Trauma counselling is a very specialized area of practice and requires specific trauma training with a reputable educational institution.  Treating children and adults for trauma requires years of experience in order perform this type of counselling. 

Trauma counselling targets negative feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that follow a sudden distressing event, or a prolonged negative experience like abuse. Sometimes these incidences lead to signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Events such as a physical attack, a break-in/burglary, or an accident can bring on symptoms such as:  

.  intrusive recollections of the distressing event
.  changes in sleep
.  recurrent vivid dreams of the distressing event
.  short tempered
.  flashbacks
.  self-esteem changes (i.e self-doubt, decrease in self-worth)
.  feeling numb or empty 
.  poor concentration
.  feeling detached
.  needing to be ultra-alert
.  avoidance of activities and/or places that arouse distressing memories 
.  guilty feelings
.  anxiousness
.  depression

Similar to talk therapy methods such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and The Flash Technique are effective approaches to treating trauma.

For a non-verbal approach, Sandtray Therapy, is an option for clients to work through thoughts, feelings, and trauma. 
 

Call or contact me if you have any questions about trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, EMDR, and/or trauma counselling and we can talk about a treatment plan that best suits you or your child.

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