Recovery from Trauma

Finding safety, strength, and a way forward after overwhelming experiences

Trauma can occur when a person experiences or witnesses events that feel overwhelming, threatening, or beyond their ability to cope. These may include accidents, abuse, assault, medical trauma, domestic violence, neglect, natural disasters, or repeated experiences of harm.

Trauma does not only live in memory — it is held in the body and nervous system. Many people continue to feel unsafe long after the event has passed. This is not a sign of weakness. It is the mind and body trying to protect you.

Recovery from trauma is possible. With the right support, people can regain a sense of safety, reconnect with themselves and others, and build a life that feels meaningful again.

At SGI Psychology in Preston (Northern Suburbs of Melbourne), our psychologists provide gentle, trauma-informed therapy to support healing at your pace.

How trauma can affect you

Trauma can show up in many ways, including:

  • feeling constantly on edge or alert

  • intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

  • avoiding reminders of what happened

  • emotional numbness or disconnection

  • strong emotional reactions that feel out of proportion

  • difficulty trusting others

  • shame or self-blame

  • problems with sleep or concentration

  • feeling unsafe even when nothing is wrong

  • changes in identity or sense of self

These are common trauma responses. They are not flaws — they are survival strategies.

What recovery looks like

Recovery does not mean forgetting what happened. It means:

  • feeling safer in your body and daily life

  • reducing the power of triggers and memories

  • understanding your reactions with compassion

  • regaining choice and control

  • rebuilding trust in yourself and others

  • reconnecting with meaning, identity, and values

  • living with greater calm and flexibility

Healing is not linear. Some days feel lighter, others heavier. Therapy provides a steady, supportive space through this process.

How therapy supports trauma recovery

Trauma-informed therapy focuses on:

  • building safety and stability

  • calming the nervous system

  • understanding trauma responses

  • learning grounding and regulation skills

  • gently processing traumatic experiences (when ready)

  • reducing shame and self-criticism

  • strengthening resilience and self-compassion

  • supporting reconnection with life and relationships

You will never be pushed to revisit experiences before you are ready. You remain in control of the pace.

Approaches we use

Your psychologist may integrate:

  • Trauma-informed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Mindfulness-based approaches

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy

  • Stabilisation and grounding techniques

  • Psychoeducation about the nervous system

  • Narrative and meaning-making approaches

Therapy is always tailored to your needs and your stage of recovery.

Our location

SGI Psychology is based in Preston, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, offering:

  • in-person psychology appointments

  • Telehealth sessions Australia-wide

Book an appointment

If trauma is affecting your wellbeing or daily life, you can:

You deserve safety, understanding, and the opportunity to heal.

Book a Session