At Mind Culture, we understand trauma's profound impact on an individual's life.
We do not offer direct trauma therapy, nor are we psychologists, counsellors or psychiatrists. Our mission is to provide support for trauma, guiding individuals towards post-traumatic growth and helping them transform adversity into strength.
Here we wish to provide a wealth of resources and support for trauma, that complement and enhance your trauma therapy journey.
Our content offers an overview of the various trauma therapy services available, types of trauma addressed, and valuable information about local services or office locations to find trauma therapy near you.
We aim to ensure that you have all the support you need for trauma recovery and growth. For more information, visit our page at Mind Culture Trauma Therapy.
Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to an event or an experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing. It can result from a single incident or repeated and prolonged experiences. Trauma affects individuals differently, and the impact can vary based on personal resilience, support systems, and the nature of the traumatic event.
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) provides a comprehensive framework for understanding trauma, specifically in the context of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Here is a summary of how trauma is defined and characterized in the DSM-5:
In the DSM-5, trauma is defined as exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. This exposure can occur in one or more of the following ways:
A traumatic event is one where there is an unexpected and sudden shock in which there has been very little time to prepare psychologically such as a car accident, active service in the military, natural disasters, grief, being a victim of crime or going through separation or divorce.
Events are also perceived to be traumatic if they have the following qualities:
Trauma has even been seen to be biologically transmitted to offspring, further building the complexity of trauma and the human experience. Trauma is therefore transformative because it changes forever the way we see the world.
Complex Trauma: Involves exposure to multiple, often interrelated, traumatic events and can be pervasive. Examples: Repeated childhood abuse, ongoing domestic violence.
Physical Symptoms
Emotional and Psychological Symptoms
Behavioural Symptoms
Cognitive Symptoms
People experience and respond to trauma in diverse ways. Factors influencing the impact of trauma include:
The work of psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun has significantly contributed to our understanding of how individuals can experience positive change following trauma, a concept known as post-traumatic growth (PTG).
According to Tedeschi and Calhoun, PTG involves positive psychological change experienced by the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances.
Appreciation of Life: Individuals often develop a deeper appreciation for life and its inherent value.
Relating to Others: Trauma can strengthen relationships and create a sense of closeness and compassion.
Personal Strength: Survivors often recognise a newfound strength and resilience they were previously unaware of.
New Possibilities: Trauma can lead to the exploration of new opportunities and pathways in life.
Spiritual Change: Many people report a deepening of their spiritual beliefs or a new spiritual awareness.
Understanding trauma and recognising its varied manifestations is crucial in seeking appropriate help and fostering post-traumatic growth. At Mind Culture, we provide resources and support to aid in this journey, helping individuals move from surviving to thriving.
While there isn't a single government agency solely dedicated to trauma therapy in most countries, several government departments and initiatives provide funding, resources, and information on trauma-informed care.
Here's a breakdown by region:
Phoenix Australia (funded by the Department of Veterans' Affairs): Provides mental health services and conducts research on trauma, specifically for veterans, emergency services personnel, and those affected by disasters.
Australian Department of Health: Offers resources and information on mental health services, including trauma support
National Health Service (NHS): Provides access to talking therapies, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Many Asian countries don't have a centralised system for mental health services. Resources for trauma therapy may be available through government hospitals, NGOs, or private practices.
Here are some resources by country:
Japan: Japan Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
Like Asia, trauma therapy resources in Europe depend on the specific country.
Here are some resources:
European Network for Traumatic Stress Studies (ENTSS): Professional organisation providing information and resources on traumaFrance - Centre de Ressource et de Résilience (CRR)
It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list. The best way to find trauma therapy services in your area is to search online or contact your local mental health authority.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs related to their trauma.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
A structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Involves gradual exposure to trauma-related thoughts, feelings, and situations to help reduce the power they have over the individual.
Components: Includes both imaginal exposure (reliving the trauma memory) and in vivo exposure (confronting safe, trauma-related situations).
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
Involves the patient creating a detailed narrative of their life, including traumatic and non-traumatic events, to integrate the trauma into their life story.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Focuses on bodily sensations rather than thoughts and memories about the traumatic event, aiming to release stored tension and trauma in the body.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Combines CBT with mindfulness and acceptance techniques, often used for individuals with severe emotional dysregulation and trauma histories.
Uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, along with commitment and behaviour change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility in the face of trauma.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Helps individuals identify and heal their inner parts (sub-personalities) that are affected by trauma.
Group Therapy
Family Therapy
Involves family members in the treatment process to address relational dynamics that may be affected by trauma.
Pharmacotherapy
The use of medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, to manage symptoms of trauma and PTSD.
Art Therapy
Uses creative processes such as drawing, painting, and sculpting to help individuals express and process their trauma.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Incorporates animals, such as dogs or horses, into the therapeutic process to provide comfort and facilitate healing.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Uses mindfulness meditation and yoga to help individuals become more aware of the present moment and reduce stress related to trauma.
Play Therapy
Particularly effective for children, this therapy uses play to help them express and process their trauma in a safe environment.
These therapies offer various approaches to support for trauma, each tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals affected by traumatic experiences.
Mind Culture acknowledges and pays respects to Australia's past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders, and the continuation of cultural, spiritual
and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Mind Culture also acknowledges the important role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
women continue to play in maintaining their community's health and wellbeing.
