Psychotherapy for Trauma
Trauma changes how we experience the world. It changes how safe we feel in our bodies, how much we trust other people, and how we understand ourselves. If you're living with the effects of trauma — whether it's something that happened recently or years ago — you may feel like part of you is still stuck in the past, even when the present is safe.
Trauma therapy can help. At Turning Ground in Thornbury, our trauma-informed therapists offer a careful, collaborative approach to healing — one that honours the complexity of what you've been through and works at a pace that feels right for you.
What is Trauma?
Trauma, (whether from acts of commission or omission), is a deeply distressing psychological event (or prolonged context) resulting from experiencing or witnessing something which is beyond our capacity to cope or respond.
The term "trauma of commission" refers to a type of psychological trauma that occurs as a result of a person actively experiencing or being directly involved in a distressing event or situation. Unlike "trauma of omission," where trauma arises from neglect or lack of necessary actions, trauma of commission specifically involves actions or events where a person is a participant or witness to a harmful or distressing incident. This can include experiences such as physical assault, accidents, witnessing violence, or any situation where a person actively engages with or is directly impacted by a traumatic event.
"Trauma of omission" refers to psychological trauma that arises from experiences where a person perceives harm or distress due to neglect, lack of action, or absence of expected care or support. Unlike trauma of commission, which involves direct participation or witnessing of a distressing event, trauma of omission occurs when an individual feels traumatized by what was not done or what they did not receive. This could include situations such as neglectful parenting, emotional abandonment, failure to provide necessary medical care, or lack of protection in dangerous situations. Trauma of omission can result in feelings of abandonment, betrayal, or inadequacy, and can have profound psychological impacts on an individual's sense of safety, trust, and well-being.
Both types of trauma can have profound and long-lasting effects on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Importantly, trauma of omission is recognised to be as impactful (if not more) than acts of commission - for example, experiences of prolonged neglect and emotional deprivation can significantly impact an individual's functioning and development.
By recognizing the diverse forms it can take, from overt abuse to subtle neglect, we can better address its impacts and provide effective support and treatment.
Common signs or symptoms of trauma:
Trauma of Commission:
Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, distressing memories or images of the traumatic event.
Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to the traumatic experience.
Hyperarousal: Feeling on edge, easily startled, or having difficulty sleeping.
Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the trauma, including places, people, or activities.
Emotional Numbing: Feeling detached, emotionally numb, or unable to experience pleasure.
Hypervigilance: Being overly alert or vigilant to potential dangers.
Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, feelings of guilt or shame, or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, digestive issues, or other physical symptoms without a clear medical cause.
Trauma of Omission:
Feelings of Abandonment: Feeling deserted, neglected, or emotionally abandoned by caregivers or significant others.
Low Self-Esteem: Feeling unworthy, unlovable, or inadequate due to perceived neglect or lack of care.
Trust Issues: Difficulty trusting others or forming secure attachments due to past neglect.
Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions, including intense sadness, anger, or anxiety.
Self-Blame: Feeling responsible for the neglect experienced, even if it was beyond one's control.
Interpersonal Difficulties: Struggling in relationships, including fear of intimacy or difficulty expressing needs.
Depression or Anxiety: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worry related to past neglect.
Psychosomatic Symptoms: Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches that may stem from emotional distress.
These signs and symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on individual experiences and circumstances. There also may be crossover in the symptoms an individual may experience. Seeking support from mental health professionals can be crucial in addressing and healing from both types of trauma.
Common contributing factors to trauma:
Trauma can arise from various factors, whether through acts of commission (direct harm) or omission (neglect). Here are some examples of both:
Trauma of Commission:
Abuse: Physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment by others.
Violence: Witnessing or experiencing physical aggression or assault.
Accidents: Involvement in serious accidents or intentional harm.
Bullying: Persistent harassment or intimidation, often in school or workplace settings.
Criminal Acts: Robbery, assault, kidnapping, or other criminal activities.
Trauma of Omission:
Neglect: Lack of adequate care, supervision, or emotional support during critical developmental stages.
Abandonment: Being left without appropriate care or support by caregivers or significant others.
Emotional deprivation: Chronic emotional unavailability or lack of nurturing relationships.
These factors can profoundly impact individuals, leading to long-term psychological and emotional challenges that may require therapeutic intervention to address and heal from.
Our treatment approaches
for trauma.
Trauma treatment often follows a three-stage model: stabilisation, processing, and integration.
In the stabilisation phase, the focus is on establishing safety, coping strategies, and emotional regulation techniques to help clients manage symptoms and feel secure. This stage aims to restore a sense of stability and control, laying the foundation for deeper work.
The processing phase involves addressing and working through traumatic memories and emotions in a safe and supported environment, using various therapeutic techniques. Here, the work may reside in address and reprocessing experiences, gradually reducing the emotional intensity and integrating these memories into one's life story.
The integration phase focuses on reconnecting clients with their sense of self and others, fostering resilience, and promoting personal growth.
Central to this model of practice is the restoration of agency and empowerment for clients, helping them reclaim control over their lives and relationships while building skills to navigate future challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Psychotherapy for Trauma in Thornbury.
Book a free Discovery Call today to explore your needs and be connected with the most suitable practitioner.
Resources for managing & understanding trauma.
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This book is widely regarded as a seminal work on trauma, exploring how traumatic experiences affect the brain and body, and offering insights into various treatment approaches for healing.
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Complex Trauma and Developmental Trauma
Complex trauma — sometimes called C-PTSD — develops from prolonged or repeated traumatic experiences, particularly those that occurred in childhood or in close relationships. It can affect a person's entire sense of self, their ability to regulate emotions, and their capacity to connect with others.
Healing from complex trauma takes time and a skilled therapeutic relationship. Our practitioners at Turning Ground have experience supporting clients through this work with patience, depth, and care.
In-Person and Telehealth Trauma Therapy in Melbourne
We offer trauma therapy in person at our Thornbury rooms and via telehealth across Melbourne and Victoria. For many trauma survivors, being able to access support from the safety of their own space is meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy in Melbourne
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Trauma therapy works by helping you process experiences that were too overwhelming to fully integrate at the time they occurred. Different methods work differently — some focus on the body, some on the narrative, some on nervous system regulation. What they share is the principle that healing happens in relationship, at a pace that feels safe.
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PTSD typically develops in response to a specific traumatic event. Complex trauma (C-PTSD) develops from prolonged or repeated trauma — particularly in childhood or within close relationships. Both are treatable, though complex trauma often requires longer-term, more relational therapeutic work.
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There's no universal timeline. Single-event trauma can sometimes be addressed in 12–20 sessions. Complex trauma often takes longer — sometimes a year or more of regular therapy. Your therapist will review your progress with you and be transparent about what the work involves.
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A skilled trauma therapist will never push you to go faster than you're ready for. The priority is always your safety and stability. You won't be asked to relive your trauma in graphic detail — the focus is on processing what happened in a way that allows your nervous system to update, not re-traumatise.
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No. Many people who seek trauma therapy don't have a formal diagnosis. What matters is your experience — not a label. If you've been through something that continues to affect your life, that's enough reason to reach out.
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Use our free discovery call. We'll listen to what you've been through, help you find a practitioner with the right experience, and make sure you feel comfortable before committing to anything.