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Trauma & PTSD

Trauma & PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) – Trauma & PTSD

Trauma and PTSD—historically referred to as “shell shock”—affect far more than just soldiers. Anyone who has experienced abuse, violence, accidents, or other deeply distressing events may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI). While “disorder” is a commonly used clinical term, many prefer “injury” to reflect the psychological wound caused by trauma—something that, like a physical injury, can heal with proper care and support.

PTSD & PTSI Symptoms

Symptoms of PTSD and PTSI generally fall into four main categories:

  • Intrusion: Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories, and intense emotional distress when reminded of the trauma.

  • Avoidance: Steering clear of trauma-related thoughts, feelings, places, people, or conversations.

  • Mood & Cognition Changes: Difficulty remembering aspects of the trauma, negative self-beliefs, emotional numbness, loss of interest in activities, and withdrawal from others.

  • Arousal & Reactivity: Hypervigilance, irritability, sleep disturbances, self-destructive behavior, difficulty concentrating, and exaggerated startle response.

Effective Treatments for Trauma, PTSD, and PTSI

Healing from trauma is possible, and several evidence-based treatments have been shown to effectively reduce symptoms and promote recovery:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A trauma-focused therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional impact.

  • Neurofeedback: A brain-training technique that enhances self-regulation and calms the nervous system, helping individuals manage symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, and emotional dysregulation.

Additional therapeutic approaches may include:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe negative thought patterns and build healthier coping strategies.

  • Mindfulness-Based Practices: Support grounding, present-moment awareness, and emotional regulation.

Your Path to Healing

Trauma can leave lasting emotional scars, but with the right support, healing is possible. At Vista Counselling, we create a safe and compassionate space where individuals can process trauma, reconnect with themselves, and begin to reclaim their lives.

Using a personalized approach, our therapists integrate EMDR, neurofeedback, CBT, and mindfulness to support healing and resilience. Recovery from PTSD or PTSI doesn’t mean forgetting the trauma—it means learning to live with peace and purpose beyond it.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with trauma or PTSD/PTSI, reaching out for help can be the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life.

If you’re interested in EMDR or neurofeedback, contact us to learn more.