Evolving Minds Counselling
and Psychology
PTSD Counselling and Therapy
in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire
Post-traumatic stress can affect how you think, feel and respond to situations. For some, memories of what happened can feel intrusive or difficult to control. For others, it may show up as feeling constantly on edge, avoiding particular places or situations, struggling with sleep, or feeling disconnected from yourself or the people around you.
These responses can develop after experiencing or witnessing an overwhelming or distressing event. Sometimes the effects are noticeable soon afterwards. For others, difficulties may emerge later or become more apparent when something triggers memories or feelings connected with what happened.
At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, our psychologists and counsellors provide PTSD counselling and trauma therapy for children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire and online across Australia.
What does PTSD feel like?
Post-traumatic stress can affect thoughts, emotions, physical responses and everyday behaviour. Even when the immediate danger has passed, the nervous system may continue to respond as though it needs to remain alert or protected.
People experiencing PTSD may notice:
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intrusive memories, images or flashbacks
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nightmares or disrupted sleep
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feeling constantly alert, watchful or easily startled
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avoiding people, places or situations connected with what happened
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strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders
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feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
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difficulty concentrating
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irritability, anger or feeling easily overwhelmed
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difficulty feeling safe, even when there is no immediate danger
What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?
PTSD can develop following a single traumatic event or a series of traumatic experiences. Complex PTSD is more commonly associated with prolonged or repeated trauma, particularly where the experiences occurred over time or within important relationships.
Alongside symptoms of PTSD, people with complex PTSD may experience ongoing difficulties with emotional regulation, relationships and their sense of self.
How can PTSD counselling help?
PTSD counselling can help you understand how traumatic experiences continue to affect the way you think, feel and respond. Therapy may focus initially on managing distress, understanding triggers and developing a greater sense of safety and emotional regulation.
As therapy progresses, this may include working with avoidance, beliefs that developed following the trauma, relationship difficulties and traumatic memories where appropriate. Trauma therapy does not necessarily mean immediately talking in detail about what happened. The approach and pace will depend on the person, their experiences and what they are ready to work with.
Our clinicians draw on evidence-based approaches including EMDR therapy, trauma-informed and attachment-informed approaches, and somatic psychotherapy. For children and adolescents, counselling may also incorporate play and art therapy and sensory regulation strategies.
When should I consider counselling?
You may wish to consider counselling when trauma-related experiences are affecting sleep, relationships, work, school or everyday life. Some people seek support soon after a traumatic experience, while others begin counselling months or years later.
For additional information about PTSD and complex trauma, you may wish to explore Phoenix Australia or the Blue Knot Foundation.
How do I find a PTSD therapist near me?
If you have been searching for a PTSD therapist, PTSD psychologist, PTSD specialist or PTSD counselling near you, our psychologists and counsellors work with children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.
PTSD counselling sits within our broader trauma counselling work and may overlap with anxiety, depression and grief. Where trauma began during childhood or occurred repeatedly during development, developmental trauma counselling may be more relevant. Where trauma has involved abuse, violence or coercive control within close relationships, domestic and family violence counselling may also be helpful.
We see clients from across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire, including Sutherland, Miranda, Caringbah, Gymea, Kirrawee, Engadine, Bangor and Illawong. We also see clients from the St George area, including Hurstville, Penshurst and Mortdale, in person or online.
Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire and online across Australia.
Our Client Care Team can help you find a clinician whose experience aligns with the support you are seeking. Call 02 8519 4197 or click the button below to request an appointment.