Trauma counselling for people affected by work
Psychologists and counsellors in attendance at our Centre help people recover after a critical incident at work, ongoing bullying or harassment, violence or threats, or the cumulative stress of exposure to other people’s trauma. Treatment focuses on reducing distress, restoring sleep and concentration, and helping you return to work, or decide on your next step, with confidence.
New clients are often seen within one to two weeks, depending on who you wish to see. Please call our reception team to discuss your needs.
Written and clinically reviewed by Natascha Madden, Registered Psychologist, Brisbane Counselling Centre. Last reviewed: October 2026
What is workplace trauma?
Workplace trauma is psychological or emotional harm caused by events or conditions at work. It can follow a single incident, such as an accident, assault, armed hold-up or sudden death, or it can build up over time through repeated bullying, harassment or exposure to distressing material.
It can affect anyone, but people in some roles face a higher risk, including first responders, health and aged care workers, mining and construction workers, retail and hospitality staff, legal and justice workers, and anyone whose job involves hearing about or witnessing other people’s trauma.
What are common causes of workplace trauma?
- Witnessing or being involved in a serious accident, injury or death
- Physical assault, threats or occupational violence
- Armed robbery or hold-up
- Bullying, including by a manager
- Harassment, including sexual harassment
- Discrimination
- Intimidation, emotional manipulation or being micromanaged to the point of distress
- Repeated exposure to traumatic material, such as case files, images or clients’ accounts (vicarious trauma)
- Restructures, redundancies and sustained job insecurity
- Expectations to work excessive hours with little support
In Queensland, employers have legal duties to manage psychosocial hazards under the work Code of Practice.
What are the signs of workplace trauma?
Reactions to a traumatic event at work are common and often ease over the following days and weeks. It is worth seeking help if they continue or are getting in the way of your life.
- Intrusive memories: flashbacks, nightmares or replaying the event
- Avoidance: dreading work, avoiding the place, people or tasks linked to what happened
- Feeling on edge: being easily startled, irritable, unable to relax or sleep
- Changes in mood: low mood, guilt, shame, anger, numbness or tearfulness
- Thinking difficulties: poor concentration, forgetfulness, difficulty making decisions
- Physical symptoms: fatigue, headaches, tension and digestive problems
- Changes in behaviour: withdrawing from colleagues, family and friends, or relying more on alcohol, gambling or other substances to cope
Where symptoms persist for more than a month, they may meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. Read more about trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD.
When do I seek help after a workplace incident?
Seek help if distress has not started to ease two to four weeks after the event, if you cannot function at work or at home, or if you are using alcohol or other substances to cope. You can also seek help earlier if you would simply like support.
Most people recover naturally with time, practical support and rest, which is why current Australian guidelines recommend psychological first aid and watchful support in the early weeks, rather than compulsory single-session group debriefing. For people whose symptoms continue, trauma-focused therapy is highly effective and the earlier it starts, the better the outcome tends to be.
How is workplace trauma treated?
Treatment is tailored to you, after your psychologist or counsellor has understood what happened and how it is affecting you. Evidence-based approaches include:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) helps the brain reprocess a distressing memory so that it no longer triggers the same intensity of fear or distress. EMDR is an area of specialist expertise at our Centre, which has used it for more than 35 years. Read more on our EMDR page.
Trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) helps you understand and change the thoughts, feelings and avoidance that keep trauma symptoms going.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) builds your capacity to act on what matters to you, even when difficult memories or feelings are present.
Graded return-to-work support helps you plan practical steps back to work, or think through whether a change of role or employer is right for you.
You can read more about what a typical session looks like.
Support for employers and organisations
When a critical incident happens, a calm, evidence-based response can make a real difference to how people recover. Brisbane Counselling Centre provides Employee Assistance Programs and critical incident response, including:
- psychological first aid and support for staff after an incident
- confidential individual counselling for affected employees
- advice for managers on supporting staff and monitoring recovery
- referral to ongoing trauma-focused treatment where needed
- on-site attendance, including at regional and remote sites
Employers can reduce the risk of workplace trauma by managing psychosocial hazards, training managers to recognise distress, encouraging open communication, and making sure staff know how to access confidential support. See also our page on workplace counselling.
How do I book an appointment for workplace trauma in Brisbane?
- Please call (07) 3831 4452 or complete our enquiry form. Our reception team will talk through what you are looking for and suggest a suitable practitioner. You do not need a referral to book.
- Choose how you would like to fund your sessions. Options include a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP for a Medicare rebate, private health insurance, your employer’s EAP, or an accepted workers’ compensation claim [CONFIRM: WorkCover Queensland and other insurers accepted].
- Attend your first session. Bring your Medicare card and, if you have one, your Mental Health Treatment Plan or claim number.
Brisbane Counselling Centre is at Level 7, 87 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, near the Brisbane CBD, about five minutes’ walk from Central Station. We are open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Online and telephone sessions are available.
Meet the psychologists and counsellors or see our fees and rebates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist for workplace trauma?
Can I use WorkCover to see a psychologist or counsellor?
How much does it cost to see a psychologist or counsellor for workplace trauma?
Will my employer find out that I am seeing a psychologist?
Is workplace bullying a form of trauma?
How long does it take to recover from workplace trauma?
Can EMDR help after a workplace incident?
Should everyone have a debrief after a critical incident?
Can I see a psychologist on a Saturday or outside work hours?
Do you provide critical incident support for businesses?
Where are you located and is there parking?
Help is available
If something at work has shaken you, or you have been carrying the weight of a difficult workplace for some time, help is available at Brisbane Counselling Centre. Talking to a caring professional trained in trauma can help you feel more like yourself again. Take the courageous step and reach out today.
Please call to speak with our reception team, or send us a message. The Brisbane psychologists and counsellors are available to help.
If you need urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours. In an emergency, call 000.
