top of page


How Long Does PTSD Recovery Take?
If you’re living with PTSD, you may find yourself wondering how much longer you’ll feel this way. You might have good days followed by a sudden flashback, poor sleep or a strong reaction to something that reminds you of what happened. Complex PTSD recovery rates also suggest that meaningful recovery is possible. One 2026 study found that around 87% of participants with complex PTSD no longer met the diagnostic criteria after completing a specialised, intensive trauma-focused
Calder Psychology
Sep 75 min read


Does EMDR Really Work for PTSD?
If you live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may have wondered if therapy can really make a difference. Perhaps you understand what happened to you, but your mind and body still react as though the danger is happening now. Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance or feeling constantly on edge can make everyday life difficult. So, does EMDR really work for PTSD? Research suggests that it can be an effective treatment for many people. Studies cited by PTSD UK have found
Calder Psychology
Sep 75 min read


What Is Emotional Numbing After Trauma?
You may know that something difficult happened to you, but still feel strangely disconnected from it. Perhaps you expected to feel sad, angry or afraid, yet instead you feel nothing. You might even wonder why you cannot react in the way you think you “should”. This experience can be unsettling, especially when you do not understand its source. Emotional numbing after trauma can be one way the mind and body respond to experiences that have felt overwhelming. It does not mean y
Calder Psychology
Sep 24 min read


Why Does My Body Still Feel Unsafe When I Am Safe? Trauma's Lasting Effects
You may know you're safe, yet your body doesn't seem to believe it. Your heart races, your muscles tense, your stomach turns, or you stay alert for something to go wrong. You might even feel guilty or frustrated because you can't simply "switch off". Trauma can change how your body responds to stress and perceived danger. Nervous system regulation can help explain why these reactions sometimes continue long after the threat has passed. Understanding what's happening doesn't m
Calder Psychology
Sep 15 min read


What Are the Signs of PTSD and Complex PTSD?
Trauma can stay with you long after the danger has passed. You may find yourself feeling constantly on edge, avoiding certain places or situations, struggling with sleep, or reacting strongly to things that remind you of what happened. You may also wonder why you don't feel like yourself anymore. The signs and symptoms of PTSD can affect your thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships. For some people, trauma can also lead to longer-term difficulties with emotional regul
Calder Psychology
Aug 256 min read


Understanding Trauma Part 5: Can the Brain Really Change?
The Science of Neuroplasticity, Hope, and Lasting Healing “Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the human brain isn’t how complex it is. It’s that it can continue changing throughout your life.” What If Change Really Is Possible? Perhaps you’ve wondered… “Maybe this is just who I am.” Or perhaps you’ve said to yourself, “I’ve been like this for as long as I can remember.” Maybe anxiety has been with you for decades. Perhaps you’ve always struggled with self-doubt. Maybe di
Calder Psychology
Jul 216 min read


Understanding Trauma Part 4: Why Different Therapy Approaches Work for Different Parts of the Brain
“There is no single therapy that is best for everyone. Effective therapy begins by understanding the person—not just the diagnosis.” By now, we’ve explored three important systems of the brain: the Thinking Brain, which helps us reason, plan, solve problems, and regulate our behaviour; the Emotional Brain, where memories, attachment, and emotions shape our experiences; and the Survival Brain, whose primary role is to keep us safe by preparing us to fight, flee, freeze, or shu
Calder Psychology
Jul 206 min read


Understanding Trauma Part 3: The Survival Brain – Why Your Body Reacts Before You Have Time to Think
“Your body isn’t trying to sabotage you. It’s trying to protect you.” Imagine you’re walking through the bush and suddenly notice something long and dark lying across the path. Before you’ve had a chance to think, your heart begins pounding. Your muscles tense. Your breathing becomes shallow. Your eyes lock onto the object. For a brief moment, your body prepares for danger. Then you realise… It’s only a stick. Within seconds your breathing settles, your muscles relax, and lif
Calder Psychology
Jul 165 min read


Understanding Trauma Part 2: Understanding the Three Brain Systems
The Thinking Brain: Your Inner Problem Solver As we continue exploring the three brain systems, we'll begin with the thinking brain, the part responsible for reasoning, planning, and conscious decision-making. Imagine you’re trying to complete a difficult puzzle. You analyse the pieces. You consider different possibilities. You plan your next move. You stay focused on the task until everything begins to fit together. This ability comes largely from a remarkable area of the br
Calder Psychology
Jul 74 min read


Understanding Trauma Part 1: Why Therapy Is More Than Talking: Understanding How Different Parts of the Brain Heal
Healing doesn’t happen by changing one thought. It happens by supporting the whole person. Mind, Emotions, and Body. Why Do I Still Feel This Way If I Know Better? You’ve read the books. You’ve listened to the podcasts. Perhaps you’ve even spent hours researching anxiety, trauma, or emotional wellbeing. You understand why you react the way you do. You recognise your thinking patterns. You know your childhood experiences have shaped you, and you may even be wondering whether h
Calder Psychology
Jul 65 min read


A Gentle Guide to Trauma Therapy in Perth, WA
This blog offers a reassuring look at what trauma therapy actually feels like, helping to remove fear and uncertainty around getting support. It gently guides readers through the process, showing that healing happens at their own pace, with safety and trust at the centre. Most importantly, it reminds readers that they’re not alone and that support is available when they’re ready.
Calder Psychology
Apr 204 min read
bottom of page
