Complex and Developmental Trauma Counselling
in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

Complex and developmental trauma can develop in response to ongoing stress, neglect, abuse, violence or disrupted caregiving, particularly when these experiences begin early in life or occur repeatedly over time. When trauma occurs within important relationships, it can affect emotional development, relationships and a person's sense of safety and self.

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, our psychologists and counsellors provide complex and developmental trauma counselling for children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire.

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What is complex and developmental trauma?

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Developmental trauma refers to the effects of repeated or ongoing traumatic experiences during childhood, particularly when they occur within caregiving or other important relationships. Complex trauma is a broader term used to describe the effects of prolonged, repeated or interpersonal trauma and can occur during childhood or adulthood.

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When trauma occurs early in life, it can influence the development of emotional regulation, attachment, relationships and sense of self. These effects may continue into adolescence and adulthood and, for some people, may be associated with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (complex PTSD).

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How does childhood trauma affect children?

 

Children do not always have the words to explain how earlier experiences are affecting them. Developmental trauma may instead become noticeable through emotions, behaviour, relationships or learning.

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You may notice:

• Strong emotional reactions or difficulty settling

• Heightened alertness or sensitivity to perceived threat

• Withdrawal, shutdown or disconnection

• Difficulty trusting adults or forming secure relationships

• Challenges with attention, learning or boundaries

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How does childhood trauma affect adults?

 

The effects of childhood trauma can continue into adulthood, particularly when experiences were prolonged, repeated or occurred within important relationships.

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Some adults notice difficulties trusting others, managing strong emotions or feeling secure in relationships. Others experience persistent self-criticism, anxiety, low mood, disconnection or patterns in relationships that seem difficult to change. For some people, these experiences may be associated with complex PTSD.

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Understanding how earlier experiences continue to influence thoughts, emotions and relationships can be an important part of trauma counselling.

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How can childhood trauma therapy help?

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Counselling can help children and adults understand and respond to the effects of earlier experiences. Therapy may initially focus on emotional regulation, relationships and developing a greater sense of safety before working more directly with traumatic experiences where appropriate.

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For adults, therapy may explore how patterns developed earlier in life continue to influence emotions, relationships and responses in the present. For children and adolescents, therapy may focus on emotional regulation, attachment and strengthening relationships with caregivers. Where appropriate, this may include work within a reparative parenting framework.

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Our clinicians draw on approaches including EMDR therapy, attachment-informed and trauma-informed approaches, somatic psychotherapy, schema therapy, and play and art therapy. The approach used will depend on the person's age, experiences and therapeutic needs.

 

When should I consider counselling for childhood trauma?

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You may wish to consider counselling if you or your child are experiencing ongoing difficulties with emotional regulation, relationships, trust or feeling safe and connected. Earlier experiences may also continue to affect everyday life through anxiety, low mood, withdrawal, strong emotional reactions or patterns that are difficult to understand or change.

 

Developmental and complex trauma can overlap with PTSD, anxiety and difficulties with emotional regulation. You do not need to know which description best fits your experiences before seeking support.

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How do I find complex trauma therapy near me?

 

If you have been searching for a complex trauma psychologist, childhood trauma therapist or developmental trauma therapy near you, our psychologists and counsellors work with children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.

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We see children, adolescents and adults from across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire, including Sutherland, Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine, Gymea, Kirrawee, Illawong and Bangor. We also see clients from the St George area, including Hurstville, Penshurst and Mortdale.

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Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire and via secure online appointments across Australia.

 

If you are unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.