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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Post starter metis-siren
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metis-siren
Silver Member
Sorry for such a long hiatus from the thread - I'm back and most definitely still interested.
I'm in Ottawa too. I'm signed up on that Mood Disorders thing via CMHA, but I have gotten out to any events yet.
I also occasionally attend stuff via Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa (PSO), which is @ 211 Bronson, there's a website up about events, freebees, chat sessions.
PSO also runs WRAP workshops (Wellness Recovery Action Plan. by Copeland, can access more info on the web), if you are at a point of having built up some coping skills:
I think it would be interesting for both sufferers and carers if PSO could get a WRAP program going and tailored to PTSD and PTSD coping skills-- that would be awesome, at least I would really like that! If there's enough people interested, it maybe possible to address the folks at the PSO, and maybe find an ottawa therapist willing to consult on getting a ptsd group going?
Possible partnerships with a therapists from:
The Centre of Childhood Trauma and Sexual Abuse (MacLaren/Elgin-- brief help via student counsellor, discounted rate), ;
The Ottawa Anxiety and Trauma Clinic (Billings);
Catholic Family Services (Olmstead, Vanier);
Family Services of Ottawa (Parkdale);
Jewish Family Services;
St. Paul University (Main);
University of Ottawa;
or possibly from the ORCC (rape crisis centre-- they have recovery groups, "First Stage Recovery", 2nd and 3rd-- I did first stage recovery, 8 weeks-- it was a really good experience). . .?
Any other ideas. . .?
I've found that the Ottawa Anxiety and Trauma Clinic is impossible to access, unless one does have special insurance, impossible has been to access OHIP-covered Dr.s there (e.g. Sequiera, Frazer, Albuquerque), it's like some sort of daunting fortress, I have tried so hard. . .:( :) At one point the waitlist was 6 YEARS! Crazy.
I tried a local hospital outpatient program some things were handy, but it lacked what I feel are important necessities for handling PTSD, things like 'flashback management'/grounding techniques, and managing triggers, dissociation, etc.-- it was generic, not specific for ptsd-- and without those basics, the rest not helpful enough? Works okay for anxiety, depression, but IME it's hard if I'm not tuned to my body and to my triggers to work with it. . .
I tried to get into the ROH for the Anxiety Disorders program, which technically that's what PTSD is, but I was denied (I think at that time I was presenting a fair bit of dissociation; it was pretty bad at that time); I was told that program was not suitable for PTSD. :( Dr. Colin Cameron used to run an ROH program-- I missed the boat on that and he transfered to Centre for Operational Stress Injuries. . . CF Uplands base?
Been on a waitlist for Homewood for 2 1/2 years for an OHIP-covered ward bed, for the Trauma Recovery Program.
There might be a domestic abuse groups via some of the Community Health Centres (it's kind of hit and miss, whether they exist or not). . . if they could get a proposal for some government funding even? The Community Health Centres are good to check up on, sometimes there's some surprise offerings re: domestic abuse survivors. There is also yoga and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses that can be accessed for free for low-income (and even fo not low-income if there is the space)-- I think the MBSR is being currently offered @ Centretown Community Health Centre.
I'm still horribly avoidant and trust is frightening for me yet, but I guess I am recovering from an avoidant-mode, so I'll see if I can shift that.
I'm kind of curious if I'm the only one in Ottawa who's had a hard time trying to access OHIP-covered PTSD help? Waitlists are crazy, IME
As you can see that I've virtually been stalking to find accessible PTSD therapy in Ottawa. Family Services Ottawa and Catholic Family Services recently (past couple of years) got provincial funding via Mental Health Program. . . I'm still waiting. . .
Serenity Renewal for Families (Baycrest Ave): has more affordable workshops, good stuff on 'family of origin issues'-- I took one, it was great!
Just throwing some ideas out and sharing resources. . . I've been at it for over 10 years trying to get help. I've found brief small bits of it. Recently I did get a social worker who is knowledgeable about PTSD, and so that has been very helpful, and is making a bigger difference.
