Trauma & PTSD
Trauma can leave a lasting mark — flashbacks or intrusive memories, feeling constantly on edge, avoiding reminders of what happened, or a sense of disconnection from yourself and others. It might stem from a single frightening event, or from prolonged or repeated difficult experiences over time.
I work using trauma-focused CBT approaches with those affected by traumatic experiences, including complex trauma, PTSD, and the long-term impact of difficult life events.
What this might look like for you
Vivid, unwanted memories of what happened, sometimes feeling as though it's happening again.
Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, or unable to relax, as if danger might still be present.
Steering clear of people, places, or situations that bring the memory or feelings back.
Feeling disconnected from your emotions, or from people and things that used to matter to you.
Finding it hard to feel safe or open up in relationships, even with people you want to trust.
The lasting impact of prolonged or repeated difficult experiences, rather than a single traumatic event.
Is this normal?
It's common to experience distress after a difficult or frightening event, and this often eases with time and support from people around you. It's worth seeking professional support when the distress persists, when flashbacks, avoidance, or hypervigilance are affecting your daily life, or when it's been difficult to talk about or process what happened.
You don't need to be in crisis to reach out, and it's never "too long ago" or "not serious enough" to be worth addressing.
How CBT helps
Trauma-focused CBT approaches begin by building a sense of safety and practical coping strategies. From there, we work on processing the traumatic memory or memories in a way that reduces their power over how you feel day to day, always at a pace that feels manageable and within your control.
You're never asked to do more than you're ready for. This is collaborative work, built on trust and going at the right speed for you.
We start with a free 15-minute consultation, followed by an assessment session to understand what you're experiencing and agree a plan, then regular 50-minute CBT sessions. See the full process →
Frequently asked questions
Not straight away, and never before you feel ready. We build a sense of safety and coping strategies first. Any processing of the traumatic memory itself is done gradually and collaboratively, at a pace you're in control of.
There's no fixed rule, and it varies from person to person. If you're struggling with flashbacks, avoidance, or distress that isn't easing, it's worth reaching out to talk it through, whether that's weeks or years after the event.
No, they're different approaches, though both are recognised, evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD. I work using trauma-focused CBT approaches. We can discuss what this involves during your consultation.
Yes. How long ago something happened doesn't determine whether it can be worked through. Many people come to therapy for experiences from years, even decades, earlier.
That's still a valid reason to seek support. Complex trauma, arising from prolonged or repeated difficult experiences rather than a single incident, is something I work with, and often has a significant impact worth addressing.
No referral is needed. You can get in touch directly, and we'll start with a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what you're experiencing.
Ready to talk?
You're welcome to get in touch for a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation. There's no pressure and no expectation that you have everything figured out before we speak.
Book your free consultation