Calgary Trauma Therapy: Counselling for Trauma & PTSD
When you're ready to heal, our specialized trauma therapists help you move from surviving to truly living again.
Are Past Experiences Weighing You Down?
Do intrusive thoughts or memories keep replaying in your mind?
Is it hard to trust others or maintain close relationships?
Do you find yourself avoiding people, places, or activities that remind you of what happened?
Are feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame weighing you down?
Do you often feel on edge, easily startled, or hypervigilant?
Do you find yourself wondering, "Will I ever feel normal again?"
If you see yourself in these questions, healing is possible - and closer than you think
What Sets Our Trauma Therapists Apart
Safety First, Always
We know that pushing too hard retraumatizes. Our therapists are experts at building safety and stability before processing, ensuring you never feel overwhelmed or out of control.
Beyond Talk Therapy
We use proven methods that help your brain reprocess stuck memories and calm your nervous system. This isn't just talking about trauma - it's helping your whole system finally heal.
Deep Trauma Expertise
Every therapist on our team has pursued advanced training specifically in trauma treatment. We stay current with the latest methods because your healing journey deserves specialized expertise.
Trauma Therapy Calgary Trusts
“Helped me to grow as a professional and to be a better person.”
“The best therapist I have ever used.”
“Fantastic to work with.”
“Professional, reliable, compassionate.”
“Easy to speak to and non-judgmental.”
“I would refer a family member in a heartbeat!”
Meet Your Trauma Therapists
Rod Mitchell, MC, MSc, Registered Psychologist
Hi! I'm Rod, founder of Emotions Therapy Calgary.
I built this clinic for trauma survivors who need more than just another therapist - they need someone who truly gets what they've been through. Professionals who know that healing means genuine transformation, not just learning to cope.
What makes our trauma specialists exceptional? Beyond their advanced training, they bring something more: the deep understanding that trauma healing isn't one-size-fits-all.
They'll honor your pace while helping you move from being controlled by trauma responses to reclaiming your life.
Your past doesn't define your future. Let us help you write a new chapter.
Alexis (Alya) Serghanuk, MSc, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Hi, I’m Alya! If anxiety, trauma, or disconnection have left you feeling “stuck” - even when traditional talk therapy hasn’t resonated - I’m here to help you reclaim trust in your body’s innate capacity to heal.
Whether you're dealing with childhood wounds, medical trauma, relationship betrayal, or other types of trauma, I understand how deeply these experiences affect you.
My neuroscience training and body-based approach work together to help you heal completely, not just cope. The goal? Lasting emotional well-being that goes beyond temporary relief.
If you're ready to start your healing journey, let's talk about how I can help you create the life you deserve.
Yuchen Zhong, MC, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Hi, I'm Yuchen! Trauma leaves its mark in unexpected ways - the way you brace for impact in safe situations, lose yourself in relationships, or feel disconnected from the life you're living. You don't have to stay trapped in these patterns.
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help your brain reprocess painful memories so they stop flooding your present. This isn't about reliving trauma - it's about finally letting your nervous system know the danger has passed.
My approach combines the science of trauma healing with genuine compassion for your journey. Together, we'll work to calm your body's alarm system, rebuild trust in yourself and others, and help you experience safety - maybe for the first time.
Healing isn't about forgetting what happened. It's about it no longer controlling what happens next.
AS FEATURED IN
Your Trauma Therapy Journey
1. Starting Where You Are
We start where you are - even if that's skeptical, scared, or shut down. There's no pressure to share more than feels safe. You set the boundaries, we honor them. This is your space to just be.
2. Making Sense of Your Symptoms
Together, we'll connect the dots between what happened and what you're experiencing now. Those "overreactions"? That hypervigilance? They make perfect sense once we understand your story. No judgment, just clarity.
3. Building Your Stability Toolkit
Before processing anything difficult, you'll learn practical ways to calm your nervous system and stay grounded. These aren't just coping skills - they're tools for reclaiming control when trauma tries to take over.
4. Processing at Your Pace
When you're ready - and only then - we'll work through traumatic memories using specialized techniques. You won't be pushed to relive anything. Instead, we'll help your brain finally file these memories where they belong: in the past.
5. Beyond Survival Mode
As old patterns release, you'll discover who you are beyond survival mode. Relationships feel safer. Your body feels like home again. The life trauma interrupted starts coming back into focus - but better.
6. Living Your Healing
This isn't about becoming someone new - it's about coming back to yourself. We'll help you integrate your growth so that healing becomes your new normal, not just something that happens in therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It's a common concern that trauma and PTSD therapy will force you to relive painful experiences. While you might discuss these experiences with your therapist, the process is gentle and controlled.
We use counselling techniques that help you process traumatic memories without becoming overwhelmed. Your therapist will teach you coping strategies to manage any distress, and will always move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you.
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Trust is the foundation of effective therapy, and it's okay if it takes time to build. We strive to create a welcoming and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. You can start sessions wherever you feel ready, even if it's just discussing how your day went.
Your feelings and experiences are important, and we respect the courage it takes to share them. Many people find that their initial apprehension lessens as their counselling sessions progress, making room for meaningful healing and growth.
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It's completely natural to worry that discussing your trauma might intensify your pain. Opening up about difficult events, adverse childhood experiences, or PTSD symptoms can bring up strong emotions. However, in a safe and supportive counselling environment, these feelings are managed carefully.
Your therapist will pace the trauma and PTSD treatment process to ensure you don't feel overwhelmed. You'll learn techniques that help you stay grounded and present, so you can explore your experiences without being consumed by them. The goal is to gradually reduce the hold that trauma has on your life, not to re-traumatize you.
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Not remembering every aspect of a childhood trauma or traumatic event is quite common, and it doesn't hinder the healing process. Trauma and PTSD can affect memory in complex ways, and complete recall isn't necessary for effective therapy or trauma assessments.
Your therapist will work with what you do remember and focus on the symptoms you're experiencing now. The goal of trauma counselling is to alleviate distressing feelings like depression and anxiety and improve your quality of life, regardless of how much you recall about the past.
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Trauma can manifest in many ways, and you don't need to have experienced a major catastrophic event to benefit from trauma therapy. If you're experiencing persistent emotional distress, difficulty in relationships, or struggling with daily life, trauma therapy or assessments might be helpful.
During your initial counselling consultation, we will discuss your experiences and symptoms to determine if trauma and PTSD therapy is the right approach for you.
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It's normal to feel skeptical, especially if you've been dealing with complex trauma or PTSD for a long time. Trauma therapy has helped many people find relief from their symptoms and reclaim their lives.
While everyone's counselling journey is unique, therapy can provide you with tools and strategies to manage and reduce the negative impact of trauma. You and your therapist will work collaboratively to address your specific needs and goals.
Healing is possible, and you don't have to navigate this path alone.
Ready to start healing? Let's talk.
We’re here to support you with professional trauma and PTSD therapy in Calgary.