What is Trauma?
Trauma is an intense emotional reaction, often fear, following exposure to a highly distressing event such as abuse, accidents, crime, or natural disasters. It can occur through direct involvement or witnessing such events. Experiencing trauma does not automatically mean developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The two are related but distinct conditions requiring different considerations.
What are the common symptoms?
While trauma is a natural reaction to extreme stress, its impact varies. Some recover quickly, while others experience prolonged symptoms that interfere with daily life, leading to conditions like PTSD.
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Some common symptoms associated with experiencing trauma include:
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Emotional numbness
- Hypervigilance
- Avoidance of reminders
- Irritability or anger outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating
Why do I feel like this?
Trauma changes how we process emotions and perceive the world, making ordinary situations feel overwhelming. The impacts of trauma on one’s well-being are further explained below:
Brain’s Survival Mode
Emotional Dysregulation
Physical Symptoms
Memory and Triggers
How does therapy help?
Through evidence-based approaches, therapy helps individuals understand their trauma, develop coping strategies, and restore a sense of control. These benefits are further explained below:
Safe Environment for Expression
Therapy offers a confidential, non-judgemental space where individuals can share experiences openly, reducing isolation and fostering trust, which is essential for trauma recovery and emotional healing.
Understanding Trauma Responses
Therapists help clients recognise how trauma affects thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, enabling insight into triggers and patterns, which is the first step toward regaining control and stability.
Developing Coping Strategies
Therapy equips individuals with practical tools like grounding techniques, relaxation exercises, and cognitive reframing to manage overwhelming emotions and reduce anxiety linked to traumatic memories.
Processing Traumatic Memories
Therapy allows safe exploration and integration of traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional intensity and promoting psychological resilience.
Restoring Emotional Regulation
Therapy teaches skills to manage intense emotions, helping individuals shift from reactive states to balanced responses, improving mental health and overall quality of life.
Rebuilding Relationships and Trust
Trauma often damages interpersonal connections therefore, therapy supports rebuilding trust, improving communication, and fostering healthy relationships, which are vital for long-term recovery and social support.
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
Please contact us or follow this link if you would like to set up an assessment with a Psychologist at Transformations Clinical Psychology.
Meet Our Team​​
Meet our friendly and experienced team, here to help you with confidence and care.
Amy Wang
Mandarin
English
We are here to support you​
Please contact us or click on this link if you would like to see one of our experienced psychologistsÂ
FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.