Trauma can follow experiences that felt frightening, overwhelming, inescapable or unsafe. This may include assault, accidents, sudden loss, childhood abuse or neglect, family violence, medical trauma, bullying, discrimination, workplace trauma or repeated exposure to distressing events.
Some people develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Others experience complex trauma, often connected with repeated or prolonged interpersonal trauma, particularly when it occurred earlier in life or in relationships where safety and protection were limited.
Trauma responses are not signs of weakness. They are understandable responses to experiences that overwhelmed your ability to cope at the time.
PTSD and complex trauma symptoms
Trauma can affect the body, mind and relationships. You may experience intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, emotional numbness, shame, guilt, anger, anxiety, sleep problems, panic symptoms, hypervigilance or feeling easily startled.
Complex trauma may also involve long-standing patterns around self-worth, boundaries, dissociation, emotional regulation, people-pleasing, fear of abandonment or difficulty feeling safe with others.
Evidence-based trauma therapy
Good trauma therapy should be paced carefully. Not everyone is ready to talk in detail about what happened straight away. Early therapy may focus on safety, stabilisation, grounding and building trust.
At Darlinghurst Psychologists, trauma therapy may include EMDR Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, grounding strategies and compassion-focused approaches.
Therapy may help you understand trauma responses, reduce shame, build grounding skills, process traumatic memories when appropriate, work with guilt or self-blame, improve sleep, rebuild boundaries and develop a stronger sense of choice in the present.
For complex trauma, therapy may be longer-term and may include both stabilisation and deeper work with patterns that developed over many years.
How Darlinghurst Psychologists can help
At Darlinghurst Psychologists, we provide trauma-informed care that is compassionate, respectful and tailored to the person. We understand that trust takes time and that trauma affects people differently.
You may also find it helpful to read about EMDR Therapy, CBT, Schema Therapy, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Sleep Issues and Relationship Issues.
Common questions about trauma therapy
Do I have to talk about everything that happened?
No. Trauma therapy should be paced carefully. Early sessions may focus on safety, stabilisation, grounding and understanding symptoms.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR Therapy is a structured trauma-focused therapy that can help people process distressing memories and reduce the intensity of trauma-related symptoms.
What is the difference between PTSD and complex trauma?
PTSD often involves re-experiencing, avoidance, mood changes and hyperarousal after trauma. Complex trauma is often linked with repeated interpersonal trauma and may affect identity, relationships, emotion regulation and self-worth.
Can trauma cause anxiety or panic attacks?
Yes. Trauma can affect the nervous system and may contribute to anxiety, panic symptoms, sleep problems and feeling constantly on alert.
How long does trauma therapy take?
It depends on the person, the type of trauma, current safety, symptoms and goals. Some people benefit from shorter trauma-focused work; others need longer-term therapy.
