Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Understanding trauma responses and finding a path to healing

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as an accident, assault, abuse, natural disaster, medical trauma, repeated adverse experiences, or any situation in which a person felt overwhelmed, frightened, helpless, or unsafe.

PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is a natural response of the nervous system to an overwhelming experience. With the right support, symptoms can reduce and life can become more stable and meaningful again.

At SGI Psychology in Preston (Northern Suburbs of Melbourne), our psychologists provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to help people understand their symptoms, regain a sense of safety, and rebuild their lives.

What is PTSD?

PTSD occurs when the mind and body remain in a prolonged “survival mode” after trauma. The nervous system stays alert, as if the event could happen again at any moment.

People with PTSD may notice:

  • unwanted memories or images of the event

  • nightmares or sleep difficulties

  • avoidance of reminders of the trauma

  • strong emotional or physical reactions to triggers

  • feeling on edge or “on guard” much of the time

  • difficulties concentrating or relaxing

  • emotional numbness or disconnection

  • irritability, anger, or emotional overwhelm

  • loss of interest in things once enjoyed

  • feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame

Some people develop symptoms soon after the trauma; for others, symptoms may emerge months or years later.

Complex trauma and CPTSD

Some people experience repeated or long-term trauma, such as childhood neglect, emotional abuse, domestic violence, bullying, or repeated interpersonal harm. This may lead to Complex PTSD (C-PTSD).

C-PTSD can include:

  • long-term difficulties regulating emotions

  • shame and low self-worth

  • relationship difficulties

  • strong fear of abandonment or rejection

  • chronic sense of threat or danger

Our psychologists work gently, at your pace, with a strong focus on safety and stabilisation.

How therapy can help with PTSD

Trauma-informed therapy aims to help you:

  • feel safer in your body and environment

  • understand trauma reactions without judgment

  • reduce avoidance and fear of reminders over time

  • process traumatic memories safely (when ready)

  • improve sleep and emotional regulation

  • reconnect with your values and sense of identity

  • rebuild relationships and daily functioning

Healing does not mean forgetting what happened. It means learning to live without constant fear, shame, and re-experiencing.

Therapies we use for PTSD

Depending on your needs and readiness, your psychologist may use:

  • Trauma-informed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Mindfulness-based therapies

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy

  • Grounding and stabilisation strategies

  • Psychoeducation about the nervous system

  • Emotional regulation skills

Therapy is always paced carefully. You will never be pushed to re-tell your trauma before you are ready.

What to expect in sessions

In your first sessions, we usually focus on:

  • creating safety and trust

  • understanding your story at your pace

  • learning calming and stabilisation strategies

  • reducing the impact of triggers and flashbacks

Later sessions may involve:

  • gently processing traumatic experiences

  • rebuilding identity and self-worth

  • reconnecting with values and meaningful activities

Your goals will guide the work.

When to seek help urgently

If you are experiencing:

  • thoughts of harming yourself or others

  • feeling unable to keep yourself safe

  • intense dissociation or panic you cannot manage

please seek immediate support from:

  • 000 (emergency services in Australia)

  • your local hospital emergency department

  • Lifeline 13 11 14

  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

You do not have to go through this alone.

Our location

SGI Psychology is based in Preston, in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, and we offer:

  • in-person psychology appointments

  • Australia-wide Telehealth therapy

Book an appointment

If you would like to speak to a psychologist about PTSD or trauma, you can:

  • book an appointment online

  • contact our reception team

  • ask which clinician may best suit your needs

We are here to support you.

Book a Session