What we treat
Mental health conditions that can develop when you've experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.
Everyone is different and symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD can vary widely from person to person. However, the symptoms of PTSD can be categorized into four clusters:
Intrusive thoughts and memories:
Flashbacks: Vivid and distressing memories of the traumatic event that feel as if they are happening again.
Nightmares: Repeated and disturbing dreams related to the trauma.
Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted and distressing thoughts or images related to the trauma.
Avoidance and numbing:
Avoidance: Steering clear of places, activities, or people that remind the individual of the trauma.
Emotional numbing: Feeling detached, emotionally numb, or having difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
Avoiding memories: Trying to push out thoughts, feelings, or memories associated with the traumatic event.
Negative changes in thinking and mood:
Negative thoughts: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world.
Guilt or shame: Feelings of guilt or shame related to the traumatic event.
Difficulty remembering: Problems recalling key aspects of the traumatic event.
Loss of interest: Reduced enthusiasm for previously enjoyed activities.
Detachment: Feeling emotionally detached from others.
Arousal and reactivity:
Hypervigilance: Being overly alert, easily startled, or feeling on edge.
Irritability and Aggression: Sudden anger or irritability, difficulty controlling anger.
Sleep disturbances: Problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep.
Concentration Issues: Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks.
Exaggerated startle response: Easily startled by loud noises or unexpected stimuli.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) are mental health conditions that are associated with stress and can develop if you have experienced or witnessed traumatic events. Whilst it is often thought that PTSD is the aftermath of a single horrible event in life, that may not be the case. It is common for PTSD and CPTSD to be caused by exposure to a multitude of smaller events over a long time period. Examples include sexual assaults, accidents, physical violence, natural or man-made disasters, military combat or war.
The difference between PTSD and CPTSD is, as the name suggests, the complexity and severity of the stress. Generally, CPTSD involves trauma that was experienced over a longer time period and was difficult to escape. Most commonly, CPTSD develops in childhood and relates to mid and long term relationships with others during formative years.
One important difference between PTSD and CPTSD is how the brain processes the trauma. With PTSD, the brain understands the traumatic event is in the past, whilst with CPTSD, the event can go on and on - often months or years - not knowing when it will end. The threat or event is not properly understood and it never ends.
There is a significant debate over whether complex PTSD should be recognised in its own right, as symptoms do overlap with other conditions. Namely, borderline personality disorder (BPD), which has similar symptoms to complex-PTSD. Some examples include dissociation, reckless or impulsive behaviour, self-destructive behaviours, irritability and destructive relationships with others.
More often than not, PTSD and CPTSD often involve events which are witnessed or experienced and involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Common causes of PTSD include:
Serious accidents - such as serious car accidents, work accidents or plane, train crashes.
Violence - including crimes like robberies or hold-ups, as well as fights or sexual or physical assaults.
Childhood abuse - long-term trauma early in life can result in PTSD, and may result in CPTSD. Including neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or physical abuse by a parent, guardian or caregiver. CPTD maybe more likely if the trauma was experienced alone and if you are still in contact with the person who caused the trauma.
Natural disasters - survivors of bushfires, floods, cyclones, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Terrorist attacks - witnessing or experiencing terrorism
Medical diagnoses - examples include life-threatening illnesses or undergoing serious procedures.
Sudden loss - unexpected deaths of family or loved ones can be a trigger for PTSD.
Exposure during combat - if you’ve been in the military and exposed to war-related trauma.
A Someone.health psychologist can provide support to anyone dealing with PTSD and CPTSD. Treatment will vary based on your needs and goals. Here are some common types of proven psychological treatments which can help you face your individual symptoms:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to promote healthier cognitive and emotional responses.
Psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapy - explores unconscious thoughts and emotions, often delving into early life experiences to understand current behavior and emotions.
Humanistic therapy - emphasizes personal growth, self-acceptance, and the fulfilment of your potential.
Mindfulness-based therapies - integrate mindfulness and meditation techniques to enhance self-awareness, reduce stress, and promote wellbeing.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) - focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing communication patterns to alleviate emotional distress.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) - Combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with acceptance strategies. This can be particularly effective if the PTSD is making it difficult to regulate your emotions in everyday life.
These are just a few examples of the tools and techniques a Someone.health psychologist could choose for you or a loved one who is impacted by PTSD. If you’d like to book in with a psychologist, signing up takes less than 10 minutes and can make a world of difference.
Psychologists available online
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Find an appointmentIt will not always be obvious and it could be gradual. But when you start feeling better, then that means that the therapy is working.
You'll also be able to see things more clearly as you progress with your talk therapy. Healing, however, is not always so clear-cut. There will always be ups and downs. If that happens, you can talk to your psychologist about your progress and be open with what you're feeling.
Australia has regulatory bodies to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards across the psychology profession.
Yes. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and individually selected and monitored by Someone.health's expert clinical team.
Appointments are available immediately
Once you have signed up and we have verified your details, you can choose a psychologist who is available immediately. Our website displays in order of the first available appointment.
Only your GP or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Medication can only be prescribed by medical doctors, which includes general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists.
If you need the services of a psychiatrist, please visit Call To Mind, a telehealth service specialising in psychiatry.