Post Traumatic
Stress Disorde
(PTSD)
Psychology Services, Auckland
SB Psychology offer a full range of both patient and referral services to help people manage and cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a particular set of reactions that can develop in people who have been through a traumatic event which threatened their life or safety, or that of others around them. This could be a car or other serious accident, physical or sexual assault, war or torture, or disasters such as bushfires or floods. As a result, the person experiences feelings of intense fear, helplessness or horror.
What are the signs?
Some of the signs of PTSD include:
- Re-living the traumatic event – The person relives the event through unwanted and recurring memories, often in the form of vivid images and nightmares. There may be intense emotional or physical reactions, such as sweating, heart palpitations or panic when reminded of the event.
- Being overly alert or wound up – The person experiences sleeping difficulties, irritability and lack of concentration, becoming easily startled and constantly on the lookout for signs of danger.
- Avoiding reminders of the event – The person deliberately avoids activities, places, people, thoughts or feelings associated with the event because they bring back painful memories.
- Feeling emotionally numb – The person loses interest in day-to-day activities, feels cut off and detached from friends and family, or feels emotionally flat and numb.
When do I get help?
If your quality of life is badly affected by these kinds of feelings, reach out for a confidential talk with Sarah today.
How can I cope?
- Spend time with others – People who struggle with PTSD need to relate to others and understand that they do not struggle alone.
- Stay Active. Whether or not you have been diagnosed with PTSD, exercise can be a natural mood booster and improve your overall health. Exercise also happens to be one of the most highly recommended PTSD treatment tips.
- Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.
- Practice Mindfulness. Anxiety and stress are common symptoms of PTSD. With so much going on in your head, it might be hard to be in the present. This is especially true for those who experience flashbacks. Practicing mindfulness allows you to focus on the here and now.
- Welcome humour. A good laugh goes a long way.
- Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
About Sarah
Approach
Contact
Patient Services
We are currently accepting patients, however you may need a referral from your current doctor before we can begin treatment.
DEPRESSION
Depression is a serious condition that affects your physical and mental health which can last for long periods of time without any apparent reason.
ANXIETY
Anxiety is a normal emotion that causes increased alertness, fear, and physical signs, such as a rapid heart rate.
STRESS
Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure.
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
A particular set of reactions that can develop in people who have been through a traumatic event.
ADDICTION
Addiction is a physical or psychological need to do, take or use something, to the point where it could be harmful to you
SEXUAL ABUSE
Abusive sexual behaviour by one person upon another.
WORK RELATED INJURY
Work-related injuries can include physical injuries, psychological disorders or diseases.
RELATIONSHIP ISSUES
Isolating and managing relationship issues for a positive outcome.
OFFENCE FOCUSED REHABILITATION
Helping to develop life skills, provide counselling and support, and building constructive days, routines and reinforce good habits.
My past is an armour I cannot take off, no matter how many times you tell me the war is over.
FAQ's
What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists prescribe medication, psychologists can't. Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness. Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients.
What can SB Psychology provide assistance with?
Sarah specialises in assessment and treatment with adult males and females, and young people (13-21). She provides assistance with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress and wellbeing
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Substance use and Addictions
- Sexual abuse
- Work related injury
- Relationship issues
- Offence focused rehabilitation
If you can't see what you are looking for, please get in touch.
How do I know it will work?
Sarah is passionate about helping people and works to create an atmosphere where her clients feel comfortable and safe. She helps her clients to develop insight into the distressing patterns in their life and works alongside to identify and empower her clients to create healthy choices and alternatives. Sarah takes a holistic yet practical approach with her clients and draws on a range of evidence-based psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Sarah values the experiences each client brings and uses their unique qualities and strengths to bring about positive change and improve quality of life.
If you still aren't sure that SB Psychology Services if right for you, please get in touch for a confidential chat with Sarah today.
How do I get an appointment?
There are two ways this can happen.
If you are currently under the care of your doctor, ask them to send a referral to SB Psychology Services - just give them this web address!
If you are not under the care of a doctor, you may contact us directly however we may not be the service you require.
What can I expect in my first session?
Sarah will spend the initial session exploring what has prompted you to seek help and considering which approach will be best to help you achieve your goals or enhance your wellbeing. This involves finding out what is important to you, where you want to get to, your values and strengths as well as exploring your difficulties and the issue that has resulting in you deciding to seek help. Sarah will work from a collaborative and tailored therapy model that will help you get where you want to be.
How many sessions will I need?
Sarah will advise you at the start of therapy of the recommended number of sessions required to help you reach you goal.
How long are the appointments?
Sessions are 50 minutes in duration.
Can I bring a support person/whānau member?
It is important that you feel comfortable when you attend sessions. Support people and whānau are most welcome. Bringing them along, particularly to your first session can help alleviate any anxiety related to attending the session.
NOW is a great time to get in touch!
SB Psychology Services in Auckland are actively accepting referrals and patients.
Please get in touch to discuss how we can help.