Published on 15 January, 2026
When she’s not hiding out at a café or having funny little conversations with her three children, June can be found editing articles or dreaming up podcast episodes for Focus on the Family Singapore.
When Sarah returned home after a traumatic car accident while she was travelling with her family in Japan, she thought she could simply “move on.” But weeks later, she found herself startled by loud noises, avoiding driving altogether, and waking up drenched in sweat from recurring nightmares about the incident. It wasn’t until she spoke to a counsellor that she realised these were signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and that help was available.
Sarah’s story is not uncommon. Trauma can leave invisible wounds that affect how we think, feel, and live. But here is the good news: Healing is possible, and counselling can be a powerful first step.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as an accident, abuse, sexual violence, or actual or threatened sudden loss of life. While it’s normal to feel shaken after trauma, PTSD symptoms persist and interfere with daily life.
Signs You Might Be Experiencing PTSD
PTSD looks different for everyone, but common signs include:
If these symptoms develop and disrupt your daily functioning after experiencing something traumatic, it may be time to seek help.
How Counselling Can Help
Counselling offers a safe, confidential space to process trauma and regain control.
Professional support can help you:
Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and that is trauma-informed have helped countless individuals recover from what happened and live adaptively.
“PTSD can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to know that recovery is possible, and it’s not about re-experiencing the traumatic event” says Dr Jared Tan, Principal Clinical Psychologist at Focus on the Family Singapore. “Counselling provides a safe space to re-process what happened, it’s impact, and learn skills to manage one’s emotions, and eventually meet one’s emotional and relational needs adaptively.”
Practical steps toward healing
If you suspect PTSD symptoms might be developing, here are some steps you can take:
The first step is often the hardest, but also the most important. Speaking to a counsellor or mental health professional can help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and guide you toward recovery. You don’t have to face this alone.
Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or family member can ease the sense of isolation that often comes with PTSD. You don’t need to share every vivid detail, but just letting someone know you’re struggling can be a relief and a source of support.
When anxiety or flashbacks hit, grounding techniques can help you stay present. Simple practices like deep breathing, focusing on your senses, or repeating calming phrases can reduce distress and remind you that you are safe now.
Trauma can make life feel unpredictable. Keeping a regular routine—whether it’s meals, exercise, or bedtime—can provide a sense of stability and control. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference in your emotional well-being.
PTSD is what happened to you, not a sign of weakness or failure. Remind yourself that what you’re feeling is valid and that healing takes time. Self-compassion is an essential and important part of recovery.
When Sarah finally reached out for help, her counsellor guided her through trauma-informed therapy, helping her understand her triggers and develop coping strategies. At first, progress felt slow, but she concentrated on celebrating her small victories, like beginning to drive short distances with her husband beside her in the passenger seat, or sleeping through the night without the disruption of nightmares. Each small step she took built her confidence. Over time, the nightmares faded, and the constant tension eased.
Today, Sarah describes herself as “stronger than before.” She still has moments of anxiety when she is behind the wheel, but her counsellor taught her that healing is not about forgetting the past—it’s about reclaiming life in the present and finding courage and hope again. Her story reminds us that recovery is possible, and no one has to walk this road alone.
Our counselling services provide compassionate, professional support tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry today.
When she’s not hiding out at a café or having funny little conversations with her three children, June can be found editing articles or dreaming up podcast episodes for Focus on the Family Singapore.
Nelson and Gina
Workshop: March 2026
Nelson and Gina Lee have been accredited facilitators with Focus on the Family Singapore for over a decade, beginning their involvement conducting relationship talks for tertiary students since 2011.
Driven by a passion for nurturing strong relationships, they have extensive experience in facilitating dating workshops for courting couples and pre-marital programmes for those considering marriage. They have also have led marriage retreats designed to deepen connection and commitment among married couples.
