PTSD Counselling

Healing After Trauma: One Step at a Time

At Rippeyoung & Associates, we understand that trauma leaves lasting marks, sometimes visible, often invisible. Painful memories, intrusive thoughts, or intense emotional reactions can make it feel like you're reliving the past instead of living in the present. If you've experienced trauma and are struggling to move forward, we're here to help you find safety, stability, and healing through compassionate counselling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Our work together focuses on rebuilding trust in yourself and the world around you. We provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where your story can be heard, your experiences validated, and your strength rediscovered. Healing from trauma takes time, but it's possible, and you don't have to do it alone.

Understanding PTSD

PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a deeply distressing event such as an accident, assault, natural disaster, loss, or ongoing abuse. But trauma isn't defined only by the event; it's also shaped by how your mind and body respond afterwards.

PTSD can affect how you think, feel, and connect with others. You may experience symptoms such as:

• Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
• Avoidance of reminders related to the trauma
• Heightened anxiety, startle response, or irritability
• Feelings of detachment or emotional numbness
• Negative self-beliefs or guilt related to the event
• Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe

Sometimes these symptoms appear right after a traumatic experience; other times, they surface months or years later. Whatever your story looks like, it deserves care, understanding, and a path toward healing.

Our Approach to Counselling for PTSD In Ottawa

At Rippeyoung & Associates, our approach to trauma healing emphasizes safety, empowerment, and collaboration. We recognize that trauma affects both the mind and body, and effective recovery must address both.

Our trauma-informed therapy process often includes:

Building Safety and Stability

Before exploring painful memories, we help you establish emotional safety and grounding. You'll learn tools to regulate your nervous system, manage flashbacks, and calm the body's stress response. Healing begins when you feel safe enough to reconnect with yourself.

Processing the Trauma

When you're ready, we'll work together to explore the memories and meanings connected to your trauma gently. This step is never rushed. We use evidence-based therapies such as:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) — helps reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional intensity.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapies — reconnect the body and mind to reduce physical symptoms of trauma.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Trauma — addresses unhelpful beliefs that keep you stuck in cycles of fear, guilt, or shame.
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) — helps you compassionately understand and integrate the different "parts" of yourself shaped by trauma.

Reconnecting and Reclaiming Life

The ultimate goal of counselling for PTSD is not to erase the past but to help you live fully again. We'll support you in rebuilding trust, strengthening relationships, and rediscovering meaning and purpose beyond trauma. Healing means reclaiming your sense of identity, joy, and safety.

What Counselling for PTSD Feels Like

We know that starting trauma therapy can feel daunting. It takes immense courage to face painful experiences, especially if they've been buried for a long time. Our sessions are designed to go at your pace, never faster than what feels safe.

In our work together, you can expect:

• A warm, empathetic, and confidential space where you are fully accepted.
• Gentle pacing that prioritizes your comfort and emotional safety.
• Collaborative goal-setting, so your healing journey fits your needs and values.
• Practical grounding tools you can use between sessions to stay regulated and centred.

Each person's path is unique. With your consent and comfort guiding every step, we'll move together toward healing.

The Impact of Trauma, and the Hope Beyond It

Trauma can distort how we see ourselves and the world. It can make you feel unsafe, disconnected, or "frozen" in time. But healing is not about forgetting; it's about learning to survive the memory and move forward.

Through CBT therapy, you can:

• Lessen the power of traumatic memories.
• Reconnect with your body and emotions safely.
• Develop coping tools to manage triggers.
• Cultivate trust in relationships and yourself.
• Build resilience and a renewed sense of control.

Our mission is to walk beside you through that process—helping you rediscover strength, stability, and self-compassion.

In-Person and Online Counselling Options

We understand that accessibility and comfort are crucial in trauma recovery. That's why we offer in-person counselling at our office and secure online sessions for those who prefer to connect from their own space. Online counselling for PTSD offers the same level of confidentiality and therapeutic depth while giving you flexibility and comfort during vulnerable moments. Whether you meet in person or virtually, our commitment remains to provide compassionate, evidence-based support tailored to you.

When to Seek Help

If you've experienced trauma and notice that it's interfering with your relationships, work, sleep, or emotional well-being, it may be time to reach out. 

• Counselling for PTSD can help if you:
• Feel constantly on edge or easily startled
• Avoid reminders of the event
• Experience distressing memories or nightmares
• Struggle to connect with loved ones
• Feel guilt, shame, or anger related to the trauma
• Have trouble concentrating or sleeping

You don't need to face these symptoms alone. Therapy can help you rebuild a sense of safety and regain control of your life.

Our Commitment to Trauma Survivors

We deeply respect the courage it takes to begin trauma work. Many clients fear that revisiting the past will make things worse, but with the right support, therapy can actually help your body and mind release what they've been holding onto for years. Our role is not to force change but to create a safe container for it. We'll help you slow down, breathe, and discover that healing doesn't mean forgetting, it means reclaiming your strength and sense of self.

FAQ About PTSD Counselling In Ottawa

Q: Is counselling for PTSD only for people with a diagnosis?

A: No. You don't need a formal PTSD diagnosis to benefit from trauma therapy. If past experiences continue to affect your emotions, relationships, or sense of safety, counselling can help.

Q: How long does PTSD therapy take?

A: Healing timelines vary. Some clients see improvement after a few months; others choose to work long-term to process deeper trauma. We'll go at your pace and check in regularly on your progress.

Q: Will I have to talk about the details of my trauma?

A: Not right away. We'll focus first on building safety and stability. You decide what to share and when.

Q: Can counselling for PTSD be effective online?

A: Yes. Many clients find that online sessions feel more comfortable and grounding. We use the same trauma-informed practices and confidentiality measures as in-person therapy.

Begin Your Healing Journey Today

If you're ready to take the next step toward healing, we invite you to reach out today. Together, we'll create a supportive space where your experiences are honoured and your healing is possible. Your trauma does not define you. With compassionate counselling for PTSD, you can find safety, connection, and hope again. Contact us today to schedule your first session and begin your journey toward recovery and renewal.

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OTTAWA, ON K2H 8S9
P 613.596.9197
F 613.596.6499
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Ready to get started? You can book a session using our online scheduler below, or just give us a call or send an email. Our assistant will help guide you through the process.