What we treat
Trauma is a distressing or harmful experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope which may develop into a diagnosed mental health condition.
Impacts of trauma are different for everyone. However, it can manifest through a wide range of symptoms, including:
1. Re-experiencing the trauma, for example -
Having “flashbacks” or intrusive thoughts
Recurring, distressing memories when exposed to certain cues
Nightmares
2. It’s a natural reaction to display avoidance behaviors, some of which include:
Avoiding places or activities associated with the trauma
Feeling detached or “emotional numbness”
Difficulty trusting others, or close relationships with others
3. Hyperarousal, which can manifest itself by:
Being easily startled and jumpy
Having difficulty sleeping (insomnia, nightmares, or restlessness)
Heightened anxiety and constant alertness
Challenges with focus and difficulty concentrating
4. Emotional and mood changes:
Persistent negative beliefs about the world
A general feeling of dissatisfaction with themselves, like wanting to be a more confident person
Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
Diminished interest in activities which were usually enjoyed
Being irritable, angry, or having sudden outbursts
5. Physical sensations are also common, like -
Unexplained aches and pains
Fatigue and easily tiring
Gastro
These signs and symptoms of trauma can vary by person and by intensity. They may be fleeting or last a long time. Irrespective, there are techniques that can help minimize their impact and professional psychologists are a great place to start.
Trauma can have a profound impact on everyday life, affecting emotions, behaviours, and overall wellbeing. Whether resulting from a single catastrophic event or a series of smaller incidents over time, the effects of trauma can be long-lasting and debilitating for anyone who experiences it.
Nearly everyone in the world will experience a traumatic incident sometime in their life. Trauma is a complex psychological response to extremely distressing experiences which are often frightening or distressing to deal with. Examples of traumatic events include physical or sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, combat experiences, or ongoing abuse.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a form of trauma often associated with a single, horrific event. It can also result from exposure to multiple smaller events over an extended period, like physical, sexual or verbal abuse. Military combat and war, where individuals witness shocking scenes and are exposed to death and destruction can cause PTSD (sometimes called “shell shock”).
Irrespective of the cause of the trauma, no one person will deal with trauma exactly the same as another. Some people may experience immediate and intense symptoms, while others might notice more subtle, long-term effects on their daily lives and relationships. It can be mental (like flashbacks) or physical (like aches or pains). Regardless of when the traumatic event occurred, if it continues to affect your ability to enjoy life and function normally, seeking professional help from a Someone.health Australian registered psychologist is a positive step in getting support and improving wellbeing.
Traumatic events are usually sudden and unexpected. They can be caused by a wide range of experiences, including:
1. Single, catastrophic events:
Natural disasters - for example, flood, fire, cyclone
Accidents - for example, car accidents, trips or falls
Violent assaults - for example, fights or attacks
Military combat
2. Ongoing or repeated experiences:
Physical, sexual, or verbal abuse - which can often start in childhood and continue into adulthood
Childhood neglect
Domestic violence
Prolonged exposure to high-stress situations at home or work
“Triggers” are stimuli that can vividly remind you of your traumatic experience, and cause distress or a resurgence of symptoms. These can be specific to your individual experience, and may include certain sounds, smells, places, or situations that are associated with the traumatic experience.
Seeking treatment for trauma can be a daunting step, often accompanied by anxiety. However, professional help can be crucial in managing symptoms and promoting healing. Someone.health has a wide selection of trauma-informed psychologists who can provide various therapeutic interventions, including:
1. Psychoeducation - which is an educational process helping you understand the effects of trauma on the mind and body, and empowering you with strategies for your recovery.
2. Evidence-based therapies are commonly used, such as -
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT)
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
3. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques- therapy can expose you to practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress and anxiety.
4. Systematic desensitisation - this includes gradually exposing you to trauma-related memories or situations in a controlled environment. This can serve to reduce associated anxiety and fear.
5. Emotional processing - includes helping you work through the emotions and memories associated with the trauma you faced.
6. Support for associated issues that may arise - often other behavioural issues may arise as you try to escape the reality you face. Things like substance (drug and alcohol) abuse, depression, or other medical conditions.
For any traumatic incident, the specific treatment approach will depend on the individual's preferences, the nature of their experience, and the therapeutic approach of the Someone.health psychologist. Therapy is always conducted collaboratively, moving at a pace that feels comfortable for you. If your traumatic experience is affecting your ability to live a happy and contented life, it's worth reaching out for support. Someone.health is here to help.
Psychologists available online
Tell us what matters to you, compare suitable appointments and keep your care details in your patient profile.
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.