Trauma & PTSD Therapy in Calgary
Structured trauma therapy to help adults process distressing experiences, reduce anxiety, and regain a sense of safety and stability
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It may involve ongoing distress, heightened anxiety, and difficulty feeling safe, even after the event has passed.
At Clear Minds Psychology, trauma therapy is structured, evidence-based, and tailored to your individual needs. The goal is to help you process difficult experiences, reduce distress, and regain a greater sense of stability and control.
Book a Free Consultation
If you’re considering trauma therapy, you can book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns and determine whether this approach feels like the right fit.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma refers to the psychological impact of experiences that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. This can include single events, such as accidents or assaults, as well as ongoing or repeated experiences over time.
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. However, when symptoms persist or interfere with daily functioning, therapy can help support recovery.
If you’re unsure whether your experiences may be affecting you in this way, speaking with a psychologist can help clarify your next steps.
What are Traumatic Events?
Some common examples include:
- Serious accidents
- Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse
- Complex childhood abuse
- Medical trauma
- Military combat or war exposure
- Natural disasters
- Violence or a sudden loss
Traumatic memories can also stem from:
- Betrayals
- Bereavement
- Bullying
- Neglect or abandonment
- Personal humiliations and major disappointments
Because everyone responds to trauma differently, some people recover quickly, while others need specialised trauma-focused therapy in Calgary to heal.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD is a specific response to trauma that affects how the brain processes and stores distressing experiences. It can lead to a persistent sense of threat, even in safe environments.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Nightmares or disturbed sleep
- Avoidance of reminders of the event
- Heightened anxiety or being easily startled
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating
- Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected
These responses are not a sign of weakness, they are the nervous system’s attempt to protect you after overwhelming experiences.
Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy in Calgary
Trauma-focused therapy helps process distressing experiences so they no longer trigger the same emotional and physical responses.
At Clear Minds Psychology, I provide structured, evidence-based approaches including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), both widely recognised as effective treatments for trauma and PTSD.
In clinical practice, many individuals notice patterns such as avoidance, heightened anxiety, or feeling constantly on edge. With trauma-focused therapy, these responses can gradually reduce as the nervous system processes the experience more effectively.
What to Expect from Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy is structured, collaborative, and paced according to your comfort level.
Early sessions focus on:
- Understanding your experiences
- Identifying patterns contributing to distress
- Developing strategies to support stability and safety
As therapy progresses, we work toward processing difficult memories in a way that reduces their intensity and impact.
Many clients find that, over time, therapy helps reduce reactivity and supports a greater sense of stability in daily life.
Considering Trauma Therapy?
A brief consultation can help you understand how therapy may support your specific situation and whether this approach feels like a good fit.
Book a free consultation to get started.
Who I Work With
I provide trauma and PTSD therapy for adults and seniors in Calgary and across Alberta through both in-person and online sessions.
This includes individuals experiencing:
- Single-incident trauma
- Complex or developmental trauma
- Ongoing stress-related difficulties
I work with professionals, caregivers, and individuals navigating life transitions. I do not provide couples or child therapy.
If this sounds like your situation, you’re welcome to reach out to explore whether trauma therapy may be helpful.
“Trauma is not what happens to us, it’s what happens inside us” — Dr. Gabor Maté
Professional Credentials
- Registered Psychologist, Province of Alberta (College of Alberta Psychologists)
- Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology (MACP), Yorkville University
- Advanced training in EMDR, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- Member of Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) and IS-ART
- Contributor, Alberta Senior Living Magazine — Spring Mental Health Check-In: Managing Anxiety, SAD Transitions & Light Exposure
About the Psychologist
Michelle Fox is a Registered Psychologist in Calgary with over 30 years of clinical experience working with adults and seniors. Michelle has specialised training in trauma-focused, evidence-based therapies, including EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
She works with individuals experiencing PTSD, complex trauma, and stress-related concerns using structured, evidence-based approaches. Her approach focuses on helping clients process difficult experiences, reduce distress, and regain a sense of safety and control.
Learn more about Michelle Fox, Registered Psychologist in Calgary.
Trauma Therapy FAQ
How long does trauma therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on the type of trauma and individual needs. Some people experience meaningful improvements within several sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Is trauma therapy safe?
Yes. Trauma-focused therapies such as ART and EMDR are designed to process memories safely while maintaining emotional stability.
Can trauma therapy be done online?
Yes. Many trauma-focused therapies can be adapted for online sessions through secure video platforms
Trauma recovery is possible with the right support and evidence-based care.
Book a Free Consultation
If you are considering trauma therapy, a brief consultation can help you determine whether this approach feels like the right fit.
Clear Minds Psychology offers trauma therapy in Calgary and online across Alberta, providing accessible, evidence-based support tailored to your needs.
You can book a free consultation to discuss your concerns and next steps.