Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Understanding the impact of trauma and building healthier ways forward, at a pace that feels safe for you.
Trauma can influence how we think, feel, respond to situations and experience the world around us. Sometimes, experiences from the past continue to affect our sense of safety, relationships, emotional wellbeing and everyday life.
Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) adapts cognitive behavioural approaches with an understanding of how trauma can affect the mind and body. It recognises that certain thoughts, emotions and behaviours may have developed as ways of coping or protecting ourselves through difficult experiences.
At Field and Mind Psychology, Carla Fadelli takes a compassionate and individualised approach, prioritising emotional safety, personal choice and collaboration throughout the therapeutic process.
What is Trauma-Informed CBT?
Trauma-Informed CBT uses principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy while considering the ways trauma can shape a person's thoughts, feelings, behaviours and nervous system responses.
Rather than viewing reactions as simply unhelpful habits or negative thinking, this approach considers the experiences and circumstances that may have contributed to them.
Therapy may explore how past experiences influence present-day beliefs, emotional responses and patterns of behaviour, while helping you develop practical strategies to feel more grounded, supported and in control.
Importantly, trauma-informed therapy does not mean you have to revisit or discuss every difficult experience. Your readiness, preferences and sense of safety help guide the work.
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The effects of trauma can look different for everyone. Sometimes, the impact continues long after an experience has passed.
You may notice:
Heightened alertness: Feeling constantly on guard, easily startled or unable to relax.
Anxiety and emotional overwhelm: Experiencing strong emotional reactions or finding it difficult to settle after stressful situations.
Avoidance: Staying away from certain people, places, conversations or situations that bring up uncomfortable feelings.
Negative beliefs: Struggling with thoughts such as "I'm not safe", "It's my fault" or "I can't trust anyone".
Difficulty with relationships: Finding it hard to trust others, communicate needs or feel emotionally connected.
Feeling disconnected: Experiencing numbness, withdrawal or difficulty recognising and expressing emotions.
These responses may have once served an important protective purpose. Therapy can help you understand them with greater compassion and explore new ways of responding.
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The approach is guided by your individual experiences, needs and readiness. It may include:
1. Building safety and trust
Developing a supportive therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, respected and involved in decisions about your care.
2. Understanding trauma responses
Exploring how past experiences may influence your thoughts, emotions, physical responses and behaviours today.
3. Recognising thought patterns
Identifying beliefs and assumptions that may have developed through difficult experiences, and gently considering whether they continue to serve you.
4. Developing emotional regulation skills
Learning practical strategies to manage distress, recognise triggers and support your ability to feel grounded during challenging moments.
5. Exploring new ways of responding
Gradually developing more helpful patterns of thinking and behaviour, while strengthening your sense of choice, confidence and personal agency.
The pace and focus of therapy are guided by your needs. You are not expected to move faster than feels manageable.
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Trauma-informed CBT may be helpful for people who are experiencing ongoing difficulties connected to past or distressing experiences, including:
Anxiety, stress or persistent feelings of being on edge.
Trauma-related thoughts, beliefs or emotional responses.
Avoidance of situations that feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Shame, self-blame or difficulties with self-worth.
Challenges with emotional regulation.
Relationship difficulties or problems with trust.
Feeling stuck in patterns that may have developed as a way of coping with earlier experiences.
You do not need to have a formal trauma diagnosis to explore how difficult experiences may be affecting your wellbeing.
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Therapy begins with understanding your experiences, concerns and what you would like support with.
Carla will work collaboratively with you to identify areas of difficulty and develop an approach that feels appropriate and manageable.
Sessions may involve exploring patterns of thinking and behaviour, learning practical coping strategies, strengthening emotional awareness and gradually building a greater sense of safety and confidence.
You remain involved in decisions about your therapy. You can ask questions, express concerns and discuss what feels comfortable for you.
Some people benefit from focusing on present-day coping and emotional regulation, while others may explore particular past experiences when clinically appropriate and when they feel ready.
A compassionate and individualised approach
At Field and Mind Psychology, Carla Fadelli recognises that trauma can affect each person differently. There is no single pathway to recovery, and therapy should reflect your individual experiences, strengths and needs.
A trauma-informed approach places importance on understanding rather than judgement, collaboration rather than pressure, and supporting meaningful change at a pace that respects your wellbeing.
The aim is to help you better understand your responses, develop practical tools and move towards a greater sense of choice, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Interested in exploring CBT?
If past experiences are continuing to affect your everyday life, you don't have to work through everything on your own.
Carla Fadelli offers individual psychology appointments at Field and Mind Psychology in Gidgegannup, Perth Hills, as well as telehealth appointments where appropriate.