Generalised Trauma Therapy for Adults in Erina, NSW

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"Despite the human capacity to survive and adapt, traumatic experiences can alter people’s psychological, biological, and social equilibrium to such a degree that the memory of one particular event comes to taint all other experiences, spoiling appreciation of the present."

- Bessel van der Kolk

Trauma is a ‘normal’ reaction to frightening events. It can be caused by witnessing or experiencing extremely distressing or potentially life-threatening events. When it becomes debilitating affecting your daily life, it’s time to seek professional help.

As a dedicated trauma therapist in Erina, New South Wales, I bring a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help individuals work through the complex and often overwhelming effects of past traumatic experiences. Having faced my own journey of healing from childhood abuse, I understand firsthand the profound impact that unresolved trauma can have on a person’s relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. With advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), I support my clients as they explore the connections between past trauma and current challenges, guiding them towards a more positive, fulfilling life.

Understanding Trauma

Trauma involves experiencing, witnessing or even hearing about something that appears overwhelming, and/or is life threatening to self or others. It challenges our sense of trust and safety and our ability to survive. It may be a one-off, single incident—something that happens during war, bushfire, or other catastrophic events. It might be an accident, a sexual/physical assault, rape, a medical diagnosis/intervention, or severe illness/hospitalisation. It might also be prolonged suffering at the hands of others, and this can happen at any age, particularly in childhood.

Addressing Attachment Trauma

Trauma not related to a single event, known as attachment or relational trauma, is more common and yet less recognised than single-incident trauma. Humans are wired for connection. Relationships with others can hold the most potential to both heal and hurt us. Attachment trauma can arise from something like being left alone too often, being given too much responsibility, or from having a parent, who is unwell or unable to respond to us in some way, perhaps drug affected or alcoholic. Being bullied, criticised, emotional neglect, and deprivation can contribute to a less resilient person. Witnessing others being abused or being abused verbally or physically is also traumatic.

How secure our childhood was can also impact our adult bonding patterns; those with ‘secure’ attachment in the early years are more resilient to the trials and tribulations that life throws up. Insecure attachment can lead to children and adults who are anxious and avoidant of relationships with others, as seen frequently in couples therapy.

Finding a Path to Healing With Trauma Therapy

Trauma is different for us all. It may come from our childhood, or as an adult, it may be bereavement, pressure causing anxiety and panic, bullying, accidents, unkindness, and isolation. Whatever the cause, we can become hyper-aroused—constantly alert, in flight, fight, freeze mode. Or numb, deadened, and depressed, or overly compliant and submissive. These normal, natural responses to trauma can bring feelings of shame, despair, and self-loathing. We may turn to shutting everyone out, substance abuse, self-injury, or eating disorders. However, change is possible.

The answer is specialised therapy for trauma. At Christina Taylor Therapy, I use a trauma-informed approach, developed through training, research, and experience, which is adapted to each individual. I understand, through personal experience, the importance of connection, safety, and awareness of present reality. For some, it is important to take things gently and slowly, while others may want to process specific traumatic events right away. With some forms of therapy for trauma, it is not necessary to retell a story in detail. There are other ways to work, to allow you and your nervous system to realise that the trauma is in the past and that life can even have the potential to be enjoyable.

Childhood Trauma in Adults

Childhood trauma can have lasting effects on adults, showing up in various ways. While diagnosing immediate signs can be complex, some common physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms may be present. Here are some warning signs to look for when there may have been childhood trauma:

Emotional Symptoms

  • Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions leading to anger, anxiety, depression, or emotional outbursts.
  • Fear and Hypervigilance: feeling constantly on edge or easily startled.
  • Detachment and Numbing: Difficulty feeling or expressing emotions, appearing withdrawn.

Physical Symptoms

  • Trouble Sleeping: Nightmares, insomnia or restless sleep
  • Fatigue and Low Energy: Feeling drained and lacking motivation.
  • Physical Pains: Unexplained aches and pains.
  • Somatic Symptoms: Physical reactions to emotional distress like headaches and stomach-aches.

Behavioural Symptoms

  • Self-Destructive Behaviours: Abusing substances, engaging in risky activities or neglecting self-care.
  • Relationship Issues: Difficulty trusting others, forming unhealthy attachments or isolating oneself.
  • Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Overeating, restricting food intake or impulsive behaviours.
  • Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from oneself or surroundings.

Potentially traumatic events can include:

  • Neglect—possibly the most pernicious of all!
  • Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
  • Sexual exploitation, including inappropriate displaying pornographic images.
  • Bullying, assault, and school violence
  • Sudden or violent death of a loved one- parent, grandparent, close friend
  • Witnessing or experiencing domestic violence
  • Refugees, war experiences, or natural disasters
  • Serious accidents and potentially life-threatening illness

Common Misconceptions About Trauma

Childhood trauma in adults doesn’t necessarily mean they will be unable to have a full life. If, however, trauma starts affecting an individual’s day-to-day life, it is worth trying professional trauma therapy. Many people have misconceptions when it comes to childhood trauma in adults, making it harder for some to seek the treatment they need. Here are 3 common misconceptions related to childhood trauma.

  • An individual who was abused and/or neglected as a child will abuse and/or neglect their own children
  • Abused and neglected children will become deviant adults, and
  • The effects of abuse and/or neglect are irreparable, and the adult won’t live a full life of recovery.

Trauma therapy, such as EMDR therapy, is incredibly effective in helping adults heal from childhood trauma. The journey to healing often begins with finding a therapist who creates a safe space to explore the impacts of childhood trauma and neglect.

Therapy for Trauma in Erina, NSW

Christina Taylor Therapy is here to offer unwavering support along your journey. Together, we’ll work to identify and process painful memories, uncover hidden strengths, and create lasting change that empowers you to live life fully. My hope is by gently pacing the work to match the unique therapeutic needs of each individual, there will be a gradual shift from unpredictable threat to reliable safety; from surviving in isolation to thriving in connection. Reach out today to begin your path to healing with trauma therapy in Erina, NSW.

The good news however is that healing trauma is possible. There are ways forward, nothing stays the same forever and change IS possible.