The Psychological Side of Menopause: Symptoms, Support & Strategies
Menopause and perimenopause involve significant hormonal changes that directly affect brain chemistry, mood, cognition, and emotional wellbeing. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, depression, irritability, brain fog, and reduced self-esteem. These are real and valid responses to hormonal change, not personal weakness. Symptoms are often most pronounced during perimenopause, when oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate most unpredictably. Effective support includes medical options such as HRT, psychological therapies including CBT and ACT, and practical lifestyle strategies. With the right information and support, it is possible to navigate this transition and feel well again. Are you noticing waves of anxiety that feel unfamiliar? A persistent mental fog that makes even straightforward tasks feel harder than they should? Or an irritability that seems to appear without much warning? If you are a woman in your 40s or 50s, it can be easy to attribute these experiences to stress, disrupted sleep, or the general pressures of life. But for many women, there is a significant biological process contributing to what they are feeling: the menopause transition. While physical symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats are widely recognised, the psychological effects of menopause are often less discussed and sometimes dismissed. Many women find themselves questioning their own responses, wondering whether something is wrong with them. In most cases, what they are experiencing is a real and understandable response to significant hormonal change. Understanding the psychological dimension of menopause is an important part of moving through this transition with clarity and appropriate support. What Is Menopause and Perimenopause? It helps to begin with clear definitions. Perimenopause is the transitional phase that can begin several years before the final menstrual period. During this time, hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, shift, sometimes unpredictably. This phase can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Postmenopause refers to the years that follow menopause, during which hormone levels remain consistently lower. Psychological symptoms can be most pronounced during perimenopause, when hormonal fluctuations tend to be more variable and less predictable than they are once menopause is established. The Psychological Symptoms of Menopause: More Than Just Mood Swings The hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause can directly influence brain chemistry. Oestrogen plays a role in regulating serotonin (associated with mood), dopamine (linked to motivation and pleasure), and norepinephrine (which supports focus and alertness). As oestrogen levels decline, the regulation of these systems can be disrupted, contributing to a range of psychological symptoms that are biological in origin, not imagined. 1. Anxiety and Panic Attacks For many women, anxiety is among the most distressing psychological symptoms of this transition. This may go beyond everyday worry, presenting as a persistent sense of dread, a racing heart, or shortness of breath. For some women, panic attacks can occur for the first time during perimenopause. Declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone, which has a calming effect on the nervous system, can contribute to a heightened state of physiological arousal. Women who have never previously experienced significant anxiety may find these feelings confusing and distressing. 2. Depression, Low Mood, and Anhedonia Feelings of sadness, low motivation, or a reduced sense of enjoyment in previously valued activities (known as anhedonia) can occur during the menopause transition. Changes in serotonin availability may increase vulnerability to low mood and depression. This is a biological response to hormonal change, not a reflection of personal weakness or failure. Women with a history of depression, postnatal depression, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may be at increased risk of experiencing significant mood symptoms during the menopause transition. 3. Irritability and Emotional Reactivity Some women notice a shorter fuse during this period, a tendency to react more strongly to minor frustrations than they typically would. Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to emotional reactivity that may feel out of proportion and can place strain on close relationships. This can be distressing both for the woman experiencing it and for those around her, including partners, children, and colleagues. 4. Brain Fog and Cognitive Changes Difficulty concentrating, short-term memory lapses, trouble finding words, and a general sense of mental sluggishness are commonly reported during the menopause transition. Oestrogen plays a role in cognitive functions including memory, attention, and verbal fluency. As levels decline, some women notice changes in these areas. For women who place high demands on their cognitive performance, whether professionally or as primary caregivers, these shifts can significantly affect confidence and quality of life. It is important to note that for most women, these cognitive changes are temporary and do not represent a permanent decline. 5. Loss of Confidence and Self-Esteem When mood changes, anxiety, cognitive shifts, and physical changes such as weight changes or skin changes occur together, it is not unusual for self-esteem to be affected. Some women describe a reduced sense of themselves as competent or capable during this period, which can contribute to social withdrawal and a shifting sense of identity. Comparing Key Psychological Symptoms of Menopause Psychological Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause: Overview Symptom What It May Look Like Underlying Mechanism When to Seek Support Anxiety Persistent worry, racing heart, sense of dread, panic Decline in oestrogen and progesterone affecting nervous system regulation If anxiety is frequent, intense, or interfering with daily life Low mood / Depression Sadness, tearfulness, loss of motivation, anhedonia Reduced serotonin regulation linked to falling oestrogen If low mood persists for more than two weeks Irritability Stronger reactions to minor frustrations, emotional outbursts Hormonal fluctuations affecting emotional regulation If reactions are affecting relationships or causing distress Brain fog Memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, word-finding difficulties Oestrogen’s role in cognitive function, attention, and verbal fluency If cognitive changes are affecting work, safety, or confidence Low self-esteem Reduced sense of capability, social withdrawal, identity shifts Combined effect of multiple physical and psychological symptoms If feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness are present Finding Support: You Are Not Alone and You Are Not Broken The psychological symptoms of menopause are real, valid, and importantly, treatable. 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The Impact of ADHD: How It Affects Academic Performance & Daily Life
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting focus, impulse control, and executive function in both children and adults. It presents in three ways: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentation. At school, ADHD can impact attention, organisation, task initiation, time management, and self-esteem. In daily life, ADHD affects social relationships, home routines, careers, finances, and close relationships. With the right assessment and evidence-based support, people with ADHD can develop effective strategies and thrive. Do you have a child who seems bright and capable, but whose report cards don’t reflect what you know they can do? Do they struggle to complete homework, forget to hand in assignments, or seem distant during class? For many young people, these patterns can quietly affect their confidence and wellbeing over time. Or maybe you are an adult who feels consistently overwhelmed, battling disorganisation, missed deadlines, and the sense of always being a step behind, no matter how hard you try. These can be common expressions of Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a significant number of children and adults across Australia and worldwide. While ADHD is often mischaracterised as simply being “too energetic” or “lazy,” it is considerably more complex than that. ADHD is not a character flaw or a lack of willpower. It reflects a difference in how the brain is wired, particularly in the systems we rely on to plan, focus, and regulate behaviour. Understanding how ADHD works is an important first step toward developing effective strategies and building on a person’s strengths. Demystifying ADHD: More Than Just an Inability to Sit Still ADHD (Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that affects functioning and development. It is not a phase, a parenting issue, or a reflection of intelligence. ADHD presents in three main ways: Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Difficulty noticing details, sustaining focus, following through on tasks, and staying organised. People with this presentation may seem forgetful or as though they are not listening. