Trauma Counselling & Psychology Services Perth

"Trauma is not what happens to you, it is what happens inside of you.”

         – Dr Gabor Mate.

 

The experience of a traumatic event can have significant psychological and physiological effects. 

Our registered psychologists provide professional psychological treatment for individuals who have experienced trauma. We address the complexities of trauma and are committed to providing a confidential and structured therapeutic environment.

Understanding Trauma and Its Effects

Trauma can result from a single event, such as an accident or assault, or from ongoing stress, including developmental or relational trauma. The response to these events can vary. While some individuals may process these experiences with personal support, others may find professional psychological services beneficial for addressing the effects.

Black and white photo of a person with short curly hair, sitting with their head down and eyes closed, displaying a motion blur effect that creates a ghostly double image.
A young person sitting on the ground, leaning against a wall with their head bowed, appearing sad or contemplative in a black and white photo.

Common Sources of Trauma

Common sources of trauma include:

  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

  • Domestic violence

  • Natural disasters

  • Accidents or medical trauma

  • Loss of a loved one

  • Witnessing violence or traumatic events

  • Childhood abuse, neglect or abandonment

A woman sitting on a bed with her knees drawn up, holding her head in her hands, appearing distressed or upset in a black and white photo.

Symptoms of Trauma

Individuals experiencing trauma may present with a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to:

  • Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts

  • Heightened levels of fear and anxiety, sometimes manifesting in panic attacks

  • Disconnection from one's emotions (a general feeling of “numbness”)

  • Lowered self-esteem or sense of self-worth

  • Feelings of shame

  • Difficulty with concentration and focus

  • Irritability, anger, or mood swings

  • Avoidance of reminders of anything associated with the trauma

The Impact of Trauma

Trauma can shape an individual's perception of themselves and the world around them, often leading to patterns of behaviour and thought that perpetuate distress and dysfunction. Sometimes, trauma symptoms can severely impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

Long-term effects can emerge in individuals who, during childhood, did not develop skills for emotional regulation or were not reassured during fearful situations.

As a result, risky behaviours such as alcohol use, substance abuse, or self-harm can become a way of temporarily suppressing the trauma and regulating emotions that feel too overwhelming to confront.

These coping mechanisms do not address the root cause of the problem and can lead to more significant mood disorders or problems such as drug addiction and alcoholism.

Trauma Treatment at Ashcliffe Psychology

At Ashcliffe Psychology, our registered psychologists provide treatment within a confidential and structured setting. Our approach is designed to help clients address and process the psychological and physiological effects of trauma.

Treatment involves the application of evidence-based modalities and may include instruction in grounding techniques, awareness exercises, and other emotional regulation strategies. Our team has undertaken trauma-informed training, allowing us to tailor treatment to an individual's specific clinical needs.

We work collaboratively with clients to establish a strong therapeutic alliance and define clear objectives for treatment.

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