I also occasionally attend stuff via Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa (PSO), which is @ 211 Bronson, there's a website up about events, freebees, chat sessions.
PSO also runs WRAP workshops (Wellness Recovery Action Plan. by Copeland, can access more info on the web), if you are at a point of having built up some coping skills:
I think it would be interesting for both sufferers and carers if PSO could get a WRAP program going and tailored to PTSD and PTSD coping skills-- that would be awesome, at least I would really like that! If there's enough people interested, it maybe possible to address the folks at the PSO, and maybe find an ottawa therapist willing to consult on getting a ptsd group going?
Possible partnerships with a therapists from:
The Centre of Childhood Trauma and Sexual Abuse (MacLaren/Elgin-- brief help via student counsellor, discounted rate), ;
The Ottawa Anxiety and Trauma Clinic (Billings);
Catholic Family Services (Olmstead, Vanier);
Family Services of Ottawa (Parkdale);
Jewish Family Services;
St. Paul University (Main);
University of Ottawa;
or possibly from the ORCC (rape crisis centre-- they have recovery groups, "First Stage Recovery", 2nd and 3rd-- I did first stage recovery, 8 weeks-- it was a really good experience). . .?
Any other ideas. . .?
I've found that the Ottawa Anxiety and Trauma Clinic is impossible to access, unless one does have special insurance, impossible has been to access OHIP-covered Dr.s there (e.g. Sequiera, Frazer, Albuquerque), it's like some sort of daunting fortress, I have tried so hard. . .:( :) At one point the waitlist was 6 YEARS! Crazy.
I tried a local hospital outpatient program some things were handy, but it lacked what I feel are important necessities for handling PTSD, things like 'flashback management'/grounding techniques, and managing triggers, dissociation, etc.-- it was generic, not specific for ptsd-- and without those basics, the rest not helpful enough? Works okay for anxiety, depression, but IME it's hard if I'm not tuned to my body and to my triggers to work with it. . .
I tried to get into the ROH for the Anxiety Disorders program, which technically that's what PTSD is, but I was denied (I think at that time I was presenting a fair bit of dissociation; it was pretty bad at that time); I was told that program was not suitable for PTSD. :( Dr. Colin Cameron used to run an ROH program-- I missed the boat on that and he transfered to Centre for Operational Stress Injuries. . . CF Uplands base?
Been on a waitlist for Homewood for 2 1/2 years for an OHIP-covered ward bed, for the Trauma Recovery Program.
There might be a domestic abuse groups via some of the Community Health Centres (it's kind of hit and miss, whether they exist or not). . . if they could get a proposal for some government funding even? The Community Health Centres are good to check up on, sometimes there's some surprise offerings re: domestic abuse survivors. There is also yoga and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses that can be accessed for free for low-income (and even fo not low-income if there is the space)-- I think the MBSR is being currently offered @ Centretown Community Health Centre.
I'm still horribly avoidant and trust is frightening for me yet, but I guess I am recovering from an avoidant-mode, so I'll see if I can shift that.
I'm kind of curious if I'm the only one in Ottawa who's had a hard time trying to access OHIP-covered PTSD help? Waitlists are crazy, IME
As you can see that I've virtually been stalking to find accessible PTSD therapy in Ottawa. Family Services Ottawa and Catholic Family Services recently (past couple of years) got provincial funding via Mental Health Program. . . I'm still waiting. . .
Serenity Renewal for Families (Baycrest Ave): has more affordable workshops, good stuff on 'family of origin issues'-- I took one, it was great!
Just throwing some ideas out and sharing resources. . . I've been at it for over 10 years trying to get help. I've found brief small bits of it. Recently I did get a social worker who is knowledgeable about PTSD, and so that has been very helpful, and is making a bigger difference.
:oops: I realize I went a little off topic, the thread was about coffee gatherings, and I rattled on about services and frustrations accessing services;)
But just wanted to add an update, for service people, there is a new program at the Royal Ottawa Hospital (Carling Ave) called the Royal Ottawa Operational Stress Injuries Program. It's mostly for Canadian Forces, possible some spaces for eligible RCMP members, and is funded by Veteran Affairs.
