Trauma doesn't always look like what you'd expect. Sometimes it shows up as anxiety that won't quit, relationships that keep falling apart, or a feeling that something is wrong but you can't quite name it. Trauma counselling in Red Deer at Patterson Counselling Services gives you a safe place to work through what happened and start feeling like yourself again. You don't have to keep pushing through on your own.
When You Need Trauma Counselling
You might need trauma counselling if difficult past experiences are still running the show in your daily life. Maybe you get overwhelmed by situations that others seem to handle with ease. Maybe you shut down during conflict or lash out and don't understand why.
Other signs include trouble sleeping, feeling on edge all the time, avoiding certain places or people, or feeling disconnected from the people closest to you. You might have told yourself it wasn't that bad or that you should be over it by now. But your body and your emotions are telling a different story.
Waiting often makes things harder. Trauma doesn't resolve on its own. The patterns tend to get stronger over time, not weaker. Getting support now can stop the cycle from getting worse.
Research from Psychology Today helps us understand the effects of trauma, explaining that traumatic experiences can undermine a person's sense of safety and create lasting changes in how the brain responds to threats.
Our Trauma Counselling Process
Your first session is about getting comfortable and helping us understand what you're going through. We won't push you to share more than you're ready for. Your pace matters here.
From there, we'll create a plan that fits your specific situation. Patterson Counselling Services specializes in trauma-focused approaches, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which can produce real results in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy alone.
Sessions typically run 50 minutes. Most clients start with weekly sessions and adjust as they progress. We offer both in-person sessions in Red Deer and online sessions across Alberta.
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that professional support can help people build resilience and develop skills for coping with traumatic events.
Trauma Counselling Cost in Red Deer
Several things affect the cost of trauma counselling, including session length and how often you attend. We're upfront about our fees before your first session so there are no surprises.
Many employer benefits plans cover sessions with a Registered Psychologist. We accept Alberta Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, and most major insurance providers. We can help you check your coverage before you start.
Why Choose Patterson Counselling Services
Patterson Counselling Services is led by a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and an ART Master Practitioner. This isn't general counselling. This is a practice built specifically around trauma.
We understand that reaching out takes courage, especially in a community where talking about mental health still feels hard. Our office is wheelchair accessible, and we offer online sessions for clients who prefer the privacy of home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Counselling
How do I know if what I went through counts as trauma?
Trauma isn't defined by the event itself but by how it affected you. If a past experience is still showing up in your emotions, your body, or your relationships, it counts. You don't need to compare your experience to anyone else's. If it's affecting your life, it deserves attention.
Do I have to talk about what happened in detail?
No. You're always in control of what you share and when. Effective trauma counselling doesn't require you to relive every detail. We work at your pace and use approaches like ART that can process traumatic memories without requiring a full verbal retelling.
How long does trauma counselling take?
It depends on your situation. Some clients notice meaningful shifts within a few sessions, especially with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Others benefit from longer-term support. We'll talk about a realistic timeline based on your specific needs early in the process.
What's the difference between trauma counselling and trauma therapy?
Trauma counselling focuses on building coping skills, understanding your patterns, and getting practical support for how trauma affects your daily life. Trauma therapy goes deeper into processing the traumatic experiences themselves. At Patterson Counselling Services, we offer both and can help you determine which approach fits best.
Is trauma counselling covered by insurance?
Most employer benefits plans in Alberta cover sessions with a Registered Psychologist. We accept Alberta Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, and other major providers. We can help you check your specific coverage before you start.