Treatment overview
Many sufferers of operational stress injuries (OSI) receive treatment on an individual basis, often weekly. However, intensive daily treatment for several weeks can be much more effective.
Group programs have been deemed one of the most successful of treatment modalities for OSIs. Many sufferers do not understand their experiences, feel misunderstood by others, and become socially isolated. They often have a strong need to relate to others with similar challenges. Therefore, our program provides education and coping strategies related to OSIs, mutual support and reduced social isolation within the safety of a non judgmental setting.
As family support is crucial to the recovery of those with OSIs, the program also includes an educational session for significant others (if available) on the last day of the program.
From four to six members are admitted for each program. This size is appropriate as it is large enough to provide a supportive group setting, not too large as to be overwhelming to participants, yet small enough to maintain required individual attention.
Daily one to one counselling sessions are very important in assisting participants integrate the learning from group sessions.
Real life community graduated exposure (or desensitization) to feared locations/objects (eg. motor vehicles, highways, crowds), if required, is a very important strategy to assist participants in achieving previous levels of function. Counsellors will be available to assist participants in these structured tasks.
Treatments are customized to meet the needs of individuals in the program. They include both traditional empirically supported treatments as well as emerging cutting edge treatments. These include Exposure Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Emotion Focused Trauma Therapy, Biofeedback, and Group Therapy / Education, Mindfulness and Meditation.
A two-week break after week two of treatment is important, as the participants begin to implement strategies at home and refine treatment goals for the remainder of the program.
As trauma related conditions often produce marital discord, couples therapy may be provided as required. Participants in the program needing input on pain issues can be assisted. For those who need to make career changes, vocational/career consultation may be provided.
The daily schedule includes individual sessions, group education, group counselling, relaxation/biofeedback, exercise and community exposure. The program runs from 9 am to 4 pm each day.
PARTICIPANT OUTCOMES
Group programs have been deemed one of the most successful of treatment modalities for OSIs. Many sufferers do not understand their experiences, feel misunderstood by others, and become socially isolated. They often have a strong need to relate to others with similar challenges. Therefore, our program provides education and coping strategies related to OSIs, mutual support and reduced social isolation within the safety of a non judgmental setting.
As family support is crucial to the recovery of those with OSIs, the program also includes an educational session for significant others (if available) on the last day of the program.
From four to six members are admitted for each program. This size is appropriate as it is large enough to provide a supportive group setting, not too large as to be overwhelming to participants, yet small enough to maintain required individual attention.
Daily one to one counselling sessions are very important in assisting participants integrate the learning from group sessions.
Real life community graduated exposure (or desensitization) to feared locations/objects (eg. motor vehicles, highways, crowds), if required, is a very important strategy to assist participants in achieving previous levels of function. Counsellors will be available to assist participants in these structured tasks.
Treatments are customized to meet the needs of individuals in the program. They include both traditional empirically supported treatments as well as emerging cutting edge treatments. These include Exposure Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Emotion Focused Trauma Therapy, Biofeedback, and Group Therapy / Education, Mindfulness and Meditation.
A two-week break after week two of treatment is important, as the participants begin to implement strategies at home and refine treatment goals for the remainder of the program.
As trauma related conditions often produce marital discord, couples therapy may be provided as required. Participants in the program needing input on pain issues can be assisted. For those who need to make career changes, vocational/career consultation may be provided.
The daily schedule includes individual sessions, group education, group counselling, relaxation/biofeedback, exercise and community exposure. The program runs from 9 am to 4 pm each day.
PARTICIPANT OUTCOMES
- Increase your understanding of operational stress injury symptoms
- Learn new skills to effectively manage and reduce your symptoms
- Accelerate your recovery and increase your quality of life
- Get back to work if applicable
- Get back to achieving other goals in your life