Program Highlights

  • VAC-funded and tailored for Veterans and RCMP

  • Specialized for PTSD and operational stress injuries

  • Evidence-based, trauma-informed care

  • An interdisciplinary team and individualized treatment plans

  • Residential and day program options

  • Outcomes-focused

Our Approach

We offer trauma-informed, person-centred care grounded in respect, relationship, and deep clinical expertise. Guided by a biopsychosocial lens, our work recognizes the complex web of trauma’s impact on social and cognitive functioning, physical health, and a person’s sense of self and safety in the world.

Our approach is strengths-based, relational, somatic, and experiential, creating space for healing that honours the whole person. We integrate evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), somatic modalities, and HeartMath biofeedback to support nervous system regulation and trauma recovery.

You’ll be supported by a highly trained team of Doctoral—and Masters-Level clinical counsellors and certified HeartMath practitioners, each with extensive experience and cultural competence in working with Military personnel, Veterans, and First Responders.

We specialize in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) designed for accelerated recovery, deeper integration, and compassionate, structured support tailored to those navigating PTSD, operational stress injuries, and other trauma-related challenges.

Upcoming Programs for Veterans & First Responders

6-week programs consist of: Block 1, Two-week M-F 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, Block 2, Two-week Reintegration Period at home, and Block 3, Two-week Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm.

Programs are available in-person, online, or hybrid in-person/online. We accommodate your schedule as much as possible to make important treatment accessible.

    1. Dates TBD between May 26 and July 21, 2025

    2. October 6 – 17 & November 3 – 14, 2025

  • July 21 - 25, 2025

    1. September 8 - 19, 2025

    2. December 1 – 12, 2025

Modalities Used

  • These modalities emphasize the mind-body connection, targeting physiological regulation and somatic awareness to support trauma recovery.

    • Somatic-Based Approaches (e.g., mindfulness, yoga, guided nature walks)

    • HeartMath (Biofeedback & Coherence Training)

    • Applied Relaxation Techniques

    • Progressive Muscle Relaxation

    • Guided Imagery

    • Systemic Desensitization

    • Mindfulness/Meditation

    • Sweat Lodge / Indigenous Healing Ceremony (combines spiritual, physical, and emotional components)

  • These methods use creative, embodied, or interactive experiences to process trauma and access healing beyond traditional talk therapy.

    • Art Therapy

    • Music/Sound Therapy

    • Narrative and Story-Based Group Work (e.g., Narratives of Post-Traumatic Growth)

    • Couples Workshops and Conflict Resolution Exercises

    • Psychoeducational Workshops with Hands-On Learning (e.g., Nutrition and Brain Health)

  • Core psychotherapeutic approaches with robust empirical support for treating PTSD and complex trauma.

    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

    • Cognitive Therapy (CT)

    • Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET)

  • Structured group settings offering education, peer support, and shared insight into trauma recovery.

    • Psychoeducation and Discussion Groups (e.g., on OSIs, sleep, anger, shame, moral injury)

    • Supportive Group Therapy Sessions

    • Graduate Alumni Online Support Groups

  • These are broader interventions that integrate physical, emotional, relational, and vocational domains.

    • Occupational Therapy & Vocational Rehabilitation

    • Nutritional Education and Brain Health

    • Fitness and Movement Therapy

    • Individualized Safety Planning and Case Conceptualization

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program right for me?

Our OSR Program is designed specifically for Veterans and retired RCMP officers who are living with PTSD or other operational stress injuries (OSIs). If you’ve had some 1:1 counselling and are seeking more intensive support in a trauma-informed, peer-based environment—this may be the next step for your healing journey.

Do I need to talk to my VAC case manager?

Yes. It’s important to let your case manager know that you’re hoping to attend our program. You’ll also need to give them written consent to contact us directly. This allows us to coordinate care, submit necessary documentation, and support the approval process with VAC.

What if I have other responsibilities or can’t stay for the whole program?

We understand. That’s why we work with each participant to find dates that work best. When you express interest, let us know any dates you’re unavailable—we do our best to accommodate. Virtual participation (virtual outpatient) is also always an option.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To participate, you’ll need:

  • A diagnosis of PTSD from a medical professional

  • A VAC case manager

  • Some history of individual therapy

  • Stability to engage in a residential or intensive day program

  • Consent to allow your VAC case manager to collaborate with our clinical team

If you're unsure whether you meet these criteria, feel free to contact us. We’ll walk through it together.

What does the program include?

Our programs offer:

  • Daily individual and group therapy

  • Evidence-based trauma treatments like EMDR, CBT, and CPT

  • Somatic and experiential therapies (yoga, art, nature-based activities)

  • Psychoeducation and peer support

  • Aftercare including follow-up therapy and weekly online support groups

We also have separate streams for co-ed, women's, and couples’ programs.

How do I get started?

You can start by either:

  • Completing our online intake form, or

  • Scheduling a 50-minute intake session with our clinical team

Just send us an email at adrienne@davidsoninstitute.ca or call/text our Clinical Director, Dr. Tina Rochford, at 250-309-4252. We'll help you choose the intake option that feels most comfortable.

What kind of program is this, and is it safe to stay off-site?

Our OSR Program is a unique Intensive Outpatient–Residential Hybrid. Participants stay in private suites at a nearby lodge, offering the autonomy and comfort of outpatient care while attending a full-time, structured therapeutic program during the day. This model blends privacy with intensive support, ideal for individuals who need high-level care without feeling institutionalized.

Yes, it is absolutely safe. Safety is central to everything we do. Every participant has a personalized safety plan, and we offer multiple layers of built-in support:

  • 24/7 on-call clinicians and nurses

  • Nightly check-ins to ensure well-being

  • Optional peer-led and weekend support activities

  • The option for 24/7 support workers for those needing more intensive care

During intake, we work closely with you to ensure your support plan is the right fit for your individual needs.

Ready to heal & grow?

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