What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
What are the common symptoms?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as war, natural disasters, accidents, or violent assaults. While it is normal to feel fear and stress immediately after trauma, PTSD occurs when these reactions persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life.
Symptoms often include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, heightened anxiety, and emotional numbness. PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, and may appear weeks, months, or even years after the event. Risk factors include prior trauma, lack of social support, and co-existing mental health conditions.
Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, and sometimes medication to manage symptoms. Early intervention is crucial to improve coping strategies and restore quality of life.
- Intrusive memories – unwanted, distressing recollections of the trauma.
- Flashbacks – feeling as if the traumatic event is happening again.
- Nightmares – disturbing dreams related to the trauma.
- Avoidance – steering clear of reminders, places, or people linked to the event.
- Negative mood changes – persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness.
- Hypervigilance – being constantly on guard or easily startled.
- Sleep disturbances – difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Difficulty concentrating – trouble focusing on tasks or conversations.
Why do I feel like this?
Hyperarousal and Anxiety
PTSD keeps the body in a constant “fight or flight” state, causing hyperarousal. This leads to anxiety, irritability, and difficulty relaxing. The brain perceives threats even in safe environments, making everyday situations feel overwhelming. This heightened alertness explains why you feel tense and on edge.
Intrusive Memories and Flashbacks
Traumatic experiences often resurface through intrusive thoughts or flashbacks. These vivid recollections make the past feel like the present, triggering fear and distress. Such episodes disrupt daily life and reinforce feelings of helplessness, as the mind struggles to separate current reality from traumatic memories.
Emotional Numbing and Detachment
To cope with trauma, the brain may shut down emotions, leading to numbness or detachment. While this protects against pain, it also reduces joy and connection. Feeling disconnected from others or yourself is a common symptom, contributing to isolation and difficulty maintaining relationships.
Negative Thought Patterns
PTSD often fosters negative beliefs like “I’m unsafe” or “It’s my fault.” These thoughts amplify guilt, shame, and hopelessness. Such cognitive distortions perpetuate emotional distress, making recovery harder. Recognising and challenging these patterns is essential for rebuilding confidence and fostering resilience.
How does therapy help?
Therapy is a cornerstone in managing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It provides a safe space to process trauma, reduce symptoms, and rebuild emotional resilience. Evidence-based approaches empower individuals to regain control and improve quality of life.
Symptom Reduction
Therapy helps decrease intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and hyperarousal by teaching coping strategies and grounding techniques, reducing distress and improving daily functioning.
Emotional Regulation
Differences in beliefs, traditions, or lifestyle choices between generations—such as cultural practices or political views—can lead to friction.
Cognitive Restructuring
Therapists guide clients to challenge negative beliefs and replace them with balanced thoughts, improving self-esteem and reducing guilt or shame.
Exposure Therapy
Gradual exposure to trauma-related memories or situations reduces avoidance behaviours, helping individuals regain confidence and control over their lives.
Social Connection
Therapy encourages rebuilding trust and relationships, reducing isolation and promoting supportive networks essential for recovery.
Skill Development
Clients learn practical coping skills, mindfulness, and stress management techniques to handle triggers and maintain long-term emotional health.
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 Psychologist.
Meet Our Team
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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.