PTSD & Trauma Psychologist Gold Coast

It's quite understandable to feel as though the burden of your trauma will forever shadow your existence, particularly when the memories are still so vivid or even when the incident occurred many years ago. Nevertheless, there's a light at the end of the tunnel - healing from your past with a trauma and PTSD therapist is indeed a possible reality, regardless of when the traumatic experience initially occurred. It's comforting to know that there's a promise of returning to more peaceful times.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The weight of unresolved trauma or PTSD is tangible, and if you're living with these symptoms, particularly to the degree of PTSD, you'll know all too well the pain and distress that accompanies this daily battle. It seems like your mind continuously dwells on past traumas while you strive to avoid such painful recollections. 

The Burden of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The burden of trauma or PTSD can become so immense that you probably find it difficult to engage in daily activities without feeling overwhelmed or having your emotions run wild. Meanwhile, others may be suggesting that you should have moved on from the past because of the time that has elapsed since the incident, leading you to question if there's something wrong with you because you can't seem to move past it. 

Worries in your sleep

You may find that living in a constant state of worry, possibly alongside depression, has become your new norm, and you hardly recognise yourself anymore. Peaceful slumbers may seem elusive as your mind either dwells on random thoughts and worries or past events. You may even experience nightmares or flashbacks that create unrest, often scarier because they seem so real. 

Difficulty socialising

It can be disheartening to realise that you no longer have the desire to venture outside, socialise or engage in activities that once brought you joy. It can hit hard at your self-esteem and self-compassion. Yet, all you yearn for is to run from these haunting memories and pain and get back to living your life.


Recognising PTSD Symptoms

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Some clients may report trouble sleeping, whereas others recognise they are having relationship issues. Trauma symptoms in clients often include:

  • Experiencing vivid flashbacks that can make you feel as though the traumatic incident is taking place in the present moment, causing intense distress.

  • Intrusive thoughts or images can constantly invade your mind, making it difficult to focus on daily tasks.

  • Experiencing nightmares that recreate the trauma  and disrupt your sleep, leading to fatigue and a feeling of constant fear.

  • When you encounter things that symbolise or remind you of the trauma, it can cause immense discomfort and distress, making it challenging to move forward.

  • Physical manifestations of the emotional turmoil you're going through could include pain, profuse sweating, nausea or trembling, adding another layer of struggle to your everyday life.

The Normality of Your PTSD Symptoms [H2]

The reality is that your experience is perfectly normal. Just because it doesn't make sense to you or because others keep suggesting you should move on by now doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. 

Let’s underline that it's completely normal to have such a profound psychological impact due to a traumatic experience. You are having a "normal response to an abnormal situation". All of the symptoms you're dealing with are normal psychological/emotional and physical responses to a traumatic event. 

Remember, dealing with trauma or PTSD symptoms doesn't mean you're weak, despite societal misconceptions. The effect of trauma is just our brain and body's way of responding to incredibly challenging situations, a function of our old survival mechanism. Actually, you're incredibly strong. Dealing with trauma and PTSD is no easy task.

Complex PTSD Psychologist Gold Coast

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is often viewed as an offshoot of PTSD. This form of trauma doesn't result from a singular horrific encounter. Instead, it arises from enduring prolonged and repeated harm, neglect or exposure to high-risk situations. Tragically, C-PTSD often stems from experiences such as childhood abuse or domestic violence, wherein the perpetrator is someone the victim knows and trusts — be it a family or community member.

But C-PTSD can also develop in adults, caused by constant maltreatment, neglect or exposure to imminent danger. Examples include living in a war-torn region, enduring a violent relationship or grappling with a chronic illness that weakens your ability to protect and provide for yourself, thereby leaving you vulnerable to abuse.

The cyclical nature of the trauma and its frequent roots in betrayals by people and places we're conditioned to regard as "safe" makes the C-PTSD symptom profile distinct and uniquely challenging.

Emotional regulation

One of the most noticeable and debilitating symptoms is trouble with emotional regulation. Those with C-PTSD might have intense emotional reactions to reminders of their trauma, which could coincide with other issues such as anger management, self-harming tendencies, suicidal thoughts, difficulty maintaining sexual boundaries or excessive risk-taking behaviours.

Memory loss & Disconnection

C-PTSD can also lead to changes in attention or consciousness, which could manifest as memory loss or a tendency to dissociate or mentally disconnect.

Negative Self-image

The disorder can greatly affect one's self-perception, leading to feelings of ineffectiveness or learned helplessness, a negative self-image, feelings of guilt, misplaced shame, or a belief that others can't truly understand or empathise with the sufferer's pain. It's also common to downplay your own trauma.

Relationships

In terms of interpersonal relationships, C-PTSD might cause a fear of trusting others, a pattern of ending up in victimising relationships or situations, or a tendency to victimise or belittle others.

Physical symptoms

Physically, C-PTSD can manifest as digestive issues, chronic pain, cardiopulmonary symptoms (like shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, high blood pressure), conversion symptoms (like paralysis, deafness, blindness, balance problems, numbness, loss of speech, incontinence or urinary retention, gait problems, swallowing difficulty) or sexual symptoms (like inability to reach orgasm or premature ejaculation).

