Annette Poechman Psychotherapy & Trauma Counselling BA MEd RP CCC

06/01/2026

You're not imagining it. You're not being dramatic. And you're definitely not broken.

That feeling — the one where everything around you is fine but your body is braced for something — has a name. It's called Complex PTSD, and it's more common than most people realise.

If you've spent years wondering why you can't just relax, why small things hit you harder than they should, or why safety always feels just out of reach — this is for you.

Link in bio to read the full guide to CPTSD — what it is, why it happens, and what actually helps. 💙

05/21/2026

You're sitting in a room where everything is fine. Nothing bad is happening. And yet your body is braced. Your mind is scanning. You feel a low hum of dread you can't explain.

If that sounds familiar — you're not broken. You may be living with Complex PTSD (CPTSD).

CPTSD develops after prolonged or repeated trauma, and it doesn't just affect your memories. It shapes how safe you feel, how you see yourself, and how much you're able to trust the people around you.

In my latest blog, I cover:

✔️ What CPTSD is — and how it differs from PTSD
✔️ Why you push people away (and why that's not a character flaw)
✔️ Why you feel broken inside — and what's actually happening
✔️ Evidence-based treatments that work, including EMDR and CPT
✔️ What to do when you're triggered, right now

Healing doesn't mean forgetting what happened. It means what happened no longer runs your life.

Read the full article https://www.annettepoechman.ca/why-do-i-feel-unsafe-when-nothing-is-wrong-understanding-complex-ptsd-cptsd/2026/05/

If you work in mental health, share this with someone who needs it. If you're struggling yourself, get in touch! https://www.annettepoechman.ca/annette-poechman-free-15-minute-consultation/

Do you often feel unsafe when nothing is wrong? Do you find yourself upset when there is no obvious reason? This blog helps you understand why and how to manage these feelings.

03/13/2026

Have you heard the term, "trauma therapy" and wondered how a trauma therapist helps clients? Today's knowledge nugget: https://www.annettepoechman.ca/what-is-a-trauma-therapist/2026/03/

A trauma therapist is someone who has special training to support individuals who have experienced trauma. Trauma therapists understand PTSD.

02/19/2026

Ever heard of The Spoon Theory? It's about what it would be like to have limited physical health resources to manage your day. There is a striking parallel between the concept of managing physical health challenges and mental health challenges. Be informed.
https://www.annettepoechman.ca/what-is-the-spoon-theory/2026/02/

The Spoon Theory was written by Christine Miserandino to explain the challenges that individuals with lupus face daily.

01/09/2026

It’s hard to believe that January 1, 2026 marked 10 years in fulltime private practice for me, and this spring I will celebrate 26 years as a master’s-level psychotherapist. I am grateful for the trust bestowed upon me by clients. Here are the 7 most important lessons I've learned as a Psychotherapist/Counsellor https://www.annettepoechman.ca/10-years-of.../2026/01/

05/15/2025

This week is National Nurses Week, celebrating the contributions of nurses around the globe. Being a nurse isn't all sugar and spice. Remember COVID-19? See how you can help nurses, and nurses can help themselves.
https://www.annettepoechman.ca/honouring-nurses/2025/05/

Nurses in Canada face challenges - demographic changes, staffing shortages, violence/abuse, stress, burnout, difficult workplace conditions.

04/04/2025

It's Friday afternoon and we're weekend-bound... but is the political climate in the U.S. causing you anxiety? Are you worried about tariffs, trade wars, or annexation? Here's how to keep yourself grounded and in the present: https://www.annettepoechman.ca/craziness-south-of-the-border/2025/04/

As Canadians, we cannot directly influence American politics. What we can do is focus on keeping ourselves grounded and in the present moment.

03/13/2025

Basketball fans know March Madness refers to the NCAA college basketball tournament. Wondering why a Psychotherapist is writing about March Madness? Here’s how March Madness relates to mental health: https://www.annettepoechman.ca/march-madness-and-mental-health/2025/03/

Are you wondering why a Psychotherapist like me is writing about basketball's March Madness? Here’s how it relates to your mental health.

02/13/2025

Each year on February 14th individuals celebrate relationships. Some people call this a Hallmark Holiday. Retailers love it. Florists love it. Restaurants love it. But what is love? I’m not an expert on the definition, but I do know what love does and doesn’t look like in my office. Do these definitions of love ring true for you?

Some people call Valentine's Day a Hallmark Holiday. But what does love actually mean? Do these definitions of love ring true for you?

01/16/2025

“Does my psychotherapist think I am stupid? Is she judging me? I didn’t do what we discussed, will she shame me or be mad at me?" These are some of the questions I have been asked over the years. Today, I am sharing with you what I am thinking about as I prepare for an appointment, during, and after an appointment.
https://www.annettepoechman.ca/the-rewarding-relationship-between-client-and-psychotherapist/2025/01/

Ever wondered what goes through the mind of a psychotherapist before, during or after an appointment? Annette Poechman shares her thoughts.