Trauma Therapy Online In Australia: Mental Health Care Services

A traumatic event—ranging from a sudden loss or accident to ongoing exposure to distressing environments—can deeply affect an individual’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. People around the world, including in Australia, are increasingly recognising the importance of a readily available mental health care plan for those who have experienced trauma and want to improve their well-being. This is one reason for the rise in popularity of online counselling platforms that can offer trauma-informed care, like BetterHelp, with a psychologist or another type of qualified counsellor. Working together with a qualified professional can help you move from feeling alone in your trauma to working together as a team as you move forward. 

Trauma therapy online in Australia can provide a lifeline for those who face significant barriers to seeking in-person mental health support, like geographic isolation, mobility issues, or limited local mental health services. Through remote therapy, individuals can access counselling from the comfort of their home or another chosen location, whether they’re healing from trauma or managing a mental illness like PTSD. Read on to learn more about online trauma counselling and therapy in Australia.

What is trauma, and what role can it play in mental health conditions?

Trauma can be defined as “any disturbing experience that results in significant fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion, or other disruptive feelings intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect on a person’s attitudes, behaviour, and other aspects of functioning.” It can take many forms, but common examples include serious car accidents, receiving a serious medical diagnosis, the sudden loss of a loved one, and sexual assault or other forms of violence. Examples of ongoing forms of trauma, or complex trauma, can include abuse, trauma, war, discrimination, and poverty.

Trauma can have a significant impact on mental health, often contributing to conditions like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or complex PTSD. It can alter a person’s sense of self, safety, and emotional stability, leaving them vulnerable to chronic stress, panic attacks, sleep disruptions, difficulty managing relationships, and other effects.

Addressing trauma and any related conditions early may help mitigate their long-term effects. This is just one major positive impact that convenient, trauma-informed care can have on an individual’s mental health healing journey.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

The importance of trauma-informed care

Trauma-informed therapy, or trauma therapy, can be defined as “a framework designed to acknowledge and address the impact of traumatic experiences on individuals' lives” as well as an understanding of the manifestations and effects of trauma. Clinicians having this knowledge can be important, since around 70% of people will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. 

Common reasons to seek trauma-informed therapy

There are many reasons why an Australian might turn to trauma therapy. Some examples include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Traumatic events can sometimes lead to PTSD. Some common symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts and memories, negative changes in thinking or mood, avoidance, and changes in arousal or reactivity.
• Complex trauma. This kind of trauma results from repeated distressing experiences, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or persistent emotional turmoil. Some common symptoms of complex trauma include emotional dysregulation, physical reactions, negative self-perception, chronic depression or anxiety, and difficulties managing relationships.
• Other mental health conditions. Trauma can occur alongside other disorders, such as generalised anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. In these cases, a holistic approach to therapy may be the most optimal.

Common reasons to seek trauma-informed therapy online 

People who have experienced or are experiencing any of the above may choose to attend trauma-informed therapy in person or online. Some people may prefer online treatment for its convenience, since you can log on to virtual sessions from anywhere you have an internet connection—no commuting required. Other people may find it easier to open up about sensitive issues or traumatic experiences with a therapist virtually, when they are not face-to-face with them in the same room. Online therapy can also often be more cost-effective than in-person therapy, which can help reduce another potential barrier to care. 

Types of trauma therapy online in Australia

The best approach to treating trauma in a given individual depends on the person and what they are currently struggling with. Below are some of the most common modalities used today. 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety caused by trauma

Cognitive behavioural therapy can help people learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns linked to trauma and shift them in a more positive, constructive direction. CBT can be effective for treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and emotional distress, as well as addressing the struggles of day-to-day life.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

EMDR is a specialised approach that helps individuals safely process traumatic memories through structured eye movements while engaging in a dialogue with the therapist about their experiences. This approach may reduce the intensity of emotional reactions and help individuals find relief.

Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy

PE therapy involves gradually facing memories or situations linked to trauma in a controlled, supportive environment. It may effectively address avoidance, which could help individuals regain control over their anxiety and fear responses.

Internal family systems (IFS) therapy

IFS therapy focuses on understanding internal conflicts that can arise from trauma. By exploring the various parts of oneself, individuals may be able to develop a deeper level of self-compassion, emotional understanding, and healing.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for depression, anxiety, and other effects of trauma

DBT is a type of therapy that focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal conflict resolution. It can be particularly beneficial for those who experience intense emotions, anxiety, depression, or self-harm tendencies resulting from trauma.

Narrative exposure therapy (NET)

NET is a type of trauma recovery therapy that relies on guiding individuals to recount their traumatic experiences in a coherent, chronological narrative. Doing so may help reduce the intensity of the distressing memories.

Somatic therapy

Somatic therapy is a form of body-centric care that can help individuals reconnect with themselves physically, which may help address the physical manifestations of trauma, such as chronic pain, tension, or numbness. This type of therapy uses techniques like progressive muscle relaxation to help promote holistic recovery, alongside other types of trauma therapy.

