Trauma therapy offers a lifeline to those who have endured painful, distressing, or overwhelming experiences. In Singapore, where the effects of trauma are often underestimated or overlooked, a growing number of individuals are turning to holistic trauma therapy approaches to reclaim their lives and find lasting healing.
Note: if you intuitively think you are affected by reading this article, kindly pause and take time to breathe, regulate and only continue if you feel comfortable.

At My Inner Child Clinic, our trauma therapy integrates a salutogenic approach, focusing on building resilience and harnessing inner strengths to promote well-being. Techniques like somatic experiencing allow clients to release trauma stored in the body, while emotional regulation strategies empower them to navigate overwhelming feelings with greater ease. We also offer the Safe and Sound Protocol, which supports nervous system regulation and fosters a sense of safety, and Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI), a powerful tool for processing and integrating traumatic memories. These evidence-based methods work together to address the mental, emotional, and physical impact of trauma, helping individuals rebuild their sense of self and move forward with confidence. If you or someone you know is grappling with the long-lasting effects of trauma, consider exploring the transformative power of trauma therapy at My Inner Child Clinic.
Begin your journey towards resilience, healing, and a brighter future today.
How do I know I experienced trauma?
You may not need to witness a traumatic event to be traumatised. PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder is defined under DSM 5 as someone who has experienced a pre-determined stressor (or series of events) which must affect multiple areas of life like your work, family life, relationships and experience ongoing symptoms of more than a month. (DSM 5 is referenced from here: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/dsm5_ptsd.asp)
This is the definition of PTSD and mental health practitioners use this as a guide to assessing PTSD. However it does not mean that other experiences are not traumatic. According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more. (Definition from the APA is found here: https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma)
It is important to note that trauma, according to the APA, is a subjective experience.
Hence it is more important that a person intuitively finds something amiss, and seek psychotherapy support from a trauma-informed care trained psychotherapist.
Recognizing Symptoms of Trauma
As a helpful guide, if you’re experiencing:
Persistent fear, anger, or sadness
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Avoidance of certain people, places, or situations
Intense physical or emotional reactions to reminders of past events
It may be a sign that trauma is affecting your well-being.
What are the benefits of trauma therapy?
Our clients often come to us with different presenting symptoms and issues. More often than not, trauma is discovered only as a sudden moment of awareness. Once they become aware, they form a better understanding of themselves and their behaviours in a non-judgmental way. This opens the door to self-love and compassion.
When our clients release trauma the immediate experience is a radiant smile and they feel light (lightened from the burden). They are more relaxed, having the virtue of naturalness.
Trauma therapy offers a plethora of other benefits for individuals seeking to heal from their past experiences. One of the primary advantages is the development of positive coping strategies that empower individuals to manage their symptoms effectively. Through various therapeutic techniques, clients learn to understand their triggers and responses, enabling them to cultivate healthier coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of adversity.
At My Inner Child Clinic, we teach and practice together relaxation techniques, soothing techniques like Havening (a Neuro-Sensory Processing Therapy), eye movement interventions, mirror work and offer support tools like Calm3D's emotional regulation tool. For those who require, we provide Safe and Sound Protocol which is based on Dr Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory, to help clients feel safe and secure.
Trauma therapy is the opportunity for individuals to process their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. This therapeutic space allows clients to explore their feelings, confront painful memories, and work through the emotional turmoil that often accompanies trauma. By facilitating this exploration, trauma therapy can help individuals gain insight into their experiences and develop a sense of closure, which is crucial for moving forward in life.
Additionally, trauma therapy promotes self-compassion and the rebuilding of self-esteem. Many individuals affected by trauma struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy, which can hinder their personal growth and relationships. Through therapy, clients learn to challenge negative self-perceptions and develop a kinder, more nurturing relationship with themselves. This shift in perspective is a vital component of the healing journey, allowing individuals to reclaim their sense of identity and purpose.