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: More consistent with the common stereotype of ADHD. This can include frequent fidgeting, restlessness, talking excessively, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting. Combined Presentation: The most common type, involving both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive features. The Role of Executive Function in ADHD Executive functions are the brain’s organisational and self-management system. They are the cognitive skills that support planning, task initiation, emotional regulation, time awareness, and sustained attention. For people with ADHD, these functions tend to be less consistent, which can contribute to difficulties across many areas of daily life. Across all three presentations, difficulties with executive function are often central to the ADHD experience. This is why ADHD affects far more than just attention or activity level. The Impact of ADHD on Academic Performance Navigating a school environment involves drawing on executive functions continuously. For a student with ADHD, this can be genuinely demanding. Challenges may affect not only results but also a young person’s relationship with learning and their sense of self. Challenges in the Classroom Sustaining Attention Classroom learning typically requires prolonged mental effort. A student who begins a lesson attentively may find their focus pulled away by an external sound, a passing thought, or something nearby. This is not defiance. It reflects how the ADHD brain processes stimulation, and it can vary depending on the level of interest or novelty in the task. Following Instructions Students with ADHD may only register part of a multi-step instruction, making it difficult to complete tasks accurately. Working memory, the ability to hold and use information in the moment, is often an area of challenge for those with ADHD. Careless Errors Comments like “makes careless mistakes” appear frequently on report cards of students with ADHD. These errors often stem from inattentiveness and impulsivity rather than a lack of understanding. A student may fully grasp the content but rush through a test, misread instructions, or skip questions when the cognitive load feels high. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Fidgeting, tapping, or moving around the classroom are common. Impulsivity may lead to calling out answers or interrupting, which can be misread as disruptive behaviour rather than understood in its neurological context. The Homework and Organisation Struggle Task Initiation Getting started is often one of the hardest parts of homework for students with ADHD. This difficulty, sometimes called “task paralysis,” reflects an executive function challenge where a task can feel so large or undefined that beginning feels impossible, even when the student wants to complete the work. Time Management and Time Blindness Many people with ADHD have a less reliable internal sense of time, sometimes described as “time blindness.” Tasks may take longer than anticipated, contributing to last-minute rushes, late nights, and incomplete work. Planning ahead and estimating how long something will take can be genuinely difficult skills to develop. Organisation Managing assignments, worksheets, and materials can be an ongoing challenge. Completed work may go missing before it is submitted, not because of carelessness, but because organisation systems that work for neurotypical students may not come naturally to those with ADHD. The Emotional Impact of ADHD at School One of the more significant, and sometimes less visible, consequences of ADHD can be the effect on a student’s self-esteem. When a young person is aware of their own capability but finds their results do not reflect it, feelings of frustration, shame, and self-doubt can develop over time. Labels like “lazy” or “unmotivated,” whether internalised or applied by others, can contribute to anxiety, low mood, and a reluctance to engage with school. Early identification and support can make a meaningful difference to a young person’s long-term confidence and mental health. The Impact of ADHD on Daily Life ADHD does not switch off outside of school or work hours. For children and adults alike, its effects can extend across many areas of daily life, including relationships, home routines, and self-management. Social Interactions Impulsivity: This can show up as interrupting others, speaking without filtering, or oversharing, which may place some strain on friendships and social relationships. Inattention: Difficulty tracking a conversation
Tips & Therapeutic Approaches to Overcome Social Anxiety
Does the thought of going to a party, having to speak up in a meeting or even making a phone call make you feel terrible? Do you keep replaying social interactions in your head, reanalysing every word you said? If so, you may be experiencing social anxiety. More than just shyness, social anxiety (or social phobia) is a persistent fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in social situations. It can feel isolating and can interfere with friendships, careers and quality of life. According to Beyond Blue, anxiety conditions affect 1 in 4 people in Australia and are treatable, so if you’re experiencing this, you are far from alone. Fortunately, social anxiety can benefit from treatments. This guide will explore how you can work with it using effective, in-the-moment techniques combined with established therapeutic approaches. Understanding the Engine of Social Anxiety At its core, social anxiety is often driven by fear of social judgement. People with social anxiety often hold negative beliefs about themselves such as: ‘I am awkward, I have nothing interesting to say, people think I am stupid’. These beliefs can fuel a cycle: Anticipatory Anxiety: Before a social event, you worry about the various ways it could go wrong. In-Situation Anxiety: During the event, you may experience physical symptoms (blushing, sweating, shaking, racing pulse) and your attention turns inward to yourself and your perceived shortcomings. This self-focused attention can make it harder to be present and connect with others. Avoidance or Use of ‘Safety Behaviours’: To manage the anxiety, you may avoid social situations altogether or rely on safety behaviours (such as staying on your phone, drinking too much alcohol, or rehearsing sentences in your head) to feel less anxious. Post-Event Rumination: After the event, you replay your performance, examining every perceived mistake as evidence of your negative self-beliefs. Over time, this cycle can maintain the anxiety. Avoidance prevents you from discovering that your fears may be unfounded, and safety behaviours prevent you from learning you can manage without them. Working with social anxiety involves gradually changing these patterns. Practical Tips to Manage Social Anxiety in Daily Life These strategies can help you manage anxiety in the moment and begin to shift the patterns that hold you back. 1. Challenge Your Negative Thoughts When you catch yourself thinking something like ‘Everyone thinks I’m boring’, question that thought. Ask yourself: What evidence do I have for this thought? What is the evidence against it? Is there a more balanced or realistic way to view this situation? What is the worst that could happen, and could I handle it? This practice, called cognitive restructuring, can help weaken automatic negative thoughts. 2. Shift Your Focus Outward Social anxiety often shifts your focus inward, making you acutely aware of your own heartbeat, thoughts, and perceived awkwardness. Try to actively turn your attention outward. Rather than thinking ‘What do they think of me?’ try to be curious about the other person. Pay attention to what they are saying and observe your surroundings. Focus on the topic of conversation, not your performance in it. Focusing outwardly can often help self-consciousness to fade into the background. 3. Start Small With Gradual Exposure If you’ve been avoiding social situations, a big party can feel overwhelming. Begin with smaller steps that take you slightly outside your comfort zone. This is known as gradual exposure. Make a ‘fear ladder’ (or hierarchy), listing feared situations from least to most challenging. Start with the bottom rung. For example, if making phone calls feels difficult, begin by calling an automated service, then a business, then asking a friend a simple question, and gradually progress. With each step you may gain confidence and gather evidence to challenge your anxious predictions. 