What is trauma counselling?
Trauma counselling is a specialized form of therapy aimed at helping individuals cope with and recover from traumatic experiences. Trauma is an emotional response caused by a distressing event or series of events, such as abuse, a bad accident, rape or other sexual violence, aggression, the death of a loved one, or a natural disaster.
Some reactions to a traumatic event include shock and denial, while more long-term reactions may include depression, relationship challenges, PTSD, anxiety and physical symptoms. Professional support from a mental health professional such as a psychologist can help with coping and recovery.
The goal of trauma counselling is to provide support, validation, and tools for healing to those who have experienced trauma.
Establishing a sense of safety is crucial for individuals who have experienced trauma. This may involve creating a safe and confidential space for them to share their experiences without fear of judgment or harm.
Psychotherapy presents as a comfortable, private and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of stigma or repercussions.
Types of traumatic events
- Child abuse and child neglect
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Bullying
- Physical abuse
- Domestic violence
- Natural disasters
- Sex trafficking
- Substance use
- Accidents
- War and refugee trauma
- Terrorism
- Grief
Trauma can come in different forms, physical or emotional. Physical trauma involves serious injuries to the body, while emotional trauma involves how we feel after a difficult experience. Emotional trauma can be broken down into a few types:
- Acute emotional trauma: what we feel during and right after a single upsetting event.
- Chronic emotional trauma: the long-lasting emotional impact of ongoing or repeated distressing events that last for months or even years. Grief is a type of chronic emotional trauma.
- Complex emotional trauma: this happens when we are affected by multiple difficult events, whether they are connected or not.
Psychological symptoms of emotional trauma
Emotional responses to trauma can be any, or a combination, of the following:
- Fear
- Helplessness
- Dissociation
- Changes in attention, concentration, and memory retrieval
- Changes in behaviour, attitude and worldview
- Difficulty functioning
- Denial, or refusing to believe that the trauma occurred
- Anger
- Bargaining, which is similar to negotiation
- Avoidance
- Depression and anxiety
- Mood swings
- Guilt or shame
- Blame, including self-blame
- Social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities
- Emotional numbness
Physical symptoms of emotional trauma
Emotional trauma can also manifest in the form of physical symptoms. These include:
- Increased heart rate
- Body aches or pains
- Tense muscles
- Feeling on edge
- Jumpiness or startling easily
- Nightmares
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Sexual dysfunction
- Appetite changes
- Heightened alertness
Psychotherapy equips individuals with practical coping strategies and skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. These skills may include relaxation techniques, problem-solving strategies, assertiveness training, and communication skills.
Additionally, psychotherapy helps individuals learn how to regulate their emotions more effectively, reducing the impact of mood swings, impulsivity, and emotional reactivity. Techniques such as mindfulness, emotion-focused therapy, and cognitive restructuring can be particularly helpful in this regard.
To prevent trauma from developing into post-traumatic stress disorder, or if you feel like you have reached “rock bottom”, it is fundamental to seek help.
Trauma counselling in Bondi Junction
As a psychologist, I offer trauma counselling sessions using therapeutic modalities such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy, specifically designed to address trauma and promote healing.
Please do not hesitate to seek help or reach out if you need support or would like more information.