PTSD treatment at Patterson Counselling Services goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Our Registered Psychologist uses Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and other evidence-based approaches specifically designed to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories. You don't have to keep reliving what happened — effective treatment can change how those memories affect you.
When You Need PTSD Treatment
PTSD treatment is appropriate when post-traumatic symptoms are significantly impacting your daily functioning. This includes persistent flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and avoidance behaviors.
You may have tried counselling or other approaches that provided some relief but didn't fully resolve the symptoms. Psychotherapy offers a deeper level of treatment that targets how trauma is stored in the brain.
PTSD can result from any traumatic experience — workplace incidents, accidents, violence, military service, first responder experiences, or childhood events. The right treatment works regardless of the cause.
The National Institute of Mental Health provides detailed information on PTSD symptoms, causes, and treatment options, noting that symptoms must persist for more than one month and be severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Our PTSD Treatment Process
Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms, history, and goals. We create a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.
ART is often a central part of PTSD treatment. It uses gentle eye movements to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories, typically producing significant results in 1–6 sessions.
Sessions are 50 minutes, typically weekly. Available in-person in Red Deer and online across Alberta.
Across multiple peer-reviewed publications, research supporting ART has shown it significantly reduces PTSD and depressive symptoms, with participants experiencing relief in as few as 1 to 5 sessions.
PTSD Treatment Cost in Red Deer
PTSD treatment costs depend on session frequency and duration. We discuss all fees before treatment begins.
Sessions with a Registered Psychologist are covered by most employer benefits plans. We accept Alberta Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, and other major providers.
Why Choose Patterson Counselling Services
Our Registered Psychologist specializes in trauma and holds ART Master Practitioner certification. PTSD treatment requires specific expertise — our entire practice is built around this work.
Women-owned, wheelchair accessible, and offering online sessions across Alberta for maximum flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Treatment
How quickly can PTSD treatment make a difference?
It depends on the individual, but many clients notice meaningful changes within the first few sessions, especially with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). ART was designed specifically for PTSD and can produce results in as few as 1 to 5 sessions. Longer-standing or more complex PTSD may take additional time.
Is PTSD treatment different for first responders or military veterans?
The core approaches are the same, but the context matters. We understand the unique pressures of first responder and military service, including workplace culture that can make seeking help feel difficult. Treatment is adapted to your specific experiences and needs.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
Most people who complete PTSD treatment experience lasting improvement. In some cases, new life stressors or additional traumatic events can bring symptoms back, but having been through treatment before means you already have tools and awareness to address it quickly. Follow-up sessions are always an option.
What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help my PTSD?
That's more common than you'd think. Not all therapy approaches are equally effective for PTSD. If you did talk therapy that focused on retelling the story or general coping skills, you may not have received trauma-specific treatment. ART and other evidence-based trauma therapies work differently and often reach people that traditional talk therapy didn't.
Do you treat PTSD from workplace accidents?
Yes. Workplace accidents, particularly in industries like oil and gas, construction, and healthcare, are a common cause of PTSD. We work with clients dealing with PTSD from all types of traumatic events.