Trauma can affect sleep, concentration, relationships and your sense of safety long after a distressing experience. Dr. Saira Farhan provides trauma and PTSD therapy in Karachi, Pakistan, with online appointments when clinically suitable for adults and, where appropriate, adolescents.
What is psychological trauma?
Psychological trauma describes effects that can follow an overwhelming, frightening or deeply distressing experience. Trauma meaning in Urdu is commonly expressed as zehni ya nafsiyati sadma (ذہنی یا نفسیاتی صدمہ).
Trauma and PTSD are not identical. Many people experience distress without developing post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD involves persistent symptoms that affect daily life and requires professional assessment.
Signs trauma or PTSD may need professional support
Consider an assessment if you are experiencing:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks or recurring nightmares
- Avoidance of people, places or conversations connected with what happened
- Feeling constantly alert, easily startled or unable to relax
- Emotional numbness, detachment, guilt, shame or self-blame
- Irritability, anger, poor concentration or disturbed sleep
- Difficulty trusting people or feeling safe in relationships
- Symptoms that interfere with work, study, family life or everyday functioning
These symptoms can overlap with anxiety, depression or grief. Assessment helps clarify what is happening rather than assuming every response is PTSD.
Childhood trauma and trauma bonding
Childhood trauma may involve abuse, neglect, violence, serious loss or an unpredictable home environment. Adults may notice anxiety, shame, difficulty trusting others or strong reactions to conflict. A difficult childhood does not automatically mean someone has PTSD.
Trauma bonding describes an attachment that may develop within an abusive or coercive relationship where harm and periods of affection or remorse alternate. It is not a formal diagnosis or simply two people becoming close through shared difficulty. If danger is continuing, safety and local support take priority.
How trauma and PTSD therapy can help
Treatment begins with understanding your symptoms, safety, health and goals. Support may include psychotherapy, education about trauma responses, ways to manage flashbacks and intense emotions, work with avoidance or self-blame, sleep support and medication when appropriate.
You do not need to give a complete account during the first appointment. Dr. Saira Farhan asks enough to understand symptoms and safety concerns, then discusses the treatment plan with you. Some trauma-focused treatments involve working with memories as part of an agreed clinical approach.
Confidentiality and the first appointment
Dr. Saira Farhan is an FCPS-qualified psychiatrist and trained psychotherapist. The first appointment may explore symptoms, sleep, health, relationships, previous treatment and daily functioning.
Clinical information is handled confidentially, subject to safety, safeguarding and legal responsibilities. For immediate danger or serious self-harm risk, contact local emergency services or the nearest emergency department. WhatsApp and routine appointments are not crisis services.
Trauma work is usually delivered through talking therapy — Psychotherapy describes the approaches used. For anyone under 18, Adolescent & Teenager Counselling is the more suitable starting point.
Appointments in Karachi, across Pakistan and abroad
Appointments are available in Karachi and online across Pakistan when suitable. Dr. Saira Farhan’s experience in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia helps her understand cultural and family concerns that may affect how South Asians discuss trauma.
South Asians in the UK, United States, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands or the Gulf may enquire about online support in Urdu or English. Availability depends on physical location, clinical needs, privacy, local emergency support and professional rules. Local or in-person care may be recommended.
Fees and booking
Appointments cost Rs. 6,000 and usually last 25 to 30 minutes. To book in Karachi or enquire online, message WhatsApp at +92 321 5588832. A short appointment request is enough.