Psychiatry

Trauma & PTSD

Trauma can leave lasting effects on mental health, relationships, and daily functioning. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma responses require careful, sensitive treatment. Dr Nel provides thorough trauma-informed assessments and evidence-based treatment plans that may include medication management, referral for trauma-focused psychotherapy (such as EMDR or CPT), and strategies for managing flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional dysregulation.

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Psychiatry

What to Expect

  • A safe, trauma-informed assessment environment where you set the pace of the conversation
  • Assessment of trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and their impact on your life
  • Screening for co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use
  • A collaborative treatment plan that respects your readiness and comfort level
  • Medication options to manage symptoms such as nightmares, hyperarousal, and mood disturbances
  • Referral for trauma-focused psychotherapy (e.g., EMDR, cognitive processing therapy, or prolonged exposure)
Trauma & PTSD
Areas Covered

Conditions We Treat

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Complex PTSD from prolonged or repeated trauma
Acute stress disorder following a recent traumatic event
Trauma responses related to violent crime, hijacking, or assault
Childhood abuse and neglect-related trauma
Gender-based violence and domestic abuse trauma
Grief and traumatic bereavement
Our Process

How It Works

1

Safe Assessment

Dr Nel creates a safe space to discuss your experiences at your own pace. A trauma-sensitive clinical assessment is conducted.

2

Stabilisation

The first priority is stabilising distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, sleep disturbance, and hyperarousal using grounding techniques and medication if needed.

3

Treatment & Therapy

Once stable, trauma-focused treatment begins. This may include medication management alongside referral for trauma-focused psychotherapy.

4

Recovery & Reintegration

Treatment progresses towards processing the trauma, rebuilding a sense of safety, and reintegrating into daily life with resilience and coping tools.

Benefits

Why Choose This Service

Dr Nel is experienced in trauma-informed care within the South African context
Safe, paced approach that prevents re-traumatisation during assessment
Medication management for symptom relief while therapy addresses root causes
Coordination with trauma-focused psychologists for optimal outcomes
Support with medico-legal reports for PTSD cases related to criminal proceedings or insurance claims
FAQ

Common Questions About Trauma & PTSD

Common signs of PTSD include re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding reminders of the event, feeling emotionally numb or constantly on edge, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. If these symptoms persist for more than a month after a traumatic event, a psychiatric assessment is recommended.
Yes. While PTSD often develops within months of the trauma, delayed-onset PTSD can occur months or even years later, sometimes triggered by a new stressful event or life transition. It is never too late to seek help.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for trauma and PTSD. Dr Nel can refer you to qualified EMDR therapists while managing your medication and overall psychiatric care.
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