Finding Support
04 of 08Understanding what happened matters. So does helping you live now.
A useful starting point is a trauma-informed mental health professional who understands PTSD, complex trauma and dissociation. Describe what actually happens: “I go numb.” “I can’t get started.” “I’m functioning, but I don’t feel present.” You do not need to arrive with a perfect explanation.
Here are some ways to find support
Trauma-focused therapies
Australia’s PTSD guidelines recommend specific trauma-focused psychological therapies as first-line care. These include EMDR, cognitive processing therapy, cognitive therapy for PTSD and prolonged exposure. They work in different ways with traumatic memories, avoidance and the meanings trauma has left behind.
The relationship matters as much as finding a method you can engage with. Tell your therapist if you become absent, overwhelmed or unable to stay connected during sessions. Treatment can be adapted; you should understand what is being proposed and have a say in its pace.
Ask a qualified practitioner about their experience with this approach and whether it may suit you.
Body-based and somatic support
Gentle movement, somatic approaches and grounding can help some people reconnect with bodily sensations and the present. Research differs across approaches and is less developed than for established trauma-focused treatments. These tools can complement care without becoming another demand to “fix yourself”.
Start with what is tolerable. Intense breathwork, cold exposure or pushing into sensations can feel overwhelming for some people and are best avoided during these states. A quieter approach may fit better during shutdown. But you can Google somatic-based trauma release exercises, and there are many helpful ones online.
Choose one option here that feels manageable, and discuss it with someone supporting you.
Medication and whole-person care
Medication can have a role for some people, guided by an individual assessment. It is one option within care. Sleep, physical health, substance use, relationships and ongoing sources of threat also deserve attention. An integrative doctor may help assess broader health concerns alongside a qualified trauma clinician.
Talk with your doctor about these options and what might suit your needs.
When you have already tried so much
A treatment that has not helped is information, not a verdict on your future. Review what was tried, for how long, whether dissociation was recognised and whether you felt safe with the practitioner. Different needs may require a different plan, including discussion of emerging treatments where appropriate.
Choose one option here that feels manageable, and discuss it with someone supporting you.