Things have been a bit funky and out-of-whack for me; I'm hoping in the new year to get a little more involved with the PSO and Mood Disorders group via CMHA. It could be good to get my foot-in-the-door with these groups, and maybe see about getting a group for PTSD going. It will take a bit of work to do, maybe even get a proposal going for funding and partner up with local agencies, maybe PSO as the main one. . .?
@ metis-siren, if your name indicates some of your status, there are some local programs which serve aboriginal population, that could be interesting to check out. Minwaashin Lodge: "Aboriginal Women's Support Centre" (424 Catherine St.), counselling and group stuff is available, traditional teachings. There's also Wabano (Vanier) which is a great centre from what I hear, and Odawa Native Friendship Centre as well, with individual counselling, groups and traditional teachings. I've had some light exposure to that stuff along my healing journey and have found great comfort there.
My experience has been that there's been a lack of access to PTSD support here, long waitlists (over 10 damn years for me), and if I can get well enough and more stabilized, I would like to work at some advocacy to help support the PTSD sufferers and carers. I'm on Ontario Disability atm, no excess income, nor extra health insurance, so most of what I've looked at is for low-income support
For carers, there might be some support groups via National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), I think there were meetings @ the ROH, not PTSD specific, but groups like Friends and Families of Schizophrenics, something like that, even though it's not a perfect fit, it can be a place to get some emotional support from handling the harder times.
For me, I get hit with agoraphobia, but I think I'm starting to recover again.
A great help-line, IME is the Mental Health Crisis Line-- that's a good support for both sufferers and carers re: any emergencies. I self-identify as PTSD, and I've found them very helpful, e.g. when I can't remember or access coping skills at those times. You can also phone them if you are concerned about another person, and get feedback and advice, and they're also great IME, post-crisis debrief (which I try to do, when I've handled something difficult out there re: another in crisis).
Any situation which gets too out of hand, they are able to dispatch the Mobile Crisis Unit-- send support workers to your residence-- and they deal with things very respectfully. I've had that option presented to me, I didn't use it, but I have used it in getting support for another, and they were great. Honestly , very respectful and supportive and follow a principle of least restrictive intervention, nothing to fear from them, IME.
Rape Crisis Line is also good, they're helpful even if it was an assault from some years back, the seem to know also how to listen and respond. Same with Sexual Assault Support Line. I've used both at times, when trying to cope with flashbacks, and they've been enormously helpful, in helping me ride the wave when it was just too much for me.
Anyway, yes it's a bit off topic, but I've been concerned with the lack of support out there, that it's been a real struggle for me, so I wanted to share these resources, so others too, don't have to hang on a thread. I just figure, might need to work at changing the system to make it more inclusive of the seemingly invisible population of PTSD sufferers and their carers. Hard to do when in the "emergency phase of recovery", if I get more energy to work on this, I will follow up on it.
We paid into the health care system with our taxes, so I'm finding it really frustrating that PTSD support seems so damn hard to get. . .I feel that we are discriminated against by our health care system, and it's wrong, IMO.
But just wanted to add an update, for service people, there is a new program at the Royal Ottawa Hospital (Carling Ave) called the Royal Ottawa Operational Stress Injuries Program. It's mostly for Canadian Forces, possible some spaces for eligible RCMP members, and is funded by Veteran Affairs.
Things have been a bit funky and out-of-whack for me; I'm hoping in the new year to get a little more involved with the PSO and Mood Disorders group via CMHA. It could be good to get my foot-in-the-door with these groups, and maybe see about getting a group for PTSD going. It will take a bit of work to do, maybe even get a proposal going for funding and partner up with local agencies, maybe PSO as the main one. . .?
@ metis-siren, if your name indicates some of your status, there are some local programs which serve aboriginal population, that could be interesting to check out. Minwaashin Lodge: "Aboriginal Women's Support Centre" (424 Catherine St.), counselling and group stuff is available, traditional teachings. There's also Wabano (Vanier) which is a great centre from what I hear, and Odawa Native Friendship Centre as well, with individual counselling, groups and traditional teachings. I've had some light exposure to that stuff along my healing journey and have found great comfort there.
