Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Scope
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can profoundly impact the lives of first responders, casting a long shadow over their well-being and resilience.
I aim to recognize the challenges faced and move you forward to not only become a survivor of this psychological injury but also to thrive.
By combining evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behaviour with tailored strategies like relaxation and mindfulness I can help you reclaim your life.
Know that you don’t have to face your psychological injury all on your own and that I am here to help you one step at a time.
Scope
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can profoundly impact the lives of first responders, casting a long shadow over their well-being and resilience.
I aim to recognize the challenges faced and move you forward to not only become a survivor of this psychological injury but also to thrive.
By combining evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behaviour with tailored strategies like relaxation and mindfulness I can help you reclaim your life.
Know that you don’t have to face your psychological injury all on your own and that I am here to help you one step at a time.
Symptoms
- Intrusive symptoms: This includes experiencing intrusive and distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event.
- Avoidance symptoms: Individuals may actively avoid reminders, thoughts, or conversations associated with the trauma. They may also avoid places, people, or activities that trigger distressing memories or emotions.
- Hyperarousal symptoms: This involves feeling constantly on edge, being easily startled, having difficulty sleeping, experiencing irritability or anger, and having an exaggerated startle response.
- Negative changes in mood and thinking: You may find it difficult to remember core aspects of the traumatic event, have distorted thinking or be in a persistently negative emotional state.
Experience of Principal & Founder
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Greater than 30 years experience as a clinical psychologist
Extensive work with first responders over many years
Collaborative approach with client, workcover, rehabilitation consultants, doctors and employers to achieve best outcomes for my clients -
Successful reduction of PTSD symptoms in first responders
Providing high levels of care and support through difficult times
CORE TREATMENTS
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a commonly used therapy for PTSD that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thoughts and behaviors related to the traumatic event. It helps individuals develop coping strategies, challenge distorted beliefs, and gradually confront and process the traumatic memories.
- Exposure therapy: This therapy involves you approaching your traumatic thoughts & feelings in a stepwise fashion by visualizing them in the safety of the therapists office then gradually reducing their power through a process called habituation. The process is highly effective and brings about long-term change. Traumas are approached in a graded fashion to maximize your control in the process.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a therapy that incorporates bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or hand taps, to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. It aims to reduce the emotional intensity and distress associated with the traumatic event. (currently unavailable)
- Imagery rescripting: is a therapeutic technique often used to help individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reduce their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. It is commonly employed in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and related approaches.
- Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed by your Dr (GP or Psychiatrist) to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts associated with PTSD. These medications can help stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep (prescribed by your medical doctor)
tRAINING
Payments made through WorkCover NSW accepted
FAQ
- Seek professional help
- Educate yourself about PTSD
- Establish a support system
- Practice self-care
- Develop coping strategies
- Explore therapy options
- Consider medication
- Practice stress reduction techniques
- Avoid self-medicating
- Be Patient and kind to yourself
- Grounding techniques
- Relaxation techniques
- Mindfulness meditation
- Social support
- Self-care activities
- Journaling
- Establish routines
- Limit exposure to triggers in the short term
- Phoenix Australia – Center for Posttraumatic Mental Health
- Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
- Black Dog Institute – national emergency worker support service
- New South Wales Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
- NSW Police Mental Health Intervention Team (MHIT)
- Comprehensive mental health policies
- Policies that encourage you to get help sooner rather than later – reducing stigma
- Mental health training and education
- Peer support programs
- Accessible mental health services
- Regular mental health check-ins
- Work-life balance and stress management
- Trauma-informed practice
- Periodic debriefings and support after critical incidents
- Regular evaluation and improvement of mental health programs
- Foster a culture of support