Transforming PTSD Treatment in Edmonton: Our Care Program2023-10-16T15:42:45-06:00

Transforming PTSD Treatment in Edmonton Through Integrative Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Holistic Healing

Female flight paramedic in front of a medical helicopter, arms crossed, offering PTSD treatment in Edmonton.

Introduction: The Silent Crisis of PTSD and the Need for a New Approach

Living with PTSD is a daily struggle. At Red Leaf Wellness, we’re more than just health advisors. Our team includes paramedics and nurses, uniquely positioning us to offer PTSD Treatment in Edmonton from the heart. We understand trauma firsthand. Our unique approach combines Eastern and Western medicine. Additionally, we collaborate with the Grief and Trauma Healing Center in Edmonton, offering valuable features like referral pathways and care collaboration. Our holistic health services like acupuncture and naturopathy provide a rounded approach to healing.

Understanding PTSD: More Than Just an Anxiety Disorder

PTSD is not merely an anxiety disorder; it’s a complex condition that alters the natural “fight-or-flight” response. This leaves individuals feeling stressed or frightened even when safe. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may manifest anytime from three months to years after the traumatic event. Moreover, the condition often coexists with depression, substance abuse, or other anxiety disorders. Therefore, an integrated care team is crucial for effective treatment.

The Red Leaf Wellness Approach: A Spectrum of Services for PTSD

Treatment often involves psychotherapy and medication. However, other treatments like acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can also be beneficial. An integrated care team is vital, including a primary care physician and a mental health provider. Our pain management program also offers options for symptom relief.

Acupuncture: A Proven Method for Stress Reduction

Acupuncture is more than just needle insertion; it’s a holistic approach proven to reduce anxiety levels in PTSD patients. Our team is specifically trained in the NADA protocol, a specialized form of acupuncture effective in treating PTSD.

Massage and Manual Osteopathy Therapy: The Healing Power of Touch

Massage therapy and manual osteopathy offer unique benefits. They provide comfort, safety, and control. Furthermore, these therapies can relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Our ultimate massage experience can offer powerful physical and mental relief when needed.

Functional Medicine for PTSD

Functional medicine offers a patient-centered approach to PTSD treatment. Unlike traditional medicine, which often focuses on symptom relief, functional medicine aims to address the root causes of your condition. Our Functional Medicine services are designed to provide a comprehensive, integrative approach to your healing journey.

Nutrition for PTSD

Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health. Poor diet can worsen symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and depression. Our Nutrition services focus on nutrient-dense foods rich in antioxidants, good fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. These can help regulate mood, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation.

Clinical Hypnotherapy for PTSD

Clinical hypnotherapy is another treatment option that has shown promise in alleviating PTSD symptoms. Our Clinical Hypnotherapy services use evidence-based techniques to help you reframe negative thought patterns and promote healing.

Our Partnership with The Grief and Trauma Healing Center: A Synergy of Expertise

We formally partner with The Grief and Trauma Healing Center in Edmonton. This collaboration ensures seamless referral pathways and a cohesive, comprehensive care experience.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Transformation Starts Now

PTSD is a complex issue, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With our integrative approach, strategic partnerships, and a wide array of treatments, we offer a transformative path to holistic healing. Ready to begin your journey? Explore our comprehensive PTSD treatment program in Edmonton today.

How do you treat PTSD in Edmonton?2023-10-14T19:46:36-06:00

In Edmonton, we at Red Leaf Wellness offer a full range of services to help with PTSD. We use a mix of Eastern and Western medicine to make a plan just for you. This includes acupuncture, naturopathy, and talk therapy. Also, we work closely with the Grief and Trauma Healing Center in Edmonton. This means you get the best care from many experts.

What is currently the most effective treatment for PTSD?2023-10-14T19:47:29-06:00

The best way to treat PTSD often includes talk therapy and medicine. One good type of talk therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). According to the American Psychological Association, CBT is very helpful for PTSD. Some people also take medicines like SSRIs. But, other options like acupuncture and naturopathy are also useful. So, it’s good to talk to a doctor to find what works best for you.

Does PTSD qualify for disability in Canada?2023-10-14T19:47:15-06:00

Yes, in Canada, PTSD can be seen as a disability. The Canadian Mental Health Association has info on this. If you have PTSD, you might get money help from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or private plans. But, rules can change, so it’s good to talk to experts. Our Functional Medicine can help you with this.

What to do when your PTSD is triggered?2023-10-14T19:47:02-06:00

If PTSD gets triggered, first know you are having a trigger. Try to be in a safe place. Deep breathing can help you feel better. HealthLink BC says this can help you focus. Our Clinical Hypnotherapy can teach you more ways to relax. If triggers are a big problem, it’s good to talk to a doctor. They can help you make a plan that might include talk therapy and medicine.

