Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Expressive Arts Therapies

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.

Expressive Arts Therapies

Expressive Arts Therapies use digital media or traditional arts and crafts materials to help clients express themselves more effectively. Therapists use art therapies in conjunction with traditional psychotherapy in clinical settings for clients of all ages to promote mental health.

Writing, movement, drama, music and other forms of art is used as part of several integrative mental health interventions and complementary practices. The logic behind expressive art therapy is that people often find it easier to express themselves in symbols, pictures and movement. By allowing this artistic expression, clients can express their thoughts and emotions easily, while finding the path to transformation, recovery and wellness.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Expressive Arts Therapies, please browse our list of practitioners below..

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

Amanda Bowers

MCP, RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Hi! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a virtual online private practice and a part time practice at Aster Wellness Centre in Port Coquitlam. I am originally from a small town near Toronto, Ontario, and... Read more

Lisa Roberts

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
My clients have said "counselling with you feels different". Likely, because it is often matter of fact, to the point, humour infused and honest. I am your biggest cheerleader, but I will hold you accountable... Read more

Jamie Johnson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
As a man, therapy might not be your preferred use of time, yet a growing part of you is curious about what could be. Throughout your life, you’ve felt minimized and closed off from your potential. Maybe you’... Read more

Graham Haber

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Graham (he/him). I'm a registered clinical counsellor (RCC #19364) with the BCACC. I work with adults and adolescents. My private practice is based out of Squamish BC, the traditional, ancestral, and... Read more

Joelle Lazar

M.A., RCC
I love my work, and am passionate about helping people have more joy and fulfillment in their lives and relationships! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with extensive training and experience providing... Read more

Madeleine Sullivan

M.Ed., RCC
    • Audio on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
You will receive a warm, kind, caring, compassionate, non-judgmental approach to counselling to empower you to move forward with your life, and to create a positive and compassionate belief about... Read more

Amrita Dhoot

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! Do you come from a family with complex dynamics and feel like people don’t quite understand you? Have these experiences led to you being anxious, and struggling to trust yourself or others? My unique... Read more

Martine Charles

Ph.D., RCC
I have over 25 years experience in providing individual counselling to adult women and men. I offer counselling for a wide variety of difficulties including trauma (recent and past), anxiety, depression, addictions... Read more

Ayesha Sackey

M.S.W., RSW
Does your mind consistently race? Do you feel unsafe or wish you had more confidence? Do you feel like you simply can’t control what’s going around you? Do you feel like you must keep busy all the time for... Read more

Sara Klinkhamer

M.A., RCC
Sara has a background of working on the downtown eastside in Vancouver for more than 10 years, which has given her much experience working with addiction and mental health issues, particularly trauma issues. Sara has... Read more

Barbara Madani

M.A.Sc., R.Psych
Barbara Madani, Registered Psychologist has provided counseling and psychotherapy for over 30 years and is located in Vancouver. She has practiced in settings as diverse as schools, hospitals and universities. Barbara... Read more

Colleen McKee

M.A., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Online booking
* NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Sometimes you are thrown curveballs and unexpected challenges. At times, life can feel downright unbearable. With my help and support, we can work together to set and reach your goals,... 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

Eva DeHaas

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Eva DeHaas, Registered Psychologist (#2074) Eva brings warmth, compassion, and self-awareness to the therapy room. She draws from a broad skill set ranging from shorter term, skill based interventions to more in-... Read more

Chris Rensch

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Chris has specialized training in trauma and child therapy. He helps kids and adults get unstuck when life circumstances create barriers. As one of the only male trauma-focused children’s therapists... Read more

Donna Vidas

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Some issues I regularly work with in therapy include: Overcoming recent or life-long patterns that may be interfering with your enjoyment of life resolving traumatic experiences managing life transitions... Read more

Sandra Neil

M.A., RCC
Starr Wellness & Recovery BILINGUAL - ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS - Youth, Parent, Family and Adults. Through my 2 decades of counselling experience, I have come to believe that a better understanding of ourselves is... Read more

Steven Keeler

M.Sc., RCC
    • Audio on profile
    • Article(s) on profile
Areas of Expertise: Relationship Healing Couples Treatment Parent and Child/Teen Relationships Men’s Issues Military and Veterans Transitions Anger Resolution PTSD and Trauma Family Issues/... Read more

Azula Houghton

M.Ed., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
Azula holds her Masters in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Psychologist  with over 20 years experience in private practice. She has also worked as a clinician with Mental Health Services for 16 years... Read more

David Brown

M.S.W., RCSW
Most of us want to make changes and improvements in our life, yet we tend to rely on the same old approaches (or habits) despite our best intentions. My approach to counselling is to support people to experiment with... Read more

Shereen Khan

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
* Accepting new clients both in person and online.* As a therapist, I invite curiosity, mindful awareness, compassion, and some humour. We all struggle at times and make mistakes, and I truly believe in the... Read more

Lucia Pecnikova

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Creating a safe space where you feel heard and seen is my priority and I consider my work a privilege as we create a secure therapeutic relationship to support your healing process and inner exploration. I have a master... 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
    • Online booking
Through an inclusive, collaborative and trauma-informed lens, Shauna has a vested interest in helping clients learn about stress and related disorders, trauma, and healthy sexuality during various adult life stages so... Read more

Louise Chivers

M.A., RCC
Many people struggle with anxiety, stress, fear of the future, fear of things others aren’t be bothered with. They are tired of worrying about things they can not change, or things they have trouble figuring out... Read more

Joanna Nicholson

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Since 2017, I have been working in an oncology setting within the health care system. I understand that navigating illness can be incredibly lonely. Feelings of grief and depression are common reactions to health-... Read more
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Feeling lost, misunderstood, stuck? I have been there. Besides being an experienced therapist, I am also a child of divorce, immigrant, wife, and mother. My own healing journey and continuing professional... Read more

Douglas Matear

Ed.D., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Douglas Matear is a Canadian Certified Counsellor providing Individual Counselling to adults, teens, and children.  He has a Master in Counselling Psychology and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Policy.... Read more

Krista Blatchford

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Krista (she/her) has many years experience working with children (6+), adolescents, adults, parents and families. Before completing her Masters in Counselling Psychology and becoming a therapist, she was a youth worker... Read more

David Zhang

M.C., RCC
MC, R.C.C. (#19056). ICBC Direct billing. Sometimes we’ve been wounded. We are bitter and end up in hard places. We are in relationships that have grown painful, disappointing, even hopeless. It seems... Read more