Trauma is a psychological, emotional response to exposure to an incident or series of events that are emotionally disturbing or life-threatening. Experiencing trauma can have lasting adverse effects on a persons functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Traumatic experiences can include a wide range of life events, such as physical and sexual assault, emotional abuse, natural disasters, medical procedures, domestic violence, sudden bereavements, wartime incidents or living with a family member with mental health or substance use disorders.

There are three main types of trauma:

  • Acute trauma results from a single incident such as a motor vehicle accident or sexual assault

  • Chronic trauma is repeated and prolonged such as domestic violence or abuse

  • Complex trauma usually occurs in childhood as a result of repeated traumatic events that are relational, repeated, and cumulative such an ongoing childhood sexual abuse, caregivers who are unavailable due to their own trauma or drug and alcohol abuse, or caregivers who are physically and emotionally abusive

Trauma Symptoms can include anger, persistent feelings of sadness and despair, flashbacks, unpredictable emotions, physical symptoms such a nausea and headaches, intense feelings of guilt and shame,, feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

Healing From Trauma

It is possible to heal from trauma. The brain changes in response to traumatic experiences however there are many different types of therapies that can help people leave their trauma behind and learn to feel safe again.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is an evidenced based psychological treatment that has been used effectively for over 30 years in a variety of international settings and cultures with many different types of psychological distress.

Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinicians have also successfully used EMDR as a treatment component in the management of:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Panic attacks

  • Personality disorders

  • Complicated grief

  • Dissociative disorders

  • Pain disorders

  • Body dysmorphic disorders

  • Eating disorders

  • Sexual or Physical abuse

  • Performance anxiety

  • Stress reduction

  • Disturbing memories

  • Phobia

Below are two videos that explain a little more about EMDR. These videos were created by the EMDR Association of Australia.

If you would like to chat further about trauma or want more information on whether you would benefit from EMDR therapy please submit an enquiry or give me a call to make an appointment.