Trauma Counselling
Psychological trauma is usually thought of as an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster. However, a person can be traumatised by a variety of experiences that bring great distress and a feeling of being unable to escape or manage a situation.
Psychological trauma can also occur through repeated exposure such as enduring a relationship with an abusive partner, parent, or even a boss. This can overwhelm one’s nervous system and create traumatic stress. A person’s sense of security shatters, leaving one feeling helpless and vulnerable in what seems to be a dangerous world – especially if the experience was manmade.
Psychological trauma and far-reaching consequences
Psychological trauma can have far-reaching consequences – emotional, physical, and relational. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical.
Longer-term reactions may include unpredictable emotions and a chronic sense of doom, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms such as headaches, body aches, fatigue, clenched jaws, and nausea.
Identifying the signs and symptoms of trauma
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Problems with clear thinking such as confusion and difficulty concentrating
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Shock, denial, or disbelief
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Anger, irritability, mood swings
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Anxiety and fear
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Guilt, shame, self-blame
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Withdrawing from others
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Feeling sad or hopeless
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Feeling disconnected or numb
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Sleep disturbances and nightmares
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Physical expressions of chronic stress such as gut issues or headaches
Three main types of psychological trauma
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Acute trauma results from a single incident such as a break-in or a car accident
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Chronic trauma is repeated and prolonged such as domestic violence or abuse
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Complex trauma is exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature
Complex trauma typically stems from a distressing childhood or long term close but dysfunctional relationship that leaves a person with a complex constellation of emotions such as chronic anxiety, shame and guilt, struggles with identity, and so on. These kinds of traumas almost always require psychological intervention.
Many people recover spontaneously from traumatic experiences and find that with time, the memories and resulting distressing emotions start to fade naturally. However, if symptoms are intense enough to feel overwhelming and confusing, or they last almost unchanged for more than a few months, it is best to get a Psychologist’s help, as the impact may be pervasive in one’s life and long lasting.
When emotional trauma is experienced as severe, it can cause lasting changes in the brain such as in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex region which is responsible for regulating emotional responses triggered by the amygdala. This means a traumatised person who has not naturally recovered from a traumatic experience or experiences, may find it very difficult to calm their fear and anxiety in everyday life. As one can imagine, feeling constantly stressed, easily startled and never quite settled can wreak havoc with sleep, relationships, and general enjoyment of life’s pleasures.
Trauma Counselling & Therapy | Adelaide Psychology Clinic
Our Psychologists are specifically trained in helping to overcome difficult emotions such as anxiety, stress, fear, low confidence, and interpersonal challenges.
Psychological interventions typically go beyond debriefing, which is often helpful, but also include tools and techniques to overcome and better manage the challenges that stem from psychological trauma and shock. Some of these may include EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy, Mindfulness, Meditation, breathing techniques, and so on. Therapy is always respectfully and compassionately tailored to a specific client’s experience and needs.
Adelaide Psychologists & Therapists | Trauma therapy & counselling
Get in touch with us
We offer a comprehensive range of services to treat and nurture the body and mind and get you back on the path to health and well-being.
If you’re ready to reach out to the Kensington Psychology & Well-Being team regarding our services, please get in touch by calling us on 08 7006 5225 or via our Online Contact Form.
If you’re having suicidal thoughts or abusing medication or other substances, please don’t delay in seeking help. If the matter is urgent, please contact your GP or Lifeline on 131 114.