What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?
PTSD typically follows a single traumatic event, while complex PTSD develops from prolonged or repeated trauma, often interpersonal in nature. Complex PTSD can include the core PTSD symptoms plus difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. Your therapist will tailor treatment to your specific experience.
What is EMDR and how does it work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that uses eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help individuals process traumatic memories so they feel less distressing over time. It is one of several evidence-based approaches we may draw on for trauma.
Do I need to talk about the trauma in detail?
Not always. While processing the experience can be helpful for some people, it is not always necessary, and a skilled trauma therapist will work at a pace that feels safe for you.
Can trauma cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Trauma and PTSD are felt in the body as well as the mind, and can include sleep problems, hypervigilance, a heightened startle response, and physical tension or reactivity to reminders of the event.
Do you offer virtual PTSD therapy?
Yes. We offer both in-person sessions at our Waterdown clinic and secure virtual appointments across Ontario.
Serving Waterdown and the surrounding area
Lotus Counselling Services provides PTSD therapy from our Waterdown clinic at 299 Dundas Street East, with appointments available to clients across Hamilton, Burlington, Flamborough, Dundas, and the wider Golden Horseshoe. We offer both in-person sessions and secure virtual appointments throughout Ontario, so you can meet with a therapist from wherever feels most comfortable.
Healing from trauma is possible
Book a free 15-minute consultation and we will match you with a therapist trained in trauma and PTSD treatment.
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