Trauma

EAP Australia offers specialised support for employees experiencing psychological distress due to traumatic events or toxic work environments, aiming to help them process trauma, reduce symptoms, and improve their well-being. 

Here's a breakdown of what workplace trauma counselling involves and why it's important.

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What is Workplace Trauma? 

• Workplace trauma can encompass various situations, including witnessing or investigating fatalities, serious injuries, abuse, neglect, or other serious incidents. 

• Toxic work cultures, safety hazards, and even workplace bullying can also contribute to trauma. 

• Common types of traumatic events include: 

  • Witnessing a colleague die or being seriously injured 

  • Experiencing a high-stress situation 

  • Dealing with bullying, harassment, or discrimination 

 

Symptoms of Workplace Trauma

• Individuals experiencing workplace trauma may exhibit symptoms like: 

  • Chronic anxiety and hyper-reactivity 

  • Difficulty coping with stress 

  • Exhaustion, depression, and emotional numbing 

  • Self-isolation, sleep difficulties, and lack of focus 

  • Intrusive thoughts and self-blame 

  • Reduced productivity, absenteeism, and a decline in job performance 

 

How Workplace Trauma Counselling Helps

• Provides a Safe Space:

 

Counselling creates a confidential and supportive environment where employees can openly discuss their experiences and emotions. 

• Helps Process Trauma:

 

Counsellors use therapeutic techniques to help individuals understand and process the traumatic experiences they have faced. 

• Reduces PTSD Symptoms:

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common approach used to help individuals manage PTSD symptoms. 

• Improves Coping Skills:

Trauma-informed therapists equip individuals with strategies to manage distressing emotions, cope with traumatic memories, and improve their overall well-being. 

• Promotes Resilience:

Counselling can help employees build resilience and navigate future challenges in the workplace. 

• Examples of therapeutic techniques used

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) 

  • Exposure therapy 

  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) 

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Why it Matters

• Workplace trauma can significantly impact employees' mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. 

• Organisations benefit by fostering a culture of support and recognition, which can improve employee retention, job performance, and work morale. 

• Providing access to trauma counselling shows employees that the company values their mental health and well-being.

 

It's important to work with a mental health professional who has experience treating Trauma. To provide support for employees displaying traits of Trauma, Stress or PTSD please contact us to arrange confidential support and services.