Self-care strategies to pair with trauma-informed mental health care

Keep in mind that, if you're experiencing symptoms or challenges related to past trauma, it’s generally recommended that you meet with a mental health care provider for professional support. In addition, practising self-care can potentially enhance trauma recovery, with research suggesting that practising self-care can often be effective in helping trauma survivors heal. Here are some common self-care strategies individuals may use to enhance their treatment:

• Mindfulness and meditation. Regularly practising techniques like deep breathing and meditation may help individuals regulate their emotions.
• Caring for physical well-being. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating nutrient-rich foods as often as possible may help individuals process and heal from trauma.
• Grounding techniques. Much like mindfulness and meditation, grounding can help individuals regulate their emotions and become more emotionally aware and present.
• Building supportive relationships. Connecting regularly with trusted individuals or support groups can provide emotional reinforcement and validation throughout recovery.

How online therapy for trauma therapy works

The key difference between in-person and online trauma-informed therapy is that online sessions take place virtually, via phone, video, or live chat. Other than that, sessions typically take a similar format, whether they are in person or virtual. Whether in-person or online, psychologists (and other types of licensed therapists) often start by asking the client about why they've decided to attend therapy and what their goals are. They may then begin treatment using whatever modality they believe will be most helpful to the individual. 

Your chosen therapist should provide support and a safe space to process your thoughts and feelings. You may not know how strong your therapeutic alliance is after just the first session; that said, trust and comfort should build over the first few sessions. If they don’t feel like the right fit, there’s no need to wait a full calendar year or longer before switching providers. On online platforms like BetterHelp, you can change at any time, no questions asked. 

The potential benefits of online therapy as a form of mental health care

Online trauma therapy in Australia can offer a wide range of potential benefits for individuals seeking help, including:

• Increased availability of support, which may be particularly beneficial in remote or rural Australian communities
• Hassle-free and flexible scheduling
• The ability to connect to a wider pool of trauma-informed therapists than what may be available in your local area, which could make it easier to find the right fit
• Sessions that, in general, tend to cost less than in-person appointments 

These potential benefits make online therapy a popular option among Australians and users around the world.

Conditions trauma therapy can help with 

There’s a wide range of mental health challenges that trauma-informed therapy can help with, according to studies. These include: 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Generalised anxiety disorder 
• Grief 
• Major depression and general low mood
• Problematic behaviour

Whether you are dealing with a diagnosed mental illness or just want some temporary help to process a traumatic event, trauma therapy can often help.

How effective is trauma therapy online in Australia?

According to many studies, online therapy can often be just as effective at treating mental health conditions as traditional face-to-face therapy. Research consistently suggests that trauma-specific online therapy can often provide comparable outcomes to face-to-face PTSD treatment as well, including reducing PTSD symptoms and improving the overall mental health and emotional well-being of participants.

Medicare rebates and affordability 

Citizens and permanent residents of Australia can access therapy through a Medicare rebate or independent health insurance. 

Individuals with Medicare coverage can access care by getting an assessment from their GP. If they meet the criteria for therapy, the GP will create a Mental Health Care Plan, including a referral for 6 sessions with an approved psychologist or other mental health care provider. After completing those sessions, you’ll need to meet with your GP again to access a further 4 sessions. The 10 sessions are valid to claim for one calendar year. These are often free or low-cost services, depending on whether you find a provider who bulk bills directly to Medicare.

When to seek out online trauma therapy

If trauma-related symptoms persistently affect the everyday life of an individual, they might consider seeking treatment. Here are some signs that it could be time to reach out for professional care:

• Persistent emotional distress or feelings of hopelessness
• Avoidance of activities, places, or reminders of trauma
• Chronic anxiety, depression, or disrupted sleep patterns

Coping strategies and symptom management

There are many coping strategies that can help manage symptoms of trauma. These include: 

• Lean on social connections who can provide a safe space for vulnerability 
• Set small goals 
• Engage in positive self-talk 
• Practice deep breathing or other relaxation strategies
• Try new hobbies and activities 
• Practice healthy habits in everyday life, such as a consistent sleep schedule, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet

Studies find that there’s a relationship between healthy coping strategies and resilience, which can help reduce the risk of PTSD after trauma and promote well-being.  

The role of psychologists and care teams

While you can do a lot on your own to cope, a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional can provide support beyond what you can do for yourself. Your chosen therapist might specialise in trauma or other mental health concerns, helping you understand complex thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that often arise after a traumatic experience. 

In some cases, a full care team, including clinical psychologists (including online psychologists, if you prefer) with clinical experience in trauma-informed care, along with medical doctors, can help individuals who’ve experienced complex trauma. 

Finding the right therapist to treat trauma-related depression, anxiety, and others

Finding a mental health care provider you feel comfortable with can be crucial to promoting positive therapeutic outcomes. Ensuring they have experience in trauma-informed modalities can also be important. Keep in mind that it's not uncommon to try a few therapists before finding the right fit.

Online therapy can make the process of finding the right therapist for you easier. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can be matched with a qualified provider based on the needs and preferences you outline in your onboarding questionnaire. BetterHelp also lets you switch therapists any time, for any reason, and at no additional cost. 

Preparing for your first session

Whether you prefer in-person or online therapy, the first session often starts the same way: 

• They will ask you about the symptoms and/or trauma you’re dealing with
• They will likely ask about your history and goals
• At the end of the first session, therapists often take some time to discuss realistic expectations 

Whoever your chosen therapist is, they should work with you as a team, providing a non-judgmental, safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and more.