CHARIS COUNSELLING - Augusta & Margaret River.
TRAUMA AND ABUSE COUNSELLING

Is there anything that I can do to address the effects of Trauma and Abuse in my life?
There are several healthy ways of coping with trauma– paying attention to
self-care, exercising (walking in nature), sleeping well, seeing loved ones
regularly, avoiding alcohol and drugs, journaling, art, meditation and
mindfulness, relaxation techniques and seeking the help of a professional
(counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist).
At Charis Counselling you will find an experienced professional in Lyn Cannon who will be able to support you as you begin to work through your experiences of Trauma and Abuse. Lyn will create a safe emotional space and in a reflective environment enable you to gently begin to address the affects of your trauma experience.
There are several healthy ways of coping with trauma– paying attention to
self-care, exercising (walking in nature), sleeping well, seeing loved ones
regularly, avoiding alcohol and drugs, journaling, art, meditation and
mindfulness, relaxation techniques and seeking the help of a professional
(counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist).
At Charis Counselling you will find an experienced professional in Lyn Cannon who will be able to support you as you begin to work through your experiences of Trauma and Abuse. Lyn will create a safe emotional space and in a reflective environment enable you to gently begin to address the affects of your trauma experience.

What is Trauma?
Trauma is the experience of severe psychological distress following any
terrible or life-threatening event. Sufferers may develop emotional
disturbances such as extreme anxiety, anger, sadness, survivors guilt,
or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
They may experience ongoing problems with sleep or physical pain,
encounter turbulence in their personal or professional relationship, and feel
a diminished sense of self-worth due to the overwhelming amount of stress.
(Psychology Today)
Traumatic experiences can arouse strong, disturbing feelings that may not always abate on their own. Immediately after a traumatic event people often experience shock or denial. As time goes on there may be a range of emotional reactions including anger, guilt, fear, shame, helplessness, vulnerability, flashbacks and other signs of PTSD. If these symptoms persist it is important to seek professional help.
Symptoms of Trauma

What is PTSD?
PTSD can develop in response to experiencing or witnessing an extremely stressful event or events - where there is a threat of death, extreme bodily harm or extreme emotional/psychological harm (sexual abuse, physical/emotional abuse, torture, war – either in the forces or a citizen, victim of crime).
The traumatic experience can be from childhood or quite recently as an adult.
It can also present in the body (body stored trauma) where physical symptoms are present when the trauma has been stored in the body.
PTSD can occur as the result of a car accident, natural disaster, or exposure to extended periods of emotional stress (or abuse) in the home, work environment, or an institution – education/religious/sporting/community.
Symptoms of PTSD can include – vivid, intrusive memories of the event, hypervigilance and reactivity to possible threats, nightmares, mood disturbances, anxious or fearful even in the absence of danger, anxiety symptoms, emotional numbness, anger, aggression, exaggerated startle response, guilt, shame, depression symptoms, apathy, detachment, and difficulty trusting people.
PTSD can develop in response to experiencing or witnessing an extremely stressful event or events - where there is a threat of death, extreme bodily harm or extreme emotional/psychological harm (sexual abuse, physical/emotional abuse, torture, war – either in the forces or a citizen, victim of crime).
The traumatic experience can be from childhood or quite recently as an adult.
It can also present in the body (body stored trauma) where physical symptoms are present when the trauma has been stored in the body.
PTSD can occur as the result of a car accident, natural disaster, or exposure to extended periods of emotional stress (or abuse) in the home, work environment, or an institution – education/religious/sporting/community.
Symptoms of PTSD can include – vivid, intrusive memories of the event, hypervigilance and reactivity to possible threats, nightmares, mood disturbances, anxious or fearful even in the absence of danger, anxiety symptoms, emotional numbness, anger, aggression, exaggerated startle response, guilt, shame, depression symptoms, apathy, detachment, and difficulty trusting people.

WHAT IS ABUSE?
Are you experiencing abuse?
Have you experienced abuse in the past that is still affecting your
life today?
There are different types of abuse - Physical Abuse,
Sexual Abuse,
Emotional Abuse,
Mental Abuse
Spiritual Abuse.
Abuse is experienced by all ages and genders - adults, children, teenagers, women and men.
Abuse can be experience in various areas of our life
- in the home - domestic violence and child abuse both can be physical, emotional, sexual, mental or spiritual types of abuse.
- in an institution - a community group, sports group/organisation, an educational institutions, the work place, a religious institution eg church, youth group etc. These too can be physical, sexual, mental or spiritual types of abuse. These forms of abuse are often at the hands of someone in power or authority. These forms of abuse include bullying.
Secrecy often surrounds abuse and this is often what maintains it and gives it power.

This diagram of the cycle of abuse identifies the patterns that are present in abusive relationships

Abuse from our past can continue to impact our lives into adulthood and old age if it is not dealt with. The way we were treated as children can have life long effects on our relationships and sense of self. It can also effect how we relate to and treat others in our lives, partners, children, work colleagues etc.

HOW CAN CHARIS COUNSELLING HELP?
If you are wanting help to begin to address the effects of
trauma or abuse in your life either past or present Charis
Counselling can help.
Lyn Cannon will create the safe emotional space for you to
quietly, calmly and at your own pace begin to take this
very difficult journey to deal with the effects of trauma or
abuse in your life.
If you are wanting help to begin to address the effects of
trauma or abuse in your life either past or present Charis
Counselling can help.
Lyn Cannon will create the safe emotional space for you to
quietly, calmly and at your own pace begin to take this
very difficult journey to deal with the effects of trauma or
abuse in your life.