Overview of PTSD & Trauma Counselling
Trauma can impact how a person thinks, feels, behaves and relates to others. It may arise from a single overwhelming event or from ongoing, repeated experiences that gradually erode a sense of safety. PTSD and trauma-focused therapy provides a supportive space to understand these experiences, reduce distress, and rebuild a sense of stability and control.
Trauma is not defined by the event itself, but by how the nervous system responds to overwhelming stress. Two terms often used in trauma psychology include:
- Big-T Trauma: events that involve actual or perceived life threat, serious injury, or danger (e.g., assault, accidents, natural disasters, violence, traumatic birth).
- Little-t Trauma: distressing experiences that may not involve physical danger but still overwhelm a person’s capacity to cope. Examples include emotional neglect, bullying, relationship breakdowns, ongoing stress, or emotionally unsafe environments.
Both types of trauma can significantly influence emotional wellbeing, relationships, and daily life — and both are valid reasons to seek support.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but for some, the nervous system remains in a heightened state of vigilance long after the threat has passed.
Common symptoms include:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Avoidance of reminders related to the trauma
- Hyperarousal: difficulty sleeping, irritability, being easily startled
- Emotional numbing or feeling detached
- Anxiety, panic, or ongoing sense of danger
- Difficulties concentrating
- Relationship difficulties
- Shame, guilt or self-blame
Some individuals develop Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) when trauma is prolonged or repeated, often during childhood or in significant interpersonal relationships. This can affect identity, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and trust in others.
How Trauma Affects the Body and Mind
Trauma impacts the brain’s alarm system, memory networks, and the body’s stress response. It is common to experience:
- Heightened fight-flight-freeze reactions
- Emotional flooding or shutdown
- Difficulty trusting others
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Physical symptoms (tension, pain, headaches, fatigue)
- Shame, fear, or ongoing self-criticism
These responses are survival mechanisms, not personal failures. Therapy helps the nervous system feel safe again, enabling healing, emotional regulation and connection.
How PTSD & Trauma Counselling Can Help
Trauma-informed therapy focuses on:
1. Building Safety and Stability
Before processing traumatic memories, therapy prioritises grounding skills, emotional regulation, and creating a sense of psychological safety.
2. Understanding Trauma Responses
Psychoeducation helps clients make sense of what they are experiencing — replacing self-blame with insight and compassion.
3. Processing the Trauma
Depending on goals and readiness, therapy may gently explore memories or themes contributing to distress.
4. Rebuilding Identity, Meaning and Connection
Trauma can reshape beliefs about self, others and the world. Therapy supports healing these patterns, improving relationships, self-esteem and day-to-day functioning.
Therapeutic Approaches We Use
Our clinicians draw on evidence-based trauma therapies tailored to each person’s needs, which may include:
- Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Narrative approaches
- Somatic and grounding-based strategies
- Attachment-informed therapy
- Stabilisation-focused interventions
For some individuals with trauma related to eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, or relationship patterns, therapy also integrates relevant frameworks to support holistic recovery.
Common Reasons People Seek Trauma Counselling
Clients may seek support for:
- Childhood trauma or emotional neglect
- Domestic or family violence
- Sexual assault or boundary violations
- Natural disasters or accidents
- Traumatic birth or medical trauma
- Loss, grief or unexpected life events
- Workplace trauma or burnout
- Ongoing stress, conflict or unsafe environments
- PTSD following a single distressing event
- Complex PTSD from prolonged interpersonal trauma
- Shame, self-blame or difficulty trusting others
- Nightmares, flashbacks or panic symptoms
- Feeling “stuck,” overwhelmed or disconnected
Whether trauma was recent or occurred many years ago, therapy can help clients reclaim a sense of safety and wellbeing.
Trauma, Relationships & Daily Life
Trauma can influence:
- Attachment patterns and trust
- Emotional closeness and intimacy
- Workplace functioning
- Parenting confidence
- Self-worth and self-criticism
- Coping behaviours (e.g., avoidance, perfectionism, numbing)
Support includes developing healthy boundaries, communication strategies and skills to manage emotional triggers in everyday situations.
You Are Not Alone
Trauma recovery is a gradual process, and it is normal to experience a mix of emotions along the way. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength — not weakness.
If you are experiencing symptoms that impact your daily life, relationships or wellbeing, trauma-informed therapy can support you to move forward with greater resilience, understanding and control.
Make an Appointment
If you are ready to explore trauma counselling, our psychologists at Drop of Life are here to support you.
📞 Call (07) 5520 7705
📩 Or contact us via our website to make an enquiry or book a session.
