Trauma Therapy & Treatment

Psychological trauma is a mind altering response to a distressing or stressful event that is difficult to manage. It can be caused by accidents, natural disasters, war, violence, abuse, neglect or the death of a loved one. Trauma can occur at any age and can affect people long after the event. 

There are three main types of trauma – acute, chronic or complex.

Acute trauma results from a single incident (such as a motor vehicle accident or a single assault).

Chronic trauma involves a repeated and prolonged exposure to threat or harm such as domestic violence, prolonged abuse or war.

 Complex trauma is exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive interpersonal nature.

Trauma symptoms can be temporary and with the right support and self care, they can subside over time. However, sometimes the effects of trauma can be more severe and pervasive.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed when a person experiences a severe trauma response that then affects their capacity to function personally, socially and occupationally. The symptoms of PTSD include experiences of intrusive memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks, nightmares and avoidance behaviours (eg avoidance or thoughts or feelings that remind us of the trauma; avoidance of people, places or situations that are associated with the trauma). People struggling with PTSD also may have negative thoughts about themselves or the world, they may have persistent feelings of fear, sadness, anxiety, anger, guilt or shame or may even feel detached emotionally or estranged from others. Feeling easily startled, feeling tense or on edge, having difficulty concentrating, feeling irritable (or having anger outbursts) and having difficulties sleeping are also common. People with PTSD symptoms may also resort to using alcohol or other drugs as coping mechanisms, which then in turn complicate recovery.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of several therapeutic approaches that has been found to be effective in supporting people experiencing temporary trauma responses as well as treating more severe trauma manifestations such as  PTSD.