Trauma Counselling
What Is Trauma Counselling?
Trauma counselling is a specialised therapy that helps individuals process and heal from the emotional and psychological effects of distressing events. Trauma is not just the event itself but how it impacts your sense of safety and ability to cope.
Experiences such as abuse, loss, accidents, or instability can leave lasting effects on mental and emotional well-being. Trauma counselling provides a safe space to explore these impacts, develop coping strategies, and restore a sense of control and resilience. Trauma counselling supports healing and empowers individuals to move forward confidently.
Trauma counselling helps you process and recover from both Big ‘T’ and Small ‘t’ traumatic experiences in an environment of respect, safety, and sensitivity. Our trained mental health professionals provide a trauma-informed environment to safely explore your trauma, understand its impact, and develop strategies to heal from the wounds that trauma has caused in your life.
Using evidence-based techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and somatic therapies, our counsellors work with you to address trauma-related symptoms, rebuild your resilience and well-being, and craft a treatment plan for moving forward from trauma.
“Trauma is the invisible force that shapes our lives. It shapes the way we live, the way we love and the way we make sense of the world. It is the root of our deepest wounds.” - Dr. Maté
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event that overwhelms your ability to cope with your circumstances. Trauma is not what happens to us but what happens inside us as a response to negative events outside our control. You’ve most likely heard the term “trauma” used to describe experiences such as physical or emotional abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or sudden loss of a loved one.
If you’ve recently experienced abuse, loss, or major instability in life, you may feel the effects of trauma. It can leave you feeling desolate, extremely sensitive to triggering situations, isolated from your communities, and fearful about the future.
Unfortunately, trauma can have long-lasting effects on your well-being, and sufferers can experience symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, or emotional numbness. If you’re experiencing trauma or living with the after-effects of a traumatic event, you’re not alone, and we are here to support you.
Examples Of Traumatic Events
- Remember that experiencing some of these experiences doesn't mean you should self-diagnose or diagnose others. It's essential to seek a professional evaluation to determine if trauma is present accurately.
- Have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
- Have been involved in or witnessed a serious accident.
- Are a survivor of natural disaster.
- Have experienced the sudden loss of a loved one.
- Are you a military veteran or have experienced combat.
- Have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Experience ongoing stress over cumulative smaller traumatic events.
Types of Trauma
Understanding the types of trauma is like having a map for your healing journey. Trauma is generally categorised into three types: acute, chronic, and complex trauma. This insight allows the counselling approach to be customised to your unique needs, equipping you with the tools and support necessary for the journey ahead.
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma results from a single, overwhelming event. Examples include physical abuse, sexual assault, accidents, or natural disasters. This type of trauma often causes intense emotional distress, requiring timely intervention to prevent lasting effects.
Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma arises from repeated and prolonged exposure to traumatic events, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. It may also develop if acute trauma is left untreated, increasing the risk of long-term mental health challenges like anxiety or depression.
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma involves exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive or interpersonal nature. Examples include living through armed conflict, enduring ongoing abuse, or experiencing repeated neglect. Without proper intervention, complex trauma can severely affect emotional regulation, relationships, and overall mental health.
Signs & Symptoms Of Trauma
- Warning: If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it's important to avoid self-diagnosing. These signs may be similar to those of other conditions; only a qualified professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. If you're concerned, it's crucial to seek guidance from a mental health expert for the right support and care.
Trauma can manifest in various emotional, psychological, and behavioural ways. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Persistent Feelings Of Helplessness Or Guilt:
Overwhelming emotions that do not subside, even over time.
- Severe Anxiety:
Intense worry or fear that disrupts daily life and activities.
- Depression:
Prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Mood Swings:
Unpredictable emotional highs and lows that can strain relationships and personal well-being.
- Difficulty Concentrating Or Remembering:
Struggling with focus, decision-making, or recalling information.
Holding oneself or others responsible for the trauma or its consequences.
- Social Withdrawal:
Avoiding friends, family, or social interactions, leading to isolation.
When Does Trauma Start to Affect Us
Trauma is inherently personal, and everyone has a different threshold for traumatic events. What might be traumatic for one person may just be a regular setback for someone else, and that’s okay.
Sometimes, you’ll hear trauma referred to as “Big ‘T’ trauma,” a term used to describe more recognisable forms of trauma that are often associated with conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “Small ‘t’ trauma,” on the other hand, refers to smaller, more common life events that can still be deeply distressing and have a cumulative effect on one’s well-being. Examples include ongoing stress, bullying, relationship conflicts, financial difficulties, or minor accidents.
At New Leaf, we approach all forms of trauma with utmost seriousness and sensitivity, supporting and guiding you on the path forward to healing from trauma.
