How we can help with Trauma

Trauma can occur for individuals who experience many different and significant life events. This can include sexual assault, exposure to war or natural disasters, physical assault or abuse, a serious accident, or home invasion.

Initially, after a traumatic event, it is quite common to experience intrusive thoughts about what has happened, difficulty returning to normal life, or disturbances to your sleep and daily routine. For many people, this initial reaction subsides and it becomes easier to manage what has happened and return to normal living. For others, these symptoms can continue for many months or years, and lead to the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is characterised by:

    • distressing memories or dreams of the event
    • flashbacks (where you feel you are re-experiencing what has occurred)
    • intense reactions to situations or cues that are associated with the event
    • changes in mood and behaviour that do not seem usual for you or your loved one
    • sleep disturbance
    • feeling ‘on edge’ or easily startled
    • problems in relationships with family members or friends

It is possible to get help to manage both the early days after a traumatic event, and the symptoms of PTSD. Our psychologists are skilled at ensuring that this process is experienced as safe, respectful, and guided by the client’s pace at all times.