Post Traumatic Growth Counselling

One little mountain goat with a big mountain to climb

Most of us have heard of PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Many of us prefer PTSR - Response rather than disorder, as after all it is natural to experience Stress after a traumatic event) but have you also heard of PTG - Post Traumatic Growth?

In the Meet Kirsten section, I discuss my passion for being a counsellor and my commitment to helping others achieve a thriving life despite challenges. This serves as an introduction to Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). It does not imply that life has been free of challenges or trauma, nor that future challenges will not arise. However, we have observed an increased capacity to navigate these challenges and a strong belief in our ability to recover safely. This perspective allows us to feel more positive about our current lives and the potential to engage in and thrive within a meaningful existence. For we may have survived the unthinkable, and feel if we made it through that we can make it through anything.

There is research and literature on Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) available, but I would like to share my observations regarding individuals who have recognised their personal growth following a traumatic experience. One of the most challenging aspects is balancing the pride and excitement of this growth with the reality of the event that occurred. It involves reconciling the pain of having endured that experience to reach their current state, fostering a sense of gratitude for the growth while feeling discomfort or stronger emotions about attributing this growth to the traumatic event. eg. I hate that to get to this place of confidence and strength I had to go through that OR I like that I have this strength but I wish my person was still here with me.

It is important to note that growth arises from the struggle endured, not from the traumatic event itself. This growth stems from the strength discovered, the new strategies implemented, and the drive to rebuild—which may have initially manifested as a survival strategy, before realising they were now safe and ready to thrive. This thriving is not as it could have been prior to the trauma, but rather how it can be now, with the trauma as part of their story.

Some individuals may achieve Post Traumatic Growth independently, while others might find counselling beneficial. Counseling provides a safe environment where you can share your complete story without worrying about traumatising friends or family. This setting allows you to express your experiences fully while being heard and validated and make sense of them and that they are in the past. Additionally, there is an opportunity for psycho-education, helping you understand your responses, how the experience may have manifested in your body, and influenced your beliefs and expectations. A counsellor might also assist in recognising your growth, as it is common for individuals to overlook their own progress. Growth often occurs gradually and may be unnoticed by oneself, but those who listen deeply to your story can observe and share their insights on your development.

Going through trauma is tough and painful, with time and healing, can come new possibilities and an appreciation of life that surprises you. If you think Post Traumatic GROWTH sounds like something you would like to explore please reach out, I offer counselling by phone and by zoom across Australia and locally in Melbourne CBD I offer Walk and Talk Sessions. It may be years after your trauma or it may be sooner, this is all very personal - only you know when the time is right to engage in counselling.