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Looking for an effective treatment to address post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be challenging, but starting with the right therapist is key. This page provides insights into PTSD symptoms and introduces you to seasoned therapists while delving into the successful therapeutic strategies available at Cova Psychology that are designed specifically for those suffering from traumatic stress disorders.
Those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) must find a therapist who is adept at handling their specific needs. At Cova Psychology, our therapists provide a range of evidenced based trauma therapies and have are skilled at addressing both PTSD and the nuances of complex trauma.
The range of symptoms associated with PTSD includes but is not limited to intrusive memories, heightened arousal states, irritability, flashbacks, avoidance behaviour patterns as well as emotional struggles like feelings of shame, guilt or profound sadness. Traumatic events that can lead to the onset of post-traumatic stress include physical assault encounters, wartime experiences and natural disasters among others. Experiencing trauma early in life or undergoing multiple traumatic events raises the risk significantly for developing PTSD. Childhood trauma is also a significant factor that can lead to PTSD, and addressing it often requires individualised therapy.
If you find that your daily activities are consistently hindered by ongoing symptoms of post-traumatic stress over an extensive period of time, professional assistance may be necessary. The skilled trauma therapists at Cova Psychology are dedicated to helping clients navigate through these disruptions enabling them to better manage PTSD symptoms and reduce the challenges linked with experiencing psychological trauma.
The path to recovery from PTSD can be tough. The impact of trauma, whether from a car accident, natural disaster, or the death of a close family member, requires recognising the issue and seeking professional help to heal.
This page aims to guide you through different therapeutic interventions for treating PTSD. We will cover PTSD symptoms, introduce our dedicated therapists, and review the treatment strategies available to help you regain control over your life.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may emerge following exposure to traumatic events such as warfare, criminal acts, or catastrophic occurrences like natural disasters. It is sometimes triggered by painful and destructive relationships and can include experiences physical or sexual assault.
Individuals with PTSD often struggle with intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; feel sadness, fear, or anger; and feel detached or estranged from other people. Symptoms of PTSD can include:
Re-experiencing the trauma: This involves reliving the traumatic event through intrusive memories, recurrent flashbacks, and nightmares. These experiences can be so vivid that individuals feel they are re-living the trauma.
Avoidance: Individuals may avoid places, activities, or people that remind them of the traumatic experience. This avoidance can disrupt daily routines and personal relationships.
Negative changes in thinking and mood: Feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, trouble in maintaining close relationships, and diminished interest in activities that were once enjoyable are common.
Changes in physical and emotional reactions: This includes being easily startled or frightened, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behaviour, trouble sleeping, and having trouble concentrating.
PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity over time and can be triggered by reminders of the traumatic event, such as anniversaries of the event or news reports.
These symptoms can severely disrupt routine functioning in day-to-day life. PTSD often entails experiencing intrusive memories and avoidance behaviours alongside significant distress – a level of intense discomfort that interferes with everyday activities. Emotional reactions such as feelings of shame, guilt, and profound sadness are commonly linked with PTSD. Individuals may struggle with emotional numbness, confusion resulting from the trauma symptoms while feeling overwhelmed by fear or embarrassment.
In cases where these symptoms continue for an extended period beyond just a few months after the traumatic event has occurred, accessing professional help can be important to address PTSD head on. Therapists use a range of effective treatments for addressing PTSD effectively through therapeutic approaches which include Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and prolonged exposure therapy.
We’d like to introduce our dedicated therapists who are passionate helping their clients heal from trauma. Our therapists have extensive experience treating trauma, keep up-to-date with the latest develops in the trauma therapy field, and all of our trauma therapists are trained in evidence based trauma processing interventions such as EMDR.
The following section of this page aims to guide you through different therapeutic interventions for treating PTSD. These treatment strategies available at Cova Psychology to help you regain control over your life.
At Cova Psychology, we engage in trauma therapy by employing proven methods such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These approaches are customised to meet the unique requirements and aspirations of our clients, providing them with individualised treatment strategies.
We employ a range of therapeutic techniques is to strengthen emotional regulation while better managing anxiety (particularly the physical sensations) associated with trauma. Through participation in these therapies, individuals can experience an increase in self-esteem and develop a stronger sense of personal control over their lives. Below is we expand on some of therapeutic interventions:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an effective approach for addressing PTSD. This technique works to process painful memories associated with trauma by directing eye movements, which enables individuals to reshape their understanding of traumatic events.
For individuals who experience emotional numbness or disconnection as a result of enduring multiple traumatic episodes, EMDR therapy offers significant benefits. By methodically concentrating on these recurring memories through use of the EMDR protocol, the therapy works to diminish their trauma symptom severity while promoting the emergence of positive emotions.
At Cova Psychology, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) can be used to treat PTSD by helping clients shift detrimental thinking processes that lead to painful emotions and unhealthy behaviours. Through pinpointing and transforming negative cognitive patterns, we can also shift our mood and behavioural responses.
Through its application, CBT utilises strategies aimed at reshaping our thoughts, or cognitions, tied to PTSD. This therapy helps clients to shift their perception in relation to traumatic events. By focusing on the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and actions, CGT assists individuals in restructuring negative or distorted thought patterns which in turn helps to achieve an effective treatment outcome.
At Cova Psychology, mindfulness-based strategies can play an important role in trauma therapy. These methods are designed to develop an awareness of the present moment, effectively reducing instances of recurring memories associated with trauma. By honing present moment attention through mindfulness techniques, individuals can experience relief from PTSD symptoms and improve their capacity for emotional regulation.