Our Experienced Practitioners:

Tammy Lalonde, CEO and Registered Acupuncturist

Dr.Ac Lalonde 🇬🇧

Position: CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism
Categories: Acupuncture, Addictions, Administration, Allergies, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Auto-Immune Health, Back Pain, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), BHRT, Cardiovascular Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Inflammatory Disease, Chronic Pain, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Depression, Diabetes, Digestive Health, Electrostimulation, Emotional Health, Fertility, Fibromyalgia, Functional Medicine, Gender Reassignment, Guillain-Barre, Headaches & Migraines, Herbal Medicine, HIV and AIDS, Hormone Health, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Lupus, Men's Health, Menopause, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Myasthenia Gravis, Neurological Health, Oncology, Pain Management, Post-Covid Syndrome, Pregnancy, Prostatitis, Psoriasis, PTSD, Respiratory Health, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Seniors Health, Service, Sexual Dysfunction, Soft Tissue Injury, Specialization, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thyroid Disorders, Vasculitis, Whiplash, Women's Health
Location: Alberta, California, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

“As a clinician and leader, I see myself not only as a caregiver but also as a teacher—empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their health. By educating and guiding them, I can help transform their lives far beyond the treatment room, creating lasting wellness that they can carry with them. – Dr. Tammy Lalonde”

Caring for people is my true passion and one of life’s greatest callings. With years of experience as both a Paramedic and Acupuncturist, I’ve supported patients through obvious and invisible injuries alike. I’ve been there during moments of deep crisis—whether delivering babies in cars parked roadside, providing care at 30,000 feet aboard a domestic flight, or flying emergency medevacs over the Arabian desert. Through these experiences, I’ve learned not only how to care for those in urgent need but also how to recognize the long-term impact that lifestyle, diet, and fitness can have on overall health.

As my career has evolved, so has my focus. I now concentrate on helping more people earlier, preventing minor concerns from escalating into more complex and costly illnesses. A key part of this shift is my role in leading our Hormone Health program, which empowers patients to address hormonal imbalances that affect energy, mood, and overall well-being. This program has far-reaching impacts, not only improving individual lives but also strengthening the health of entire communities. By helping people regain balance, we’re preventing chronic diseases and fostering long-term wellness. Through a combination of my background in emergency medicine and women’s health, I offer a unique, integrative approach. I draw on the strengths of oriental medicine, along with the expertise of top practitioners, to deliver care that restores balance to the body, mind, and spirit.

My academic journey has allowed me to seamlessly blend oriental medicine with Western healthcare, creating a holistic approach to patient care. My expertise lies in navigating high-stress, complex situations, and I have a deep passion for managing care and treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD—especially among Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. In addition to my extensive background, I have advanced training in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) through Worldlink Medical, which enhances my ability to help patients achieve hormonal balance and long-term wellness. With a long-standing career spanning North America and the Middle East, I have been privileged to serve as a respected clinician, clinical educator, and fire and emergency medical dispatcher. I hold active licensure and registration with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), the California Acupuncture Board, and the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA). Additionally, I have served as a Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and am a current member of the CAA Competence Committee.


Education:

  • Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Master of Science (MS) – Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Master of Science (MS) – Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, cum laude, South Baylo University
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) – Holistic Science, South Baylo University
  • Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University

Licensure

  • RAc – Registered Acupuncturist of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
  • RH – Registered Herbalist of the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA)
  • LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist of the California Acupuncture Board
  • Dipl.Ac – Diplomate of Acupuncture of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Tammy Lalonde, CEO and Registered Acupuncturist

Dr.Ac Lalonde 🇬🇧

CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism

“As a clinician and leader, I see myself not only...

Dr. Michell Winton, Registered Acupuncturist

Dr.Ac Winton 🇬🇧

Position: Acupuncture, Massage
Categories: Acupuncture, Back Pain, Cardiovascular Health, Chronic Pain, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Cupping, Cupping, Depression, Digestive Health, Electrostimulation, Gender Reassignment, Gua Sha, Headaches & Migraines, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Massage Therapy, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Pain Management, Pregnancy, Prenatal Massage, PTSD, Relaxation Massage, Respiratory Health, Sciatica, Seniors Health, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Therapeutic Massage, Whiplash
Location: Alberta

Massage Therapy Pressure Scale 5-8Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, and Advanced Care Paramedic she is widely recognized for developing unique care plans which draw on her knowledge and therapeutic touch gained across each of these specialized disciplines. Having over twenty years of combined expertise in caring for her patients, Michelle has had a front row seat to observe how stress and emotion affect the mind and body. Complementing her acupuncture services at Red Leaf Wellness, Michelle offers a variety of therapeutic and relaxation massage therapies, including pregnancy massage, myofascial release and myofascial cupping.

