Conditions

Let’s talk about trauma and PTSD

Support for trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD, including experiences of childhood and medical trauma. Understand common responses and options for care at a pace that respects your needs.

On this page
Overview

Trauma can follow a frightening or overwhelming event, or repeated experiences that undermine safety. Not everyone develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and you do not need a diagnosis to seek support.

PTSD and complex PTSD

PTSD can involve intrusive memories, avoidance and a persistent sense of threat. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) includes these difficulties alongside ongoing problems with regulating emotions, a deeply negative view of yourself and relationships. A qualified clinician can assess what fits your experience.

Childhood and medical trauma

Childhood trauma may involve abuse, neglect or repeated threats to safety during development. Medical trauma can follow frightening illness, injury, procedures or hospital experiences. People respond differently; the impact matters, even when others experienced the event differently.

Symptoms

Signs to watch

Responses can include the experiences below, as well as shame, dissociation or difficulty feeling safe with others. These signs are not a diagnostic checklist. Assessment considers your experiences, current safety and support needs.

Intrusive Memories

Recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event, including flashbacks and nightmares.

Avoidance

Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of the traumatic event.

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood

Feelings of hopelessness, negative thoughts about oneself or others, and difficulty maintaining close relationships.

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions

Being easily startled, feeling tense or on edge, and having difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

Emotional Numbness

Feeling detached from others and losing interest in activities once enjoyed.

Treatments

What Works: Treatments with Backup

Recommended psychological treatments for PTSD include trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapies and EMDR. Treatment should be planned collaboratively with a suitably trained clinician, including when difficulties are longstanding or complex.

Care may also address emotion regulation, relationships and everyday functioning. Tell intake what you are seeking so we can discuss clinician suitability. You do not have to share every detail of what happened at your first contact.

Tips & Tricks

Try for today

Let’s focus on what you can do right now, manageable and simple strategies that can help you navigate through the day. Here are some suggestions for “Try for today”:

Orient to the present

If helpful, notice where you are, the date and a few things around you. Stop or adapt grounding if it increases distress.

Choose a supportive contact

Consider someone who can listen without pressing you to recount what happened.

Respect your pace

Choose a small, manageable activity that helps you feel more settled. You do not need to force relaxation or revisit memories alone.

Tips & Tricks

Try for tomorrow

Recovery can involve rebuilding everyday safety and connection as well as working with memories. The next steps should fit your situation.

Discuss your needs

Let your clinician know about preferences, triggers and what helps you feel able to participate.

Plan for difficult moments

Work out who to contact and which practical supports you can use when distress rises.

Choose informed support

Ask about a clinician’s trauma experience and how they would approach your goals. Trauma processing should be guided by an appropriate professional.

Seek Help

When to seek professional help

Seek support when trauma responses affect sleep, relationships, work or your sense of safety. You do not need to wait for symptoms to worsen. If there is immediate danger or an urgent medical crisis, call 000. Routine appointments are not an emergency service.

Oliver Eastwood
Clinical Psychologist

Oliver is an AHPRA-registered Psychologist, and is dedicated to helping individuals lead fulfilling lives. Learn more about Oliver