Trauma-Informed Primary Care: How GPs and Psychologists Can Work Together for Safer, More Effective Treatment

In primary care, trauma is often present, even when it’s not the reason a patient books an appointment. Past experiences of abuse, neglect, loss, or chronic stress can shape how a person perceives healthcare, responds to treatment, and manages physical and psychological symptoms.

As GPs, you’re often the first point of contact for people living with the long-term effects of trauma. Recognising how trauma can influence a patient’s presentation, and knowing how to work collaboratively with a psychologist, can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of re-traumatisation.

At Regenerative Psychology, we’re passionate about supporting trauma-informed care in rural and regional communities. Here’s how we can work together to create safer, more effective experiences for patients.

Understanding Trauma-Informed Care in the GP Setting

A trauma-informed approach doesn’t always mean treating trauma directly, it means recognising its potential presence and responding with care that promotes safety, trust, and choice.

In a busy primary care setting, this might look like:

Creating predictability — explaining what will happen next in an appointment or examination
Prioritising collaboration — involving the patient in decisions about their care
Being mindful of triggers — such as medical procedures, closed spaces, or authoritative language
Understanding behavioural cues — recognising that withdrawal, anger, or avoidance may reflect fear rather than non-compliance

Trauma-informed care isn’t a separate skillset, it’s a mindset that integrates seamlessly into everyday general practice.

The Role of the Psychologist in Trauma-Informed Care

Psychologists play a complementary role by helping patients process and heal from traumatic experiences, while supporting their broader wellbeing.

At Regenerative Psychology, our clinicians are trained in trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), EMDR, and schema-focused interventions. We provide telehealth sessions across Australia, ensuring rural and remote patients have access to trauma-aware psychological care without the need to travel.

When GPs refer patients for therapy, we focus on:

Stabilisation and safety — helping clients build coping strategies before exploring trauma content
Pacing and consent — ensuring therapy aligns with what the patient feels ready to discuss
Collaboration with primary care — keeping you informed (with consent) about progress, and any emerging risks

This integrated approach helps create a consistent experience for the patient, where both medical and psychological care feel aligned rather than fragmented.

Practical Collaboration Between GPs and Psychologists

Working together effectively starts with open communication. Here are a few practical ways GPs and psychologists can collaborate for trauma-informed care:

Provide context in your referral: Brief notes on trauma history, relevant medical conditions, and current medication help us tailor early sessions safely.
Normalise the referral process: Framing psychological support as part of holistic health care (“just like seeing a physio for recovery”) can help reduce shame or fear for patients with trauma histories.
Check in during shared care: When both GP and psychologist are involved, short progress updates, even a brief line in the patient file, can ensure continuity and prevent duplication of care.
Respond collaboratively to risk: If a patient discloses new safety concerns or suicidal ideation, joint communication between GP and psychologist helps ensure swift, coordinated intervention.

At Regenerative Psychology, our clinicians welcome shared care planning and are always happy to liaise with referring doctors, especially in rural areas where continuity and access are vital.

Building Trauma-Informed Systems in Rural Practice

Trauma is common in rural and remote communities, where stressors such as isolation, economic uncertainty, natural disasters, and intergenerational adversity are often part of life.

In these contexts, trauma-informed systems don’t just protect patients, they protect practitioners, too. Encouraging open dialogue, reflective practice, and appropriate referral pathways can reduce burnout and enhance safety for everyone involved in care delivery.

Our team at Regenerative Psychology partners with GPs, employers, and community organisations to build trauma-informed systems across workplaces and healthcare settings.

Referring to Regenerative Psychology

Referrals can be sent via email, fax, or secure message. We accept Medicare, DVA, Workers Compensation, CTP, and private referrals, and provide care for adolescents (16+) and adults.

📧 Email: hello@regenerativepsychology.com.au
📞 Phone: 02 5016 1101
📠 Fax: 02 9049 5087
📬 Mail: PO Box 82, Holbrook NSW 2644
🌐 Website: www.regenerativepsychology.com.au

Together, we can create safer, more compassionate pathways to recovery — one conversation, one referral, and one patient at a time.