Process past experiences and find the way forward with trauma therapy.
Trauma is the emotional, cognitive, and physical remnant of a distressing event. From a car accident or robbery to child abuse and military action, these experiences can leave a lasting mark on your mind and body, affecting your day-to-day functioning. Trauma therapy can help you to properly process traumatic memories and reduce associated symptoms.
Grace Britton, our Psychologist in Warners Bay near Newcastle, will guide you in managing its symptoms with personalised and evidence-based psychological support. Take the next step towards recovery today.
What is trauma?
Trauma is a natural reaction to extremely distressing or disempowering events. More specifically, it encompasses a range of mild to severe mental and physical responses to real or perceived threat to life.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consider trauma counselling:
- Being prone to startle easily
- Shock and denial
- Sense of guilt and shame
- Anger and irritability
- Anxiety and depression
- Emotional detachment and social withdrawal
- Insomnia, night terrors and nightmares
- Confusion and trouble focusing
- Drugs and alcohol abuse
- Self-harm
Unpacking PTSD
Trauma sparks an intense fear response to protect you and help you cope with situations beyond your control. Yet without appropriate processing, this reaction can remain long after the initial incident comes to an end.
Affecting 8% of women and 5% of men in Australia¹, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic anxiety disorder ignited by an extremely shocking, disturbing or frightening experience. You may experience destructive or debilitating thoughts and feelings triggered by everyday encounters. This is because your brain associates these stimuli with danger – even if there is no genuine threat.
PTSD symptoms can be categorised into four ‘clusters’:
Re-experiencing
Intrusive flashbacks, nightmares and emotions when faced with reminders.
Avoidance
Steering clear of certain people, places and thoughts associated with the event.
Thought & mood changes
Guilt, self-blame, apathy towards previous interests, amnesia, and a sense of helplessness, detachment or numbness.
Arousal and reactivity
Difficulty sleeping and concentrating, hyper-alertness and a startle response.
Different types of trauma therapy in Newcastle
Trauma healing therapy comes in many forms.
At Chiropractic Plus, you will receive a personalised trauma counselling plan for your unique needs and goals.
Trauma Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Trauma-focussed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a goal-driven approach that revolves around recognising and reframing negative thoughts and behaviours.
During CBT, you will revisit and learn how to process traumatic memories in a healthier way. By challenging harmful patterns in how you think and act, you may be able to harness constructive coping mechanisms for trauma, ultimately reducing associated symptoms.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma therapy that takes advantage of bilateral stimulation techniques like eye movements or tapping. Often particularly suited to people with PTSD, the goal is to help you process and take control of traumatic experiences.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) is an exposure-focused therapy that guides you to gradually face and work through your traumatic experiences. By confronting these painful memories during trauma counselling, you may be able to lessen their impact on your life and aid recovery.
Benefits of trauma therapy
Confronting trauma is challenging. However, the right psychological support may be able to help you process the past and build your resilience on the road to recovery.
If prior experiences are holding you back from leading the life you love, it may be worth seeking help from our trauma psychologist in Newcastle. Post-trauma counselling equips you with evidence-based tools to understand your distress, cope with reactions to disempowering situations and face the future with confidence.
Rediscover your peace of mind with trauma counselling near you
Book AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Have questions about your next visit? We have you covered!
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What is trauma therapy?
Trauma therapy is a talking therapy in which a qualified psychologist supports you in navigating your mental response to a traumatic experience. Together, we will work towards setting you up to lead a healthier and happier life.
During trauma therapy sessions, you will learn to understand your trauma, and reduce associated symptoms.
A trauma counsellor’s core responsibilities include:
- Creating a secure and trustworthy bond with you
- Delivering non-judgmental emotional support
- Evaluating and catering to your unique psychological needs
- Preparing and providing a tailored counselling plan for you
- Helping you to comprehend your trauma and its effects on your life
- Provide evidence based trauma therapy
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Do I need trauma therapy?
If a traumatic event begins to get in the way of your daily functioning and inner calm, you may need to seek professional support to overcome its effects.
From flashbacks and anxiety to nightmares and social withdrawal, a psychologist can help you to cope with trauma following a range of distressing experiences, including:
- Military combat
- Road accidents
- Sexual assault
- Physical assault
- Natural disasters
- Discrimination
- The death of a loved one
- Surgical or medical procedures
- Childhood abuse and neglect
- Homelessness and poverty
To make an appointment for trauma counselling in Newcastle, please contact our professional and compassionate team today.
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What does trauma therapy involve?
During a trauma counselling session, your psychologist will listen to your experience in detail and encourage you to discuss its impact on your life.
This process focuses on identifying and unpacking how the traumatic event has shaped your emotional and behavioural well-being.
Importantly, you will also learn sustainable strategies to help you handle the emotions, thoughts and actions associated with this trauma.
Therapy is a process that takes time and commitment, but it is designed to leave you feeling calm, confident and capable of moving on from your past.
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How long does trauma therapy take?
The duration of counselling for trauma depends on personal circumstances, including the degree of trauma, how long it has been left unaddressed, and your dedication to therapy.
You might feel a noticeable improvement after a few sessions or require ongoing professional support to keep your symptoms in check.
Your trauma counsellor will provide you with a more accurate estimate after your initial appointment. Get in touch with Chiropractic Plus to discover more about trauma counselling in Newcastle.
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Does Medicare cover trauma counselling?
Yes. Medicare covers therapy for PTSD and trauma. To be eligible for this rebate, you will need to be referred to a psychologist by your GP or a psychiatrist.
Medicare patients may be able to claim up to 10 trauma counselling sessions each calendar year. Rebates vary between $75.95 and $126.50 per session.
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2020-2022), National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, ABS Website, accessed 5 December 2023.
