Trauma Counselling

Trauma occurs at any age, when a person experiences a frightening or distressing event which can result in them developing long term harmful effects. Any traumatic experience is personal and we all react differently.

Some people may experience further upsetting experiences, which can mean they are affected by past trauma and this makes existing problems worse.

Often mental health conditions can develop as a result of unresolved trauma, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD).

Recovery is possible and there are ways to help. The first step is to talk about it.

Trauma Therapy

The experience of a traumatic event can be very difficult to come to terms with, but I can help you confront your memories and feelings.

PTSD can be successfully treated many years after the event occurring, through talking therapies and also EMDR therapy, if needed.

It's never too late to get help and free yourself. Talking about it with the right person is the first step.

I follow a trauma-informed model of therapy (Herman, 1992). This approach recognises and understands how a traumatic experience impacts a person's mental, physical and emotional well-being, empowering them to move forward towards a healthier and happier way to be.

Trauma and Substance Misuse

Experiencing trauma can be a reason why many people develop addictions to substances. To help them deal with how they feel and to briefly forget. Trauma and addiction counselling are thus often intertwined and I have worked for many years in these areas.

Causes of Trauma

There are no hard and fast rules over who is affected by trauma and how. Many disturbing events can cause long-term psychological trauma to those who are involved in or witness them, including:

• Child Abuse
• Rape / Sexual Assault
• Domestic Abuse
• Military Combat / Veterans
• Serious Accidents

• Car / Road Traffic Accidents
• Terrorist Attacks
• Natural Disasters
• Physical Assault / Crime
• Emergency Service Work

If you or a loved one is suffering, don't do it in silence. Talking is the first step.

My Approach

I offer both counselling and psychotherapy and can do one-to-one work or work with couples.

I am trained in Person-Centred Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) ^{Shapiro, 1987} therapy and have been a Registered Mental Nurse since 1984.

My experience is with all aspects of mental health with specialisms in trauma.

I have professional indemnity insurance and am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP Registered Member: 402271), EMDR UK (Membership No.: BO600) and registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council UK (89i2564e).

To read more about me and what I offer, please take a look at my about me page.