Insomnia Therapy
Therapist Availability:
Kyle Dyck
Julie Miazga
Maurine Agoawike
Therapy for Insomnia at Alberta Psychology Group
Are sleepless nights affecting your quality of life? Insomnia can disrupt your physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. At Alberta Psychology Group, we specialize in helping individuals address insomnia through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)—the gold standard in insomnia treatment.
Additionally, as experts in trauma therapy, we recognize that insomnia often overlaps with unresolved trauma or stress. Using trauma-informed care, we address these underlying issues while providing strategies to restore restful sleep and improve your overall well-being.
Understanding Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to return to sleep. Chronic insomnia, which persists for weeks or months, can significantly impact physical health, mood, and productivity.
Common symptoms of insomnia include:
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Trouble falling or staying asleep
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Waking up unrefreshed
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Daytime fatigue or low energy
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Difficulty concentrating
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Mood disturbances, such as irritability or anxiety
Insomnia can stem from stress, trauma, lifestyle habits, or medical conditions. Whatever the cause, effective treatment can help restore healthy sleep patterns and improve your quality of life.
What is CBT-I, and How Does it Help?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed to tackle the root causes of insomnia. Unlike sleep medications, CBT-I offers long-term solutions by targeting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep.
CBT-I typically involves:
1. Sleep Education: Learn about sleep cycles and how thoughts and behaviors affect sleep quality.
2. Cognitive Restructuring: Reframe negative beliefs about sleep, such as “I’ll never sleep well again.”
3. Sleep Restriction: Adjust your sleep schedule to strengthen your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
4. Stimulus Control: Develop a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and eliminates barriers to sleep.
5. Relaxation Techniques: Use mindfulness, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation to calm your mind and body.
CBT-I is highly effective, with many individuals noticing significant improvements in their sleep within just a few sessions.
When Trauma Contributes to Insomnia
At Alberta Psychology Group, we understand that trauma and insomnia often go hand in hand. Traumatic experiences can disrupt your body’s stress response, leading to hyperarousal, nightmares, or difficulty relaxing enough to fall asleep.
Using trauma-informed care, we address the connection between past experiences and current sleep challenges. For individuals whose insomnia is linked to unresolved trauma, we incorporate trauma therapy into your care plan to ensure a comprehensive approach to healing.
How Therapy Can Help with Insomnia
Therapy for insomnia at Alberta Psychology Group goes beyond improving sleep patterns. Our holistic approach equips clients with tools to manage the emotional and psychological aspects of their insomnia, especially when related to trauma or chronic stress.
Benefits of therapy for insomnia include:
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Breaking the Cycle of Poor Sleep: Address habits and thoughts that perpetuate sleepless nights.
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Healing from Trauma: Reduce the impact of trauma-related sleep disturbances with specialized care.
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Improving Emotional Resilience: Build skills to manage stress, anxiety, or frustration associated with insomnia.
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Creating Healthy Sleep Habits: Develop routines and environments conducive to restful sleep.
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Enhancing Daytime Functioning: Regain energy, focus, and emotional balance by restoring quality sleep.
What to Expect from Insomnia Therapy at Alberta Psychology Group
Our therapists provide compassionate, individualized care tailored to your unique needs. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Comprehensive Assessment: We’ll explore your sleep history, lifestyle, and any underlying factors—such as trauma or stress—contributing to your insomnia.
2. Personalized Treatment Plan: Your plan will combine proven strategies like CBT-I with trauma therapy as needed to address the root causes of your sleep difficulties.
3. Skill Development: Learn tools to change unhelpful thought patterns, create healthy routines, and reduce stress.
4. Ongoing Support: Regular sessions offer a safe space to reflect, track progress, and refine your strategies.
Why Choose Alberta Psychology Group for Insomnia Therapy?
At Alberta Psychology Group, we offer a unique combination of expertise, compassion, and evidence-based care to help you overcome insomnia. Here’s why clients trust us:
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Specialists in Trauma-Informed Care: As experts in trauma therapy, we address the deeper issues that often contribute to insomnia, ensuring a holistic path to healing.
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CBT-I Expertise: Our therapists are trained in CBT-I, the most effective non-medication treatment for insomnia.
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Individualized Care Plans: We tailor every treatment plan to your specific needs, whether your insomnia is linked to stress, trauma, or lifestyle factors.
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Compassionate, Judgment-Free Approach: We understand how frustrating insomnia can be and are here to support you with empathy and understanding.
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Accessible Services: With both in-person and online counselling options, therapy is always convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insomnia Therapy
1. Can therapy help if I’ve had insomnia for years?
Yes! CBT-I can still be highly effective for individuals with chronic insomnia, regardless of how long they’ve struggled with sleep issues.
2. How long does CBT-I take?
Most people notice improvements within 4-6 sessions. However, the duration depends on your unique needs and situation.
3. What if I don’t think trauma is linked to my insomnia?
That’s okay! Not all insomnia is trauma-related. Our therapists will tailor your treatment to your specific needs, focusing on strategies like CBT-I and relaxation techniques.
Take the First Step Toward Restful Sleep
At Alberta Psychology Group, we’re here to help you address insomnia and its underlying causes, including trauma, with care and expertise. With the right support, you can restore healthy sleep patterns, improve your quality of life, and feel more energized and balanced.
Ready to reclaim your sleep? Contact us today to schedule your first session and take the first step toward better sleep and well-being.