Need a Psychologist For PTSD in Adelaide?
Living with the effects of trauma can be overwhelming. It can often cause the reliving of memories, feelings, and physical sensations that persist long after the event has passed, significantly impacting daily life.
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For those who feel impacted, seeking support from a psychologist in Adelaide who has experience in treating PTSD can provide professional care to manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
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At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, we understand that trauma affects both mind and body. Our approach combines evidence-based therapies with practical tools to help you process trauma, develop coping strategies, and rebuild your daily routine.
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Understanding PTSD and Its Effects
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a mental health condition that develops following exposure to or witnessing a traumatic event. Unlike normal stress responses, PTSD symptoms are persistent and can significantly affect a person's physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
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PTSD symptoms typically fall into four main categories:
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Intrusive Memories: These include flashbacks, nightmares, and distressing thoughts about the traumatic event. You might feel as though you're reliving the experience, complete with physical sensations and emotions from that time.
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Avoidance: You may find yourself avoiding places, people, activities, or thoughts that remind you of the trauma. This avoidance can become so extensive that it limits your ability to engage in normal activities.
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Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: PTSD can lead to persistent negative thoughts about yourself or others, distorted blame, ongoing fear or anxiety, diminished interest in activities, and feelings of detachment from loved ones.
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Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: These symptoms include being easily startled, hypervigilance, irritability, angry outbursts, reckless behaviour, trouble concentrating, and sleep disturbances.
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It is important to note that the impact of PTSD extends far beyond these symptoms. It can affect your ability to maintain employment, sustain relationships, and engage in activities you once enjoyed. Many people with PTSD also experience comorbidities such as depression, anxiety disorders, or substance use issues.
The Different Ways Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Can Present
PTSD can be broken down and categorised in several ways. Our psychologists at Adelaide Clinical Psychology are trained to help you understand your experiences, manage triggers, and use evidence-based approaches to transform distressing memories into manageable experiences. Some types of PTSD are:
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This is often linked to a single traumatic event. Symptoms typically include avoidance of reminders of the trauma, intrusive memories or flashbacks, and heightened arousal, such as being easily startled or having difficulty sleeping. While the term "uncomplicated" is used, the experience is anything but. Professional support is recommended to help manage symptoms.
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This form can develop from prolonged or repeated trauma. In addition to the standard PTSD symptoms, C-PTSD often involves difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. Individuals may struggle with feelings of worthlessness or have trouble forming secure attachments.
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In some cases, symptoms of PTSD may not appear until at least six months after the traumatic event. These symptoms can surface unexpectedly, often triggered by a recent stressor or a reminder of the original trauma.
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This type includes all the standard PTSD symptoms, plus dissociative symptoms like derealisation (feeling that your surroundings aren't real) or depersonalisation (feeling detached from your own body or thoughts). It can feel as though you are observing your life from the outside.
Evidence-Based Modalities To Treat PTSD
Our approach to therapy for PTSD relies on evidence-based modalities that have been thoroughly researched and proven successful. These modalities include:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is regarded as the most widely supported and effective approach for PTSD. This approach helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours related to your trauma. Through CBT, you'll learn to recognise how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected and how changing one can positively impact the others.
In PTSD-focused CBT, your warm and understanding psychologist will help you process traumatic memories in a safe environment, challenge distorted beliefs about the trauma, and develop healthy coping strategies. This collaborative approach empowers you to regain control over your thoughts and reactions.
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Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a specialised therapy that helps your brain process traumatic memories more effectively. During EMDR sessions, your caring psychologist guides you through recalling traumatic events while engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements.
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This process helps reduce the emotional intensity associated with traumatic memories, allowing them to be processed and stored more appropriately.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT offers a compassionate approach to PTSD by helping you develop a different relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. Rather than trying to eliminate distressing symptoms, ACT teaches you to accept their presence while committing to actions aligned with your values.
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This evidence-based approach includes mindfulness techniques, values clarification, and behavioural strategies that help you live meaningfully despite the presence of PTSD symptoms.
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder, but it has also been effectively used to support individuals experiencing PTSD. Particularly when emotional regulation is challenging. DBT combines individual therapy with skills training in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
These skills are valuable for managing the intense emotions and relationship difficulties that often accompany PTSD.
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Schema Therapy
For those whose PTSD stems from early traumatic experiences or involves deeply ingrained patterns, schema therapy offers a comprehensive approach. This integrative treatment addresses underlying schemas or patterns that developed as a result of unmet emotional needs.
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Schema therapy helps you understand how past experiences continue to influence your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, then works to develop healthier ways of meeting your emotional needs.
Our Approach to Therapy for PTSD at Adelaide Clinical Psychology
The relationship between you and your psychologist is an important part of your therapy’s success. Our warm psychologists understand that trust and safety are essential components of healing from trauma. We take time to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout your journey.
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Our Psychologists at Adelaide Clinical Psychology not only address your symptoms but also examine the underlying cause, to help you continue moving forward. We understand that PTSD recovery isn't linear; setbacks are a natural part of the process. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Getting Started with Therapy For PTSD
Seeking help for PTSD is an important first step. Whether your symptoms developed recently or you've been struggling for years, it's never too late to seek professional support. PTSD is easily treatable with the right clinical support, evidence-based approach, and a warm, understanding environment. Our team is committed to providing care that creates enduring change for our patients.
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If you're ready to begin working with a psychologist in Adelaide who can help treat your PTSD, then get in touch with us today. We will answer any questions you may have and assist you in booking your first appointment with one of our experienced psychologists.