The short answer: in Australia, the main recommended treatments for PTSD are trauma-focused therapies such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT), cognitive therapy, EMDR, prolonged exposure and trauma-focused CBT. Medication can also play a role. At Bloom, I combine a trauma-focused approach with EMDR-informed strategies, hypnosis and counselling, and I always work alongside your GP or other health professionals.
If you’ve been living with flashbacks, nightmares, feeling constantly on edge or avoiding reminders of something that happened, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide explains what the Australian guidelines recommend, how I work with PTSD, and how to get support.
How common is PTSD in Australia?
More common than many people realise. Around 4.4% of Australians have PTSD at any point in time, which is about 1.1 million people (University of Melbourne / Phoenix Australia, 2020). PTSD can follow a single event, like an accident or assault, or build up over time after repeated or long-term trauma.
What the Australian PTSD guidelines recommend
Phoenix Australia’s national guidelines for adults strongly recommend these psychological treatments for PTSD (Phoenix Australia guidelines):
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): works with the beliefs and “stuck points” that formed after the trauma, such as blame, guilt or feeling unsafe.
- Cognitive therapy (CT)
- EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing): helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they feel less raw.
- Prolonged exposure (PE)
- Trauma-focused CBT
The guidelines don’t strongly recommend any medication, but certain antidepressants (some SSRIs and venlafaxine) are conditionally recommended. For example, they may be suggested if someone can’t engage in therapy right now, has another condition the medication helps with, or hasn’t benefited enough from therapy. Medication is something to discuss with your GP or psychiatrist.
How I work with PTSD at Bloom
There’s no single order that suits everyone, so I tailor the approach to you. I usually combine:
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
Exploring the beliefs trauma has left you with and gently testing whether they still fit.
Socratic questioning
A big part of how I work. Rather than telling you what to think, I ask questions that help you look at your experience from new angles and reach your own conclusions.
EMDR-informed techniques
To help reduce the emotional charge of distressing memories.
Hypnosis and conversational hypnosis
To build a sense of calm and safety and support change. Conversational hypnosis uses the same principles in a gentler, talk-based way. Hypnosis isn’t one of the guidelines’ main recommended treatments on its own, so I use it alongside trauma-focused work rather than instead of it.
Solution-focused therapy grounded in positive psychology
Building on your strengths and what’s already working, so therapy is about where you want to go, not only what went wrong.
You don’t need to describe every detail of what happened for this to help. We work at a pace that feels safe, and you stay in control throughout. Learn more about trauma and PTSD counselling at Bloom.
Working alongside your GP and other professionals
I always work collaboratively. Whatever is best for you is what matters, so you’re welcome to see me while you’re taking medication or seeing a GP, psychologist or psychiatrist. With your consent, I’m happy to work alongside them.
If I think you’d benefit from additional support, such as a psychiatrist, I’ll talk with you about it. That isn’t about being “too complex”. I’ll always try different approaches first, and a referral only comes up if you need extra support or aren’t responding as expected.
Medicare, rebates and costs
Under Medicare’s Better Access initiative, rebates for mental health treatment are available for sessions with clinical psychologists, registered psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers, with a referral such as a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP (Services Australia). Counselling and hypnotherapy at Bloom aren’t covered by Medicare or private health funds at this stage. You don’t need a referral to book.
When to get help
It’s worth reaching out if trauma symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks, or they’re affecting your sleep, work, relationships or sense of safety. If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7), or 000 if life is in danger.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective treatment for PTSD?
Australian guidelines strongly recommend trauma-focused therapies, including cognitive processing therapy, cognitive therapy, EMDR, prolonged exposure and trauma-focused CBT. The best fit depends on you, and many practitioners combine approaches.
Can I see a counsellor for PTSD while on medication?
Yes. Many people combine therapy with medication prescribed by their GP or psychiatrist. At Bloom, I work collaboratively with your other health professionals.
Is hypnotherapy a recommended treatment for PTSD?
Hypnosis isn’t one of the main standalone treatments in the Australian guidelines. At Bloom, it’s used alongside trauma-focused approaches to build calm and safety, not instead of them.
Do I need a referral to see you for PTSD?
No. You can book directly. Sessions aren’t currently covered by Medicare or private health funds.
Can PTSD treatment be done online?
Yes. Sessions are available online anywhere in Australia, as well as in person in Yarrabilba, near Logan.
Getting started
Sessions are available in person in Yarrabilba, near Logan, Jimboomba and Beenleigh, or online anywhere in Australia. Book a session or call 0451 119 353.
