Trauma Therapy Sydney
Trauma can profoundly affect one's life, but it doesn't define you. Our trauma therapy focuses on understanding and processing traumatic experiences to help healing and resilience. We use evidence-based approaches to help you regain control and build a path towards a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Melanie is here to listen and grow with you.
What is Trauma Therapy?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) therapy is a specialised form of counselling designed to support individuals who have endured traumatic experiences or are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Trauma can arise from various events, such as accidents, natural disasters, violence, or any situation that profoundly threatens one's safety or well-being. These therapies help people process these experiences, alleviate distressing symptoms, and enhance coping mechanisms.
​
Therapists employ a range of techniques tailored to the individual's needs, which may include traditional talk therapy to explore and understand feelings and thoughts related to traumatic events, cognitive-behavioural approaches to modify negative beliefs and behaviours, and experiential therapies like art or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for deeper emotional expression and processing.
​
Specifically for PTSD, therapy often involves trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, which addresses the thoughts and behaviours stemming from the traumatic event. EMDR is also commonly used in PTSD therapy, helping individuals process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their lingering effects.
​
These therapies also incorporate methods to manage associated symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional numbness. Techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and coping strategies are integral to handling distressing memories and improving daily functioning and interpersonal relationships.
​
The primary goal of therapy for trauma and PTSD is not to forget the past but to enable individuals to live with their experiences in a less painful and more productive way. By establishing a safe and supportive environment, these therapies can play a vital role in the journey towards healing, resilience, and regaining control over one's life after experiencing trauma.
​
Dealing with the aftermath of trauma can be challenging, and it is crucial to have the right support. Our trauma counselling services are designed to assist you in navigating the complexities of post-traumatic stress and its impact on your life. Melanie specialises in providing personalised therapy to empower you on your healing journey.
What are the Symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD affects individuals in diverse ways, with symptoms ranging from subtle changes in daily life to more intense experiences like flashbacks or physical anxiety. Symptoms may emerge within a month of the traumatic event, but in some cases, they can stay for years.
Core Symptoms of PTSD:
-
Re-experiencing the Trauma
-
Intrusive and repetitive memories or flashbacks that disrupt daily life.
-
Nightmares related to the trauma
-
Extreme distress is triggered by reminders of the trauma, including certain smells, sounds, words, or other cues.
-
-
Avoidance
-
Actively avoiding places, people, or objects linked to the traumatic event.​
-
Altering routines to evade triggering memories.
-
Resistance to discussing or thinking about the event.
-
Emotional numbness
-
-
Negative Thoughts or Mood
-
Pervasive feelings of hopelessness about the future.​
-
Negative beliefs about oneself or the world.
-
Unreasonable self-blame or blaming others.
-
Experiencing intense worry, depression, anger, or guilt.
-
Memory gaps related to the trauma.
-
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
-
Emotional detachment from others.
-
-
Increased Arousal
-
Persistent, excessive alertness.
-
Hypervigilance for danger signs.
-
Being easily startled.
-
Exhibiting irritable or aggressive behaviour.
-
Difficulties in sleeping.
-
Poor concentration.
-
​
PTSD in Children and Teenagers:
​
Children and teenagers may exhibit some of the same symptoms as adults, with a few notable differences.
​
Children:
-
Bedwetting, if they were previously dry at night.
-
Increased clinginess with parents or caregivers.
-
Reenacting the event during play.
-
Regression in speech, for example, forgetting how to talk.
-
Distressing dreams
-
Increased irritability, anger, or aggression.
-
Concentration problems.
-
Sleep disturbances.
​
Teenagers:
Teenagers might share adult symptoms but are more prone to:​
-
Expressing a desire for revenge.
-
Engaging in destructive, disrespectful, or violent behaviour.
-
Increasing risk-taking behaviour.
What to Expect in Trauma Therapy Sessions
During your sessions with Melanie, you can expect a supportive and safe environment where your healing journey is her primary focus.
​
-
Initial Assessment: Your first session will involve discussions about your history and the impact of the traumatic events on your life, helping to build a foundation of trust and understanding.
-
Personalised Treatment Plan: Together, we'll develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs, encompassing therapy goals and techniques.
-
Therapeutic Techniques: Depending on your unique situation, techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, and mindfulness practices may be used to help process trauma and improve emotional regulation.
-
Processing and Coping: We will gently work through your traumatic experiences and help you build effective coping strategies for managing symptoms and stress.
-
Regular Progress Reviews: Your progress will be regularly evaluated, ensuring the therapy is responsive and adapted to your evolving needs.
-
Conclusion and Beyond: As you progress, we will prepare together for the eventual conclusion of therapy, celebrating your journey and resilience.
​
Every step in our trauma therapy is taken with your comfort and pace in mind, ensuring a healing experience that is as effective as it is compassionate.