Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Psychodynamic Therapy

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.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy can help clients to become aware of feelings of vulnerability that have been repressed from their conscious awareness. This approach is based on the theory that every person has an unconscious which stores vulnerable and painful emotions that are too deep to handle on a conscious level.

Psychodynamic Therapy addresses the defense mechanisms that  have been developed. Defense mechanisms can sometimes do more harm than good. By resolving vulnerabilities such as repression and denial, painful emotions and memories can be processed in order for the defense mechanisms to be resolved, or reduced.

Therapists use a range of core principles in Psychodynamic Therapy, based on the client's needs. It will help the client to gain perspective while recognizing behaviours, actions, responses and character traits that can be transformed.

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

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

Daphne Georghiou

MFT, RCC
Get help from a seasoned, clinically trained psychotherapist in Vancouver, with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples and families cultivate inner balance and create a path to finding joy in... Read more

chelsea mcgowan

MCP, RCC
I am a passionate therapist, teacher, and dancer. I bring these elements into the work I do, and the love I have to see people develop a deeper relationship to self and in turn others. I am not a “blank slate... Read more

Emma Wilson

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
It is in the darkest times that we can discover incredible strength within ourselves. I hold a passion for helping clients navigate challenges in their life, while supporting a sense of safety in the therapy environment... Read more

Sebastian Di Cesare

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my profile. To describe my counselling approach succinctly, I would say I place a strong emphasis on the working alliance. I prioritize active listening and keep your immediate needs... Read more

Melina Baum Singer

M.A., RCC
*Offering video and in-person sessions  *Free 20 minute introductory session  Located in Vancouver B.C., Melina is a registered clinical counsellor and member of the B.C. Association of Clinical... Read more

Sharon Southey

M.A., RCC
Sharon Southey is a skilled professional with a nursing background, who has been counselling people since 1992. She likes to work with individuals who are teenage or adult, families of all types and couples,... Read more

Begum Ozeke

MCP, RCC
Welcome! I support individuals and couples through a wide range of challenging issues and specialize in culturally-sensitive Trauma treatment. I have extensive training and experience working with adult survivors of... Read more

Ryan Leiderman

M.A., RCC
Congratulations on having the courage to work towards a better you.  As someone that has walked a similar path of self-improvement, I empathize with your struggle and truly appreciate the spark within you that... Read more

Ian Bond

M.A., RCC
Ian has over 25 years of education, training, and experience in counselling and therapy.  He works together with clients to help them explore relationships, thoughts, feelings, or behaviours, which... Read more

Brenda Casey

B.A. Hons, RCC
    • Video on profile
PLEASE NOTE: Telephone counselling available, though couples counselling only conducted in person.                    ... Read more

Bradley Murray

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Dr. Murray is a psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor based in North Vancouver who has been in private practice for 11 years. He offers consultations and therapy for individuals living on the North Shore and... Read more

Alex Abdel-Malek

M.S.W., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
*** Please note that in response to the COVID-19 situation, I have moved my therapy practice to a fully online service, meaning we can connect via secure video call for our sessions for individual and couple therapy... Read more

David Ravvin

M.A., RCC
I AM PRESENTLY ONLY SEEING NEW CLIENTS WITH (SECURE) VIDEO-COUNSELLING OR ON THE PHONE. NO IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS FOR NOW. I AM DOING EMDR WITH VIDEO-COUNSELLING. I am a professional Registered Clinical Counsellor... 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

Tara McCaffery

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Tara McCaffery Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCTP Tara received her Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Athabasca University and has over 8 years of experience supporting individuals through a variety of life... Read more

Carly Goodfellow

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
*I am pleased to offer online Videoconferencing for counselling and hypnotherapy appointments.* You are not alone. Are you struggling with your feelings day after day? Do you feel life is harder that it... Read more

Delyse Ledgard

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Article(s) on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
To be understood, seen, feel the comfort of another’s presence is the heart of therapy.  With over 30 years of experience, I have encountered and worked with people from all walks of life helping... Read more

Florence Ling

M.A., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Online booking
* Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, English. * Accept ICBC clients. * Helping clients understand their difficulties and inner world. * Discovery of their inherent strengths so as to encourage the development... Read more

Shelley Hine

M.Couns., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who blends perspectives of inclusiveness, feminism, social justice and trauma work into my counselling practice. I am trained in a variety of clinical methods and... Read more

Dave Vass

M.Couns., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
I have specialized training in the treatment of Type-C Personalities (Conscientious/Competent/Self-Controlled). Who, or what is Type C ?? People tend to be quite familiar with Type A and Type B personalities. But... Read more

Shawna Bot

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Taking that first step towards healing takes courage! I want to honour that and walk alongside of you while we work towards your wellness goals. The reality is that not many people are taught the skills to deal... Read more

Yoly Lin

M.A., RCC
Welcome! Congratulation on taking this brave step of the journey towards authentic connection!   If you:      - are suffering from feeling anxious, depressed, panic or emotional breakdown... Read more

Bryan Milonja

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
*Offering virtual sessions only. In my practice I work with adults (individuals, couples, families). My specialty areas include complex trauma & PTSD (with a focus on the impact of emotional/physical/sexual abuse... Read more

Youki Kato

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and a certified Expressive Arts Therapist. I have expertise in helping people who have experienced Domestic Violence or are... Read more

Kathleen Cain

M.Couns., RCC
Life can be really hard sometimes, for a lot of different reasons. And sometimes, what makes it even harder, is feeling alone in it. This can make us feel confused, hurt, angry, anxious, depressed, isolated, overwhelmed... Read more

Tannis Hugill

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
I am a Dance-movement and Drama Therapist, BC Clinical Counsellor and Spiritual Director with an MA in Somatic Psychology. I bring over thirty-five years of experience to my work with individuals, groups, adolescents... 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

Saeid Poursaeid

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a certified EMDR therapist with the British Columbia School of Professional Psychology. My cultural background affords me a unique insight into immigrants and second-generation... Read more