Trauma Therapy

Dr Jo Rouston’s primary interest area relates to psychological trauma, particularly what is often referred to as “complex” PTSD. Her clients include survivors of childhood abuse, military veterans, former emergency services personnel, and those who have experienced sexual assaults or abuse. She has a compassionate, client-centred approach to trauma therapy, and will work with each client to chart a pathway forward to healing.

Duration of Trauma Therapy

How long does trauma therapy take? That depends upon many factors, including the nature of the traumatic event, whether it occurred in childhood or adulthood, and what protective factors may (or may not) have been present. This is often longer-term work (generally a minimum of six months for childhood or multiple traumas) and Jo will only undertake this therapy if the individual wishes to do so and has the funds to access it once the ten Medicare rebatable sessions are completed in the calendar year. Initially sessions are weekly, 50-60 minutes in duration, and require considerable homework. Early work involves teaching the individual coping strategies such as relaxation, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance.

Is Trauma Therapy worth it?

Only you can decide this. One question that can help is to look at the impact the traumatic event(s) is having on your life right now – are you avoiding places or activities (eg crowded places, TV shows, books, movies, intimate relationships) because they might remind you in some way of the trauma? This avoidance can place many restrictions on you (and often those closest to you) and prevent you from having a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Another question relates to other things that the traumatic experience(s) are infiltrating, such as your sleep (disturbed, restless, nightmares), your mood, and your overall tension and stress levels.

Trauma therapy requires work. However, what it can do is allow your brain to process the terrible things that happened in a safe and controlled way. Initially it’s hard to open up the “boxes” where the trauma memories have been placed and face the memories. However, the aim of trauma therapy is to break through this avoidance and allow your brain to process this information in a safe and realistic way. The memories then become less distressing, allowing you to live your life and heal.