PTSD Treatment

Name: Boost Psychology
Address: 2307 - 90B Street SW, Edmonton, AB, T6X 0P4
Telephone: 780-628-5446

Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment – South Edmonton

Boost Psychology is a psychology clinic located in South Edmonton. We provide clinical services to adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families. We focus solely on counseling services, namely, you will be one on one with the psychologist you are working with. Our team is made up of individual practitioners practicing under the Boost name. Boost was created with the dream of providing professional services to the community in a serene office environment. We have brought together a talented team of psychologists with a wide range of skills at Boost to assist you in your journey.

Trauma & PTSD Treatment – Edmonton
Registered Psychologists
South Edmonton PTSD Therapy
780-628-5446
2307 – 90B Street SW Edmonton
click for Directions
*just off of Ellerslie Road on 91 St. – Located in Summerside
Book an Appointment Online

At Boost, several of us have a passion combined with advanced training for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We understand the impact that post-trauma and PTSD symptoms can have on daily life. Our psychologists have training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). When choosing a clinician to treat PTSD or post-trauma symptoms, it’s important to look for someone who specializes in the treatment and has additional trauma training such as PE, EMDR, Hakomi, etc. In addition to training, it’s important that you feel your therapist is a good fit for you. We have several psychologists who work with trauma, and we hope you find a fit with one of us. We are dedicated to the treatment of PTSD and its associated symptoms. At Boost, we work together with our clients to move them towards health. If you are suffering from PTSD symptoms life can feel dark and hopeless. The psychologists at Boost are here to help. Life can get better.

When you arrive at Boost Psychology for your appointment, you will be greeted by reception who will have forms for you to fill out. Our forms consist of a consent sheet, an intake sheet to gather your name, address, emergency contact, etc., and usually a brief measure of trauma or depression symptoms. The first session is time for you to share with your psychologist about what is going on for you. This also may be where you choose to share about the trauma – but not everyone chooses to share their trauma story in the first session. Either way is fine. Your psychologist will be looking to see areas you are doing well in, and areas that need some support. Usually, at the end of the first session or two, the psychologist will be able to give you an estimate of treatment length and recommendations. The average length of treatment for PTSD is 8 to 20+ sessions depending on the severity of symptoms or if it’s a single incident trauma like a car accident or repetitive trauma like childhood abuse.

The purpose of trauma therapy is not to retraumatize you. It’s a space for you to share about and process what has happened. Your psychologist will guide the process to keep you in a tolerable level of distress where you are still processing but not avoiding. It’s common for people to avoid their thoughts and feelings pertaining to PTSD. This behavior, done in the name of safety is actually strengthening the trauma symptoms. People often find relief when they start to talk about what they have been avoiding.

When someone is experiencing symptoms of PTSD it’s as if their world starts to become smaller. Individuals find that they are drawn inward, feeling as if other people can’t understand what they are going through. Simple tasks such as going to the grocery store, spending time with your family, or going to work can feel impossible. Others experience flashbacks where a memory of the trauma intrudes into their lives either spontaneously or because of a reminder of the trauma. Others have nightmares about the traumatic event. Avoidance of situations, thoughts, and people that pose reminders of the trauma is common – this behavior is done in the name of safety, actually increases anxiety for the individual. Emotional symptoms related to trauma include depressed mood, memory difficulties, feeling numb, lack of positive emotion, fatigue, and hopelessness. Physically, people may have trouble sleeping, engage in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug use, or are easily startled.

Frequently asked questions about PTSD treatment:

How do I know if I have PTSD?

Psychologists frequently see people presenting with PTSD symptoms. Doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists can give a PTSD diagnosis.

How long does PTSD treatment take?

Treatment for PTSD varies for everyone. Depending on the modality used and the circumstances of the individual, treatment can take anywhere from 8 – 20+ sessions. When you meet with your psychologist, they can provide you with an estimate based on your assessment.

Will I get better?

People do frequently see a reduction in their PTSD symptoms. Although nothing is guaranteed, by using evidence-based practices such as CBT, PE, and EMDR the likelihood of improvement of symptoms is greater.

Living with PTSD is can be debilitating, and often individuals wait to seek help. There are treatments available to reduce, and in some cases, eliminate symptoms of PTSD/trauma. The first step of seeking help is often the most challenging for people. Many people recover from PTSD symptoms and go on to live healthy, calm lives. Don’t put off getting support. Invest in your wellness – life can get better.

Author: Kirsten Klemm