Trauma-Informed
Counselling
“Does a past trauma impact your ability to live a fulfilling life?”
“Are you finding it hard to cope?”
“Do you find it hard to get through normal daily tasks?”
“Are you tired of feeling sad and anxious because of a past event?”
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Understanding Trauma
Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have a profound impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Traumatic events can vary in nature and intensity, ranging from a single distressing incident to prolonged exposure to overwhelming circumstances. Common sources of trauma include accidents, natural disasters, interpersonal violence, abuse, and sudden loss.
Our Approach to Trauma-Informed Counselling
Toni understands the complex nature of trauma and offers specialised trauma-informed counselling to support individuals in processing their traumatic experiences and regaining a sense of safety, stability, and empowerment. Toni has training and experience in working with trauma survivors, using evidence-based approaches to trauma counselling to promote healing and recovery.
Service areas
Toni Steenson, owner of Spherical Counselling, offers a trauma-informed counselling service (also known as trauma therapy or trauma counselling) for people from all walks of life in the Northern Rivers areas with clinics in Lismore and Goonellabah she sees people from Lismore, Goonellabah, Wollongbar, Alstonville, Byron Bay, Evans Head, Ballina and surrounds. Sessions are also available online.
How to book
To get a sense of whether Trauma-informed counselling is for you call Toni to receive a complimentary 15-minute consult. If Toni can’t answer the phone, be sure to leave a message so she can call you back.
Phone 0466 629 424
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Or contact Toni via email and she will organise a time to call you.
What is the process?
Trauma Assessment: Toni conducts thorough assessments to gain insight into the impact of trauma on mental health and well-being. These assessments help Toni tailor her therapeutic interventions to meet your specific needs.
Individualised Treatment: Toni believes in the importance of personalised care and creates customised treatment plans to address your unique experiences, challenges, and goals. Toni provides a safe and supportive environment for you to explore and process your emotions.
Symptom Management: Toni will work collaboratively with you to develop effective coping strategies to manage trauma-related symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and difficulty regulating emotions.
Building Resilience: Through our trauma informed counselling sessions, together we will focus on building resilience and strengthening your ability to cope with stressors, triggers, and difficult emotions. Toni aims to empower you to navigate challenges with confidence and self-assurance.
Empowerment and Recovery: Toni is committed to supporting you in reclaiming your sense of agency, autonomy, and hope for the future. Toni provides guidance and encouragement as you take steps towards healing and personal growth.
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Who Can Benefit From Trauma Informed Counselling:
Our trauma informed counselling services are suitable for individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma, including:
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Childhood trauma or abuse
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Domestic violence
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Sexual assault or harassment
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Accidents or injuries
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Loss and grief
Taking the First Steps Towards Healing
If you have been impacted by trauma and are ready to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery, Toni invites you to connect with her. She aims to provide the support and guidance you need to navigate your healing process. Contact Toni today to schedule a confidential appointment and take the first step towards reclaiming your life and well-being. Remember, healing is possible, and you deserve to experience peace and resilience in the aftermath of trauma.
How to book
Ready to get started?
Phone 0466 629 424
Or contact Toni via email and she will organise a time to call you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does trauma-informed counselling involve?
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Trauma-informed counselling is a specialised approach that recognises the widespread impact of trauma on individuals' mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In trauma-informed counselling, therapists are trained to understand the complex effects of trauma and create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore and process their experiences.
Trauma-informed counselling involves:
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Safety and Trust: Creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship where clients feel respected, heard, and understood.
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Empowerment: Empowering clients to make choices, set boundaries, and regain a sense of control over their lives.
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Understanding Trauma Responses: Recognising and validating trauma responses such as hyper vigilance, avoidance, and dissociation.
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Collaborative Approach: Working collaboratively with clients to develop coping strategies, resilience, and self-care practices.
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Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledging the intersection of trauma with culture, identity, and social contexts in the counselling process.
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Holistic Healing: Addressing the mind-body connection and integrating various therapeutic modalities to support comprehensive healing.
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Trauma-informed counselling aims to empower individuals to navigate their healing journey, build resilience, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being and self-compassion. By integrating trauma-sensitive approaches into counselling sessions, therapists can help clients move towards healing and recovery in a safe and supportive space.
Does trauma-informed counselling work?
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Research indicates that trauma-informed counselling can be highly effective in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. Trauma counselling focuses on understanding the impact of past traumatic experiences on emotions, behaviours, and thinking patterns. Trauma-informed counselling provides a safe space for individuals to recognise and process their trauma, even if they may not initially identify their experiences as traumatic.
What modalities/therapies are used in trauma-informed counselling?
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In trauma-informed counselling, various modalities and theories are used to address the complex needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. Some of the common modalities and theories used in trauma-informed counselling include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used and evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distress and emotional difficulties.
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Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences, including trauma, influence present thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It aims to uncover unconscious patterns and promote self-awareness and insight.
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Somatic Therapy: Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection, recognizing how trauma can be stored in the body and working to release physical tension and emotional distress through techniques such as body awareness and breathing exercises.
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Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Mindfulness techniques help individuals cultivate present-moment awareness, regulate emotions, and enhance coping skills to manage trauma-related symptoms and reduce reactivity.
