What is Trauma?

Healing Is Possible

Whether you're newly experiencing symptoms or have been managing trauma-related distress for years, you don’t have to do it alone. We believe that healing from trauma isn’t about “fixing” you. Healing is about reclaiming your story, your strength, and your sense of self. Whether you’re a young person struggling with trust and safety, a parent worried about your child’s behaviour, or an adult carrying pain that no one else can see, you are welcome here.

At Connect Corner Clinic, our psychologists and mental health social workers are trained in trauma-informed approaches, creating a safe and supportive space for healing. Your practitioner can help identify the best approach for you. We work with adults, adolescents and children to help reduce the emotional burden of trauma and rebuild a sense of stability and empowerment.

The role of our practitioners is to guide you and develop a framework that empowers you to understand what’s going on beneath the surface, develop a treatment plan that’s trauma-informed and at your pace, as well as equip you (or your child) with the tools to regain relief, confidence and clarity of mind.

Why Choose Connect Corner Clinic?

Trauma-Informed, Client-Centred Care
Psychologists & Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Medicare-rebated sessions are available, and partnerships with other funding providers are available.
Online or in-person options Australia-wide
Compassionate support with no judgment

Types of Trauma

1. Acute Trauma

Acute trauma results from a single, overwhelming event, such as:

A serious accident
Physical or sexual assault
A natural disaster
A sudden loss or witnessing a violent incident
Symptoms may develop immediately or shortly after the event and can include shock, fear, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, or emotional numbing.

Symptoms may develop immediately or shortly after the event and can include shock, fear, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, or emotional numbing.

2. Chronic or Complex Trauma

Chronic and/or complex trauma stems from repeated or prolonged exposure to distressing events. This can include multiple interpersonal traumatic events (often beginning in childhood) within a caregiving relationship. The following events can result in this:

Ongoing domestic violence
Repeated bullying or harassment
Prolonged exposure to war or gang violence
Repeated emotional, physical, or sexual abuse by caregivers
Exposure to neglect and abandonment
Dysfunctional, unsafe home environments

It often leads to lasting impacts on emotional regulation, self-esteem and interpersonal functioning. This type of trauma can severely affect identity, attachment, emotional regulation, and trust in others.

3. Vicarious Trauma (Secondary Trauma)

Vicarious trauma is the emotional duress that occurs when an individual hears about or is indirectly exposed to the trauma of others. It can present with symptoms similar to PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, emotional exhaustion, or avoidance. It often affects: