Trauma is the emotional response to a profoundly distressing event, causing overwhelming feelings and impairing our coping abilities. It leads to a profound sense of helplessness and diminishes our self-esteem and emotional capacity. Traumatic events can endanger our physical or mental well-being, shaking our sense of safety and security. The impact of trauma varies for each individual. Reach out to start your trauma counselling journey today.
Trauma and when to seek support
Our experienced Melbourne psychologists can support you through various types of trauma.
Individual responses to traumatic experiences will vary. Many people recover with the support of loved ones and do not develop long-term issues. It’s important to note that not everyone who goes through a traumatic event will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While we often associate PTSD with specific traumas like natural disasters, assaults, accidents, combat, or witnessing harm, any distressing experience that shatters a person’s sense of safety and trust can lead to trauma.
Here are some ways that trauma can impact the way you feel:
- Anger
- Irritability
- Rapid mood shifts
- Shock, denial, or disbelief
- Anxiety and fear
- Guilt, shame, self-blame
- Feeling disconnected
- Detached or estranged from people in your life
- Sadness or sense of hopelessness
- Negative self-image of other people
- Pessimistic perspectives of the world and others
- Difficulties feeling happy, loved, or satisfied
Here are some ways that trauma can impact your body (physiologically):
- Sleep problems and nightmares
- Flashbacks of distressing thoughts and feelings
- Intrusive memories
- Fatigue, difficulty concentrating
- Racing heartbeat
- Agitation and impatience
- Aches and pains
- Muscle tension
- Startle easily or jumpy with loud noises
Here are some ways that trauma can impact your behaviour:
- Emotional dysregulation or rapid mood changes
- Attachment and relationship difficulties
- Low self-esteem and self-worth resulting in self doubt
- Risk-taking and impulsivity
- Dissociation
- Increased risk of substance abuse
- Difficulty trusting others
- Re-enactment of trauma in relationships and choices
- Engaging in unhealthy sexual behaviours
- Recklessness or self-destructive behaviour
You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.
What is childhood trauma?
Childhood trauma is a multifaceted issue stemming from experiences or neglect that disrupt a child’s feelings of safety and security. These disruptions, frequently associated with a lack of nurturing or the presence of harmful behaviours, typically occur before the age of 18 and leave a profound and enduring imprint on emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
What are the signs and symptoms of trauma?
Childhood trauma can have profound and lasting effects on an individual’s mental health, behaviour, and relationships throughout their life. Often, healing and overcoming these consequences require therapeutic intervention and support.
Some of the ways in which childhood trauma can impact individuals:
- Intense and ongoing emotional upset
- Depressive symptoms or anxiety
- Behavioural changes
- Difficulties with self-regulation
- Difficulties building concentrations with others
- Problems relating to others
- Difficulty forming attachments
- Regression or loss of previously acquired skills
- Attention and academic difficulties
- Nightmares and distressing dreams
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulties with eating or loss of appetite
- Physical symptoms such as aches and pains
The darkest hour has only sixty minutes.
How can Positive Wellbeing Psychology help?
At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, our experienced Melbourne psychologists have a special interest in trauma counselling and guiding individuals through processing traumatic experiences, effectively managing anxiety and flashbacks, and providing support on their journey toward recovery and healing.
Recovery from trauma is possible with trauma counselling. Our psychologists utilise evidence-based treatments including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, and Dialectical-Behaviour Therapy, helping individuals recover, regain control, and grow beyond their traumatic experiences.
Make an Appointment
At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we offer flexible appointments with our psychologists during the day, evening, or weekends, both in-person at our Melbourne psychology practice or online via telehealth.
Our team of psychologists hold full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and adhere to ethical guidelines as mandated by the Psychologists Registration Board and Australian Psychological Society. Our clinical practice is grounded in evidence-based treatment approaches for trauma counselling, ensuring comprehensive support to help individuals process trauma, manage anxiety, and foster healing.