Michelle began her health career as a massage therapist, graduating the 2200hr Massage Program at Macewan University in 2001. Being active in competitive sport in her youth, Michelle understood the benefits of massage on sport performance, recovery and injury prevention. She subsequently branched into emergency care and became an Advanced Care Paramedic where she was able to offer a calming presence in stressful, emergent situations. Michelle has always believed that soft skills, an extra moment spent with family, or a hand to hold on the way to the hospital, can be as healing as the specific medical interventions themselves. Working as a Paramedic Michelle saw, and began to question, how it is that people differ in disease and the aging process and why the same drug benefited one person, but not the other. Her lifelong learning journey had her begin to look for these answers in the time-tested practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture, thus kicking off another quest for knowledge at MacEwan University’s Acupuncture Program.

Education:

  • Diploma – Acupuncture, Macewan University
  • Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
    • Honors standings
  • Certificate – Massage Therapy Grant MacEwan College

Licensure:

  • RAc, College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
  • RMT, National Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
  • ACP, Alberta College of Paramedics
Dr. Michell Winton, Registered Acupuncturist

Dr.Ac Winton 🇬🇧

Acupuncture, Massage

Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled...

Yoko Masuda, Acupuncturist

Dr.Ac Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵

Position: Acupuncture
Categories: Acupuncture, Addictions, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Back Pain, Cardiovascular Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Depression, Electrostimulation, Emotional Health, Facial Rejuvenation, Gender Reassignment, Headaches & Migraines, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Menopause, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Pediatric Acupuncture, Post-Covid Syndrome, PTSD, Sciatica, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thermie (Tiger), Whiplash
Location: Alberta

Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in the rare craft of Japanese style acupuncture – where she incorporates and tailors gentle needling, moxibustion (specific deep heat), therme (heat massage) and cupping into her acupuncture treatment plans. These skills, as well as her reputation for delivering tangible results, make her a sought-after provider, especially in the areas of pain management, sports injuries, orthopaedic injuries and emotional health. Yoko firmly believes that the mind and the body are intertwined in healing and she continually advocates for a healthy lifestyle alongside of the care she provides.

Yoko received her acupuncture degree in Japan and, after working at several clinics in Tokyo, she accepted a staff acupuncturist position with the world renowned Cirque du Soleil touring show. For nearly twenty years, she went on to travel the far reaches of the globe, working on several other productions, and earning the respect of an international group of artists, staff and athletes before eventually selecting Edmonton for her permanent clinical practice. As a former high school physical education teacher, and also as an alumnus of the Japanese national rhythmic gymnastics team (where she competed internationally on numerous occasions), she has amassed an impressive background in sports therapy and physical education, uniquely positioning her to address all manner of orthopedic and performance related concerns.

Outside of work, Yoko enjoys travelling, the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two elementary-aged daughters.

Education:

  • Diploma of Acupuncture, Hanada College, Tokyo, Japan

Licensure:

  • RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)

Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English |  🇯🇵 – Japanese

Yoko Masuda, Acupuncturist

Dr.Ac Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵

Acupuncture

Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in...

Manuela Hofer, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Somatic Movement Therapist & Qigong Instructor

Manuela Hofer 🇬🇧 🇩🇪

Position: Massage, Craniosacral, Qigong
Categories: Anxiety, Back Pain, Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, Cardiovascular Health, Chronic Pain, Concusssion, Depression, Digestive Health, Emotional Health, Headaches & Migraines, Hormonal Health, Hormone Health, Massage Therapy, Movement and Energy, Musculoskeletal, Neurological Health, Pregnancy, PTSD, Qigong Somatic Movement, Relaxation Massage, Respiratory Health, Seniors Health, Somatic Movement Education, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Therapeutic Massage, Whiplash, Women's Health
Location: Alberta

Massage Therapy Pressure Scale 3-5

Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where they can relax and rejuvenate. As a dedicated somatic practitioner, she believes in the body’s inherent wisdom and intelligence. Her compassionate approach and healing touch set the stage for relaxation, vitality, and energy flow. She is committed to optimizing your health in the most effective ways possible.

The therapeutic techniques Manuela specializes in—Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Qigong—emphasize the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional states. Through her gentle Craniosacral touch, she helps to release long-standing tensions and restrictions. She places a special focus on balancing the central nervous system, enabling your body to achieve a state of rest, recovery, and optimal functioning.

Having recently graduated from the 2200-hour Massage Therapy Program at Reflexacademy in Sherwood Park, Manuela has broadened her range of services. She now offers Massage Therapy as a standalone treatment or in combination with Craniosacral Therapy. Her nurturing touch and massage skills work to dissolve muscle tightness and tension, restoring your energy and vitality to a harmonious state.