Why Trauma Counselling Matters
Trauma counselling is not a journey you have to take alone. We provide a safe, supportive environment for individuals to process their experiences and begin healing, guided by a qualified professional. This professional helps clients develop coping strategies, rebuild resilience, and reclaim a sense of control over their lives. Whether addressing acute, chronic, or complex trauma, counselling, with the right professional, is a vital step toward emotional recovery and long-term well-being.
Evidence-Based Therapies We Use For Trauma
At New Leaf, our trauma specialists use evidence-based therapies that are widely recognised for effectively supporting trauma recovery.
Our therapists tailor their approach to each client’s needs, experiences, and goals.
EMDR Therapy
(Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing)
EMDR therapy is a well-researched and effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress.
This therapy helps the brain reprocess distressing memories, making them less overwhelming. During EMDR sessions, guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation are used while recalling aspects of the traumatic experience.
Over time, EMDR can reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and support healthier processing.
EMDR therapy may help with:
- Post-traumatic stress.
- Childhood trauma.
- Anxiety is linked to past events.
- Distressing memories.
- Phobias.
- Emotional triggers.
Many individuals experience significant improvement through a structured course of EMDR sessions.
Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting is a trauma therapy that engages the brain and nervous system to process unresolved trauma.
This approach identifies specific eye positions, called “brainspots”, that correspond to stored trauma. Focusing on these spots in a safe therapeutic setting allows the brain to process and release deeply held emotions.
Brainspotting can be especially helpful for trauma that feels difficult to express verbally.
- Performance anxiety.
- Chronic stress.
- Unresolved emotional experiences.
- Somatic or body-based trauma responses.
Other Trauma-Informed Modalities
In addition to EMDR and Brainspotting, our counsellors may incorporate other trauma-informed therapies based on your needs.
These may include:
- Cognitive and behavioural strategies.
- Somatic and body-based awareness techniques.
- Emotional regulation skills.
- Mindfulness-based approaches.
- Parts-based and attachment-focused therapy.
- Psychoeducation on trauma and the nervous system.
Combining different approaches ensures therapy is personalised and responsive to each individual’s experiences.
The Benefits Of Trauma Counselling
Trauma, whether it’s from a car accident, a natural disaster, or a personal loss, is deeply personal, and everyone experiences its effects differently. What one person finds traumatic may not affect another in the same way. At New Leaf, we approach all forms of trauma with the utmost care, sensitivity, and respect, guiding you toward healing and recovery.
- Restore Your Sense Of Self
Trauma counselling is a journey of empowerment. It helps you overcome fear and regain control, guiding you to reconnect with your true self and move forward with confidence. It’s about taking back your life and shaping your future, not letting the trauma define you.
- Identify Triggers
Recognising the triggers that activate traumatic responses enables you to manage negative thoughts and emotions, improving how you respond to challenges and relationships.
- Encourage Healthier Coping
Trauma counselling provides strategies for managing anxiety and stress, teaching relaxation techniques to restore resilience and build healthier coping mechanisms.
- Find Peace Of Mind
Through trauma counselling, feelings of anxiety, depression, and dissociation can be significantly reduced. This process can bring a sense of relief, helping you achieve inner peace and emotional stability, and paving the way for a brighter future.
New Leaf's Trauma Counselling Approach
At New Leaf, we deliver trauma therapy with compassion, care, and deep respect for each client’s experiences and in a confidential and safe space.
Our therapists recognise that trauma affects both mind and body. Sessions proceed at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.
During trauma counselling sessions, you can expect:
- A confidential and non-judgmental environment.
- Trauma-informed care focused on safety and stability.
- Therapies tailored to your individual needs.
- Support from highly trained and qualified counsellors.
- Practical tools to manage trauma responses.
Our goal is to help you understand your experiences, reduce the impact of trauma, and regain a sense of balance and control in a safe and confidential space.
What Can You Expect From Trauma Counselling?
Trauma counselling is an essential step in supporting yourself on your unique healing journey and ensuring you have a safe outlet to recover from the effects of a traumatic experience. Trauma counselling allows you to process traumatic experiences in a safe, medically-informed environment, reduce the emotional pain associated with them, and live with more lightness and freedom. It also helps you decrease symptoms of trauma that can cause emotional distress and hinder your daily life, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
Trauma can be immensely challenging for our mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, our counsellors at New Leaf are here to support you, honour your experiences, and help you move forward on a path to healing and greater well-being. Contact us today to learn more, and schedule an appointment here and deepen your understanding of how trauma affects your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Why Choose New Leaf For Trauma Counselling In Singapore
Selecting the right trauma therapist is an important step toward healing.
At New Leaf, we are committed to providing compassionate, professional trauma therapy within a supportive environment.
When you work with our trauma specialists, you can expect:
- Highly qualified and trauma-trained counsellors.
