A Brisbane PTSD and trauma psychologist
The word trauma comes from the Greek word for wound, but not all wounds are physical. Trauma can profoundly impact our emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. If you have experienced a traumatic event or are struggling with its aftermath, I’m an experienced trauma psychologist who can help you manage and overcome post-traumatic stress disorder. With compassionate support and evidence-based therapies, I am dedicated to guiding you towards healing, resilience, and a renewed sense of empowerment.
A personal trauma reaction deserves a personal treatment response
Trauma refers to an event or series of events that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, leaving them feeling helpless, frightened, or emotionally overwhelmed. The traumatic event could include physical or sexual assault, childhood trauma, bullying, accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing violence or death. The effects of trauma can be long-lasting, impacting emotional well-being, relationships, and daily functioning.
What's the difference between psychological trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Psychological trauma refers to a distressing event or experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. It can have lasting effects on their emotional well-being. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), on the other hand, is a specific psychological disorder that can develop after experiencing trauma. It involves a set of symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in mood, and heightened arousal.
While trauma refers to the event itself, it is a diagnosable condition that may arise due to trauma. Not everyone who experiences psychological trauma will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but those who do can benefit from specialised psychological treatment to manage and heal their symptoms.
Emotionally, anxiety can lead to persistent feelings of apprehension, restlessness, or irritability. You may find yourself constantly anticipating the worst-case scenarios, even in everyday situations. Anxiety can disrupt your sleep patterns, causing insomnia or restless nights. It can also make it difficult to concentrate, affecting your work performance or academic achievements.
Common PTSD and trauma symptoms
The way a traumatic experience manifests through symptoms can change as time passes, but many common symptoms include:
- Feelings of guilt
- Flashbacks
- Negative thoughts
- Disrupted sleep
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
These and other trauma symptoms, can make your life very difficult and often very lonely. Feeling like no one understands your feelings if they haven’t had the same experiences as you can make you withdraw from friends and family. It’s easy to put on a “brave face” and hope that things will improve, but that can also be lonely and exhausting.
I want you to know that you don’t have to face all this alone. When I work with you as my client, we work together to explore different ways of living and behaving. You get the support, guidance and structure you need to discover solutions that feel right to you in a safe and welcoming environment.
Book an appointment with a qualified, compassionate trauma psychologist
There is no right or wrong way to respond to trauma in your life. Everyone has their own ways of coping. Seeking extra support from an experienced trauma psychologist can be done through online or face-to-face appointments. It’s not about finding the correct treatment; it’s about finding the right treatment that works for you.
You don’t have to cope on your own. I offer professional, compassionate and client-led psychological therapy aimed to help you overcome emotional trauma so you can start living your life again.
The psychological interventions I offer include:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
With the support of an experienced trauma psychologist like myself, you can experience healing, resilience, and improved quality of life as you navigate your journey of recovery from trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Frequently asked questions about seeing a trauma psychologist
EMDR therapy can be done without discussion of the trauma. Most people do find it helpful to discuss their trauma with an experienced therapist, who can work collaboratively with you to develop trust and determine the pace and depth of these discussions. I will provide a safe and supportive environment for you to do so.
It is normal to experience a range of emotions during trauma therapy as you explore and process difficult experiences. I will provide a supportive space and guidance to help you navigate these emotions effectively.
The timeframe for improvement varies for each person. Some individuals may experience relief and noticeable changes early on, while others may require more time and consistent therapy. There will be good days, and there will be bad days. The focus should be on developing the skills you need to cope and build your confidence daily.
The frequency of therapy sessions will depend on your individual needs and the treatment plan determined by you and I. Initially, sessions may be more frequent and then spaced out as progress is made.
Once your online application form has been reviewed as a right fit for both of us, you will need a referral from your GP or NDIS plan to take full advantage of rebates (otherwise, full fees will apply).
Ready to explore your trauma or PTSD in a safe environment?
Take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your life. Schedule an appointment with me to embark on your journey to recovery.