4. Reduce Reliance on Safety Behaviours Safety behaviours can provide a temporary sense of security but often maintain anxiety over time. They prevent you from learning that you can handle situations without them. Identify your safety behaviours (e.g., staying in the corner, asking excessive questions to avoid talking about yourself, holding a drink). In your exposure practice, experiment with gradually letting them go, one at a time. You may find that the outcome you feared doesn’t happen. 5. Practice Mindfulness and Grounding When anxiety spikes, grounding techniques can bring you back to the present moment. The 5-4-3-2-1 method can be helpful: Find five things you can see Name four things you can feel Acknowledge three things you can hear Name two things you can smell Recognise one thing you can taste This simple activity can interrupt anxious thoughts by grounding you in your senses. Therapeutic Approaches for Lasting Change While self-help strategies can be useful, professional therapy offers the structure, guidance and expertise that can support deeper, more durable change. These are some well-recognised therapeutic approaches for social anxiety: 1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) CBT is widely used and supported by research as a treatment approach for social anxiety. It’s a structured, focused therapy that addresses the thought and behaviour patterns that maintain the anxiety cycle. A meta-analysis published in ScienceDirect found that the benefits of CBT for social anxiety disorder were not only significant at the end of treatment, but continued to improve for at least 12 months after treatment ended, a strong indicator of its lasting value. Cognitive Component: Your therapist will help you identify the specific negative automatic thoughts and core beliefs that contribute to your social fear. You’ll learn techniques to examine, challenge and reframe these thoughts into more realistic and balanced ones. Behavioural Component: This is where exposure therapy comes in. With your therapist, you’ll develop a hierarchy of fears and gradually work through feared social situations in a structured, supported way. Through repeated exposure, your brain can learn to view social situations as less threatening, a process called habituation. 2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT offers a different perspective. Rather than trying to eliminate or control anxious thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches you to make room for them while moving toward what genuinely matters
Why Panic Attacks Happen & How to Break the Pattern
It can happen anywhere, anytime. A sudden, overwhelming wave of fear. Your heart pounds, your chest tightens, and you experience an intense sense of losing control. If this sounds familiar, you may have experienced a panic attack. It’s an unsettling experience, but you are not alone. Understanding why panic attacks occur is an important first step in breaking the cycle and regaining control. What is a Panic Attack? A panic attack is an abrupt, intense wave of fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. It differs from the chronic, lower-grade worry of generalised anxiety. A panic attack is an acute episode of intense fear that can feel overwhelming or even life-threatening. The symptoms can be physical or psychological and may include: Palpitations or a pounding heart Sweating, trembling, or shaking Shortness of breath or a feeling of being smothered Nausea or abdominal distress Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint Chills or heat sensations Numbness or tingling sensations (paraesthesia) Feeling unreal (derealisation) or detached from oneself (depersonalisation) Fear of losing control, ‘going crazy’, or dying Chest pain or discomfort Panic symptoms can feel very similar to serious medical conditions, which is why many people seek medical assessment for the first time. Why Do Panic Attacks Happen? At its core, a panic attack is your body’s emergency alarm system responding when it doesn’t need to – the fight-or-flight response. This system is designed to protect you from physical threat. When your brain detects danger, it releases adrenaline and cortisol so that you can either fight the threat or run from it. This makes your heart race, causes your breathing to quicken and your muscles to tense – all useful responses if you’re facing real danger. Harvard Health explains how this inherited stress response can be triggered without warning in susceptible people, causing a panic attack that is out of proportion to any actual threat. The issue with a panic attack is that this system activates in the absence of any actual external danger. It’s a false alarm. But why does it happen? It often follows a cycle. The Cycle of Panic The cycle usually involves four stages: The Initial Sensation (The Trigger): It often begins with a harmless physical feeling. You might feel slightly lightheaded after standing up quickly, notice your heart racing after drinking coffee, or feel short of breath while walking up a steep flight of stairs. It can even be a passing anxious thought. Catastrophic Misinterpretation (The Fear): This is the critical stage. Rather than interpreting the feeling as benign, your mind interprets it as evidence of impending danger. That racing heart may be interpreted as ‘I’m having a heart attack’. That light-headedness isn’t just from standing up too fast, it means ‘I’m about to faint’. The Adrenaline Surge (The Body’s Reaction): The catastrophic misinterpretation triggers the fight-or-flight response. Your brain signals danger and releases adrenaline. Amplification of Symptoms (The Confirmation): The adrenaline rush amplifies the initial physical symptoms. Your heart races more, your breathing becomes harder, and you feel dizzier. Your body’s response seems to confirm your initial fear. This creates more fear, which releases more adrenaline, producing stronger symptoms and creating an upward spiral that can build into a panic attack. This cycle can become so established that even worrying about having another panic attack can trigger one. This is known as Panic Disorder. How to Break the Pattern: Strategies for Change Breaking the pattern involves working with different stages of the cycle. It takes both in-the-moment techniques and longer-term approaches. In-the-Moment Strategies: Riding The Wave When a panic attack starts, it’s hard not to fight it instinctively, but this often makes things worse. Instead, the idea is to work with the body’s response and ground your mind. Mindful Breathing: The hyperventilation that often accompanies panic can be slowed through conscious breathing. Try ‘box breathing’: inhale slowly for a count of 4, hold your breath for 4, exhale slowly for 4, and pause for 4. This helps calm your nervous system. The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique: Shift your attention from the internal sensations to the external environment. Name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This helps keep you grounded in the present. Acceptance and Observation: Instead of resisting the sensations, try to observe them without judging. Tell yourself: ‘This is a panic attack. It feels terrible, but it is not harmful – it’s a surge of adrenaline and will pass’. Think of it as a wave that you can ride, one that will crest and eventually ease. Long-Term Strategies: Working with the Alarm System Breaking the cycle of panic means addressing the core problem: the catastrophic misinterpretation of physical sensations. Identify and Challenge Your Fears: Keep a journal of your panic attacks. Write down the situation, the sensations, and your thoughts. This helps you identify specific catastrophic thoughts. Once identified, you can challenge them by examining the evidence. Gradual Exposure: If you’ve avoided places or situations because of fear of having a panic attack, slowly reintroducing them can help reduce this fear. Doing this in a controlled, safe manner helps demonstrate that these situations are often safer than they feel. It’s best to do this gradually and with guidance from a professional. Lifestyle Foundations: Prioritise good sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet. Reducing stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine can help, as these can trigger or worsen the physical symptoms of anxiety. The Better Health Channel notes that excessive caffeine intake, intense physical exercise, and habitual overbreathing are among the factors that can prime the body to inappropriately activate the fight-or-flight response. The Value of Professional Support While self-help techniques can be useful, an established pattern of panic often benefits from working with a professional. A therapist can create a safe space where you can explore what’s driving your anxiety and develop strategies that work for you. Approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are effective for panic disorder.
