Creating Change Trauma Centre

Evidence-based psychology trauma assessment and trauma therapy (EMDR) in Norwest and the Hills District

A dedicated trauma centre in the Hills that has helped over 6000 members of our local community respond to all of these realities close to home. Early assessment and intervention can reduce the long-term impact of childhood, developmental and attachment trauma, and support safer patterns of relating in families marked by conflict or domestic violence.

At the same time, it is rarely “too late” people often seek help years after a single incident, or after living with complex trauma, PTSD or dissociative symptoms for a long time.

Evidence-based approaches

• Trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
• DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)
• Schema Therapy
• Attachment-focused therapies
• Phase-based treatment give us structured, best-practice ways to work through what has happened, rather than just coping around it.

Creating Change has been part of the Hills community for 20 years, walking alongside adults, children, teens and families after car accidents, losses, medical procedures, emergency events, domestic and family violence, and long-term childhood trauma.

Our local trauma clinic builds on that history. It offers a safe, skilled space for people to understand their experiences, stabilise day-to-day life, and slowly move toward being calmer, more connected and more in control at whatever point in their journey they’re ready to begin.

Trauma is often quieter than the headlines but it’s there, sitting in our homes, schools, workplaces and churches. With over 16,000 local households (in the Hills) raising young children, even “low crime” rates mean a significant number of families are living with the impacts of childhood, developmental and attachment trauma, as well as family and domestic violence.

National studies suggest nearly two in three Australians have experienced at least one form of child maltreatment, and around 11% will meet criteria for PTSD at some point in their life. NSW data also indicate that most of us will go through at least one potentially traumatic event such as a serious accident, medical emergency or sudden loss across our lifetime.

Trauma treatment doesn’t erase what happened, but it can change the way it lives in your body, mind and relationships. People often seek support because they’re tired of feeling “stuck” in survival mode. With the right support, many people notice changes in the following areas:

Feeling safer in your body and day-to-day life

• Less frequent or less intense flashbacks, nightmares and intrusive memories
• Reduced startle response and hypervigilance
• Fewer panic episodes or “out of the blue” surges of fear
• A greater sense of physical safety in everyday situations

You may still have trauma reminders at times, but they can become more manageable and less overwhelming.

Calmer emotions and better coping

• Improved emotional regulation, feeling more able to ride waves of anger, sadness, guilt, shame or fear
• Less reliance on unhelpful coping strategies (numbing, overworking, substance use, self-harm)
• More access to healthy tools such as breathing, grounding, self-soothing, boundaries, movement
• A stronger sense that emotions are tolerable and temporary, rather than dangerous

This doesn’t mean you’ll feel calm all the time, but the highs and lows may start to feel less extreme.

Clearer thinking and concentration

• Improved focus, memory and decision making
• Less time lost in rumination, “what ifs” or self-blame
• Greater capacity to plan, study, parent or work without trauma taking over

Many people describe having more “mental bandwidth” for the things that matter to them.

Healthier relationships and boundaries

• Feeling safer to connect with safe people, rather than withdrawing or latching on in panic
• Better understanding of triggers in relationships and how to talk about them
• Increased ability to set and hold boundaries, say “no”, and notice red flags earlier
• More satisfying intimacy and closeness where this is wanted and safe

Trauma treatment can’t control other people, but it can support you to relate differently and choose differently.

Rebuilding self-worth and identity

• A gentler, more compassionate view of yourself and your reactions
• Reduced shame and guilt about what you did or didn’t do at the time
• A more stable sense of who you are beyond “the traumatised person”
• Space to reconnect with values, interests, culture, spirituality or community

This often unfolds slowly, and there may still be hard days, but the story you tell yourself about who you are can begin to shift.

Moving from surviving to living

• More energy and motivation for hobbies, study, work and relationships
• Greater sense of choice in how you spend your time, rather than being driven by fear
• Ability to plan for the future without feeling constantly pulled back into the past
• A life that feels a little more aligned with your values, not just your history

Outcomes are different for everyone. They depend on many factors the type and duration of trauma, current stressors, support networks, physical health, timing, and the fit between you and your therapist.

Good trauma treatment doesn’t promise a quick fix. It offers a safe, structured space to understand what’s happening, process what you’re ready to, and build skills so that over time, life feels more livable, meaningful and your own.

