Project Trauma Support is more than a treatment program, it’s a mission grounded in evidence

In addition to providing direct care and support, we conduct rigorous, trauma-informed research to deepen understanding, validate our approach, and share knowledge with clinicians, stakeholders, and those we serve.

Research is vital to understanding trauma and healing

Here’s why it’s at the heart of our work:

  • Published studies and reports that document how the PTS model addresses moral injury, PTSD, and operational stress in first responders, veterans, law enforcement, and emergency personnel
  • Preliminary and pilot findings showing measurable improvements in psychological distress, life-challenges, emotional regulation, and relational well-being
  • Conference posters and presentations that offer insights into methodology, outcomes, and the future direction of our work
  • Ongoing efforts and future directions to expand, collaborate, and refine the intervention based on empirical evidence

We believe that by integrating direct service with translational research, PTS can contribute not only to individual healing but also to the broader body of knowledge on trauma, moral injury, and post-traumatic growth. Explore our papers and updates below, and join us as we strive to build a more informed, compassionate response to service-related trauma.

Research Articles:

  • Group of participants standing together in a supportive circle representing peer support and shared healing.

The dangerous allure of suicide

April 8, 2026|Comments Off on The dangerous allure of suicide

It is said that suicide is the permanent solution to a temporary problem. When a person is feeling hopeless and comes to believe that their unbearably painful situation is never going to end, they [...]

  • Sad black dog standing in the rain with a downcast expression, symbolizing depression, anxiety, and the “black dog” metaphor in mental health and trauma support.

The Black Dog of Depression

April 8, 2026|Comments Off on The Black Dog of Depression

Winston Churchill described Depression as the “black dog” that follows you everywhere. Churchill was one of the most famous people that was besieged by episodes of deep depression. This is indeed a sneaky [...]

  • Back view of a uniformed individual with abstract swirling lines above their head representing anxiety, stress, and mental health challenges in first responders and military personnel.

Understanding Anxiety

April 8, 2026|Comments Off on Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a great thief. It can rob you of the most precious things. It can take away your peace of mind, your confidence and your sense of self It can steal away your [...]

  • Research-themed image with glowing brain, DNA helix, and scientific tools representing trauma research, PTSD studies, and mental health innovation by Project Trauma Support.

Impact of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

April 8, 2026|Comments Off on Impact of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Group Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for Operational Stress Injuries in First Responders, Military Members, and Veterans: Observations from Participants, Families, and Mental Health Providers. Manuela Joannou M.D. CCFP (EM) FCFP, Markus Besemann CD1, B.Sc., [...]

  • Research-themed image with glowing brain, DNA helix, and scientific tools representing trauma research, PTSD studies, and mental health innovation by Project Trauma Support.

Addressing Moral Injury

November 15, 2021|Comments Off on Addressing Moral Injury

Download the research paper Download the research paper Abstract Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) amongst military, police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and first responder personnel often includes a moral injury component. The Project Trauma [...]

  • Graphic showing a glowing brain with magnifying glass, DNA strand, and lab elements with background images of uniformed personnel, representing PTSD and trauma research for first responders and veterans.

Residential retreat program

November 14, 2021|Comments Off on Residential retreat program

This poster was presented at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Forum in Boston in 2019. It shows the preliminary results of the University of Alberta's study funded by the Family and Wellbeing fund [...]