Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that usually starts within the three months of a traumatic incident. It has been reported that in rare cases, PTSD symptoms may only occur after a number of years.

Three groups of symptoms are present in people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Increased anxiety / emotional arousal includes anger or irritability, overwhelming shame or guilt, sleeplessness and self-destructive behaviour. The second group of symptoms, known as intrusive memories, causes flashbacks to the traumatic event and upsetting dreams. The third group of symptoms that a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder patient may experience, includes emotional numbing or avoidance. This group of symptoms includes memory problems, poor concentration, feeling emotionally numb, a sense of hopelessness, and an avoidance of activities that the person used to find enjoyable.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms may be present for a while, disappear and then return again. General stress may increase the symptoms, as can reminders of the traumatic incident.

Therapists who address  Post Traumatic Stress Disorder generally use one, or a combination of trauma therapies to treat it. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is commonly used and can help a person to change their reactions to traumatic memories.

Exposure therapy can help a person reduce the amount of fear related to the feelings and thoughts associated with past traumatic events. Cognitive therapy helps a person to change the way he or she thinks about the event and the aftermath of a traumatic incident. It will help a person to identify thoughts that cause fear and anger, and learn ways to replace those thoughts with less stressful and more empowering thoughts.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and related issues you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Group Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach that deals with the way in which clients think about themselves, other people and the world. The outside world affects how we think and feel about ourselves and as a result, our behaviour. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help a person to change the way they think about thoughts and feelings, but it is not like other types of talk therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on current issues and challenges that affect the client right now. It doesn't consider the past issues that caused distress, but rather looks for solutions that can improve the client's state of mind in the moment. Much of CBT involves looking at thought distortions that can affect mood and are affected by mood, and helps client examine and challenge distorted thinking patters.

CBT can help a range of problems, from OCD, PTSD, bulimia, stress, phobias and other issues that might seem overwhelming to the client, by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Group Therapy is generally offered in a setting with a single therapist and a group of up to around twelve participants who share a common or related issue. Therapists sometimes suggest group therapy if a group format suits the person or the issue better, or if the treatment type has a group therapy aspect, such as art therapy or dialectical behaviour therapy.

By observing other people in group therapy, a person can receive helpful feedback from other group members. These varied perspectives can help to promote change and growth. Group therapy helps people to develop better coping methods by learning from others. By seeing how other group therapy members handle situations, people can follow their examples and grow from that.

Group therapy is generally more affordable and at the same time, it allows people to learn better social skills.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Group Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Lorne Pierce

M.A., R.Psych
    • Online booking
I have been in private practice since 1999 providing counselling services to individuals, couples and familes. I have over 20 years experience in the helping professions in both government (federal and provincial)... Read more

Cynthia Gyuk

B.S.W., RSW
Welcome and thank you for taking a moment to read my profile. As a Registered Social Worker with specialized training, I provide a compassionate and safe space to support individuals and families who may be ... Read more

Balraj Singh

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello and Welcome! Finding the right counsellor is not an easy task but it is an important one. The stressors of our everyday lives can become tough to handle thus I hope to share a collaborative path which will help... Read more

Mickey Stein

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered clinical psychologist in Vancouver B.C. My mission is to provide professional psychotherapy and psychological assessments to assist and treat adolescents and adults of all ages, and their families.... Read more

Stephanie Slater

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
You're not sure if therapy is the right choice for you. It's sounds like a good idea, but you're just not sure if your 'issues' are important enough for therapy. Maybe its work stress, a relationship... Read more

kristina sohal

M.Couns., RCC
EMDR, Exposure, and CBT -Trauma Therapy for Car Accidents, Work Injuries,  Domestic Abuse, and Childhood Trauma Do you feel lost and isolated after a Traumatic event, or it is the past Trauma that just won... Read more

Sherry Moore

M.S.W., RCC
Hello, my name is Sherry. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Registered Social Worker (RSW & MSW). Are you struggling with mental health and/or addiction? Have you experienced trauma in your life?... Read more

Elizabeth Holland

M.A., RCC
Elizabeth Holland is a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in Victoria, British Columbia. With a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology (UBC), she works with adults and young adults from diverse... Read more

Paulo Matos

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a Registered Psychologist with a combined 25+ years of education and experience in psychotherapy. I have extensive experience helping with diverse concerns including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and life... Read more