Trauma and post-traumatic stress

When experiences stay with you

Trauma responses can look and feel different for different people.  Trauma can arise from a single overwhelming event or from repeated or long-term experiences. It may relate to accidents, violence, abuse, medical or birth trauma, sudden loss, or situations where you felt unsafe or powerless. For some people, the effects are immediate. For others, they emerge much later.

Trauma can affect both mind and body. You might notice flashbacks, nightmares, heightened alertness, panic, emotional numbness, or difficulty feeling safe in everyday life. Triggers are not always clear and can appear unexpectedly. When these responses continue or intensify, they may be understood as post-traumatic stress, including PTSD or complex PTSD.

Counselling offers a steady and contained space to explore the impact of trauma at your own pace. We work carefully and collaboratively, helping you understand how trauma has shaped your responses and supporting you to develop ways of managing distress without becoming overwhelmed.

You do not need to revisit events in detail to begin this work. With the right support, it is possible to feel more grounded, regain a sense of control, and reconnect with the present.

Some people also explore Abuse, Changing habits and behaviours

You don’t need to have everything clear before you begin. 

You’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a first session or ask any questions.