Effective Trauma Counselling

What is Trauma, and how does it affect a person?

A 'traumatic event' is one which results in the destruction of trust.

For someone suffering after a trauma, one or several events has robbed them of their sense of safety in the world and their ability to deal with life and all its issues is impeded. Their trust in others is destroyed, and cruelly this also tends to erode trust in oneself. The challenge for those who have experienced one or more traumas is that speaking about the event triggers extreme levels of anxiety and distress. Often their common coping strategy has been to avoid any reference to the event (which is almost impossible to do). Many resort to alcholol or drugs to provide temporary relief from their constant, highly anxious state.

Traumatised individuals are characterised by their constant attempts to control almost all aspects of life and isolate themselves from others.

What does a Psychologist do in Trauma Counselling?

Trauma counselling involves the following positive steps and processes:

• Simple, clear, and repeated information about the nature of trauma, and how the day to day experience of the traumatised individual is a logical consequence of what has happened to them.

• This information often involves some simple education of how our brain reacts to trauma and the state of hyperarousal (being on one's guard all the time) this creates.

• Strategies are then used to give you a greater sense of control over the unpleasant aspects of trauma (e.g. breath work, grounding exercises, Mindfulness)

• Eye Motion Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is the standard evidence-based approach for treating trauma.  This approach is only commenced once the client has some experience and confidence in their ability to manage the unpleasant aspects of trauma.  The approach is client-lead meaning that clients only process memories of their choice and at their own pace.

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Do you suffer lingering trauma, and want to seek help? Call or book an appointment for trauma counselling today, or get to know more about Brisbane Psychologist Dr. Clive Williams.

Trauma Counselling Case Study*

Ben was assaulted at work. After some time off, he returned though found himself highly anxious, even though the person who assaulted him no longer worked there.  He was now almost always anxious, had difficulty sleeping and according to his wife was a ‘different person’. He became highly controlling within the home and extremely angry when his wife or children were too loud or did things which he did not like. He stopped helping with the weekly shop and then refused altogether to go to work. He further refused to be involved in social activities with friends or family.  His drinking increased and most nights Ben fell asleep watching television only to go to bed and stay awake. Ben’s anger was further provoked when the medication he was given did little to help. Initially he refused therapy stating that “talking about it wasn't going to change a thing!” 

As time progressed Ben became estranged from his family and only when his wife asked him to leave he attended counselling for trauma.

Initially, Ben’s hostility was also directed at the trauma therapist and Ben repeatedly challenged the benefit of “talking about himself” as a waste of time. As he and the counsellor then focused on his marriage, over time, Ben was able to see that his behaviour at home would be difficult for anyone to tolerate. 

As Ben learned more about PTSD, he could see he had become hypervigilant, constantly on guard for any perceived danger. He began to realise that his attempts to avoid any reminders of the assault had turned into trying to avoid any potentially stressful situation. Still with some trepidation, he began EMDR.  Initially he learned that strategies such as Mindfulness, exercise and Safe Place could reduce some of the unpleasant symptoms of anxiety.  He then began exploring difficult life memories. Ben chose which one to begin with and through the specific technique of EMDR, he was able to revisit these traumatic memories.  During this process he began to see that some of his previous help beliefs about these traumas were actually inaccurate.  By shifting these self beliefs much of the anxiety and stress associated with these memories were minimised.  

* Case studies are based on common characteristics of many client examples.  They do not refer to any one particular person.  Any resemblance to actual persons is completely coincidental.

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