The Importance of Cognitive Assessments in Educational Settings
Parents often experience confusion and concern when they observe their intelligent and inquisitive children facing academic challenges at school. Your child might face reading difficulties or struggle to concentrate on homework or they may have difficulty grasping classroom concepts or expressing their thoughts in writing. The noticeable difference between potential abilities and school achievement can be a source of stress for children and their parents. The initial phase of intervention is to make a thorough assessment and determine any factors at play, or limiting the child’s capacities. A cognitive assessment involves diagnostic processes to ascertain the relevant factors at play. A cognitive assessment produces detailed insights about brain functioning beyond typical school grades and achievement tests. At Laburnum Psychology, we have a team of qualified educational and developmental psychologists who conduct these assessments to provide insights and strategic direction. What is a Cognitive Assessment? A cognitive assessment is a detailed evaluation of how a child or young person thinks, learns, and solves problems. It looks at a range of skills such as: Attention and memory Reasoning and processing speed Problem-solving abilities While some people refer to this as an “IQ test,” a cognitive assessment provides much more than a single score. It builds a clear picture of a child’s cognitive strengths and challenges, helping parents, schools, and clinicians better understand how the child learns and what support may be helpful. During a cognitive assessment, a trained psychologist works one-on-one with the child using a range of structured tasks and problem-solving activities. These tasks are carefully selected to be engaging and developmentally appropriate, helping children feel comfortable while providing meaningful information about how they think and learn. The assessment builds a detailed picture of the child’s cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty, including how they process information, approach challenges, and solve problems. As part of a full educational assessment, this cognitive testing is combined with an evaluation of academic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Together, these components help identify learning needs and guide practical recommendations for school support and intervention. Why Cognitive Assessments are Used in Education The assessment of cognitive function becomes necessary when teachers need to understand the reasons behind a child’s educational difficulties. The assessment provides evidence-based data for the following purposes: Identify Specific Learning Disorders: This test helps diagnose particular learning disabilities including: Dyslexia (reading difficulties) Dysgraphia (writing difficulties) Dyscalculia (maths difficulties) Diagnose Intellectual Giftedness: The assessment helps professionals recognise intellectually gifted children who need more challenging educational material than standard classes provide. Assess for Intellectual Disability: The test helps determine whether children need major long-term assistance with their educational process. Contribute to a Comprehensive ADHD or Autism Assessment: The assessment tool helps to evaluate intellectual disability as well as support the diagnosis of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Create Effective Support Plans: The assessment results enable schools to build Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) while requesting funding or resource support. Provide Clarity and Reassurance: The identification of the cause behind a child’s learning difficulties brings relief to parents who can then become active advocates, supporting their children. What Do They Measure? The assessment evaluates multiple essential components of intellectual functioning. The real message emerges from the way scores distribute among these different sections. The primary domains consist of: Verbal Comprehension: The assessment of verbal comprehension evaluates children’s language understanding capabilities alongside their verbal skills. The test assesses: Vocabulary knowledge General knowledge Word-based reasoning abilities Students need this skill to follow classroom discussions while understanding written material. Visual Spatial Skills: This looks at the ability to analyse visual information and understand spatial relationships. The ability to solve mental jigsaw puzzles, for example, is a skill that serves students well in maths and science classes. Fluid Reasoning: This represents the ability to solve unanticipated problems through logical thinking and pattern recognition. The ability to think creatively emerges when students need to rely on new knowledge instead of memorised information. Working Memory: The working memory functions as the brain’s ‘mental workbench’. The ability to maintain information in your mind for a brief duration enables you to utilise it effectively. Processing Speed: Processing Speed refers to how efficiently a child can take in visual information, make sense of it, and respond accurately. A slower processing speed does not reflect a lack of intelligence; rather, it means a child may need more time to complete tasks. In a school setting, this can affect: How quickly a child finishes classwork or assessments Meeting time limits, even when the child understands the material well Connecting Assessment Results to Learning Needs Assessment outcomes are most useful when used to develop practical support strategies which apply to everyday classroom situations. The purpose of the assessment results is to find the precise educational support which will help children achieve success. For example: Working Memory Challenges: A child with working memory challenges may benefit from: Breaking tasks into smaller steps Written instructions for reference Learning memory strategies Slow Processing Speed: Extra time allowed on tests and assignments can help students with slow processing speed since it reduces their time constraints during assignments. Dyslexia Indicators: Children who show indicators of dyslexia may benefit from evidence-based literacy intervention due to their specific weakness in phonological processing ability, which involves identifying and manipulating language sounds. Communicating Results and Creating Support Plans The assessment completion marks the beginning of support delivery to the child. The psychologists at Laburnum Psychology have experience in this collaborative work. The Feedback Session: The psychologist will meet with you to present assessment results through clear and easy-to-understand explanations. They will analyse your child’s cognitive profile by identifying their areas of strengths and areas of challenges. The assessment meeting serves as a collaborative session that enables you to ask questions while you develop a thorough comprehension of your child’s learning approach. The Comprehensive Report: A comprehensive written report presents: Detailed findings Personalised evidence-based recommendations that focus on both home and school settings This report functions as an important tool which enables you to work effectively with your child’s school. It enables schools to build Individual Learning Plans and apply for special resources and
Exploring EMDR Therapy: A Path to Healing from Trauma
