Traumatic experiences can leave lasting marks on how we think, feel, and move through the world. Our trauma-informed therapists create a safe environment to process difficult experiences and work toward healing.
Trauma therapy is sought by people processing anything from a single distressing event to prolonged difficult experiences, and by those who notice the effects showing up in ways they did not expect.
Sessions are paced around your comfort, prioritising stability and safety before any deeper processing work begins.
This may be right for you if...
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares tied to a distressing event
- Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, or unable to relax
- Avoiding people, places, or situations that bring the memory back
- Feeling disconnected from yourself, your body, or the people around you
- Difficulty trusting others, even people who have not given you a reason not to
What trauma therapy can help with
Trauma is not defined by the event alone but by how it stays with you. People come to trauma counselling after a single frightening event — an accident, an assault, a sudden loss — and after experiences that went on for a long time, such as childhood abuse or neglect, bullying, domestic violence or a controlling relationship. Some arrive with a clear memory they want to work on; others only notice that they are always on guard, easily overwhelmed or cut off from their feelings, and are not sure why.
You do not need a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to start. If something that happened to you is still shaping how you sleep, react, relate to people or see yourself, it is worth talking about.
How our trauma therapists work
Trauma-informed therapy starts with safety. Early sessions focus on getting to know you, understanding how the trauma shows up day to day, and building ways to steady yourself when memories or reactions feel too much. Only when you feel ready does the work move towards processing what happened — and you stay in control of the pace throughout.
Our therapists are trained in approaches used for trauma, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Internal Family Systems, and gestalt therapy and attachment-based work. Your therapist will explain the options and choose with you, rather than applying one method to everyone.
Childhood trauma and adults
Many adults seek trauma therapy for experiences from childhood that they have never talked about — or that they only recently recognised as harmful. Childhood trauma can show up later as difficulty trusting people, harsh self-criticism, people-pleasing or strong reactions that seem out of proportion to the moment. Therapy offers a place to understand those patterns with compassion rather than blame. We also work with children and teenagers who have been through difficult experiences, alongside their parents.
What to expect
- An initial session to understand your needs and goals
- A personalised treatment plan
- Regular sessions at a frequency that suits you
- Ongoing review and adjustment as you progress
- A confidential, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship
Therapists who offer this
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PTSD diagnosis to see a trauma therapist? +
No. Many people who come for trauma counselling have never been diagnosed with anything. If a past experience still affects your sleep, reactions, relationships or sense of safety, you can start trauma therapy without a formal diagnosis.
Will I have to talk about what happened in detail? +
Not straight away, and not before you are ready. Trauma-informed therapy begins with safety and stabilisation. You decide what to share and when, and your therapist will check in with you about the pace throughout.
What is EMDR and do you offer it? +
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, while you briefly focus on a distressing memory. Two of our therapists are trained in EMDR; you can read more on our EMDR therapy page.
Can therapy help with childhood trauma as an adult? +
Yes, many adults come to therapy specifically to work through childhood experiences. Sessions look at how those experiences shaped your beliefs and reactions today, at a pace that feels manageable.
Are sessions available online? +
Yes. Trauma therapy is available in person at 37 Beach Road and at Minmed Sanctuary in Novena, and online. Some people prefer to start in person; your therapist can talk through what suits you.
What if I am in crisis right now? +
If you are in immediate danger, call 995. For round-the-clock emotional support you can call Samaritans of Singapore on 1-767 or the IMH Mental Health Helpline on 6389 2222. Counselling is not an emergency service.
Further reading
Ready to get started?
Contact us to enquire about trauma therapy or to book an appointment.
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