My experience has been that there's been a lack of access to PTSD support here, long waitlists (over 10 damn years for me), and if I can get well enough and more stabilized, I would like to work at some advocacy to help support the PTSD sufferers and carers. I'm on Ontario Disability atm, no excess income, nor extra health insurance, so most of what I've looked at is for low-income support
For carers, there might be some support groups via National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), I think there were meetings @ the ROH, not PTSD specific, but groups like Friends and Families of Schizophrenics, something like that, even though it's not a perfect fit, it can be a place to get some emotional support from handling the harder times.
For me, I get hit with agoraphobia, but I think I'm starting to recover again.
A great help-line, IME is the Mental Health Crisis Line-- that's a good support for both sufferers and carers re: any emergencies. I self-identify as PTSD, and I've found them very helpful, e.g. when I can't remember or access coping skills at those times. You can also phone them if you are concerned about another person, and get feedback and advice, and they're also great IME, post-crisis debrief (which I try to do, when I've handled something difficult out there re: another in crisis).
Any situation which gets too out of hand, they are able to dispatch the Mobile Crisis Unit-- send support workers to your residence-- and they deal with things very respectfully. I've had that option presented to me, I didn't use it, but I have used it in getting support for another, and they were great. Honestly , very respectful and supportive and follow a principle of least restrictive intervention, nothing to fear from them, IME.
Rape Crisis Line is also good, they're helpful even if it was an assault from some years back, the seem to know also how to listen and respond. Same with Sexual Assault Support Line. I've used both at times, when trying to cope with flashbacks, and they've been enormously helpful, in helping me ride the wave when it was just too much for me.
Anyway, yes it's a bit off topic, but I've been concerned with the lack of support out there, that it's been a real struggle for me, so I wanted to share these resources, so others too, don't have to hang on a thread. I just figure, might need to work at changing the system to make it more inclusive of the seemingly invisible population of PTSD sufferers and their carers. Hard to do when in the "emergency phase of recovery", if I get more energy to work on this, I will follow up on it.
We paid into the health care system with our taxes, so I'm finding it really frustrating that PTSD support seems so damn hard to get. . .I feel that we are discriminated against by our health care system, and it's wrong, IMO.
Great News!:)
It appears that someone else in the Ottawa community has started an initiative with Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa (211 Bronson, suite 313) for a "Proposed Trauma Support Group".:)
This will be "emotion-focussed, to talk about the effects of their experience, openly express feelings and work on recovery from trauma, childhood abuse and neglect".
For more information, google:
"Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa":
Click on the "December 2010 Update" pdf file and check out page 2.
It depends on registration and getting enough interested participants for the group to go through, but it's proposed to start in January 2011, every second Tuesday, 5:00-6:30 pm, but from the other website, Wednesdays are also being discussed. . .? You can also register by calling the general line between 12-4pm, extension 25 to register with Jackie. And/or to email to the link provided in the Update.
I think this will be really positive and can lead to further positive change and support. Hope you guys can come check it out :)
Cheers,
It appears that someone else in the Ottawa community has started an initiative with Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa (211 Bronson, suite 313) for a "Proposed Trauma Support Group".:)
This will be "emotion-focussed, to talk about the effects of their experience, openly express feelings and work on recovery from trauma, childhood abuse and neglect".
For more information, google:
"Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa":
Click on the "December 2010 Update" pdf file and check out page 2.
It depends on registration and getting enough interested participants for the group to go through, but it's proposed to start in January 2011, every second Tuesday, 5:00-6:30 pm, but from the other website, Wednesdays are also being discussed. . .? You can also register by calling the general line between 12-4pm, extension 25 to register with Jackie. And/or to email to the link provided in the Update.
I think this will be really positive and can lead to further positive change and support. Hope you guys can come check it out :)
Cheers,
I'm so blown away that someone out there took the initiative to get an Ottawa group going :) I just received a reply back from her via email, very nice person; good stuff to bring to a group.
