Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counselling
in the Sutherland Shire

Post-traumatic stress can occur after experiencing or witnessing a distressing or overwhelming event. While many people recover, some continue to experience ongoing effects that can impact daily life, relationships and a sense of safety.

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors provide trauma-informed, evidence-based PTSD counselling in Menai and across the Sutherland Shire for children, adolescents, and adults. Sessions are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.

 

What does post-traumatic stress feel like?

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Post-traumatic stress reflects the way the nervous system responds to overwhelming experiences. 

 

​People may notice intrusive memories or flashbacks, nightmares or disrupted sleep, and a sense of being constantly on edge. Avoidance of reminders, emotional numbness or disconnection, difficulty concentrating, and strong physical responses to triggers are also common. These experiences can shift unpredictably and may feel difficult to put into words, even with people you trust.

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What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?

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While PTSD typically follows a single event, complex PTSD often follows prolonged or repeated experiences, such as ongoing abuse or extended exposure to threat. People with complex PTSD may experience the symptoms of PTSD alongside persistent difficulties with emotional regulation, sense of self, and relationships with others.

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When should I consider counselling?

 

You may wish to consider counselling if you are experiencing ongoing distress related to a past event, avoiding situations, places or reminders, or feeling constantly on edge or unsafe. Counselling can also help when you're struggling with sleep or intrusive memories, or noticing changes in mood, relationships or daily functioning.

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How does PTSD counselling help?

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Counselling focuses on understanding how trauma continues to affect the body, emotions and behaviour. 

 

​Our clinicians draw on evidence-based therapies, including EMDR therapy, trauma informed approaches, attachment-informed approaches, and somatic psychotherapy, adapted to each person's experience and stage of recovery. For children and adolescents, therapy may also draw on play and art therapy and sensory regulation strategies.

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PTSD counselling in the Sutherland Shire

 

We see clients from across the Sutherland Shire, including Sutherland, Miranda, Caringbah, Gymea, Kirrawee, Engadine, Bangor, Illawong, and surrounding suburbs. Our clinicians have postgraduate training in trauma-informed approaches and work with both single-event PTSD and complex PTSD presentations. You can read more about our team and their areas of focus.

 

PTSD counselling sits within our broader trauma counselling work and may overlap with anxiety, depression, or grief. Where trauma began in childhood, developmental trauma counselling is often more relevant. Where trauma has involved abuse, violence or coercive control within close relationships, domestic and family violence counselling may be helpful.

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For additional information, you may wish to explore Phoenix Australia, the national centre for posttraumatic mental health, or the Blue Knot Foundation for complex trauma support.

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​​​​​​Getting started

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

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