By Adelaide Hills Psychotherapy Services
Introduction
Not all wounds are visible. Some are carried quietly in restless nights, a racing heart, or a growing sense of disconnection from life.
These invisible wounds are what we call “psychological trauma” – the lasting impact of distressing experiences that overwhelm our natural ability to cope.
At Adelaide Hills Psychotherapy Services (AHPS), we often meet individuals struggling with the aftereffects of trauma long after the event has passed. Understanding what trauma is, and how it shows up in daily life. This is the first step toward healing.
What is Psychological Trauma?
Psychological trauma occurs when an event feels overwhelming, unsafe, or life-threatening, leaving a person feeling helpless or powerless.
It may stem from:
- A single event (e.g., an accident, assault, medical crisis)
- Repeated exposure (e.g., ongoing abuse or bullying)
- Long-term adversity (e.g., neglect, chronic stress, war, or grief)
What matters most isn’t just what happened, but how it was experienced and processed. Two people can live through the same event, yet one may recover quickly while another carries deep emotional scars.
Case Story 1: “I didn’t realise I was holding my breath”
Rachel, 42, survived a car accident two years ago. Physically she recovered, but she began avoiding highways and tensed up at the sound of screeching tyres. Her body stayed in a constant state of alertness, her nervous system still believed danger was near.
In therapy, she discovered she was living in a constant state of hyper-alertness with her body still believed danger was near. This is a common trauma response: the nervous system remains “switched on” long after the event has ended.
Signs of trauma shown in Rachel:
- Physical – muscle tension, increased heart rate, sleep problems
- Behavioural – avoidance of reminders (driving)
- Emotional – fear, irritability, loss of control
The Many Faces of Trauma
1️⃣ Emotional Signs
Trauma often expresses itself through emotions that feel too big or too absent. People may experience sudden anger, guilt, shame, fear, or emotional numbness. They may feel disconnected from others or unable to express joy.
Case Example:
Michael, a 35-year-old teacher, became withdrawn and easily irritated after witnessing a violent incident at school. He described feeling “blank” and avoided conversations about it. His emotional withdrawal led to strain in his marriage.
Through therapy, Michael learned that his mind was using emotional numbing to protect him from re-experiencing the fear.
2️⃣ Cognitive Signs
Trauma can intrude on the mind through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. Concentration and memory may decline, and self-blame often appears.
Case Example
Lena, a 27-year-old nurse, found herself replaying a medical emergency she couldn’t prevent. At night, she dreamt of alarms and crying. She started doubting her competence, thinking, “If I were better, it wouldn’t have happened.”
Her therapy focused on reframing self-blame, learning grounding techniques, and gently processing the memory in a safe space.
3️⃣ Physical Signs
The body remembers what the mind cannot. Even years later, people may feel tension, fatigue, or pain without medical cause. This reflects a nervous system that never fully relaxed.
Case Example
Sara, 50, came to therapy for chronic neck and shoulder pain. During sessions, she revealed decades of childhood neglect and emotional abuse. Her body had learned to stay “ready”, a posture of survival. As she processed her story, her pain gradually eased.
4️⃣ Behavioural and Relational Signs
Trauma can alter habits, relationships, and motivation. People might withdraw, overwork, or turn to substances to cope. Trust and intimacy can feel unsafe.
Case Example
Tom, 33, lost a friend in a sudden accident. He began drinking more and spending long hours at work to “stay busy.” He felt guilty about surviving. Through therapy, Tom learned that his overworking was an avoidance behaviour. This was his way to avoid grief and vulnerability.
When to Seek Help
If you or someone you care about is experiencing:
- Persistent distress beyond a few weeks
- Avoidance of reminders of trauma
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or panic attacks
- Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or connecting with others
…it may be time to speak with a qualified therapist.
Therapy offers a safe and confidential space to explore experiences, reconnect with the body, and rebuild a sense of safety and control.
At AHPS, our clinicians use evidence-based methods like EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Psychodynamic Therapy to help clients move from survival to growth.
A Trauma-Informed Path to Healing
Healing is not about erasing memories. It’s about realising the past no longer defines the present. A trauma-informed approach recognises that every reaction has meaning. It asks not “What’s wrong with you?” but “What happened to you?”
At Adelaide Hills Psychotherapy Services, we believe healing begins with:
- Safety – Physical and emotional security
- Trust – Being heard and believed
- Empowerment – Reconnecting with personal strengths
- Connection – Building compassionate relationships
Reflection
Trauma may change how we see the world, but it does not define who we are. With compassion, safety, and time, recovery is not only possible, it’s transformative.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the effects of trauma, we invite you to reach out. Our team at Adelaide Hills Psychotherapy Services provides trauma-informed care to support your journey toward renewal and well-being.
Contact us today through the contact form and ask for more information.
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