What is the best trauma therapy in Singapore?
This depends on you but there are ways to assess which psychotherapist is suitable for you. In summary, a salutogenic approach which focuses on co-regulation, building from strengths and applies interventions that promote safety and security is the best way to treat trauma. At My Inner Child Clinic, we use various techniques such as MEMI (multichannel eye movement integration), Brain-Switch, Havening, Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and hypnotherapy. These are processes which help alleviate and lessen the severity of the emotional response.
Find someone who you feel safe with, if you prefer a female psychotherapist then follow your instinct. Trauma therapy approaches vary and some can be outdated. Determine if you are a tenacious and driven person because it is common for therapists and counsellors to revisit the trauma using techniques like EFT, exposure therapy, prolonged exposure therapy and even CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). These may suit some people, but it is uncommon sense and bewildering why clients have to be put back into the traumatic experience and get re-traumatised.
Most psychotherapists or counsellors approach trauma in a traditional manner, which is based on cognitive behaviour therapy. Some may develop better ways of helping their clients stabilise and release the trauma.
Common Types of Trauma Treated in Therapy
Acute Trauma
What it is: Results from a single, distressing event such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster.
Typical Symptoms:
Intense fear or anxiety
Nightmares or flashbacks
Avoidance of reminders of the event
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Chronic Trauma
What it is: Stemming from prolonged or repeated exposure to harmful situations, such as childhood neglect, domestic violence, or bullying.
Typical Symptoms:
Ongoing feelings of helplessness
Hypervigilance or heightened alertness
Difficulty trusting others
Emotional numbness or detachment
Complex Trauma
What it is: Results from multiple, long-term traumatic events, often involving interpersonal relationships, such as abuse, neglect, or captivity.
Typical Symptoms:
Deep feelings of shame or guilt
Struggles with self-worth and identity
Difficulty regulating emotions
Dissociation or memory gaps
Developmental Trauma
What it is: Trauma experienced during early childhood, such as neglect or caregiver abuse, impacting emotional and social development.
Typical Symptoms:
Difficulty forming relationships
Behavioral problems or aggression
Low self-esteem
Chronic feelings of insecurity
Secondary or Vicarious Trauma
What it is: Experienced by individuals indirectly exposed to trauma, such as caregivers, therapists, or first responders.
Typical Symptoms:
Emotional exhaustion or burnout
Increased irritability or sadness
Loss of empathy
Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue
Medical Trauma
What it is: Emotional distress stemming from a serious illness, injury, or medical procedures.
Typical Symptoms:
Anxiety around medical settings
Intrusive thoughts about medical experiences
Fear of future treatments
Avoiding medical care
After trauma therapy what's next?
A specific trauma intervention using MEMI therapy takes 1 session and perhaps up to 3 sessions for complex cases. Most clients are stabilised after 1 MEMI session and the next steps are to practice and experience feeling calm, peaceful and empowered for greater change.
In this phase of our healing journey together, we recommend using hypnotherapy and a Simpson Protocol self-hypnosis for clients to anchor themselves in the positive emotional states they would like to experience.
As an ongoing support, we recommend a 6 months SSP (safe and sound protocol) programme which is self-directed so that clients move from a naturally reactive state of insecurity, to a balance state of social connection as their threat detection systems regulate.
Success Stories of Trauma Therapy in Singapore
In Singapore, numerous success stories highlight the transformative power of trauma therapy. Individuals who have struggled with the effects of trauma often report significant improvements in their mental health and overall well-being following therapy. Many clients share how they have been able to regain control over their lives, rebuild their self-esteem, and foster healthier relationships as a result of their therapeutic journeys.
For instance, one individual who experienced childhood trauma found healing through MEMI therapy. After years of feeling trapped by painful memories, she discovered that processing these experiences in a safe environment led to a profound sense of liberation. This newfound freedom enabled her to pursue their meaningful connections with others, illustrating the far-reaching impact that trauma therapy can have on an individual's life.
Join our many healing journeys and read from our numerous successful transformations that we have experienced in our psychotherapy review page.
Take the First Step Towards Healing
Trauma doesn’t have to define your future. At My Inner Child Clinic, we offer compassionate, evidence-based approaches to help you process and overcome trauma. Whether through somatic experiencing, emotional regulation, or the Safe and Sound Protocol, we’re here to guide you on your healing journey.
Contact us today to schedule your first session and reclaim your sense of safety, strength, and self.
About our trauma-informed psychotherapists
Ms Dawn Tan has over 20 years of experience in counselling and psychotherapy. Besides being My Inner Child Clinic's Senior Psychotherapist, Dawn is also a MEMI (multichannel eye movement integration) International Associate Trainer and Supervisor.

Ms Bernadette Chin is a clinical hypnotherapist and psychotherapist. She is trauma-informed and specialises in inner child healing. Bernadette is also a MEMI certified practitioner and a trainer for Singapore and Malaysia in Simpson Protocol.

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