PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or deeply distressing event such as sexual assault, combat, car accidents, or natural disasters.
After such events, it is natural to experience upsetting memories, feel on edge, have difficulty sleeping, or struggle with daily activities like work and relationships. However, if these symptoms continue for more than a few months, it may indicate PTSD. Symptoms can also appear long after the traumatic event.
Four categories of PTSD symptoms
1. Intrusion symptoms
This includes flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted memories where it feels like the traumatic event is happening again in the present moment.
2. Avoidance
Avoiding thoughts, feelings, memories, or places connected to the trauma.
3. Negative thoughts and emotions
Trauma can change how you see yourself and the world, leading to beliefs like “I am unsafe” or “no one can be trusted,” along with guilt, shame, or emotional numbness.
4. Changes in arousal and reactivity
Increased irritability, feeling constantly “on edge,” difficulty sleeping, poor concentration, and being easily startled.
How counselling can help
A trauma-informed approach focuses on creating emotional safety first. At No Fear Counselling, therapists support you in building trust and stability before exploring difficult experiences.
You may also learn grounding and regulation tools to stay present when emotions feel overwhelming.
We use evidence-based and trauma-focused approaches such as:
These approaches help regulate the nervous system and support long-term emotional healing.
Get support
If you are experiencing PTSD symptoms, support is available. You can connect with a therapist at:
https://www.nofearcounselling.com/areas/vancouver/
Or explore online counselling options:
https://www.nofearcounselling.com/areas/online/
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
BC Provincial Mental Health and Substance Use Planning Council. (2013). Trauma-informed practice guide.
van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. New York: Viking.