- Evidence-based trauma therapies, including EMDR and Brainspotting.
- A safe and confidential therapeutic environment.
- Personalised treatment tailored to your needs.
- Supportive and compassionate care.
- Professional guidance throughout your healing journey.
We understand how challenging it can be to seek help after trauma, and we are here to support you throughout your recovery.
How Much Does Trauma Counselling Cost?
At New Leaf, we understand that everyone’s needs are unique. That’s why we offer flexible 60-minute and 90-minute counselling sessions, with fixed rates based on your choice of practitioner. We take care in matching you with a professional who best suits your needs, ensuring you feel accommodated and understood.
Our rates are designed to accommodate your schedule. Depending on whether you book an appointment during or after office hours, the rates vary. We recommend planning your session for maximum convenience. We also offer various assessments to help you better understand your mental health needs and make more informed decisions about your well-being. For more information on rates, please visit our fees and terms page.
| Counsellor Level | Practitioner | Duration | Office Hours Fees | Outside Office Hours Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead Counsellor |
60 Minutes |
SGD 310 |
SGD 340 |
|
|
Lead Counsellor |
90 Minutes |
SGD 465 |
SGD 510 |
|
|
Senior Counsellor |
60 Minutes |
SGD 240 |
SGD 270 |
|
|
Senior Counsellor |
90 Minutes |
SGD 360 |
SGD 405 |
|
|
Counsellor |
60 Minutes |
SGD 200 |
SGD 230 |
|
|
Counsellor |
90 Minutes |
SGD 300 |
SGD 345 |
|
|
Associate Counsellor |
60 Minutes |
SGD 170 |
SGD 200 |
|
|
Associate Counsellor |
90 Minutes |
SGD 255 |
SGD 300 |
Our counselling and therapy services are available in English, Mandarin, Korean, Marathi, Hindi, and German.
Book A Trauma Counselling Appointment
If trauma is affecting your daily life, relationships, or well-being, professional support can help.
At New Leaf, our trauma specialists provide compassionate and evidence-based trauma therapy to support your healing journey.
Contact us today to schedule a trauma counselling session with an experienced trauma therapist.
Taking the first step toward trauma therapy can help you begin to regain a sense of safety, balance, and well-being.
FAQs About Trauma Counselling
Q: How Do I Know If Trauma Counselling Can Help Me?
A: We recognise that trauma can feel overwhelming and confusing. That’s why we take an integrative approach that prioritises your needs. Our process is designed to gradually guide you toward healing, and we regularly check in with you to assess your progress and adjust our approach as needed. We are deeply committed to supporting you in finding a path to greater well-being, making you feel supported and cared for.
Q: Are Your Practitioners Experienced?
A: Our team of mental health professionals at New Leaf is not only experienced but highly qualified. They are skilled in a variety of evidence-based approaches to help you manage trauma-related symptoms. We are committed to maintaining the highest quality of care, with our practitioners regularly participating in ongoing training to stay current with the latest research and best practices. This ensures we offer the most effective and up-to-date treatment options in a trauma-informed environment. We work collaboratively with you to understand your experiences and develop effective strategies for healing.
Q: Do You Offer Other Types Of Counselling?
A: Yes, we offer a wide range of counselling services tailored to meet various needs. We invite you to explore our other service pages to discover how we can support you in different areas of your mental and emotional well-being. Our dedicated practitioners are committed to honouring your unique journey and providing the guidance and support needed to help you achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Discover More Services
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). APA Dictionary of Psychology. Retrieved 11th December 2024 from https://dictionary.apa.org/trauma
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Bence, S. (2024). The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Trauma. Retrieved 11th December 2024 from https://www.verywellhealth.com/acute-trauma-vs-chronic-trauma-5208875
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Center for Child Trauma Assessment, Services and Interventions. (n.d.). What is Trauma-Focused Therapy? Retrieved 11th December 2024 from https://cctasi.northwestern.edu/trauma-focused-therapy/
Gupta, S. (2024). What Is Trauma Therapy? Retrieved 11th December 2024 from https://www.verywellmind.com/trauma-therapy-definition-types-techniques-and-efficacy-5191413
Olivine, A. (2024). What is Trauma? Retrieved 11th December 2024 from https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-trauma-5212104
Psychology Today. (2022). Somatic Therapy. Retrieved 11th December 2024 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/therapy-types/somatic-therapy
Yadav, G., McNamara, S., & Gunturu, S. (2024). Trauma-Informed Therapy. Retrieved 11th December 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK604200/
Meet Our Practitioners Specialising In Trauma Counselling
Joshua Koh
Counsellor
Soolin Choi
Counsellor
Diandra Andersen
Counsellor
Shrutika Kapoor
Counsellor
Fiona Maher O'Sullivan
Counsellor, Speakers
Vivien Tay
Counsellor