Despair

Finally, C-PTSD can disrupt the way you interpret the world, instilling a sense of despair and hopelessness that erodes previously comforting beliefs.

A complex PTSD therapist can provide the expert care necessary to help clients through their difficulties in a comfortable space, putting them on the path to moving forward. When symptoms worsen over time and become chronic, a PTSD Therapist can be there for you.

  • PTSD therapy is about coping skills and developing a deeper understanding of how to live life beyond trauma. With our clinical psychologist, you will feel heard in a safe and comfortable space.

    PTSD therapy is about coping skills and developing a deeper understanding of how to live life beyond trauma. With our clinical psychologist, you will feel heard in a safe and comfortable space.

    Our treatment approach may help you to:

    • Learn new skills and ways to manage emotion and physiological arousal, reducing your reliance on negative coping behaviours. 

    • Understand why your body and mind are reacting the way they are, including related physical health issues. 

    • Reflect on how your past experiences have shaped you and consider who you want to be moving forward. This includes any gifts of heightened wisdom, compassion, awareness or passion for a cause that you feel called to offer the world. 

    • We also help you integrate your traumatic experiences, encouraging you to tell your story and find an evolving place for it in your life. Not only does this make your trauma real and not distant from you, but it also allows your whole self to be present in your life. 

    • Lastly, we put you in touch with personal and social resources to assist you in your healing journey.

  • We understand your worries about PTSD treatment and having to relive the trauma again. You're not alone. Many people bear this concern when contemplating treatment for trauma or PTSD. It's a perfectly reasonable fear to voice, given the reality of re-traumatisation among individuals with PTSD.

    We want to reassure you that avoiding re-traumatisation is a priority. It's essential to collaborate with a psychotherapist who is experienced and capable in treating trauma and PTSD to ensure this. We implement treatment strategies that aim to foster healing in the least traumatising way.

    Personalisation plays a crucial role in this process. One-size-fits-all approaches can't address the uniqueness of your experience. Instead, we use non-invasive methods to confront the traumas, while keeping you detached from them in a secure manner.

    As we navigate the therapeutic journey together, understanding your psychological state and your coping capacity becomes our guide. If signs of distress emerge, we'll manage them appropriately to ensure safe healing.

    Many people find that, after PTSD therapy, the trauma no longer distresses them as much. Often, they share that the process was less daunting than they anticipated, and generally, they feel significantly better afterwards. Remember, you’re here to improve your emotional wellbeing and reach that destination where trauma isn’t in the driver’s seat anymore because you are in control, and you have the coping mechanisms to live a full life.

Trauma and PTSD Therapist Treatments: Frequently Asked Questions:

There is always an element of uncertainty before speaking with a Trauma Psychologist and the anxiety may even hold you back from seeking treatment. You won’t be the first person to experience what you’re going through or to wonder if a Trauma and PTSD Therapist is right for you. 

Following are some of the most frequently asked questions Hannah encounters from new clients to her Broadbeach, Gold Coast private practice.

  • Yes, it is completely normal to feel anxious about starting trauma therapy. Many people feel apprehensive opening up to a PTSD psychologist, especially after something as sensitive as trauma. Hannah understands these feelings and is dedicated to easing your anxieties. She creates a safe and welcoming atmosphere where you can feel at ease. You will always work at your pace, ensuring that you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. Your comfort and well-being are Hannah’s top priorities.

  • In therapy, you’ll find a safe and supportive space where you can openly discuss your trauma history without fear of judgement. It’s a place where you can share your experiences at your own pace. We will work together to identify what triggers your symptoms, helping you understand the connections between your experiences and your current feelings and behaviours.

  • An important part of therapy is gradually processing your traumatic memories. This doesn’t mean you have to relive the trauma; rather, we will approach these memories in a way that feels safe and manageable for you.

  • While some people may experience a reduction in PTSD symptoms over time, it's not something you should have to face alone. Without proper treatment from a PTSD and trauma psychologist, it can persist and even become a chronic condition, making daily life much more challenging. Hannah is there to provide the support and interventions you need to manage your symptoms effectively and promote long-term healing and recovery.

  • PTSD-related sleep problems, like insomnia or nightmares, are common but can be addressed effectively through therapy. We understand how distressing these issues can be, and we’re here to help you find relief. Using calm and effective psychological techniques, Hannah will gently yet powerfully work with you to improve sleep. These therapies can help you reframe negative thoughts, create healthier sleep routines, and reduce the frequency and intensity of nightmares.

PTSD Treatment Gold Coast

The psychological treatment of PTSD usually involves discussing stressful life events and traumatic events over a number of sessions with a psychotherapist.  As a trusted trauma and PTSD psychologist Gold Coast-based, Hannah is ready to share her extensive experience. At Jeffers Psychology, we provide a comfortable environment. 
Feel easily overwhelmed since your traumatic event? If you have a keen interest, we can even invite Dio the Therapy Dog into your session to give you extra support.