Are There Any PTSD 'Experts' In Melbourne?

[RealityCheck]

I've made an appointment to see a GP tomorrow with the intention of getting a referral to a mental health professional, and I'd really like to see somebody who specialises in PTSD (if there is such a thing here). The more I read thru the information on this site the more I am connecting the dots and I'd really like to speak to somebody in person.

Reading the the diaries has triggered a lot of memories and I can completely see the value of being able to communicate the "what happened's" in a supportive environment. The questions in this community actually entice a healthy enquiry to manage a disorder rather than shove information down peoples' throats to fix a disease... I can hear how it's possible to actually live a relatively normal life with PTSD. It's really refreshing and encouraging.

Another question re "cult's", has anybody here been associated with any cult-like associations/corporations and can people who have involved themselves in cults end up with or trigger PTSD?

 

[pandora]

There are people that specialize in trauma. I saw a psychologist that specialized in anxiety disorders and nowIi see a psychotherapist that is doing EMDR...CBT is a great way to help with the PTSD symptoms and helps to change our negative thoughts to positive thoughts. I am not sure which one is better but these are ways to help with ptsd recovery.

Keeping a trauma diary as many of us do here is very helpful. If you write out the traums and then re read your diary over and over (at least for me) helped to get the thoughts out of my head and then by rereading them over it exposes you to your fears..it will bring your anxiety up and then you sit with it until the anxiety goes down.It really proveed to be effective for me. Good luck...

 

[anthony]

Yes, there is actually, and he is the one who also transits to Townsville and participates in the largest, frequent, PTSD course in Australia that has a huge success rate... he also just happens to live and run his own practice here in Melbourne. I will ask Nicolette to post his contact details onto this post for you.

 

[RealityCheck]

Pandora.... in an effort to (I'll say exorcise for want of a better word) what has happened to me I have been storytelling my events which has been therapeutic and given me a sense of getting a healthy perspective for life. Reading to an audience of strangers hasn't fully done it for me though, I've had to be selective in what I say and hold back a lot of information to be 'entertaining'. Reading thru the diaries here leaves me with yeah, this is more like it.

 

[RealityCheck]

Anthony - brilliant.

 

[Nicolette]

I have posted the details in another thread but am on phone so can't search for it now.

Fabulous psychologist is John Pead & fabulous psychiatrist is John Cooper who work in association with each other which helps when receiving treatment. John Pead still travels to Townsville for PTSD workshops.

Both are top in trauma & are highly recommended Inc from Austin Hospital who treat veterans.

I also know an awesome GP who you can get the referrals from to see these specialists. He can also help you with costs with a mental healthcare plan subsidising your costs through Medicare.

You can PM me for any of their contact details.

 

[Deleted member 5760]

RealityCheck,

I did the same thing. I specifically asked for someone who specialises in PTSD as soon as I was diagnosed. I didn't want to walk into therapy and then walk out after one session completely discouraged because I felt like this person knew quite little about what they were treating. It was a WISE decision and I think it pays off. At least it has in my experience. Good on you!

-Jen