In person in Calgary · Online
Trauma counselling in Calgary
Support for what you've been through and the ways it still shows up, in person in Calgary or online.
- Registered Psychologists
- Free 15-minute consultation
- Private and confidential
What is trauma counselling?
Trauma counselling is therapy with a psychologist for the lasting effects of frightening, overwhelming or painful experiences, whether something happened once or went on for a long time. At Synthesis Psychology, you can meet in person at our Calgary office, or online or by phone from anywhere in Alberta. It starts with a free 15-minute phone consultation, so we can understand what you're looking for and match you with the right psychologist.
Trauma is more common than many people realize. About three in four Canadians go through at least one event in their lifetime that could cause psychological trauma. For some people, the effects can shape how they feel, relate to others and see themselves, long after the experience itself.
With the right support, it's possible to better understand these experiences, work through their impact, and develop a greater sense of safety and connection. Our psychologists can help you make sense of what you've been through and find a path forward at a pace that feels right for you.
How trauma can show up
Trauma can affect your memories, your mood, your body and your relationships. Everyone's experience is different, and you don't need to match a description to reach out.
In your memories
Unwanted memories, nightmares or flashbacks that arrive when you don't expect them.
In what you avoid
Staying away from places, people or activities that bring the experience back.
In your body
Feeling on edge or under threat, or finding it hard to settle and concentrate.
In your sleep
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
In your mood
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or lasting changes in how you think and feel.
In your relationships
Pulling away from friends and family, finding it hard to feel close, or getting angry more easily.
These are common experiences, not a checklist or a diagnosis. Your psychologist can talk through what you're noticing with you.
Reaching out
When to reach out about trauma
The effects of a traumatic experience can take time to work through. If you find that its impact isn't easing, is becoming harder to manage, or continues to affect your daily life, talking with a psychologist can help you find ways to move forward.
You don't need a referral to see a psychologist in private practice. If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time. In Calgary, Distress Centre Calgary's 24-hour line is 403-266-4357. In an emergency, or if you're not safe right now, call 9-1-1. Synthesis Psychology is not a crisis service.
It may be time to talk to someone if
- Reactions to a difficult experience haven't eased, or are getting stronger
- You're arranging your life around avoiding reminders
- Sleep, concentration or relationships are suffering
- Something from long ago still feels present
- You'd like to understand why your body reacts the way it does
How we help
How counselling can help with trauma
There's no single approach that suits everyone, so your psychologist shapes the work around you. Depending on what you need, sessions may draw on approaches like these.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
A structured therapy designed to help people recover from trauma and PTSD. It uses guided bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, to help reprocess distressing memories. More about EMDR.
Ego state therapy
A parts-based approach that sees personality as made up of different parts, or ego states, and works with the conflicts between them. More about ego state therapy.
Somatic approaches
Body-based approaches that pay attention to physical sensations as well as thoughts and feelings. Somatic Experiencing, one example, works with the bodily sensations linked to a traumatic experience; research on it is promising but still early. More about somatic approaches.
Nervous system regulation
Work informed by polyvagal theory, which explores the connection between the nervous system and emotional well-being.
A strengths-based relationship
A collaborative way of working that puts the therapeutic relationship first and helps you reconnect with the inner resources and strengths you already have.
Understanding how trauma works
Information about how trauma can affect memory, mood, sleep and the body, offered with support, so your reactions feel less confusing.
What we can work on together
Trauma rarely shows up on its own. Depending on what you bring, your sessions might include:
- Acute and chronic trauma
- Complex trauma
- PTSD and complex PTSD
- Developmental and attachment trauma
- Abandonment trauma
- Nervous system regulation
- Grief and loss
- Caring for a sick or elderly loved one
- Anxiety
- Depression
How getting started works
Reach out
Call 403.261.5085 or send us a message. We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, and aim to get back to you as soon as we can.
Talk for 15 minutes
A free phone consultation to understand what you're looking for, so you find the psychologist best suited to your needs.
Start with the right psychologist
We connect you with a psychologist who has the training and experience for what you're facing, and who is a good fit for you. If we don't offer the support you need, we'll refer you to specialized resources.
Questions about trauma counselling
What counts as trauma?
There's no single list. Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can follow events such as violence, sexual assault, a serious injury, a natural disaster, or a life-threatening illness or medical procedure. Trauma can also build from repeated experiences, such as abuse or neglect early in life. If something you've been through still affects you, it's worth talking about.
Do I need a PTSD diagnosis to get trauma counselling?
No. Most people who go through a traumatic event have some symptoms at first but don't develop PTSD, and you don't need a diagnosis or a referral to reach out. Your psychologist can talk through what you're noticing with you.
Will I have to talk about what happened in detail?
You decide what to share and when. Different approaches to working with trauma involve different levels of revisiting or talking about past experiences. Your psychologist will work collaboratively with you to explore what feels appropriate for your needs and goals, at a pace you're comfortable with.
Do you offer EMDR therapy in Calgary?
Yes. Our psychologists can use EMDR in their work with adults on trauma, including complex trauma and PTSD, along with ego state therapy and somatic practices. Mention it when you book your free consultation. See therapy approaches.
Can I get trauma counselling online?
Yes. As well as in-person sessions at our Calgary office, you can meet online or by phone from anywhere in Alberta. Some people find it easier to start from home. See online counselling.
How much does trauma counselling cost?
Sessions are 50 minutes and range from $235 to $250. Many extended health benefit plans cover sessions with a psychologist. See fees and insurance.
What happens on the free 15-minute consultation?
It's a short, free phone call to talk about what's bringing you in and what you're looking for, so we can match you with the psychologist best suited to your needs. Book a consultation or call 403.261.5085.
What if I'm in crisis?
Call or text 9-8-8 any time. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Synthesis Psychology is not a crisis service, and we answer calls and email during admin hours only.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Psychologists follow a code of ethics with strict confidentiality rules that protect your privacy, with limits only in exceptional circumstances, as set out by the College of Alberta Psychologists.
If you claim sessions through a benefit plan, the specific reason you're seeing a psychologist stays confidential.
Your next step starts here.
You don't have to work it out alone. A free 15-minute phone consultation is a simple, no-pressure place to start.
We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
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