Most people are likely to experience traumatic events in their lifetime, and most individuals recover well, given time and adequate social support.
For some individuals, however, the experience of a traumatic event or ongoing exposure to trauma can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD refers to a set of symptoms that can emerge some time after exposure to a potentially traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
Exposure to such events can be through:
- direct experience of the traumatic event
- witnessing the event happening to someone else in person
- learning that the event has happened to a close family member or close friend or
- repeated or extreme exposure to the aftermath of trauma (e.g. first responders to emergency situations).
With good psychological intervention, however, the chances of recovery are strong. Without treatment, individuals are at increased risk for developing chronic PTSD and other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and/or problems with alcohol or drug use.
There are several effective psychological treatments for PTSD. These treatments have been shown through research to help reduce the symptoms of PTSD and to help people recover. They include cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD), prolonged exposure (PE), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and psycho-social interventions.
If the distress associated with a traumatic event has been affecting a person’s work, school, or home life for more than two weeks, psychological assistance should be considered. Our Psychologists are trained and qualified professionals, skilled in diagnosing and treating a range of mental health concerns, including PTSD. Our psychologists can help you to identify and manage the factors that contribute to your distress.
Our Psychologists usually see clients individually, but, where appropriate, can also include family members to support treatment and provide advice for others affected by the individual’s experience of trauma.
