Currumbin Clinic Showcases Innovative PTSD and Trauma Recovery Program at Clinician Education Event

The intimate educational evening focused on Trauma Processing and Integration, a key component of Currumbin Clinic's comprehensive PTSD treatment pathway. The event provided an opportunity for healthcare professionals to discuss emerging evidence, share clinical experiences and explore best-practice approaches to helping people recover from trauma.

Guests heard from respected trauma clinicians:

• Dr Mary Emeleus, Consultant Psychiatrist and Trauma Treatment Director
• Dr Paxie Olm
• Dr Chris Danesi

The evening sparked valuable discussion around trauma-informed care, patient readiness for trauma processing, and the role of collaborative treatment planning in achieving positive long-term outcomes.

Addressing the Growing Need for Effective PTSD Treatment

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person's life, affecting relationships, employment, physical health and emotional wellbeing.

As awareness and understanding of trauma continue to grow, so too does the need for specialist treatment programs that combine evidence-based therapies with personalised care.

At Currumbin Clinic, trauma recovery is viewed as a journey rather than a single intervention. The clinic's dedicated Trauma Program has been specifically designed to help people build resilience, process traumatic experiences safely, and regain confidence in their daily lives. 

A Structured Trauma Recovery Program for Sustainable Healing

Currumbin Clinic's Trauma Program supports individuals diagnosed with PTSD following a work-related traumatic incident through a carefully staged treatment approach. 

Phase One: Safety and Stabilisation

The first stage of treatment focuses on helping patients understand the effects of trauma, develop emotional regulation skills and establish the foundations required for deeper therapeutic work.

This stage includes:

• A three-week inpatient admission
• Daily group therapy focused on understanding PTSD
• Distress tolerance and coping strategies
• Individual psychology sessions
• Comprehensive assessment and treatment planning
• Transition into an eight-week Trauma Skills Day Program available in person or virtually.

Phase Two: Trauma Processing and Integration

Once patients have developed sufficient stability and readiness, they may progress to the second phase of the program.

This intensive stage includes:

• A four-week inpatient admission
• Three individual EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy sessions each week
• Therapeutic group programs
• Adjunctive therapies including art therapy and walking groups
• A 12-week Trauma Processing Day Program to support ongoing recovery and integration 

Importantly, progression to trauma processing is guided by clinical readiness rather than arbitrary timelines, ensuring treatment is tailored to each individual's needs.

Why Multidisciplinary Collaboration Matters in Trauma Recovery

One of the strongest themes emerging from the evening was the critical role of collaboration between GPs, psychologists and psychiatrists.

Trauma recovery is most effective when healthcare professionals work together, sharing insights and coordinating care throughout a patient's treatment journey.

The conversations throughout the event highlighted how integrated care pathways can help improve outcomes for patients living with PTSD while strengthening communication between referrers and specialist mental health services.

At Currumbin Clinic, collaboration is embedded into every stage of treatment because better-connected care leads to better patient outcomes.

Specialist Trauma Treatment Led by Experienced Clinicians

Under the leadership of Dr Mary Emeleus, Currumbin Clinic's Trauma Program combines extensive clinical expertise with a compassionate, patient-centred approach. Patients receive care from a multidisciplinary team experienced in trauma treatment, psychotherapy and evidence-based recovery pathways. 

With both inpatient and day program options available, the program is designed to support sustainable recovery while providing continuity of care beyond hospital admission.

Referring Patients to the Currumbin Clinic Trauma Program

Currumbin Clinic welcomes referrals for suitable patients diagnosed with PTSD related to a work-related incident. The program is particularly valuable for individuals seeking structured, specialist treatment that progresses from stabilisation through to trauma processing and long-term integration.

Our team works closely with referring GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, insurers and rehabilitation providers to ensure patients receive coordinated, evidence-based care throughout their recovery journey.