Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. At The Victorian Psychology Clinic, we provide evidence-based PTSD therapy for adolescents and adults in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and via telehealth. Our psychologists support clients who may be struggling with intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, or a persistent sense of feeling unsafe.
Trauma can affect many areas of life, including relationships, sleep, work, concentration and emotional wellbeing. For some people, symptoms begin soon after a traumatic event. For others, they may emerge later or become more noticeable over time. These responses can feel overwhelming, but they are understandable reactions to events that have been deeply distressing or frightening.
At The Victorian Psychology Clinic, we take a compassionate and individualised approach to trauma therapy. We understand that beginning PTSD treatment can feel daunting, and we work at a pace that feels safe and manageable for each client.
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 interfering with your day-to-day life, seeking support can be an important step towards recovery.
Treatment for PTSD
PTSD is a treatable condition, and therapy can help people process traumatic experiences, reduce distressing symptoms, and regain a greater sense of safety and control.
At VPC, treatment for PTSD may include a range of evidence-based approaches depending on a person’s needs, goals and stage of recovery. This may include 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 at VPC take care to tailor treatment 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
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, we also work collaboratively with GPs, psychiatrists and other treating professionals to ensure care is coordinated and tailored to the client’s needs.