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Narrative Therapy: Narrative therapy helps individuals reconstruct their life stories and make meaning out of their experiences of trauma, empowering them to reshape their narratives and move towards healing.
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Attachment-Based Therapy: Attachment theory informs therapy by exploring how early attachment patterns impact relationships and coping strategies, especially in the context of trauma and its effects on attachment.
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These modalities and theories are applied in trauma-informed counselling to provide a comprehensive and tailored approach to address the unique needs and experiences of individuals who have been impacted by trauma. Each modality offers specific techniques and strategies to support healing, resilience, and empowerment in the therapeutic process.
Do you do trauma-informed counselling online?
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Trauma-informed counselling can occur online, although if the client is in the local area, it would be great to meet in person if the individual is comfortable with this. Online counselling occurs in the same way as in-person counselling; for example, we have a set session time, the trauma-informed counselling session lasts 50 minutes, etc. Online trauma counselling needs to occur in a private and confidential setting on both ends; it also needs to be free of distractions, just as it would be in the counselling room. It can incur different costs as resources may need to be sent to you. The trauma-informed counselling sessions occur on the online platform called Zoom.
How long will I need trauma counselling?
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The duration of trauma counselling can vary depending on individual circumstances, the nature of the trauma, and the progress made in therapy. There is no fixed timeline for how long someone may need trauma counselling, as each person's healing journey is unique. Factors effecting the duration of the counselling process include
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Individual needs: The length of trauma counselling is highly individualised and depends on factors such as the severity of the trauma, the individual's readiness to engage in therapy, and their support system.
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Trauma Complexity: The complexity of the trauma and its impact on the individual's life can influence the duration of counselling. Some individuals may require short-term focused therapy, while others may benefit from longer-term support.
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Therapeutic Progress: The progress made in therapy, including the ability to process and integrate traumatic experiences, develop coping strategies, and build resilience, can influence the duration of counselling.
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Therapist-Client Relationship: The quality of the therapeutic relationship and the level of trust and rapport established between the therapist and client can impact the effectiveness and duration of trauma counselling.
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Client Goals and Needs: The client's goals, needs, and desired outcomes for therapy play a significant role in determining the length of trauma counselling. Therapy may continue until the client feels they have achieved their desired level of healing and growth.
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Regular Review and Evaluation: Toni typically conducts regular assessments to evaluate progress and determine the ongoing need for counselling. Based on these evaluations, adjustments to the treatment plan may be made.
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Gradual Transition: As clients make progress in therapy and develop coping skills, the frequency and intensity of counselling sessions may be adjusted to support the gradual transition towards independent coping and ongoing self-care.
What qualification does Toni Steenson have?
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Toni Steenson has completed a degree in Psychological Science with a minor in Aboriginal studies from the University of South Australia and a major in Psychology at Swinburne. Toni has also completed her forth year Psychology Studies through the University of Adelaide receiving first class honors. Toni furthered her studies by completing The Crisis Support Skill Set Certificate through Lifeline Australia. Toni has completed a Diploma in Counselling through Evolve College. Toni has also completed Level 1 and Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and she uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work. Toni has also completed a couple of Play Therapy courses from the Queensland Institute of Play Therapy. She is a is consistently upgrading her skills in the counselling arena.
How do I know if I need trauma-informed counselling?
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If you are unsure whether trauma-informed counselling is right for you, here are some indications that you may benefit from seeking trauma-informed counselling:
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Past Traumatic Experiences: If you have experienced a distressing or traumatic event in the past, such as abuse, assault, accidents, or loss, and find that it continues to impact your daily life and well-being, trauma counselling may be beneficial.
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Emotional Distress: If you are experiencing persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, guilt, or shame related to past experiences, and these emotions are interfering with your ability to function or maintain relationships, trauma counselling can help you process and manage these emotions.
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Trauma Symptoms: If you are experiencing symptoms commonly associated with trauma, such as flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, avoidance of triggers, and difficulty regulating emotions, trauma-informed counselling can provide you with tools and strategies to cope with these symptoms.
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Relationship Challenges: If past trauma has impacted your relationships, trust, and communication with others, and you find it challenging to form healthy connections or maintain boundaries, trauma counselling can help you navigate these difficulties.
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Self-Destructive Behaviours: If you find yourself engaging in self-destructive behaviours, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or risky behaviours, as a way to cope with past trauma, trauma counselling can support you in developing healthier coping mechanisms.
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Feeling Stuck: If you feel stuck or unable to move forward in life due to unresolved trauma and find it challenging to experience joy, fulfilment, or a sense of purpose, trauma counselling can help you explore these patterns and work towards growth and healing.
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Desire for Growth and Healing: If you have a desire to address past trauma, learn coping skills, build resilience, and work towards healing and personal growth, trauma-informed counselling can provide you with the support and tools to embark on this journey.
If any of these signs resonate with you, reaching out to a trauma-informed counsellor or therapist can be a valuable step towards addressing past trauma, enhancing your well-being, and reclaiming a sense of agency and empowerment in your life. Remember, seeking help is a courageous choice that can lead to positive changes and greater resilience.