At some point in his or her life, an individual may be exposed to an event, which confronts them with the threat of or actual serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of themselves or others, or even the death of another. He or she may feel extremely fearful and helpless in this situation. This situation may be, for example, a violent robbery, a car accident, a sexual assault, or a natural disaster such as a bushfire.

Psychological reactions to such traumatic events can include intrusive recollections about the event, nightmares, sleep disturbance, avoidance of reminders of the event, anxiety when confronted with reminders, hypervigilance, poor concentration and irritability. These sorts of reactions are not uncommon in the first days or weeks after exposure to a traumatic event. When the symptoms persist, however, the individual may well have developed a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of depression are also common in the period following the trauma.

Psychological therapy can be very helpful in resolving post-traumatic stress symptoms, and also associated problems, which may develop such as depression or overuse of alcohol or drugs. Therapy targeting PTSD includes education about the disorder, cognitive therapy and discussion of the meaning of the event to the individual, anxiety management strategies, and exposure therapy.  It assists people to feel less anxious, and to get on with enjoying their lives.

The clinicians at DSA Psychologists are well qualified to assist people with post-traumatic stress reactions. We also see clients under the TAC and Workcover, as well as other schemes within which many people require counselling for PTSD.