Trauma Counselling in Cairns

Trauma is not just about what happened to you, it’s also about how your mind, body, and emotions responded to those experiences. Traumatic events can overwhelm your ability to cope, leaving lasting impacts on your nervous system, mental health, relationships, and daily life.

At The Heart Centred Therapist, I provide a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your experiences without judgement, rebuild your sense of safety, and begin the journey of healing.

Trauma looks different for everyone. Some common categories include:

• Acute Trauma – trauma that results from a single distressing event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or an assault.
   
• Chronic Trauma – repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing events, such as ongoing domestic violence, bullying, or repeated medical procedures.
   
• Complex Trauma – trauma that arises from ongoing or multiple traumatic events, often in childhood, such as neglect, abuse, or growing up in an unsafe environment.
   
• Vicarious Trauma – trauma experienced indirectly by hearing about or witnessing the traumatic experiences of others. This can impact carers, first responders, or helping professionals.
   

Many people are familiar with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but not everyone knows about Complex PTSD (CPTSD).

• PTSD often develops after a single traumatic event (e.g., an accident, assault, or natural disaster). Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance.
   
• CPTSD usually arises from repeated or long-term trauma, often beginning in childhood. In addition to PTSD symptoms, CPTSD can involve difficulties with self-esteem, emotional regulation, trust, and relationships.
   

Understanding the difference matters because healing from CPTSD often requires a more holistic, long-term, and relational approach.

Trauma can affect both the body and mind. Symptoms may include:

• Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
   
• Feeling constantly on edge (hypervigilance)
   
• Avoiding reminders of the trauma
   
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
   
• Emotional numbness or detachment
   
• Low self-esteem or feelings of shame and guilt
   
• Difficulty trusting others or forming safe relationships
   
• Dissociation or feeling disconnected from yourself
   
• Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or tension
   

If you recognise yourself in these symptoms, know that you’re not alone — these are normal responses to abnormal experiences.

Every person’s healing journey is unique, which is why I work in a collaborative, gentle, and trauma-informed way. My counselling approach integrates evidence-based therapies and compassionate support to help you feel safe, understood, and empowered.

Some of the approaches I may use include:

• Trauma-Informed Practice – ensuring safety, choice, trust, collaboration, and empowerment are central to every session.
   
• Attachment-Based Therapy – exploring how early relationships shape your current patterns and sense of safety.
   
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns.
   
• CBT-Enhanced (CBT-E) – if disordered eating is part of your trauma response.
   
• EFT Tapping – using mind-body techniques to regulate the nervous system and reduce trauma responses.
   
• Strengths-Based & Person-Centred Approaches – focusing on your resilience, strengths, and inner resources.
   
• Psychoeducation – helping you understand how trauma impacts the brain and body, so you feel more in control of your healing.
   

Together, we work at your pace, whether that means focusing on coping strategies and nervous system regulation, or gently processing past experiences when you feel ready.

Trauma counselling can help you:

• Feel safer in your own body and mind
   
• Regulate overwhelming emotions
   
• Improve sleep, energy, and daily functioning
   
• Understand your triggers and develop healthy coping strategies
   
• Rebuild self-esteem and self-worth
   
• Strengthen your relationships and boundaries
   
• Move from surviving to thriving — reconnecting with joy, purpose, and fulfilment
   

Trauma may shape your story, but it does not define who you are. With the right support, it is possible to move forward, rediscover your strengths, and create a life that feels safe and meaningful.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing, I invite you to reach out for Trauma Counselling in Cairns.