PTSD can make you feel like you're stuck in a moment where everyone else has moved on. You see the flashbacks, the have the nightmares, you feel the constant feeling of having to be on guard. We understand how exhausting it can be. PTSD counselling at Patterson Counselling Services uses proven, trauma-focused approaches to help your brain stop replaying what happened like a movie replaying over and over in your head. You deserve to feel safe in your own mind again.
When You Need PTSD Counselling
PTSD doesn't always develop right after a traumatic event. Sometimes it shows up months or even years later. You might need PTSD counselling if you experience flashbacks or intrusive memories that feel like they're happening all over again.
Other signs include nightmares that disrupt your sleep, avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of the event, feeling jumpy or startled by sudden sounds, and emotional numbness or detachment from people you care about.
Many people in Red Deer and central Alberta carry PTSD from workplace incidents, accidents, violence, first responder experiences, or military service. Whatever the cause, the symptoms are real and they respond to the right treatment.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, post-traumatic stress disorder can cause persistent feelings of stress and fear even when a person is no longer in danger.
Our PTSD Counselling Process
We start by understanding what you're dealing with without forcing you to relive the details before you're ready. Your safety and comfort set the pace for everything we do.
Treatment often includes Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based approach that uses gentle eye movements to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories. Many clients notice a shift in as few as 1 to 5 sessions. We also use other trauma-focused methods based on what works best for you.
Sessions run 50 minutes and are available weekly, both in-person at our Red Deer office and through secure online video across Alberta.
Psychology Today explains how trauma-focused treatment works, noting that specialized approaches can help the brain reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional intensity.
PTSD Counselling Cost in Red Deer
The cost of PTSD counselling depends on session frequency and duration. We discuss fees upfront before your first appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Most employer benefits plans cover sessions with a Registered Psychologist. We accept Alberta Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, and other major providers. We're happy to help you check your coverage before you book.
Why Choose Patterson Counselling Services
PTSD requires more than general talk therapy. Patterson Counselling Services is a trauma-focused practice led by a Registered Psychologist and ART Master Practitioner with specific training in how trauma gets stored in the brain and what it takes to resolve it.
We know how much courage it takes to make this call, especially in communities where mental health still carries stigma. Our practice is women-owned, wheelchair accessible, and offers the option of online sessions for clients who need privacy or flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Counselling
Can I have PTSD even if the event happened years ago?
Yes. PTSD symptoms can appear months or even years after a traumatic event. Sometimes they're triggered by a life change, a new stressor, or reaching a point where your usual coping strategies stop working. How long ago it happened doesn't change the fact that you're dealing with it now.
What's the difference between PTSD and just being stressed about something bad that happened?
Stress after a difficult event is normal and usually fades over time. PTSD is different because your brain gets stuck in a loop, replaying the event through flashbacks, nightmares, or intense physical reactions. If these symptoms have lasted more than a month and are affecting your daily life, PTSD counselling can help.
Do I need a diagnosis to start PTSD counselling?
No. You don't need a formal PTSD diagnosis to book a session. If you're experiencing symptoms that sound like PTSD, that's reason enough to reach out. We can help determine what's going on during your first few sessions.
Will I have to relive the traumatic event in counselling?
Not the way you might fear. We use approaches like Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) that help your brain process the memory without requiring you to describe every detail or re-experience the emotions at full intensity. You stay in control throughout.
How is PTSD counselling different from PTSD treatment?
PTSD counselling provides support, coping strategies, and a safe space to work through how PTSD affects your life. PTSD treatment typically involves more structured, evidence-based interventions aimed at directly processing the traumatic memory. We offer both at Patterson Counselling Services.