Trauma is an incredibly challenging experience that involves deep emotional, psychological, and physiological responses to distressing or harmful events. Many people can cope with individual stressors, but trauma can emerge when the intensity or frequency of these events becomes overwhelming. Examples of such experiences can include physical or sexual abuse, accidents, natural disasters, the sudden loss of a loved one, or exposure to violence. Trauma can stem from subtler yet persistent stressors, such as emotional neglect, ongoing interpersonal conflicts, or relationship concerns.
The impact of trauma can be varied, often leaving people feeling helpless, fearful, and overwhelmed. It can disrupt one’s sense of safety, self-worth, and stability, manifesting in symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, difficulties in trusting others, or feelings of dissociation. Trauma can impact both the mind and body, and its effects may linger long after the traumatic event has occurred.
Traumatic experiences can shatter one’s sense of security, particularly when the event is intentional, such as in acts of terrorism or violence. While feeling traumatized is a natural response to these abnormal situations, it can lead to more severe and prolonged conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research shows a correlation between the number of traumatic events a person endures and the severity of PTSD symptoms (Volanti & Paton, 1999).
Certain individuals, including first responders—firefighters, police officers, paramedics, nurses, healthcare professionals, and military personnel—are at a heightened risk for developing PTSD due to their frequent exposure to traumatic situations. Living with PTSD can be debilitating, and studies reveal that 59% of those affected report a significantly impaired overall quality of life (Martin et al., 2021). Every person’s journey through trauma is unique and deserving of support and compassion.
At AltaClarity, we understand how overwhelming trauma and/or PTSD can feel. We are committed to supporting your healing journey. We offer a variety of effective, evidence-based therapies designed to help you regain a sense of safety and well-being. Our modalities, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), focus specifically on addressing trauma symptoms to guide you toward a brighter path. We also recognize the importance of therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in managing related symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
Your well-being is our priority, and we encourage you to speak with your doctor, as certain medications might help ease symptoms like sleep disturbances, which can affect your emotional and physical health. You are not alone, many individuals struggle with the impact of trauma and may turn to substances as a way to cope. If you find yourself in this situation, seeking addiction treatment could also be an important step towards healing and reclaiming your life. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Alyssa brings over a decade of experience as a reservist in the military. Her work as a crisis mental health worker on the front lines has deepened her understanding of the unique challenges that first responders face. Alyssa also empathizes with the distinct pressures that come with being a military spouse, drawing from her own experiences being married to a military veteran who has served on multiple deployments. We are pleased to offer direct billing through VAC, Blue Cross, and Medavie Blue Cross and are proud to serve our first responders and medical professionals.
