Over the past few decades, researchers have developed effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychiatric disorder some people develop after experiencing trauma. These treatments often involve talking through the trauma and understanding what happened with a therapist.

But most PTSD research is based on Western populations. Many treatments reflect Western values and ways of thinking valuing independence, agency and regaining personal control. These approaches do not work equally well for everyone.

This matters because many trauma survivors are not from Western cultural backgrounds. In Australia, more than 50% of people were born overseas or have a parent who was. This means that people may receive care that does not fully match how they understand their own experiences.

Culture shapes how people remember the past, make sense of their experience, and seek social support. These processes are also central to recovery from trauma. When treatment fits a person’s cultural background, it is more likely to be effective.

Everyone seems to be talking about trauma. Do we know more about it? Or has the meaning changed? In this five-part series, we explore the shifting definition of trauma, why talking about it doesn’t always help, and what else can work.

Why memory is key to recovery

The key symptom of PTSD is distressing and unwanted memories of the trauma. These flashbacks are vivid and overwhelming, and make people feel like they are re-living the trauma in the present.

People with PTSD may avoid reminders of what happened, struggle with sleep and concentration, and experience changes in mood.

This is why memory........

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