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PTSD Testing Diagnosis of PTSD is achieved through a series of written inventories, self-assessments, and clinical interviews. If you think you may be suffering from PTSD, you can download a self-assessment and discuss the results with your family doctor. Only a medical doctor or psychologist can provide a diagnosis.

Kathryn Knight has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University and is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She works with first Rachel Spekking, BA, BBA, RP Rachel Spekking 905-635-7770 rachelspekking@gmail .com Rachel Spekking is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Criminology, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. She has over 10 years of experience working in policing in Ontario. Rachel provides client-centered therapeutic interventions to address the unique emotional and psychological challenges faced by clients. She believes effective treatment is dependent upon building a therapeutic relationship that can support clients to gain deeper self-understanding, self-growth, and to develop strong coping strategies through being actively engaged in the therapeutic process. She provides an integrative approach to treatment of adults 19 years of age and older who are experiencing challenging life transitions, critical incident stress/trauma, operational stress, or needing support regarding their emotional/psychological health. Models that she finds helpful include, but are not limited to, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Rachel is also Eagala certified for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Group therapy is a process where a small group of people (generally six to ten individuals) meets on a regular basis with a therapist/facilitator to discuss an issue common to all participants. Under the direction of the facilitator, group members explore and share their stories. Group Therapy Group therapy is a process where a small group of people (generally six to ten individuals) meets on a regular basis with a therapist/facilitator to discuss an issue common to all participants. Under the direction of the facilitator, group members explore and share their stories, receive encouragement from others, and learn coping strategies. In a safe and supportive environment, group members work together to heal their emotional wounds and meet their therapeutic goals.

Signs of PTSD PTSD symptoms are grouped into four clusters. You may not exhibit all the symptoms, but you do need to have some symptoms in all categories to be diagnosed with PTSD. Intrusive Memories Unwanted, repeated, and distressing memories of a traumatic event Repeated, disturbing dreams about the traumatic event Flashbacks; suddenly feeling as if you were re-experiencing the traumatic event. Feeling emotionally or physically distressed when something reminds you of a traumatic event Avoidance Avoiding feelings, thoughts, and memories of a traumatic event Avoiding places, people, activities, situations, and/or objects that remind you of a traumatic event Negative Changes in Thoughts and Moods Difficulty remembering significant parts of a traumatic event Strong negative beliefs about yourself or other people; negative changes to your worldview Blaming yourself or others for the traumatic event and its aftermath Experiencing negative emotions such as guilt, fear, horror, anger, and/or shame Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed Feeling detached from other people, including family, friends, and co-workers Difficulty experiencing positive emotions Arousal - Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions Irritable behaviour, angry outbursts, and/or acting aggressively Risky or self-destructive behaviour such as driving too fast, drinking too much, not wearing safety equipment properly Hypervigilant; always watchful or on guard Easily startled or frightened; feeling jumpy Difficulty concentrating or focusing Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep

Kathryn Knight has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University and is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She works with first Katie Chown, MACP, BSc, RP Katie Chown 905-635-7770 Katie Chown is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology with a Minor in Religious Studies from McMaster University, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Degree from Yorkville University. In addition, Katie is a Certified Trauma Professional (Levels I & II). Katie brings a breadth of experience from her work in academic and healthcare settings as an educator, counsellor, and clinical technician. These roles have informed her deep appreciation for the mind-body connection and the varied pathways through which people achieve healing and personal growth. Her clinical work focuses on adults in individual and couple’s settings. Katie is committed to providing an empathetic, non-judgmental environment that supports open dialogue and genuine connection. She takes a relational, psychodynamic, and holistic approach, integrating modalities such as Attachment-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Polyvagal Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Her advanced trauma training equips her to support clients through complex life experiences with care and skill. Collaboration is central to Katie’s practice. She partners with clients to enhance self-awareness, address challenges, and foster meaningful, sustainable change offering both clinical expertise and a respectful, supportive presence throughout the therapeutic process.

We provide defusing/debriefings to various organizations following critical incidents. We are generally available on short-notice and have various resources/referrals at our disposal in order to provide follow-up assistance/guidance. We have been trained through the International Critical Incident Debriefing for Emergency Services We provide defusing/debriefings to various organizations following critical incidents. We are generally available on short notice and have various resources/referrals at our disposal in order to provide follow-up assistance/guidance. We have been trained through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), National Organization of Victims Assistance (NOVA) and the Oklahoma Institute of Traumatology.

Pre-employment personnel selection instruments are used to screen applicants and include the assessment of a wide range of skills and abilities. Instruments used primarily for assessing first responder candidates are in keeping with current guidelines. Please contact our office for more information. Pre-Employment Assessment Dr. Laidlaw currently provides pre-employment personnel selection assessments for emergency services, including the RCMP, the OPP, and various fire and paramedic services. She works with EAP/victim service providers and develops and trains peer support teams.

Susan joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in January 2018 as Administrative Assistant and Receptionist. Susan’s first career was as a High School Physical Education Teacher in Scotland after obtaining a Diploma of Education (Dip.Ed). Following a motor vehicle accident Susan had to explore alternate care Krisandra Einboden Krisandra Einboden 905-635-777 0 Krisandra Einboden is a Registered Social Worker /Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She holds a Master of Social Work Degree with the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Guelph. With nine years of experience in law enforcement, Krisandra has developed an important understanding of crisis intervention, resilience, and the complexities of trauma. Her recent transition into a career in firefighting has further deepened her understanding of high-pressure. environments and reinforced her commitment to fostering genuine human connection. Krisandra approaches therapy with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment. She understands the importance of active listening, empathy, and genuine engagement in the therapeutic process. She integrates evidence-based therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs of each client.

Kathryn Knight has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University and is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She works with first Justin Fram, MACP, RP Justine Fram 905-635-7770 jfram.therapy..com Justine Fram is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. Justine provides treatment to adults who have experienced trauma or challenging life transitions, grappling with crisis, or needing support in relation to emotional/psychological health. She works collaboratively with clients, making personalized treatment plans to facilitate their healing and growth. She believes the therapeutic relationship can support clients to gain deeper self-understanding and learn new skills to promote personal growth. You can expect her to be supportive, calm, non-judgmental and trauma informed. Models she incorporates in her work include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Person-Centred Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Attachment-based Therapy.

Susan joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in January 2018 as Administrative Assistant and Receptionist. Susan’s first career was as a High School Physical Education Teacher in Scotland after obtaining a Diploma of Education (Dip.Ed). Following a motor vehicle accident Susan had to explore alternate care Jennifer Jennifer 905-635-7770 Jennifer joined Dr. Laidlaw & Associates in August of 2023 on a part-time basis. Jennifer provides essential support to staff while overseeing confidential record management. She supports the practice by ensuring a welcoming, organized environment for clients.

PTSD Treatment There are many types of treatment for PTSD. You and your healthcare provider (e.g. family doctor, psychologist, etc.) will discuss the best treatment for you. You may have to try a number of treatments before you find one that works for you. A type of counseling called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and medicines are known as SSRIs appear to be the most effective treatments for PTSD. Treatment can help you feel more in control of your emotions and result in fewer symptoms, but you may still have some bad memories.