In some instances, our minds and bodies can experience deep trauma imprints after encountering distressing situations. In some cases, the brain’s ‘adaptive memory processing’ system, can have difficulty processing overwhelming experiences. When distressing memories become ‘stuck’ in this way, they can persistently impact our lives, manifesting in anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, or ongoing feelings of safety concerns. Verbal communication about traumatic experiences serves as a helpful tool, however talking therapies can also be augmented with other strategies that help to process intense emotional and visceral aspects of traumatic memories. Specialised evidence-based therapies have been developed to assist the brain desensitise trauma responses. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma therapy with strong research support. At Laburnum Psychology, our team includes clinicians trained in EMDR. The following post explains the fundamental concepts of EMDR therapy, together with its operational mechanisms and its therapeutic benefits for treating trauma. What is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapy? EMDR functions as a structured psychotherapeutic method, used to support people in processing traumatic experiences and the ensuing symptoms. EMDR therapy emerged during the late 1980s from the work of Dr. Francine Shapiro. Unlike other therapies, it does not require extensive discussion of distressing material. The therapy method works to transform memory storage in the brain, and can assist to decrease emotional distress and associated trauma symptoms. How EMDR Works to Process Traumatic Memories The human brain functions similarly to an advanced organisational system. The majority of everyday events undergo proper filing processes in the brain. These processes largely occur during sleep. In some instances, the information processing systems within the brain can experience an overload when traumatic events happen. The traumatic experiences together with its visual details, auditory components, mental processes and strong emotions can become ‘stuck’ in the nervous system without any processing. The traumatic memory can subsequently be triggered, leading to the trauma related symptoms. The intensity of traumatic experiences can remain vivid even although time may have passed since the traumatic event(s). The trauma response may be re-triggered through: Sounds and scents Situations and locations Similar experiences This can serve to reactivate the frozen memory, as if you were experiencing the original events once again. The EMDR process involves bilateral stimulation. This is done via eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile taps alternating between the left and right side of the body and brain. When done in conjunction with other parallel memory based processes, this bilateral stimulation can activate the brain’s adaptive information processing system. This allows the memory to be stored with reduced distress. The memory remains intact yet transforms into a regular memory without the previously high levels of associated distress. The Eight Phases of EMDR Treatment EMDR is an extensive therapeutic framework which consists of eight distinct stages. A structured therapeutic framework provides you with security while delivering the most beneficial outcomes from treatment. Phase 1 – History-Taking and Treatment Planning: Your therapist will learn about your background and determine which memories or problems to address. Phase 2 – Preparation: The therapist will use this phase to teach essential ‘resourcing’ skills for managing emotional challenges that might emerge either within sessions or between them. You build a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist. Phase 3 – Assessment: During this phase, you and your therapist will choose which memory to process along with your current self-belief related to the memory (e.g. ‘I am not safe’) and an alternative belief that you prefer (e.g. ‘I am safe now’). Phase 4 – Desensitisation: This is the processing phase. During this phase, you will keep your focus upon the target memory while experiencing the bilateral stimulation (usually with your eyes). You merely notice what arises without attempting to change it, so your brain can do its healing. Phase 5 – Installation: The work of strengthening your desired positive self-referencing belief continues until it feels true after the memory is no longer distressing. Phase 6 – Body Scan: You will be asked to check for any tension or physical discomfort throughout your body, which will be addressed for further work. Phase 7 – Closure: Every session includes techniques to leave you feeling stable and calm even if the memory is not fully processed. Phase 8 – Re-Evaluation: Evaluation involves an assessment of your progress along with an evaluation of the last session’s interventions. Conditions Treated with EMDR EMDR is known for its ability to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but its use extends beyond that. EMDR may be beneficial for multiple conditions that involve distressing past events, including: Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias Complex trauma and attachment issues Depression and mood disorders Grief and loss Eating disorders Performance anxiety Chronic pain and somatic symptoms The EMDR International Association provides extensive research demonstrating the effectiveness of EMDR therapy across a wide range of trauma-related conditions. What to Expect During an EMDR Session The process of focusing on traumatic memories might sound confronting, but it is important to know that you maintain complete control during EMDR treatment sessions. The therapist acts as your guide to ensure your safety throughout the entire process. As the client, you have complete control to negotiate the speed and depth of the sessions. In EMDR, will not be asked to talk at length about the trauma during the processing phase. Your brain will automatically establish its own connections and associations through the bilateral stimulation and associated activities. You may experience changes in thoughts together with shifts in images, emotions, and physical body sensations. Your therapist will check in with you at various times, yet the main work happens inside your mind. Finding a Certified EMDR Therapist The delivery of EMDR needs to come from a mental health professional who has completed an accredited training program for safety and effectiveness. You must work with a therapist who understands the process and who can lead you through it properly. At Laburnum Psychology, we have clinicians trained in EMDR therapy who practice with compassion and in a trauma-informed manner. We will work to connect you with a therapist suited to your specific needs while
How a Child Psychologist Can Support Your Child’s Development
The role of parenting is one of life’s greatest rewards, and sometimes one of its most demanding tasks. It is every parents desire to see their child develop into a happy, confident, and resilient person. Childhood involves constant change and developmental processes, but distinguishing normal development stages can be tricky. The support of a child psychologist can be beneficial for parents who are experiencing concerns about their child’s mental health, learning, behavioural patterns, or general development. Their knowledge of child development enables them to provide understanding and evidence-based interventions to assist children and their families navigate developmental challenges. Our team at Laburnum Psychology is dedicated to helping children and their loved ones. This blog explains the role of child psychologists and addresses the question of when it is wise to seek professional guidance. The Role of a Child Psychologist A child psychologist specialises in mental health and development for children and adolescents. Child psychologists work to understand child development and behaviour within the child’s broader context, including family, school, and broader community. The role of a child psychologist involves: An evaluation of a child’s emotional and behavioural development Assessment of developmental disorders, such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or learning difficulties Assessment of anxiety disorders Provision of evidence-based therapy and interventions to help develop coping skills, emotional management, and behavioral modification strategies Provision of psychoeducation and supports for parents and caregivers, including strategies to assist their child in the home environment Liaison with schools and other health professionals to establish a complete network of support for the child When to Consider Consulting a Child Psychologist Identifying the appropriate time for professional help can be challenging. If you are experiencing concerns about your child’s wellbeing, seeking professional assessment can be helpful. It can be wise and helpful to seek professional input, and early intervention can make a significant difference in supporting a child’s developmental processes. You may wish to seek professional help if you observe any of the following signs: Persistent Emotional Struggles: If your child is experiencing ongoing emotional challenges including feelings of sadness or worry, together with anxiety, irritability or frustration. Significant Behavioural Changes: A sudden increase in aggression, defiance, withdrawal, or regressive behaviours (like bedwetting after being toilet-trained). Intense and Frequent Tantrums: Meltdowns that are difficult to manage and occur frequently, especially in older children. Difficulties with Socialising: Social difficulties, challenges maintaining friendships, extreme shyness or frequent peer conflicts. Challenges at School: School-related difficulties including learning challenges, refusal to attend school, or when teachers report behavioural and learning concerns. Struggles with Major Life Events: If your child is facing major life events such as family separations, death of loved ones, or significant moves. Developmental Concerns: If you suspect your child has not achieved expected skills for their age. Addressing Common Childhood Behavioural and Emotional Challenges Some psychologists specialise in child-related issues. They employ suitable methods for children at different ages such as play therapy for younger kids and talk therapy (including CBT) for older kids and teens to treat various challenges. These include: Anxiety Disorders: Including: Separation anxiety Social anxiety Phobias Generalised worry Behavioural Disorders: Such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): This condition requires assistance with focus control, impulsivity, and hyperactivity management. