Trauma Therapy

SIGNS YOU SHOULD PURSUE TRAUMA COUNSELLING

Deciding to start looking for a psychologist to pursue trauma therapy is a big step and a difficult one to take. Deciding to relive these traumatic experiences through counselling as a means of recovering from them can be both daunting and distressing. 

While for many individuals it may seem easier to ignore it, past trauma can affect how you interact with others or go about your day-to-day life, sometimes without you even being aware of it. 

Symptoms of trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) may manifest differently from person to person but can include:

- High levels of anxiety or stress

- Panic attacks

- Trouble sleeping 

- Trouble concentrating 

- Depression

- Being easily startled or frightened

- Increased anger or irritability

- Mood swings

- Overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame

- Emotional distancing or numbing 

- Obsessive-compulsive behaviours 

Unsure whether counselling for trauma may be beneficial for you? Signs that it might be worth considering include when it is affecting your ability to work or study or causing you to withdraw from or damage relationships. If you are relying on substance abuse or avoidance to cope, it is also strongly advised to seek professional help.   

Seeing a psychologist for trauma can help you unearth healthier strategies for living with and recovering from trauma. Through understanding the impact of your trauma you are better able to explore healing and live a full life free of its control.

Contact us
 

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SEEING OUR PSYCHOLOGISTS FOR TRAUMA THERAPY

At Port Phillip Psychology our trauma therapy is focused on sensitivity, respect, care and empathy. Sessions are held in a safe and confidential environment, free of judgement where you can discuss anything you need to. 

We want you to know that your experiences and your feelings are valid and you should never feel unworthy of seeking help. Everyone experiences trauma differently and there is no set threshold or qualifier regarding what is considered harmful or ‘bad enough’ to cause it. 

Our trauma psychologists have a deep understanding of how trauma manifests and impacts on those living with it. Trauma can force you to behave in ways that may make no sense to you, compounding its effects and making it exceedingly challenging to work through at times. 

We help you decipher this behaviour and how it relates to your trauma, illuminating a path towards recovery and a vastly improved quality of life. 

Together with you, we will set goals for your therapy and regularly review your progress, adjusting our approach and methods as required to ensure you feel encouraged and supported to achieve them

GET IN TOUCH

In Chelsea and St Kilda or
via Video or Phone (03) 8774 2150

EMAIL : help@portphillippsychology.com.au

Port Phillip Psychology trusted, compassionate trauma therapy

Port Phillip Psychology offers personalised, genuine and effective trauma counselling with both male and female psychologists available to speak with. No matter your age, gender, cultural background or stage of life our team is highly skilled and able to help.   

With decades of experience to draw on, we know that often the hardest step in finding help with trauma and other mental health concerns is making that first appointment. 

To ensure our clients can always access the care they need and in an environment they are comfortable in, we offer in-person and remote sessions. Serving Melbourne’s Bayside areas of Chelsea and St Kilda, you are welcome to attend in-clinic or we can arrange a consultation via phone or video call through Telehealth. 

Adding further flexibility to meet your schedule, we have evening and Saturday sessions available in addition to weekly appointments during core business hours. 

Connect with a psychologist for trauma counselling who genuinely cares and wants to see you healthy and thriving. Contact Port Phillip Psychology today to make an appointment and start your journey to better mental health.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Exactly how many sessions you may need for trauma counselling will be unique to you. Many people feel things begin to improve around the 6 session mark, but long-term positive outcomes usually require more sessions than this.

    Your psychologist will work with you on your goals for therapy and what this timeframe might look like, reevaluating as you progress and keeping you informed as to what they recommend. 

  • Initially, yes, trauma therapy can be exhausting and upsetting. You’re having to relive and process traumatic memories and the grief you feel surrounding them. 

    However, over time, therapy will help you to feel better. It will give you the tools to move past this trauma so you do not need to relive it or live with the pain and negativity it brings.

  • We use a variety of tools including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Narrative Therapy among others during trauma counselling. 

    The approach we take will be determined based on your needs and preferences and what we feel will be most beneficial for your situation. 

  • Psychologists in Australia follow the ethical guidelines outlined in the APS Code of Ethics which makes them bound to confidentiality. 

    This means they are committed to protecting your privacy and will not disclose what is discussed during your sessions to anyone. It should be noted, however, that there are some situations in which your psychologist may need to breach your confidentiality such as when:

    There are concerns about your immediate safety or the safety of others

    Your information is subpoenaed by a court of law

    There is a legal obligation to do so due to information regarding involvement or knowledge of a criminal offence being disclosed that has not been made known to the police