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Understanding Your Trauma

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Expert Trauma Therapy

Available When You Need It Most

Compassionate Care Backed by Proven Methods

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Schema Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Trauma Support, Counselling & Recovery – Compassionate trauma interventions, for emotional healing and resilience.

PTSD Therapy – Evidence-based PTSD therapy to manage symptoms and restore balance.

EMDR Therapy – Specialised EMDR therapy for processing traumatic memories and somatic experiences effectively.

Childhood Trauma Therapy – Supportive therapy for childhood trauma and attachment issues.

Complex Trauma Treatment – Comprehensive care for complex trauma and dissociation.

Anxiety & Trauma Therapy – Integrated approach for trauma-related anxiety and stress.

Online Trauma Therapy – Secure, confidential online trauma therapy sessions for convenience.

Trauma-Informed Care – Holistic, trauma-informed therapy tailored to your unique needs.

Ready to build your future?
Click “Book Your Consultation” below to begin your journey to a calmer life with you in control. If you have any questions or need additional information, you can call us or message via our contact form.

Local Stories of Change

Emma 36yrs presented with childhood and relationship trauma

At assessment
Emma was a 36-year-old woman working in a professional role and parenting two young children. She came to Creating Change feeling “constantly on edge”. Her history included emotional neglect and criticism in childhood, and a later relationship marked by controlling and frightening behaviour from her ex-partner.

She described:

• Ongoing anxiety and episodes of panic
• Feeling “frozen” or shutting down in conflict
• Strong self-criticism and shame
• Difficulty trusting her current, supportive partner
• Nightmares, light sleep and fatigue
• Using overworking and scrolling at night to numb out

She worried that her past was “ruining” her family life and wanted to break the pattern for her children.

Treatment
Emma engaged in weekly trauma-focused therapy over about 10 months. Her treatment plan included:

• Psychoeducation about trauma, the nervous system and attachment
• Skills for grounding, emotional regulation and self-soothing
• Processing key traumatic memories using EMDR and imaginal techniques
• Exploring attachment patterns and building safer ways to connect
• Parenting support around triggers and co-regulation with her children

By the end of treatment, Emma reported:

• Fewer panic episodes and less time feeling “on high alert”
• Being able to notice triggers earlier and use grounding skills to stay present
• Less intense shame and a more compassionate view of herself
• Improved sleep, with nightmares becoming rare rather than weekly
• Feeling more able to communicate needs and set boundaries in her relationship
• More confidence in her parenting, especially in emotionally charged moments

She still had stressful days and occasional spikes in anxiety, but described feeling “more like I’m driving the car now, not my past”. Emma chose to move to monthly review sessions for ongoing support.

Michael 48yrs presented with a single-incident accident trauma

At assessment
Michael was a 48-year-old man who was referred after a serious motor vehicle accident 18 months earlier. Physically he had recovered well, but psychologically he felt “stuck”. He avoided driving on motorways, took long detours to work, and became highly anxious as a passenger.

Michael reported:

• Intrusive images of the crash, especially at night
• Sudden surges of fear when he heard brakes or sirens
• Irritability and snapping at family, followed by guilt
• Loss of interest in previous hobbies and social activities
• Difficulty concentrating at work due to fatigue and worry

He was worried his world was “getting smaller and smaller” and that he might have to give up his job.

Treatment
Michael attended Creating Change for approximately 16 sessions over 6 months, initially weekly then gradually spacing appointments. His treatment plan included:

• Education about post-traumatic stress responses and avoidance
• Breathing and grounding strategies to reduce physiological arousal
• Gradual, supported exposure planning around driving and travel
• Trauma processing (using EMDR and narrative work) focused on the crash
• Problem-solving around work, family communication and self-care

After treatment, Michael reported:

• A significant drop in intrusive images and distress when they did occur
• Being able to drive on motorways again, starting with short trips and building up
• Feeling less “on edge” at home, with fewer outbursts and improved family relationships
• Better concentration at work and fewer sick days
• Returning to some social and recreational activities he had stopped after the accident

He still noticed some tension in heavy traffic or bad weather, but felt equipped with strategies to manage it rather than avoiding driving altogether. He and his therapist agreed to end regular sessions, with the option to return for boosters if needed.

Our Community

We invite you to join our supportive online community, where you can connect with others who understand your journey, share experiences, and find encouragement and support. We believe in the power of community to foster resilience and personal growth.