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Treatment includes social communication development as well as managing sensory sensitivities and repetitive behavioural patterns. Emotional Regulation: Children receive instruction on recognising and controlling their anger and frustration. The Australian Psychological Society provides guidelines for evidence-based approaches to supporting children’s mental health and development. Supporting Academic and Social Development Children spend much of their time navigating the demands of home and school, making these environments central to their learning, wellbeing, and relationships. When difficulties arise at school, they can affect not only academic progress but also a child’s confidence, behaviour, and social development. Child psychologists work with children and families to support both academic learning and social-emotional development, helping children build the skills they need to thrive at school and beyond. At Laburnum Psychology, cognitive and educational assessments are a component of our core services. Thorough evaluation methods can help identify learning difficulties. A complete assessment can identify the following: Specific learning disorders, such as dyslexia Intellectual giftedness or disability Underlying ADHD or processing issues that impact learning A comprehensive assessment provides personalised recommendations to parents and schools for developing appropriate learning support plans. Psychologists help children develop social competencies as well as self-esteem while teaching them to handle friendship relationships and bullying situations. The Assessment & Treatment Process Understanding the assessment process can help address common concerns about visiting a psychologist. The process requires both collaboration and open communication between parties. Initial Consultation: The initial appointment typically brings parents to the assessment without their child present. The first appointment allows you to share your concerns with the psychologist who will gather information about your child’s life history, health status, and family dynamics. Child Assessment: Your child will meet the psychologist after the initial parent consultation. The psychologist may decide to perform formal psychological testing for additional evaluation purposes. Feedback and Planning: The assessment results will be presented to parents so all parties can work together to create a structured treatment plan that defines specific objectives and strategies. Working with Parents and the Family Unit Child psychology becomes most effective when professionals understand that working with the child alone does not lead to lasting results. Children exist within family systems, and family participation can enhance positive outcomes. Our psychologists maintain active involvement with parents through: Parenting Support: Our psychologists provide parents with strategies and coaching tools to handle challenging behaviours and enhance the child-parent bond. Family Therapy: Family therapy sessions can bring parents and siblings together to develop better communication skills while solving conflicts, leading to improved family harmony. School Collaboration: After obtaining your permission, we will maintain communication with your child’s educational institution to establish uniform practices and represent their educational requirements. The Long-Term Benefits of Early Intervention Addressing childhood challenges early can provide important benefits for your child’s development. Early intervention may help reduce the risk of challenges developing into more complex problems over time.
How Therapy Helps with Intrusive Thoughts & OCD
Unwanted, strange thoughts are something that we will all experience at some point. Your brain might suddenly display an unusual or disturbing mental picture, or create an uncomfortable mental impulse. Most people experience these mental occurrences as typical brain activity that fades away naturally. These thoughts can evolve into persistent and disturbing patterns for some individuals. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition that can cause intrusive thoughts and other distressing symptoms. While this condition can be challenging to fully understand, the good news is that it is treatable. Evidence-based therapeutic techniques can help you manage OCD symptoms and work toward improved well-being. Our team of psychologists at Laburnum Psychology provides evidence-based care to patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This article will define intrusive thoughts and explain OCD cycles while discussing evidence-based therapy methods. What are Intrusive Thoughts and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? It can be helpful to understand that intrusive thoughts can appear naturally in everyone. Our minds can receive unwanted thoughts, images, and urges. These can appear unexpectedly and in many cases, may contradict our personal values and beliefs. Intrusive thoughts can take various forms, including: Wishes to harm others Concerns about contamination Religious offenses Sexual taboos The thoughts that people experience do not indicate their personal character or hidden desires. People with OCD react differently to others when they experience intrusive thoughts. The main features of OCD include two key components: Obsessions: Obsessions refer to the intrusive mental content which people experience repeatedly and persistently. The person with OCD will usually find it very difficult to dismiss their intrusive thoughts because they assign high importance and anxiety to them. This, in turn, produces severe distress. Compulsions: People with OCD perform compulsions as mental or physical actions or rituals, such as: Handwashing Checking activities Silent word repetition Counting or prayer People perform compulsions with a sense that it will prevent the feared situations from occurring and minimise obsession-related anxiety. Some individuals who live with OCD can spend up to numerous hours per day experiencing obsessions and performing rituals. This can be very undermining of ordinary life functions and can be highly impairing. For others, symptoms may be relatively mild, and while it may not be greatly impairing of life function, it may nevertheless be distressing. The Vicious Cycle of Obsessions and Compulsions The core nature of OCD depends on a strong pattern which repeats itself. A key first step can involve psychoeducation – in other words, learning about the psychological mechanisms that establish and maintain the patterns. Obsessions: Intense anxiety, fear, or disgust arise when an intrusive thought appears. For example, touching a ‘dirty’ surface may lead to thoughts of contamination. Anxiety: A state of heightened distress is triggered by the intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that are experienced as threatening or unacceptable. This distress creates a strong sense of urgency to reduce the perceived risk or relieve the discomfort. Compulsions: The anxiety relief comes from performing a compulsion. The person may start washing their hands repeatedly over multiple minutes, for example. The nature of compulsions can be many and varied (washing, counting, touching, reciting words or phrases, eye movements, twitches and other bodily movements, etc). Compulsions can be overt