Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy in Singapore



Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy in Singapore

According to the Institute of Mental Health, 63.9% of adults in Singapore have experienced some form of adverse childhood experience, with impacts that continue across their lifespan.

Yet trauma doesn’t only begin in childhood. It can also arise from accidents, health crises, abuse, violence, or the sudden loss of a loved one. With the widespread effects of trauma, the need for a specialised approach to care has become more prevalent in Singapore.

Trauma-informed psychotherapy acknowledges this, providing a safe, compassionate environment for individuals to address these pervasive experiences. It is also an approach that can help affected people to build resilience while actively avoiding retraumatisation.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

Trauma is more common than many assume. Global estimates suggest that over 70% of individuals across the world will encounter at least one traumatic event at some point in their lives. Notably, these experiences are not limited to single, catastrophic events. Trauma can also stem from a wide range of occurrences, including childhood abuse, a serious accident, a sudden loss, or a prolonged toxic relationship.

When left unprocessed, these experiences can profoundly affect a person’s mental health and daily life, leading to emotional dysregulation, strained relationships, and a persistent feeling of being unsafe.

A specific outcome of such experiences is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can develop after a very stressful, frightening, or distressing event. Research also suggests that about one in three people who experience severe trauma may go on to develop PTSD. The effects of unprocessed trauma underscore why individual counselling is so crucial.

What is Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy?

Trauma-informed psychotherapy operates with the understanding that an individual’s past trauma may influence their present behaviour and emotional state. Unlike general therapy, such as family counselling, this approach integrates an awareness of trauma’s widespread impact into every aspect of the care plan. Moreover, its core principles are to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can feel supported.

Additionally, the techniques focus on physical and psychological safety, building trust, and promoting empowerment. A trauma-informed psychotherapist also avoids making assumptions and works collaboratively with the client to restore a sense of control and agency. This method acknowledges that addressing trauma does not involve a linear approach and that by prioritising the client’s sense of security, meaningful and lasting change becomes possible.

Techniques Used in Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy

A key aspect of trauma-informed psychotherapy is the application of tailored techniques designed to support a client’s unique situation. Rather than adhering to a single method, therapists often use an integrated approach that responds directly to a person’s experiences. Aside from Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, these methods are also chosen to create a sense of safety and empowerment throughout the process:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): In a trauma-informed context, CBT helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that stem from their trauma. It focuses on how these thoughts influence their current emotions and behaviours, enabling them to reframe their narrative and build healthier coping strategies.
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): This approach is adapted for trauma-informed care by concentrating on a client’s strengths and what is already working. At the same time, SFBT helps individuals envision a positive future and develop clear, achievable steps towards their goals.
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): DBT is particularly helpful for individuals with trauma who struggle with intense emotions. It provides practical skills in four key areas: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, all of which are crucial for managing the lingering effects of trauma.

Benefits of Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy

Choosing a trauma-informed psychotherapy approach can provide various benefits for those seeking lasting change.

• Creates a Safe Environment for Addressing Trauma: By prioritising a client’s sense of safety and trust, trauma-informed therapy allows individuals to process difficult memories without the fear of retraumatisation.
• Helps to Regulate Emotions: Trauma can disrupt an individual’s ability to manage their emotions, leading to heightened anxiety, anger, or feelings of numbness. Trauma-informed therapy equips clients with practical skills to regulate their nervous system and emotional responses, allowing them to feel more in control and less overwhelmed in their daily lives.
• Builds Coping Strategies: Instead of relying on past coping mechanisms that may have been self-sabotaging, clients learn new, constructive strategies for navigating distress. This can include mindfulness techniques, grounding exercises, and a deeper understanding of their triggers, all of which support a path to greater resilience.
• Restores Self-Worth and Relationships: Trauma often leads to feelings of shame, isolation, or a diminished sense of self-worth. By addressing these core concerns, counselling helps clients to reframe their experiences and rebuild a more positive self-concept. This, in turn, can help them foster healthier and more secure relationships.

Finding Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy in Singapore

When seeking trauma-informed psychotherapy in Singapore, consider practitioners who have the proper qualifications, such as a Master’s degree in mental health. It’s also important to understand their specific approach and, most importantly, feel a sense of trust and comfort in their presence.

For instance, Tammy Fontana, a psychotherapist in Singapore, holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) in the USA. She focuses on creating a safe and trusting environment while helping clients develop coping strategies.

Schedule a consultation with our psychotherapist today, and discover how Tammy Fontana can help you address your trauma.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Well-Being

Trauma-informed psychotherapy offers a structured path to the long-term management of mental health concerns. By addressing the causes of distress in a safe and supportive space, this approach can help you build coping strategies. This also enables you to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and to create a future not defined by your past.

Seek help today and take this step towards transforming your life.