Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic or deeply distressing event. Psychologists consulting at VPC provide evidence-based PTSD therapy for adolescents and adults in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and via telehealth.
PTSD can involve intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional overwhelm or a persistent sense of feeling unsafe. Symptoms may begin soon after a traumatic event, or they may emerge later and become more noticeable over time.
Trauma can affect many areas of life, including relationships, sleep, work, study, concentration and emotional wellbeing. Therapy provides a supportive space to understand trauma responses, build coping strategies and work at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD can present differently from person to person, but there are some common symptoms that people may experience after trauma. These may include:
- intrusive memories of the traumatic event
- flashbacks or feeling as though the event is happening again
- nightmares or disturbed sleep
- feeling constantly on edge or easily startled
- avoiding people, places or situations that remind you of the trauma
- difficulty relaxing or feeling safe
- irritability, anger or emotional overwhelm
- guilt, shame or ongoing fear
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling numb, detached or disconnected from others
PTSD can also occur alongside anxiety, depression, panic symptoms, relationship difficulties or substance use concerns. If trauma symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life, seeking support can be an important step towards understanding what is happening and finding a way forward.
Treatment for PTSD
PTSD is a treatable condition, and therapy can help people process traumatic experiences, reduce distressing symptoms and rebuild a greater sense of safety and control.
Treatment for PTSD may include a range of evidence-based approaches depending on a person’s needs, goals and stage of recovery. Psychologists consulting at VPC may draw on approaches such as trauma-informed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, EMDR where appropriate, and strategies to support emotional regulation and symptom management.
For some people, therapy may first focus on building coping skills and stability before moving into deeper trauma processing. This may involve grounding strategies, psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, identifying triggers and developing tools to manage distress more effectively.
Psychologists consulting at VPC take care to tailor therapy to each individual, recognising that trauma affects everyone differently and that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process.
How we can support you
Psychologists consulting at VPC provide a respectful, supportive and emotionally safe space for people experiencing PTSD and trauma-related difficulties. We understand that trauma can affect how a person feels, thinks, relates to others and experiences their body.
Therapy for PTSD may help with:
- reducing flashbacks, nightmares and hypervigilance
- managing avoidance and emotional overwhelm
- rebuilding a sense of safety and control
- improving sleep, relationships and day-to-day functioning
- processing traumatic experiences in a supported and evidence-based way
Where appropriate, psychologists consulting at VPC may also work collaboratively with GPs, psychiatrists and other treating professionals to support coordinated care.