behaviours, or internal processes such as counting. Temporary Relief: Compulsions create a momentary feeling of relief. This process can bring temporary relief, however it also serves to reinforce the pattern, thus strengthening the anxiety associated with the obsession and the perceived need to perform compulsions to reduce the sense of threat and anxiety. The brain receives an incorrect signal after performing the compulsion, which states ‘the action brought safety’. Each repetition of this cycle makes the link between obsession and compulsion stronger, thus making intrusive thoughts more intense in their next occurrence. The cycle progresses deeper and develops stronger power as time passes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for OCD Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based method for treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. CBT addresses the cycle by focusing on two essential elements: thinking patterns (cognitive) and compulsive behaviours (behavioural). Through the cognitive aspect of CBT, you will learn to assess and dispute the beliefs you develop about your intrusive thoughts. A therapist will help you learn that: Having a thought is not the same as acting on it Thoughts will always appear unexpectedly, but you can work to maintain control over how you choose to respond to them The intrusive thoughts you experience do not shape your identity or personal qualities By transforming the way you relate and respond to your thoughts, you can decrease the anxiety they cause Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – An Evidence-Based Approach The behavioural component of CBT for OCD includes a specific approach known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is a well-researched treatment option. When performed under the guidance of an experienced therapist, can be beneficial. Exposure: The first step consists of systematically facing the triggers which activate your obsessions and related anxiety. A person with contamination fears can begin their treatment by touching triggering surface, systematically moving up a scale of difficulty. The therapist collaborates with you throughout this process while respecting your chosen comfort level. Response Prevention: Following exposure to the triggering stimuli you will actively resist the urge to perform your compulsion. It is important to allow yourself to experience the anxiety while resisting the urge to perform the compulsions / rituals. When you resist performing compulsions during exposure situations, your brain will process key learnings, enabling your anxiety to decrease through habituation, while also recognising the the consequences never occur. This approach can disrupt the OCD pattern, and with practice, many people can experience a meaningful reduction in obsessions and compulsions. The International OCD Foundation recognises ERP as the gold standard psychological treatment for OCD, with extensive research supporting its effectiveness. Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Approaches Other therapeutic methods alongside ERP are also supported by research evidence. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other mindfulness-based approaches assist you to transform how you view intrusive thoughts through skill-building. Mindfulness is a practice that teaches you to observe intrusive thoughts with
Healing After Loss: The Importance of Grief Counselling
As humans, we encounter loss as an inevitable aspect of our life experiences – it’s a normal part of every person’s life path. The emotional shock from the death of someone important, the termination of important relationships, work loss, or other major changes in life, however, can be intense and disorienting. Grief is experienced differently by each person, but typically creates feelings of isolation together with overwhelming emotions. There is no single correct pathway for healing after grief, but appropriate support can make a significant difference. Loss requires substantial mental and emotional strength. A grief counselling environment can create a protected environment and assist people to work through their loss and discover the pathway to healing. This post investigates the nature of grief along with professional counselling roles. Understanding the Stages and Experience of Grief Most people recognise the grief model, which consists of denial, followed by anger, then bargaining, depression and finally acceptance. Grief does not follow a straightforward linear progression, as according to this model. The grieving process resembles a turbulent ocean which generates unpredictable waves of different emotional states. Grief affects each person uniquely, and may be expressed and manifested in different ways. It does not follow a linear path, and while it can be helpful to understand some of the aspects of healthy grieving, it is also important to understand that in many ways, people will follow their own pathways and timelines when grieving. Emotional Responses: You may experience a wide range of emotional responses including: Deep sadness and anger Guilt and confusion Loneliness In some circumstances, occasional feelings of relief Your emotional state may shift rapidly throughout the day between different conflicting emotions. Physical Symptoms: Grief can take a physical toll, leading to: Fatigue Changes in appetite or sleep patterns Nausea and headaches A weakened immune system Cognitive Effects: It’s common to experience: Difficulty concentrating Memory problems Disbelief or preoccupation with the loss The grieving process can be highly taxing of cognitive capacity – this in turn can undermine a person’s residual cognitive capacities. Behavioural Changes: The grieving process can lead people to: Withdraw from social events Cry frequently Experience restlessness or emotional dysregulation It can feel very difficult to feel a sense of peace and contentment in the midst of grief. Grief has no specific time duration. The objective remains to incorporate the loss into your life rather than trying to forget it as you progress forward. When to Seek Professional Grief Counselling While grief is a natural response to loss, it can become overwhelming and complicated to deal with. Seeking professional help demonstrates your ability to recognise your needs. Grief counselling can be very helpful when you experience any of the following conditions in the context of your grieving: Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and depression persist despite your best efforts to recover from them Your ability to perform daily activities at work, school, or home remains severely impaired The loss triggers overwhelming guilt feelings or self-blame reactions in you Your desire to spend time with others has disappeared, so you remain alone An absence of meaning in life after losing a loved one, making you feel that living without them is pointless A preoccupation with the loss, which prevents you from engaging with anything else The use of destructive behaviours, including drug and alcohol consumption A qualified psychologist can provide support when grief becomes overwhelming and prevents you from living your life. How Grief Counselling Helps You Process Loss Grief counselling or bereavement therapy provides a structured environment to process emotions without any form of criticism or judgement. A qualified psychologist will support you as you work through grief at your own pace. At Laburnum Psychology, our therapists help clients through: Providing a Safe Space: We provide a secure environment that lets you share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or criticism about their complex nature. Normalising Your Experience: A counsellor will validate your grief reactions as normal grieving behaviour, which helps prevent feelings of being alone or losing control. Developing Coping Strategies: Our practice implements Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to teach healthy grief management techniques for your most challenging grief moments. Processing Complex Emotions: A psychologist provides help to unravel complex feelings of guilt, anger, and regret which cause difficulties in grieving processes. Honouring and Memorialising: The therapeutic process allows people to discover purposeful methods for keeping the memory of their deceased loved ones alive as they move through the grieving process. Rebuilding a Sense of Self: The loss may challenge your personal identity, but therapy enables you to discover yourself