Beyond her hands-on treatments, Manuela offers additional resources to support your well-being. She consistently provides body meditations, exercises, and practical tips to help you maintain your health between sessions. Her extensive background in somatic techniques, which focus on the internal experience of movement and bodily awareness, equips her with invaluable tools to help you manage day-to-day stress and self-regulate both body and mind.

Schedule an appointment with Manuela to experience a range of benefits: from stress and anxiety reduction, pain and muscle stiffness alleviation, to enhanced relaxation and improvements in digestive, respiratory, and joint health, as well as circulation, energy flow, and immune system function. Her treatments aim to deepen your connection with your body, leaving you feeling peaceful and revitalized.

 

Education: 

  • Somatic Movement Therapist (SMT), Moving On Center, Oakland, USA
  • Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist (BCST), BodyIntelligence, Canada
  • Qigong Instructor Certification (ASS Institute, Germany)
  • Training in Continuum Movement (USA)
  • Massage Therapy at Reflexacademy Sherwood Park, AB, Canada 2200hrs

Licensure: 

  • Natural Health Practitioner Canada / NHPC (RMT)

Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇩🇪 – German

Manuela Hofer, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Somatic Movement Therapist & Qigong Instructor

Manuela Hofer 🇬🇧 🇩🇪

Massage, Craniosacral, Qigong

Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where...

Anjali Nagda, Registered Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapist

Anjali Nagda 🇬🇧 🇮🇳

Position: Hypnotherapy
Categories: Addictions, Anxiety, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Concentration, Confidence Building, Creativity and Self-Development, Emotional Health, Enhancing Self-Esteem, Fertility, Gender Reassignment, Habit Disorders and Addictions, Headaches & Migraines, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Pain Management, Phobias, PTSD, Sexual Dysfunction and Relationship Problems, Sports Injury, Stress
Location: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

Anjali Nagda has been working as a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with an extensive academic background in Clinical Psychology, advocating for the powerful potential of utilizing the subconscious mind. Over the past year, Anjali has been navigating the evolving scope of counseling in Alberta, registering herself as a Registered Clinical Counselor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and as a Counseling Therapist with the Association of Counseling Therapists of Alberta (ACTA). Her affiliation with additional regulatory bodies is underway, especially now that clinical counseling can be directly billed.

Anjali combines her expertise as a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Registered Clinical Counselor to offer integrated services as a Clinical Counseling Hypnotherapist. This dual approach empowers her to work with both the conscious and subconscious minds of her clients. She supplements various conscious therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), to name a few, which help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, manage painful emotions, decrease conflict in relationships, and transform irrational beliefs into rational ones. These techniques are particularly effective for treating anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, anger, guilt, and unhealthy dependency.

Under hypnotherapy, Anjali employs techniques such as JPMR (Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation), Guided Visualizations, Regression Therapy, Parts Integration Therapy, Behavioral Hypnotherapy, Analytical Hypnotherapy, and Inner Child Therapy, among others, to support clients with psychological trauma, specific fears, phobias, anxiety, sleep issues, and more.

Anjali’s invaluable experience at a De-addiction and Rehabilitation Center has given her the opportunity to work closely with individuals grappling with addiction. She focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying triggers that contribute to addictive behaviors, helping clients achieve a natural state of mindfulness and emotional regulation. By incorporating techniques such as Age Regression and Parts Therapy, Anjali empowers her clients to replace their dependency on substances with healthier coping mechanisms and a renewed sense of self-worth.

Anjali’s role has been evolving as her stay in Canada lengthens, driven by her dedication to supporting her clients to the best of her abilities. By combining Clinical Hypnotherapy and Clinical Counseling, she offers a holistic approach not commonly found in the Edmonton market. This unique service allows her to reach more individuals who previously faced barriers due to billing issues.

Anjali’s dedication to her clients’ well-being, combined with her expertise in both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Clinical Counseling, makes her a compassionate and effective guide on their journey towards transformation and healing. Her hard work behind the scenes ensures she can now support a broader range of clients through direct billing, welcoming those who were unable to access her services earlier.

Education: 

  • Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical and Applied Hypnotherapy
  • Masters in Clinical Psychology
  • B.A. Psychology, Journalism, English Literature

Licensure: 

  • Registered Clinical Counselor, British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
  • Counseling Therapist, Association of Counseling Therapists of Alberta (ACTA)
  • Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist (RCH), Canada Association Of Counselling Hypnotherapists And Educators (CACHE)
  • Certified Hypnotherapist (CH) – National Guild of Hypnotists

Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇮🇳 – Hindi, Gujarati (fluent); Bengali, Punjabi (conversational)

Anjali Nagda, Registered Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapist

Anjali Nagda 🇬🇧 🇮🇳

Hypnotherapy

Anjali Nagda has been working as a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist...

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