PTSD symptoms may occur soon after the event, or years later. Many people struggle through post-trauma symptoms, attempting to “tough it out” or distract from the anxiety, dreams, flashbacks, thoughts or memories of the event coming back unexpectedly and other physiological reactions that interfere with the ability to function in a healthy way.

Symptoms of trauma can vary; PTSD can cause one to become isolated, anxious, angry and depressed even years after the event or life situation. Such feelings can become compounded by emotional numbness and detachment which can lead to an avoidance of engaging in life and relationships and complicate substance abuse recovery.

These changes in mood and thinking can cause major changes to beliefs about oneself, and others or the world, as well as major changes to emotional state which gets in the way of living a full life or surviving rather than thriving.

These complex feelings can be expressed inwardly and can be expressed towards and projected onto others, creating distortions in reality that can make the path to healing seem unattainable. It is not uncommon to feel guilt or shame, due to the grief associated with the trauma, the nature of the event or situation and decisions made or not made at that time, all of which can lead to a chronic state of overwhelm.

Reminders of the traumatic event can cause distress and avoiding things that remind one the event can include avoiding specific people, places, or events. It can also include efforts to avoid any unwanted memories, thoughts or feelings.

If left untreated, PTSD may cause other mental health issues and personal challenges including interruptions to daily functioning, work, health, and relationship breakdowns. Professional treatment for PTSD works to unravel the effects of the trauma and treat its source and part of the recovery from trauma includes learning life skills to manage and reduce stress.

When you are living with PTSD, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and common to experience anger, shame, guilt, depression, anxiety, or just feel numb. You may startle at loud noises or avoid going to certain places that trigger uncomfortable feelings. Your sleep may be interrupted and you may experience flashbacks to the traumatic incident.

A trauma-informed model of care is at the heart of The Bay programs. All of your therapists, doctors, practitioners, and care team are trained to be sensitive to underlying traumas and provide compassionate, informed care. We have qualified EMDR Therapists who have experience working with veterans and police.

Due to the pervasive nature of the symptoms of PTSD, the opportunity to immerse yourself in a one-to-one healing retreat provides the greatest opportunity for resolution of the trauma and its effects. Trauma therapy is our particular area of expertise at The Bay; we offer the most current, evidence-based therapeutic practice available in a confidential, nurturing and peaceful environment.

Feeling safe, having a sense of well-being and a capacity to engage in healthy relationships with others, as well as a general ability to enjoy life, are all outcomes of successfully resolved trauma. Repairing and integrating a traumatised nervous system creates such an outcome.

Experience can change the brain in negative and positive ways. Just as damaging experiences change the brain in ways that are negative for us, new and positive experiences also change the brain in ways that help us to heal and grow.

At The Bay, we create a safe environment essential in the treatment of PTSD, with expert care, that allows you to gently develop a sense of trust and well-being in yourself and engage in healthy relationships with others. This comfortable environment is one in which you can discuss and explore your feelings without fear.

Everybody is different. That means every case of trauma is individual, so it is important to us that we treat your case uniquely and provide the correct treatment program to fit your needs.

The neuroplasticity of the brain (the fact that the brain is malleable rather than fixed), means that healing the brain’s neural (nervous system) pathways is possible. When healthy integration happens in these neural networks trauma can be resolved. Trauma therapy needs to incorporate this integration in the nervous system to be effective.

Understanding and making meaning of the traumatic experience can be helpful in the resolution of the trauma, however, it is usually not enough. The Bay Method uses EMDR and a body-oriented approach in dealing with trauma that addresses the body’s physical processes and states.

Past experience tends to be unconsciously embodied in our present physicality. We need to have a felt experience of our sensations in the present moment to allow the emotional, physical and physiological effects of PTSD and other traumas to resolve.

Aspects of different therapeutic modalities such as psychotherapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Somatic Experiencing and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) provide you with the tools to change the way you think and feel about your past experiences, and the way these experiences will continue to shape you.

The combination of these therapies, with holistic modalities such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, art therapy, acupuncture and massage, make for a deep, gentle and effective healing process.