again through your transformed life while obtaining a fresh sense of direction. Benefits Beyond the Counselling Session The grief counselling process can lead to outcomes that persist beyond therapy. Through therapy, you can develop skills that support lasting positive changes and enable you to develop resilience and help you through future challenges. Long-term benefits include: Better emotional control and improved skills to manage distressing emotions Effective communication about your needs, which assists you to build stronger connections with others Reduced risk of developing persistent mental health difficulties The ability to find peace, contentment, and meaning in life once again, without feeling like you are betraying the memory of your loss Supporting a Loved One Through Grief The experience of watching a dear person face a deep loss can create deep sorrow in you, and it can be difficult to determine appropriate responses or words of comfort. Here are some ways you can offer meaningful support: Just be Present: You do not need the perfect words to be present for someone in need. Your physical presence by their side creates an incredibly powerful effect during their time of sadness. Listen Without Judgement: Let them tell their story without interrupting or providing unwanted advice. Offer Practical Help: Grief is exhausting. Help them with running errands, cooking, childcare duties, and other practical tasks to help make their life easier. Avoid Cliches: Statements like ‘they’re in a better place’ and ‘everything happens for a reason’ can feel dismissive to others, even
Understanding PTSD: Therapeutic Approaches & Support Systems
Some life experiences can be difficult to process. After enduring a deeply stressful experience, you may end up with long-term psychological damage that disrupts your fundamental sense of security and peace of mind. Such experiences sometimes persist beyond the initial event to develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition produces feelings of isolation and overwhelming distress, but it’s important to understand that with appropriate treatment, many people experience significant improvement. At Laburnum Psychology, we establish a protected therapeutic space which allows you to discover different paths toward change. In this article, we’ll explain the typical signs of PTSD, show how proven therapies work, and explain why support networks matter for recovery. What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD can develop after exposure to experiences that overwhelm a person’s capacity to cope and create a profound sense of threat. PTSD is not determined by the objective severity of an event, but rather, how the nervous system responds at the time. When a person experiences intense fear, helplessness, or loss of control, the brain’s threat detection systems can become highly activated and can lead to survival responses such as fight, flight, freeze, or collapse. In turn, the brain prioritises rapid threat learning over adaptive processing, and the experience may then become encoded as a persistent danger signal rather than as a past event. As a result, the nervous system may remain sensitised long after the threat has passed, with reminders triggering strong physiological reactions, intrusive memories, or avoidance. It can be helpful to think of PTSD as an injury to the brain’s stress and memory systems, not a personal weakness. This can help to explain why similar events can lead to trauma responses in some people but not others. PTSD symptoms create substantial challenges for everyday functioning, yet with appropriate treatment and support, many people learn to manage their symptoms effectively. Common Symptoms & How They Manifest The symptoms of PTSD group into four primary categories. They differ among people, and not everyone develops all of them to the same extent: Intrusive Memories or Re-Experiencing: This is one of the most common symptoms, involving: Frequent, unwanted distressing memories of traumatic events ‘Flashbacks’ that feel like a reenactment of the trauma Distressing dreams and nightmares Avoidance: A person with PTSD may make tremendous efforts to stay away from any triggers that remind them of their traumatic experience. People with PTSD attempt to distance themselves from trauma-related stimuli, including: People and locations associated with the trauma Specific activities or objects Mental concepts and emotional responses The temporary comfort it brings creates ongoing fear, however it can also become self-reinforcing and hinder the recovery process. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Trauma can fundamentally alter how you see yourself, others, and the world. The traumatic experience can lead to: Long-lasting negative mental states alongside continuous fear Feelings of horror, persistent anger, guilt, or shame Detachment from others Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy Difficulties with feeling positive emotions Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: PTSD can leave you feeling constantly ‘on edge’. The symptoms include: Sudden startles and physical tension Sleep disturbances Concentration problems Irritability and explosive anger Dangerous impulsive choices These symptoms create such high levels of exhaustion that they affect all areas of your life including relationships, work, and your health. Identifying these symptoms is the first step towards seeking help. Therapeutic Approaches for PTSD Numerous evidence-based treatments for PTSD are currently available. Our psychologists at Laburnum Psychology have training in multiple therapeutic approaches, so we can create individualised treatment plans for each client. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT): CBT is an effective evidence-based psychotherapy that focuses on the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Through trauma-focused CBT, you learn to identify and challenge negative beliefs about your trauma while using safe memory processing techniques to acquire skills for managing your symptoms. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge. During the therapy process, clients focus on their traumatic memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation (eye movements), which enables the brain to resume its natural healing process. At Laburnum Psychology we have clinicians trained in EMDR to deliver this evidence-based method for treating clients who need help overcoming traumatic memories. Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy: The main objective of this therapy is to help patients master the ability to face and manage their fears and distress resulting from traumatic experiences. During PE therapy, clients receive controlled exposure to trauma memories and associated feelings and situations which they have previously avoided in order to reduce trigger control. Schema Therapy: Schema Therapy proves useful for people who have experienced complex or developmental trauma. This approach differs from standard CBT as it focusses on deep-rooted patterns known as ‘schemas’ which develop from early childhood experiences. The therapy helps you to identify the sources of your problems and work toward meaningful change. According to the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, evidence-based psychological treatments like those offered at Laburnum Psychology have shown significant effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms. The Role of a Strong Support System The significance of professional therapy remains high, but a strong support system plays an equally important role in recovery. Healing from trauma requires time, but having supportive individuals by your side significantly affects your progress. Family members, friends and partners can offer their support through various ways: Emotional Support: Having someone who will listen without judgement helps to combat feelings of isolation and validates your experience. Practical Help: By getting help with everyday responsibilities, you can reduce your stress levels so you can concentrate on healing. A Sense of Safety and Normalcy: Caring loved ones create a safe environment and remind us of the positive aspects in the world. If you are supporting somebody with PTSD, it is important to remain patient while acquiring knowledge about the condition. It can also be helpful to gently encourage and validate their efforts to obtain professional help. Our clinic offers support services for partners and family members to