By employing mindfulness-centred techniques, those undergoing treatment are able to stay connected to the current moment, minimising the tendency to re-experience traumatic events mentally. This practice has been shown not only to decrease avoidance behaviours but also notably enhance engagement in pleasurable day-to-day activities.
Cova Psychology provides a range of supplementary therapeutic approaches to enhance the treatment for PTSD, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as therapies grounded in compassion.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Key components are emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, all aimed at enhancing emotional resilience and fostering a more balanced life. Often clients who require greater emotional stabilisation prior to trauma processing, will engage in a therapy such a DBT to assist with this.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on embracing difficult thoughts and emotions while dedicating oneself to actions that correspond with personal values. By adopting this therapeutic approach, individuals are guided towards behaviours which resonate with their values (or core beliefs), regardless of experiencing troubling thoughts or emotions.For those coping with PTSD, ACT advocates for the acceptance of one’s experiences paired with a commitment to adapt behavioural patterns as needed.
Therapies rooted in compassion and attachment can be important for PTSD recovery, particularly if the traumatic experiences were relational in nature (occurring within relationships). These therapies focus on cultivating self-compassion while also recognising how historical relationships influence present emotions and actions.
Fostering self-compassion can be transformative for individuals experiencing PTSD, particularly when it comes to managing their emotional reactions and and increasing resilience. Grasping the dynamics of previous relationships is vital, as it can uncover recurring patterns that play a role in current emotional states and behaviours, which is can be important for the healing process of PTSD and complex trauma.
It is essential to seek professional assistance if symptoms of PTSD persistently interfere with everyday activities over a period extending beyond several months. Psychological therapy plays a significant role in responding to trauma by assisting in the management of symptoms, enabling individuals to emotionally work through their traumatic experiences, and promoting progress towards recovery.
The objective of trauma therapy is to help people in processing their traumatic events and handle the associated symptoms more effectively. A trauma therapist provides support that creates an environment where it’s safe to express complex emotions tied to trauma. This therapeutic support also helps clients in mending relationships that have been adversely affected by their experiences with trauma.
Start therapy can seem intimidating (especially if you’ve never been before!), but understanding the process can ease some of the anxiety. The first phase involves a thorough psychological assessment and focuses on building a solid connection between client and therapist. Clients usually start their first session by discussing their issues and reasons for seeking therapy.
The early stages usually encompass a detailed assessment designed to understand the individual’s mental health background and present symptoms. Therapists strive to develop trust and foster a secure space where clients feel comfortable discussing intimate details of their lives. It’s usual practice to set goals together during this time. Therapists work with clients to co-create targets that guide the direction of future therapy sessions.
To access PTSD therapy individuals may take advantage of rebates from Medicare and health funds. Medicare offers up to 10 rebates per calendar year for mental health services, which can significantly reduce the cost of therapy sessions. To access these rebates, you will need to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and referral from your General Practitioner (GP), or simply a referral from a psychiatrist. Our friendly reception team can answer any questions you may have about fees, Medicare rebates, and obtaining a referral and MHCP.
You may find out detailed guide about accessing Medicare rebates for psychology sessions helpful.
Seeking therapy for PTSD is a brave and essential step towards recovery. The comprehensive treatment approaches offered by Cova Psychology, including EMDR, CBT, mindfulness-based interventions, ACT, DBT, and compassion-based therapies. Each method is tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, ensuring individualised care.
By understanding PTSD and its symptoms, working with skilled trauma therapists, and exploring the various therapeutic techniques available, you can begin to reclaim your life from trauma and PTSD.
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a condition related to mental health which emerges following the direct exposure to or observation of traumatic events. Individuals affected by PTSD often suffer from symptoms including recurring flashbacks, distressing nightmares, and intense emotional disturbance.
Such a condition can greatly disrupt one’s daily activities and have a profound impact on their quality of life and general state of well-being.
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a condition related to mental health which emerges following the direct exposure to or observation of traumatic events. Individuals affected by PTSD often suffer from symptoms including recurring flashbacks, distressing nightmares, and intense emotional disturbance.
Such a condition can greatly disrupt one’s daily activities and have a profound impact on their quality of life and general state of well-being.
Common symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares that can disrupt daily life. Individuals may also experience heightened arousal, irritability, and avoidance of trauma reminders. Emotional reactions such as intense shame, guilt, or sadness are also common. These symptoms can interfere with routine activities and overall well-being, making professional support essential for recovery.
Cova Psychology offers an extensive range of treatments grounded in scientific evidence for PTSD, which includes Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness strategies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), DBT, as well as therapies focusing on attachment and self-compassion.
These therapeutic approaches are tailored to address and control the symptoms associated with PTSD effectively.
Trauma therapy plays a significant role in recovery by enabling individuals to process traumatic experiences, manage their symptoms, and rebuild relationships.
This structured approach can lead to significant long-term relief and improved emotional well-being.
Yes, Cova Psychology provides affordable therapy options with rebates through Medicare and health funds to help lower session costs.
If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of PTSD, our Melbourne psychologists and trauma therapists are here to provide support. We offer a compassionate and confidential environment to help you navigate the challenges of PTSD. Connect with us:
We provide both face-to-face and telehealth sessions, making our services accessible regardless of your location. Our goal at Cova Psychology is to guide you towards recovery and resilience, helping you heal from the impacts of traumatic experiences.
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Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right Melbourne psychologist.
Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right Melbourne psychologist
Acknowledgement of Country
Cova Psychology acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where our Melbourne CBD practice is located—the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, as well as the Elders of other Aboriginal communities in Melbourne and beyond.
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We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the practice is located. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.
