Some people come to therapy because something that happened — or that happened repeatedly over a long period — is still affecting sleep, mood, relationships, concentration, or how they respond to ordinary stress.
I provide trauma-informed individual psychotherapy for adults and older teens. I do not provide standalone psychological assessments. You do not need a formal PTSD diagnosis to work on trauma-related concerns in therapy.
What this can involve
Trauma-related difficulties can include intrusive memories, nightmares, being on guard, numbness, shame, trouble trusting other people, or avoiding reminders of what happened. For some people, current anxiety, concentration difficulties, or relationship patterns are mixed up with older experiences.
Not every painful event is best described as trauma. Part of the work is understanding what is actually going on rather than treating every difficulty as a trauma problem.
How I work with this
I usually begin by understanding what is happening now and making sure we have enough stability to work productively.
Some sessions involve making sense of what happened. Some are more practical. I do not assume that useful therapy requires recounting every detail of an event.
My work draws from cognitive behavioural therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed psychotherapy. If your needs would be better served by a different treatment or level of care, I’ll discuss referral options with you.
Who this is for
Adults and older teens, including adult survivors of childhood abuse or neglect, and people dealing with assault, accidents, medical events, sudden loss, or other overwhelming experiences. This is individual therapy, not child therapy, family therapy, or couples therapy.
If the main problem is a change in religious belief, the faith transition page is the more direct starting point. Spiritual or religious trauma can still be part of the work here when that is what is actually happening.
If you need immediate or emergency mental-health support, see Crisis Resources.
Practical information
Generally age 16 and up. In person in Edmonton and virtually throughout Alberta. 50-minute sessions. $235 per session. Direct billing is available with many extended-health insurance providers depending on your plan.
Therapy areas · Faith transition · Crisis resources · About Zac
