Trauma often leaves lasting scars, impacting your emotional and mental well-being long after the event. Many individuals find that life feels challenging and confusing after experiencing trauma. Specialist trauma and cPTSD counselling provides essential support, understanding, and pathways to recovery.
In this blog post, we will uncover what trauma and cPTSD counselling involves, how it aids the healing process, and what to expect during your counselling sessions.
What is Trauma and cPTSD Counselling?
Trauma counselling focuses on helping individuals manage the psychological and neurobiological effects of traumatic experiences. Trauma can stem from various sources, such as family violence, childhood abuse, or natural disasters. In fact, research indicates that more than one half of Australians will experience trauma before the age of 17.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD) is a significant concern in trauma counselling. Unlike traditional PTSD, cPTSD typically arises from extended exposure to traumatic circumstances. It can lead to symptoms such as emotional regulation difficulties, feelings of despair, and challenges in forming and maintaining relationships.
Counselling designed for those with trauma and cPTSD aims to provide coping strategies, foster safety, and create a supportive environment for healing.
How Does Counselling Help with Trauma and cPTSD?
Counselling creates a nurturing space for individuals to share their experiences and emotions without fear of judgment. The support it offers includes several key benefits:
Validation of Experiences: Many survivors feel isolated in their suffering. A trained counsellor such as Josie from Josie Coco - Counselling & Gestalt Psychotherapy validates your experiences, promoting self-acceptance and compassion.
Coping Strategies: Josie provides practical tools to manage symptoms. For example, techniques like mindfulness can reduce anxiety by 30%, while grounding exercises help in regaining focus during intense emotional moments.
Revealing Negative Patterns: Trauma often leads to harmful thought patterns and patterns of behaviour. Therapy encourages you to identify and question these negative patterns, helping to establish healthier ways of navigating through life.
Building a Support Network: Trauma and the negative patterns mentioned above, can create feelings of loneliness. Through counselling, you can learn how to rebuild or form vital relationships, improving your support system.
Processing Emotions: Counselling provides a space to express and process deep feelings from trauma. Talking through and feeling your way to express your emotions with the support of your counsellor, can lead to significant relief and understanding.
What Should I Expect in a Trauma Counselling Session?
Knowing what to expect during a trauma counselling session can reduce anxiety about the process. Here’s a general overview:
Initial Session
Your first session with Josie Coco - Counselling & Gestalt Psychotherapy includes a review of your intake information, and an opportunity to share with Josie anything that you think is relevant at the time. This is a chance for you to share what you hope to accomplish through counselling.
Creating a Safe Environment
Trust and safety are the foundations of counselling. Josie will work to create a secure atmosphere for discussing sensitive topics. You will be encouraged to dictate the pace and focus of your sessions.
Therapeutic Techniques
Counsellors employ various therapeutic techniques tailored to your needs. At Josie Coco - Counselling & Gestalt Psychotherapy, Josie is qualified in the gentle art of Gestalt Psychotherapy that forms the foundation of your sessions and emphasises the importance of building a trusting relationship in therapy, being present to all that you bring to the session, fostering trust in the therapy process and advancing at your pace. Josie is also well trained in trauma work techniques e.g. TIST (Trauam Informed Stabilisation Treatment) and DBR (Deep Brain Reorienting).
Regular Check-Ins
Your counsellor will frequently check in on your emotional well-being during sessions. This ensures you remain comfortable and allows you to express concerns as you navigate your healing journey.
Homework Assignments
Many trauma therapies assign 'homework' to encourage practice outside sessions. Homework may involve journaling your feelings, engaging in mindfulness techniques, or developing a self-care routine.
Progress Evaluation
As you advance in therapy, you and your counsellor will review your feelings and identify areas of improvement or ongoing challenges. This collaborative evaluation allows for necessary adjustments to techniques and approaches.
Taking Steps Towards Healing
Specialist trauma and cPTSD counselling is a vital step in your healing journey. By understanding trauma and the counselling process, you can become more engaged in your recovery.
You deserve to feel heard and supported. With the right help, recovery can lead to renewed hope, resilience, and emotional clarity. If you are struggling with trauma or cPTSD symptoms, consider reaching out to a qualified counsellor. Taking the first step is not only brave but crucial for fostering a healthier future.
Remember that seeking help is an act of self-care. Embrace this opportunity for a brighter tomorrow.
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Meet Josie - Counselling & Gestalt Psychotherapy
Together we’ll explore obstacles to thriving after Trauma and cPTSD. You are welcome to seek more information here. And make a time to discover if I am the right therapist for you here. Let's talk.
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