I checked back again and tentatively, the Proposed Trauma Support Group is for Wednesday evening 5:00- 6:30 @ the PSO (Psychiatric Survivors Ottawa).
I don't think I'm allowed here to post a link, but if anyone would like to PM me for more information, I'd be more than happy to supply it.
More updates to come. . .
I checked back again and tentatively, the Proposed Trauma Support Group is for Wednesday evening 5:00- 6:30 @ the PSO (Psychiatric Survivors Ottawa).
I don't think I'm allowed here to post a link, but if anyone would like to PM me for more information, I'd be more than happy to supply it.
More updates to come. . .
@Katosaur,
I noticed that as well, that it was missing from the Calendar, and I'm looking into that. The contact person at the PSO, is Jackie ext. 25 (so you can phone PSO and leave a message). I'm told Jackie will be in tomorrow. I don't think I'm allowed to post web links here, but anyone can PM me and/or email the PSO, address to Jackie, for more information.
The information I have so far is:
"The purpose of this group is to provide compassionate, emotion-focused support for adults who have experienced trauma, childhood abuse or neglect."
Start Date: Tuesday January 25, 2011
Day: Every second Tuesday
Time: 5:00-6:30
Location: 211 Bronson Ave, Room #215
It's free. There is also free parking on the street or in the lot behind Bronson Centre (entrance is on Nepean St.)
It doesn't have a professional facilitator, but several of the facilitators have extensive group experience.
The first meeting will be going over group values and guidelines and working on a "comfort agreement" together.
I hope to receive full confirmation via PSO tomorrow.
I noticed that as well, that it was missing from the Calendar, and I'm looking into that. The contact person at the PSO, is Jackie ext. 25 (so you can phone PSO and leave a message). I'm told Jackie will be in tomorrow. I don't think I'm allowed to post web links here, but anyone can PM me and/or email the PSO, address to Jackie, for more information.
The information I have so far is:
"The purpose of this group is to provide compassionate, emotion-focused support for adults who have experienced trauma, childhood abuse or neglect."
Start Date: Tuesday January 25, 2011
Day: Every second Tuesday
Time: 5:00-6:30
Location: 211 Bronson Ave, Room #215
It's free. There is also free parking on the street or in the lot behind Bronson Centre (entrance is on Nepean St.)
It doesn't have a professional facilitator, but several of the facilitators have extensive group experience.
The first meeting will be going over group values and guidelines and working on a "comfort agreement" together.
I hope to receive full confirmation via PSO tomorrow.
Since folks are sharing what resources they've found locally, I'll throw in a couple:
- Ellie Kanigsberg, an Ottawa therapist specializing in trauma (she was one of the founding members of the anxiety & trauma clinic; they referred me to her bc their wait list was insane). http://laurierprofessional.ca/index.php?page=ellie-kanigsberg
- Family Services Ottawa is running a group for women who were sexually abused as children [DLMURL]http://www.familyservicesottawa.org/english/events.html#truth[/DLMURL] It is starting tonight but I am sure there will be another one.
- Book: Transforming Trauma: a guide to understanding & treating adult survivors of child sexual abuse. It's directed at clinicians, but I find it really helpful to step back and look at this stuff academically. It's hard to read (emotionally speaking) but worth it, IMO. Dead Link Removed
- And if you haven't seen it, this documentary:
about groundbreaking research being done in Montreal with propranolol and PTSD.
HI everyone,
I've been away from the forum for over a year but decided to pop in and see whats new.
I am aware of the trauma support group being considered. It's not a PSO initiative but meetings were suppose to take place there.
Anyway, if anyone is interest in meeting up for coffee in Ottawa, I'd be more than happy to meet.
JohnnyM53
I've been away from the forum for over a year but decided to pop in and see whats new.
I am aware of the trauma support group being considered. It's not a PSO initiative but meetings were suppose to take place there.
Anyway, if anyone is interest in meeting up for coffee in Ottawa, I'd be more than happy to meet.
JohnnyM53
amethist
VIP Member
Hi Johnny
Nice to see you dropping in to say hi.
Amethist
Nice to see you dropping in to say hi.
Amethist
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