PTSD and Trauma Therapy Edmonton
What Happened to You Doesn't Define You. Healing Is Possible.
Specialized trauma therapy and PTSD treatment in Edmonton and online across Alberta. CDMH clinicians are trained in EMDR, SE, ISTDP, CPT, PE, IFS, and other evidence-based trauma approaches.
Understanding PTSD and Trauma
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop following exposure to or witnessing of a traumatic event or events, including abuse, violence, accidents, loss, or medical crises.
C-PTSD
Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) often develops in response to prolonged or repeated trauma, particularly starting in childhood.
Trauma can profoundly affect a person's nervous system, relationships, sense of self, and daily functioning but with the right treatment, recovery is possible.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD and Trauma
Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories of traumatic events
Emotional numbness, detachment, or feeling cut off from others
Hypervigilance – feeling constantly on edge or on guard
Avoidance of reminders, places, people, or situations associated with trauma
Negative shifts in mood, beliefs, or worldview following trauma
Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in relationships
Physical symptoms such as tension, chronic pain, or fatigue
Shame, guilt, or self-blame in relation to traumatic events
PTSD and Trauma Treatment Near Me Edmonton
Evidence-Based Treatment at CDMH
Trauma treatment at CDMH is individualized, trauma-informed, and paced collaboratively with the client. We do not rush the process or pressure clients to disclose more than they are ready for.
The goal is safety, stabilization, and the processing and integration of traumatic material.
Safety
Stabilization
Processing & Integration
EMDR
Helps you safely revisit distressing memories while using bilateral stimulation (guided side to side eye movements). This helps the brain reprocess experiences that continue to trigger intense emotions, body sensations, or beliefs, allowing memories to become more integrated. Over time, memories may feel less vivid and distressing, triggers can become easier to manage, and you can feel more grounded in the present.
ISTDP
Assists to identify and address unhelpful ways of coping with underlying conflicts around emotional closeness and intimacy following traumatic life experiences. As more helpful ways of approaching emotions become available, the focus turns to accessing and processing complex emotions related to past experiences and integrating new meanings and understandings. ISTDP is focused on helping individuals feel safe, secure, and empowered as they reclaim their lives and develop more adaptive ways of relating to the self and others in the world. Through the process of ISTDP, individuals have a pathway to develop or return to emotional closeness and intimacy in relationships. This often translates to having more meaningful and satisfying relationships in life.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Releasing trauma stored in the body and nervous system
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Working with trauma-related parts of the self to help individuals explore and understand how they may have developed protective roles in response to difficult experiences, while building greater self-compassion and connection.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE)
Approaching recovery from trauma through education and reducing avoidance of trauma-related memories, emotions, and situations. This involves helping individuals process their experiences through gradually approaching what has been avoided (PE) and developing more balanced and helpful beliefs about the trauma and its impact (CPT).
Why Patients in Alberta Choose CDMH
Evidence-based, intensive care — not just symptom management
Team of 9 skilled clinicians with diverse, specialized training
Flagship ISTDP approach with proven outcomes for complex conditions
Interdisciplinary collaboration: clinicians consult and communicate
In-person (Edmonton) and virtual options across Alberta
Founded by an Edmonton Top 40 Under 40 (2025) Registered Psychologist
Fees guided by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) schedule
PTSD and Trauma Therapy Edmonton
CDMH Clinicians Are Trained in Multiple Trauma-Specific Approaches
Book a free 15-minute phone consultation to speak with one of our helpful clinicians today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD (C-PTSD)?
PTSD typically develops following a specific, identifiable traumatic event or events. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is associated with prolonged, repeated, or chronic trauma, often including childhood abuse, neglect, or ongoing interpersonal trauma. C-PTSD typically involves more pervasive effects on identity, self-concept, emotional regulation, and relationships in addition to core PTSD symptoms.
What is EMDR and how does it help with trauma?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while processing traumatic memories. It helps the brain reprocess stuck traumatic memories so they lose their emotional intensity. EMDR is recognized by the World Health Organization and the Canadian Psychological Association as an effective PTSD treatment.
Can trauma therapy be done online?
Yes. Trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR and ISTDP, can be effectively delivered online. CDMH offers virtual sessions for clients across Alberta. Online trauma therapy can actually lower the threshold for some clients who find it easier to engage from a familiar environment.
Is it possible to recover fully from PTSD?
Yes. With evidence-based treatment, many people experience significant or complete recovery from PTSD. The research supports that most people who engage in active, trauma-focused treatment experience meaningful reduction in symptoms and improvement in functioning.
What if I've had bad experiences with therapy for trauma before?
This can happen.. Many trauma survivors have tried therapy that did not help, or made things worse. CDMH clinicians are trained to work carefully and collaboratively with clients who have had difficult prior therapy experiences, and to adjust the pace and approach to ensure safety and positive clinical outcomes.
Does CDMH treat childhood trauma in adults?
Yes. Many adults who come to CDMH are processing the long-term effects of childhood trauma. Our clinicians work with adults on the impacts of early relational and developmental trauma using ISTDP, IFS, EMDR, SE, and other trauma-informed approaches.